Bigges' Pillar (Edlingham)
NU 12220712 Bigges' Pillar. (1)
The cairn called Bigges Pillar occupies a very prominent hill-top position. From its shape and massive construction it does not seem to be an ordinary survey cairn, nor does it resemble a prehistoric barrow. It may be the base of a medieval beacon although there is no recorded history as such. The top of the cairn is reached by a stone stair. (2)
The cairn is situated upon the highest part of a moorland ridge at 882 feet above sea level. This is a most commanding position with visibility in all directions, except south east along the ridge, of from 5 to 20 or 30 miles.
The cairn consists of a wall of rough shaped stones 6m-7m in diameter, standing to 2.5m height, but in a state of collapse on the west side, filled in with small unhewn stones, which reach a maximum height at the centre of approximately 2.8m. Small protruding stones in the north west side provide access to the top in the form of a narrow stairway. Near the base on the south and east side, a disc shaped stone lies on the turf. It has a square socket cut through the centre. It may have come from the top of the cairn to hold a post in position. There is no evidence whereby the structure can be dated. (3)
Condition unchanged. Correctly published on 6 inch. (4)
A relatively modern cairn, as described by authority 3. In the south east the wall has partially collapsed revealing, 0.8m from the outer face, an internal wall. Otherwise as described.
It is possible that it has been constructed for use as a beacon but there is no evidence on the ground to support (or disprove) this. Surveyed at 1:10,000. (5)
Bigges' Pillar. Grade II listed building. Possible beacon base, perhaps medieval. Overall height 3m. (6)
Additional Reference (7)
The cairn called Bigges Pillar occupies a very prominent hill-top position. From its shape and massive construction it does not seem to be an ordinary survey cairn, nor does it resemble a prehistoric barrow. It may be the base of a medieval beacon although there is no recorded history as such. The top of the cairn is reached by a stone stair. (2)
The cairn is situated upon the highest part of a moorland ridge at 882 feet above sea level. This is a most commanding position with visibility in all directions, except south east along the ridge, of from 5 to 20 or 30 miles.
The cairn consists of a wall of rough shaped stones 6m-7m in diameter, standing to 2.5m height, but in a state of collapse on the west side, filled in with small unhewn stones, which reach a maximum height at the centre of approximately 2.8m. Small protruding stones in the north west side provide access to the top in the form of a narrow stairway. Near the base on the south and east side, a disc shaped stone lies on the turf. It has a square socket cut through the centre. It may have come from the top of the cairn to hold a post in position. There is no evidence whereby the structure can be dated. (3)
Condition unchanged. Correctly published on 6 inch. (4)
A relatively modern cairn, as described by authority 3. In the south east the wall has partially collapsed revealing, 0.8m from the outer face, an internal wall. Otherwise as described.
It is possible that it has been constructed for use as a beacon but there is no evidence on the ground to support (or disprove) this. Surveyed at 1:10,000. (5)
Bigges' Pillar. Grade II listed building. Possible beacon base, perhaps medieval. Overall height 3m. (6)
Additional Reference (7)
N4219
FIELD OBSERVATION, Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigation 1957; A S Phillips
FIELD OBSERVATION, Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigation 1971; D Smith
FIELD OBSERVATION, Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigation 1976; I S Sainsbury
FIELD OBSERVATION, Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigation 1971; D Smith
FIELD OBSERVATION, Ordnance Survey Archaeology Division Field Investigation 1976; I S Sainsbury
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