Cairn (Whitton and Tosson; Rothley with Hollinghill)
A massive cairn of stones stands on the middle peak (1401 feet above sea level) of Simonside Beacon. Some two years ago this cairn was struck by lightning and much shattered. (1)
NZ 02729852 The middle peak of Simonside presumably refers to the central of the three outcrops that form the highest part of Simonside.
On the highest part of this crag is a cairn 11m in diameter, bounded by natural outcrop to the north. The maximum original height appears to be 1.2m, the upper part having been rebuilt. On the west side the stones are somewhat scattered, presumably the result of being struck by lightning.
The purpose of the cairn could not be ascertained. It appears to be of some age and may cover a burial but many of the high points of the region are surmounted by cairns, presumably as landmarks. (2)
The cairn is one of two situated on the highest point of Simonside (the other is NZ 09 NW 17). Both are substantial for curricks, but it is significant that a number of other cairns in the vicinity at lower levels, excavated at the latter end of the last century, all yielded evidence of burials; while the only one comparable in size and situation to the two in question proved negative (NZ 09 NW 8). Divorced survey at 6 inch scale with enlargement on divorced survey card. (3)(4)
Scheduled. (5)
A large oval cairn situated 5m south from the northern edge of a prominent crag, which forms the central of the three peaks of the Simonside range. It is a prominent landscape marker, visible from the lower slopes of the survey area. (6)
NZ 0271 9853. Cairn 320m WNW of Old Stell Crag. Scheduled RSM No 20892. The cairn measures 12m in diameter and stands to a height of 1m. It is constructed of large boulders; many of those at the surface have been moved from their original position by walkers. (7a)
NZ 02729852 The middle peak of Simonside presumably refers to the central of the three outcrops that form the highest part of Simonside.
On the highest part of this crag is a cairn 11m in diameter, bounded by natural outcrop to the north. The maximum original height appears to be 1.2m, the upper part having been rebuilt. On the west side the stones are somewhat scattered, presumably the result of being struck by lightning.
The purpose of the cairn could not be ascertained. It appears to be of some age and may cover a burial but many of the high points of the region are surmounted by cairns, presumably as landmarks. (2)
The cairn is one of two situated on the highest point of Simonside (the other is NZ 09 NW 17). Both are substantial for curricks, but it is significant that a number of other cairns in the vicinity at lower levels, excavated at the latter end of the last century, all yielded evidence of burials; while the only one comparable in size and situation to the two in question proved negative (NZ 09 NW 8). Divorced survey at 6 inch scale with enlargement on divorced survey card. (3)(4)
Scheduled. (5)
A large oval cairn situated 5m south from the northern edge of a prominent crag, which forms the central of the three peaks of the Simonside range. It is a prominent landscape marker, visible from the lower slopes of the survey area. (6)
NZ 0271 9853. Cairn 320m WNW of Old Stell Crag. Scheduled RSM No 20892. The cairn measures 12m in diameter and stands to a height of 1m. It is constructed of large boulders; many of those at the surface have been moved from their original position by walkers. (7a)
N10724
FIELD OBSERVATION, Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigation 1957; E Geary
FIELD OBSERVATION, Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigation 1976; B H Pritchard
FIELD OBSERVATION, Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigation 1976; B H Pritchard
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