Hillfort north of Callaly Castle (Whittingham and Callaly)
(NU 0522 1045) Camp. (1)
The Old Hag (Callaly Burn). Oval multiple ramparted earthwork of approximately 1/2 acre. (2)
Type B3. (Forts on flat, low-lying or naturally unprotected ground). (3)
'...there are traces of another camp in a field 650 yds north of the mansion (Callaly Castle) called Old Hag. It was on the north side the brook, was small, its interior not more, possibly, than about 30 yds, and circular in shape; it is however nearly destroyed. There was a larger part distinctly visible projecting towards the west, and leading to a supposition that it was a temporary place of strength before the building of the ancient part of the mansion'. (4)
The earthwork is situated in near-level pastureland, a little above the 300ft contour, the land to the east falling away towards a small stream. Having higher ground immediately to the west this is not a favourable defensive position.
The work consists of a platform, roughly oval in shape with slight traces of an inner bank on the east side. Gaps in the scarped slopes to the east and west are possible entrances. To the south, at a distance of about 25m, and concentrically placed is an outer work consisting of a fragment of ditch and a counter-scarp bank. The distance between the two features suggests that the space was used for stock enclosing rather than for defence. The outer bank has an entrance to the south, and opposite it, in the inner bank, the slope is slightlylowered, possibly indicating another entrance to the interior.
The inner earthwork is badly mutilated to the north by old tree planting, and its interior surface is much disturbed. No traces of interior occupation are recognisable.
There is no evidence to indicate the purpose of the earthwork or its date. (5)
The work is much reduced, but its construction and general appearance are in the local Iron Age tradition. Certainly it is not a medieval strong point as implied by MacLauchlan. Resurveyed at 1:2500. (6)
NU 0522 1044. Multivallate hillfort 550m N of Callaly Castle.
Scheduled RSM No 20991. The enclosure, of Iron Age date, has an oval central platform measuring 60m by 40m, surrounded by scarped banks 1.2m high and 5m wide. A gap in the E is an original entrance 10m wide. There are also slight traces of an inner bank on the E. Concentric to the platform and at a distance of 25m to the S there is an outer work. This is formed by a ditch 10m wide and 2m deep. In front of the ditch there is a counterscarp bank 5m wide and 0.1m high, which merges with the natural slope of the ground. Outside the ditch there is an external bank 5m wide and 0.5m high. (7)
The Old Hag (Callaly Burn). Oval multiple ramparted earthwork of approximately 1/2 acre. (2)
Type B3. (Forts on flat, low-lying or naturally unprotected ground). (3)
'...there are traces of another camp in a field 650 yds north of the mansion (Callaly Castle) called Old Hag. It was on the north side the brook, was small, its interior not more, possibly, than about 30 yds, and circular in shape; it is however nearly destroyed. There was a larger part distinctly visible projecting towards the west, and leading to a supposition that it was a temporary place of strength before the building of the ancient part of the mansion'. (4)
The earthwork is situated in near-level pastureland, a little above the 300ft contour, the land to the east falling away towards a small stream. Having higher ground immediately to the west this is not a favourable defensive position.
The work consists of a platform, roughly oval in shape with slight traces of an inner bank on the east side. Gaps in the scarped slopes to the east and west are possible entrances. To the south, at a distance of about 25m, and concentrically placed is an outer work consisting of a fragment of ditch and a counter-scarp bank. The distance between the two features suggests that the space was used for stock enclosing rather than for defence. The outer bank has an entrance to the south, and opposite it, in the inner bank, the slope is slightlylowered, possibly indicating another entrance to the interior.
The inner earthwork is badly mutilated to the north by old tree planting, and its interior surface is much disturbed. No traces of interior occupation are recognisable.
There is no evidence to indicate the purpose of the earthwork or its date. (5)
The work is much reduced, but its construction and general appearance are in the local Iron Age tradition. Certainly it is not a medieval strong point as implied by MacLauchlan. Resurveyed at 1:2500. (6)
NU 0522 1044. Multivallate hillfort 550m N of Callaly Castle.
Scheduled RSM No 20991. The enclosure, of Iron Age date, has an oval central platform measuring 60m by 40m, surrounded by scarped banks 1.2m high and 5m wide. A gap in the E is an original entrance 10m wide. There are also slight traces of an inner bank on the E. Concentric to the platform and at a distance of 25m to the S there is an outer work. This is formed by a ditch 10m wide and 2m deep. In front of the ditch there is a counterscarp bank 5m wide and 0.1m high, which merges with the natural slope of the ground. Outside the ditch there is an external bank 5m wide and 0.5m high. (7)
N3242
FIELD OBSERVATION, Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigation 1957; D A Davies
FIELD OBSERVATION, Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigation 1970; D Smith
FIELD OBSERVATION, Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigation 1970; D Smith
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