A gazetteer of probable prehistoric mounds, cairns and boundary earthworks in Coverdale. It is not complete and is still being researched.
Category: Defensive Structures
Jun 16
Hillforts: Defence or Ritual? – Part 1
Over the last five years Iron-Age specialists have been re-examining what British hillforts were really for. The question is no longer just “fortress or farm?” but whether many of them were built first and foremost as places of gathering, display and ritual.
Drumanagh Promontory Fort – First Ever Intact Roman Pot Found in Ireland
RTE Ireland has reported that more recently they have made yet another remarkable discovery—an intact Roman pot. the first one to be uncovered on Irish soil, and providing more tantalising clues about ancient Roman-Irish interactions.
Although the Roman Empire they never reached Ireland (except, seemingly, in myth). That does not mean, that Roman influence and goods did enter Ireland, and it means that Drumanagh continues to headline as one of Irelands most tantalising archaeological sites for that same reason – exactly what were the Romans doing in Ireland?
Barry Hill Fort
Barry Hill is a textbook “big fort waiting for a small trench”: its spectacular vitrified rampart, enigmatic outer works and Arthurian folklore offer equal attraction to scientists and story-lovers—yet almost everything we know comes from surface survey. A single, well-designed excavation season could pivot the site from picturesque curiosity to a securely dated anchor point in the defensive story of eastern Scotland.
Dunagoil Hillfort, (Isle of Bute, Argyll & Bute)
Dunagoil crowns a 30 m-high columnar-basalt promontory on the south-west coast of Bute, overlooking the Sound of Bute and the Cumbraes. Cliffs on the north and west form natural ramparts; only the gentle ESE saddle gives easy access.
May 20
Guide: Fortified Barns in Yorkshire – A historical overview
Even in a rural community of mainly farmers, there are often reasons to wish to build or create a structure that is for, at least in part, for defensive purposes. Thus, some barns in Yorkshire and other places can be seen to have “arrow slits”, and later, square “gun ports”. This article provides a brief overview of what these structures are, why they were built and how they were used.
Round Hill Motte at Carlton-in-Coverdale
Carlton Castle, or Round Hill Motte, at Carlton-in-Coverdale is an intriguing historical site that offers a glimpse into the medieval past of the Yorkshire Dales. The structure seems related to an extensive set of linear earthworks that have been interpreted as agricultural, however, their existence asks a question: if these are not older than this medieval interpretation.
Mar 25
The Legend of Caer Caradoc
Caer Caradoc is often linked to Caradoc (or Caradog), a prominent figure in Welsh mythology and Arthurian legend. Caradoc is considered one of the knights of the Round Table in Arthurian lore, and he is sometimes referred to as Caradoc of the Battle or Caradoc the Brave. He was known for his bravery and his loyalty to King Arthur.
John O’Gaunt’s Castle and Beaver Dyke – Harrogate
John O’Gaunt’s Castle, located near Harrogate in North Yorkshire, is a historical site with roots that intertwine myth, history, and medieval legend.
Jan 17
Guide – Applying critical thinking to historic and archaeological research
Often, the key aspect of being able to make progress with regards to researching the past. Is through the application of critical thinking, when it comes to accepting common, or even given understanding and interpretations of what is being explored.
Research Links
NLS Map Explorer
Google Earth
Google Maps
Lidar Finder
TMA
Megalithic Portal
Yorkshire Arch. Air Mapping
ADS
Brigantian Adventure FB Group
Stone Bothering FB Group
Stone Faces FB Group
Heritage Gateway
ARCHI® MAPS: UK
Atlas of Hillforts
Portable Antiquities
British History Online
Brigantes Nation FB Group
