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Site Details

Post-medieval enclosure and field system near Saughy Rigg (Melkridge)

A sub-rectangular enclosure, defined by a sod cast bank, measures about 40m north to south by 30m and was identified by aerial photography. Within and outside to the east of the enclosure is broad rig cultivation. (1)

A post medieval sod cast enclosure is recorded as an earthwork on aerial photographs north west of Saughy Rigg at NY 7359 6870. The enclosure is sub-rectangular, measuring 50m by 40m, and appears to overlie broad rig. Areas of disturbance on the interior may represent warrening activity, and a potential function for the enclosure. (2a)

Field survey supports the idea this is a former rabbit warren. The ground surface within the enclosure is made up of irregularly-shaped higher and lower areas, differing by up to a metre in height, with a number of animal burrows dug into a sandy soil. The irregularity of the surface suggests material being dumped within the enclosure and the linear features run to the inside of the enclosure bank at the north and south and not beyond it; they appear narrower than the broad ridge and furrow to the east. The ridge and furrow to the east of the enclosure appears to stop short of its eastern boundary and it is unclear whether ridge and furrow underlies the enclosure. (3)
N12313
Post Medieval (1540 to 1901)
Medieval (1066 to 1540)
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY, Hadrian's Wall Landscape from Chesters to Greenhead 1999; T GATES
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY, Hadrian's Wall Landscape from Chesters to Greenhead. An air photographic survey 2004; T Gates
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPH INTERPRETATION, English Heritage: Hadrian's Wall WHS Mapping Project, NMP 2008; English Heritage
LANDSCAPE SURVEY, Cowburn Rigg ; North of the Wall Tynedale Archaeology Group


Source of Reference
Local History of Melkridge

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Please note that this information has been compiled from a number of different sources. Durham County Council and Northumberland County Council can accept no responsibility for any inaccuracy contained therein. If you wish to use/copy any of the images, please ensure that you read the Copyright information provided.

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