Monument record MDR7761 - Cairnfield, Longside Moor, Holymoorside
Type and Period (1)
- CAIRNFIELD (Bronze Age - 2350 BC to 701 BC)
Protected Status/Designation
Full Description
Cairnfield of circa 17 cairns occupying an area of north east facing moorland. The cairns range from 1.5m to 4m in diameter and occupy well drained ground near the top of a ridge. They are in loose clusters around an area that is relatively stone free. Most of the cairns appear undisturbed and probably relate to field clearance/ agriculture of the Bronze Age. Scheduled. (1)
The north-east facing dip slope of Longside Moor has 17 possible small cairns scattered in a loose cluster in the best drained area and extending over a larger area than that shown on the scheduled monument plan. Interpretation is made difficult by the thick heather which masks any evidence that they may be built of surface-gathered stone; alternative explanations such as natural features cannot be ruled out at present. The heather may also mask further features. If archaeological, they are probably of prehistoric date (most probably Bronze Age but possibly Neolithic or Iron Age) and are the vestiges of prehistoric clearance and cultivation. The individual mounds have been recorded as part of a larger survey, and their diameters recorded. The majority are between 2m and 4m in diameter. (2)
Site monitoring carried out in 2002. An area of extensive rabbit burrowing within the scheduled area has lead to the erosion of ground cover, bare soil and deep voids. Although a number of large and small stones area visible within the area, they seem insufficiently clustered to form part of a cairn, however burrowing is apparent elswehere within the cairnfield, potentially affecting the site. Sampling fir trees are rooted in what may be cairns. Some evidence of cattle access to site, but no evidence of concequent erosion or damage. (3)
Sources/Archives (3)
- <1> SDR18662 Scheduling record: English Heritage. 2000. Scheduling Notification: Cairnfield 390m South of Syda Farm. 31271. Cat. No.: 506.
- <2> SDR19851 Unpublished document: Barnatt, J (PDNPA). 1998. The Chatsworth Estate Historic Landscape Survey, Chatsworth Moorlands: Archaeological Survey 1997-8. pp 148-149, Feature 23.8.
- <3> SDR23470 Unpublished document: McGuire, S & Hughes, J (HAS). 2002. Hunter Archaeological Society scheduled ancient monument monitoring: Cairnfield 390m south of Syda Farm.
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred SK 31417 68811 (286m by 169m) |
|---|---|
| Civil Parish | HOLYMOORSIDE AND WALTON, NORTH EAST DERBYSHIRE, DERBYSHIRE |
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (2)
- EDR3856
- EDR3955
Please contact the HER for details.
External Links (0)
Record last edited
Jun 1 2015 10:15AM