(NY 68668814) Camp. (1)

On a piece of ground called the 'Camp Knowe', about 90 yards from a stream called the 'Pot Burn', and 200 yards above the Tyne, are the remains of a small camp which at one time would have been of considerable strength. It has two ramparts and a ditch, portions of which have been destroyed on the north-east. The internal south west angle of about 95 has sides about 45 yards long, and 'the two extremities appear to have been connected by a curved line on the side towards the stream'. A strong rampart (perhaps more modern) runs from the south angle to the small stream. The entrance appears to have been at the upper, or east side where there are traces of dwelling foundations. Foundations also exist in the south west angle, but appear to be of later date than the ramparts. (2)

Type C (Under Prehistoric Section-Rect Works and Enclosures). (3)

The Law: single banked rectangular earthwork (approx 1/4 acre in area) (listed under native sites). (4)

Remains of an earthwork at approx 550 feet above OD, situated upon a north east facing slope of pastureland, just below the highest part of a hill. The site has good all-round visibility and overlooks open moors to the north, and the valley of the River North Tyne to the east. The nearest present fresh water supply is the Pot Burn, 100m to the north east. The earthwork, sub-rectangular in plan, consisted of double ramparts with a medial ditch. The original entrance was probably midway in the west side, where there is evidence of a causeway and flanking bank on the north side.
The ramparts are slight and spread, and badly mutilated on the east and south west sides by old field banks and small enclosures, the date of construction of which cannot be ascertained.
A large break in the ditch in the east side, where both ramparts are totally absent, may be an original entrance or maybe due to natural drainage from within the interior.
The only traces of internal occupation are a small hut circle, 3.5m in diameter, with entrance facing north, and a creeing trough near the south west corner of the interior, measuring externally 0.7 x 0.7 x 0.3m, the bowl measuring 0.3 x 0.4 x 0.1m deep. The purpose of this earthwork cannot be ascertained. The rounded corners and straight sides suggest Roman influence in construction. Similar earthworks in the region have been attributed to Probably Romano-British or Post Roman period. (5)

The name 'Camp Knowe' (authority 2 refers) could not be authorised from local enquiries made in the field. (6)

The Law - listed under rectilinear sites of the Roman period, but unclassified. (7)

Further mutilated during the afforestation of the surrounding area, but generally as described by F1. No trace of a hut circle is now apparent. The internal banks and enclosures appear to be
comparatively recent, and have been omitted from the survey for the sake of clarity.
In form and construction the work is in the local Romano-British tradition, and probably represents a minor domestic enclosure. Re-surveyed at 1:2500. (8)

A small collection of late Mesolithic and Neolithic material was discovered during excavations of the earthwork. Finds in the Museum of Antiquities, Newcastle upon Tyne, accession no 1979.26. (9)

Flooded under Kielder Water (Reservoir). (10)

The Law, Belling. Interim, preliminary investigations of Romano-British settlement prior to Kielder Reservoir. (11)

Belling Law farmstead. NY 686882. Excavated in 1975 prior to Kielder Reservoir.
Ditched rectangular enclosure with later farmstead. First occupation phase comprised a timber-built rectangular enclosure with a timber-built round house in the centre. Two stone-built round houses succeeded the timber homestead, lying in an enlarged rectangular enclosure with bank and ditch. No finds later than 2nd century AD. Radiocarbon date possibly indicates occupation until 3rd century AD.
Appears to have been unoccupied between end of Romano-British settlement and mid 13th to early 14th century. Uncertain nature of medieval occupation.
Final settlement was mid-17th to early 18th century long farm building - probably called 'Doubledykes'. (12)

Belling Law, NY 686882, excavated before reservoir flooded. Rectangular enclosure, 30m x 29m, containing four or five timber round houses, c.8m diameter, and cobbled area. Plough marks. Could be as early as 2nd century BC. The succeeding stone round houses not before 2nd century AD. Stone houses lay in a rectangular enclosure 37m x 41m. (13)

Belling Law (NT 686817 [incorrect NGR]). Rectangular Romano-British native farmstead; occupation in 13th century, followed by 17th and 18th century longhouse with associated enclosure walls. (14)

Summary of site from excavation prior to flooding reservoir. (15)

Enclosed site, timber and stone built phases. Timber phase with contemporary cord rig, limits of cultivation unknown. (16)

An enclosure approx 50 yards square formed by a ditch and outer bank 6 ft high. Bank probably formed of stones. Rough grass: left unplanted in Forestry Commission area. Visited August 1969. (17a)