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Archaeology Notes
Event ID 708489
Category Descriptive Accounts
Type Archaeology Notes
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/708489
NT01SE 3 0690 1105.
(NT 0690 1105) Fort (NR)
OS 6" map, (1962)
Fort, Ericstance: This fort, semi-oval in shape, with a ravine to the S, has been constructed from unusually adapted natural features. It measures 240' x 129' within a massive rampart of small stones, 5'-6' high; it has an external ditch 36' wide, 8' below the crest of the scarp and 5-6' below the couterscarp. These defences are artificial, but beyond this, a remarkable conformation of the ground has been utilised to provide on the upper half of the fort two outer ramparts and ditches, changing to a single rampart and ditch on the lower half. These outer mounds and hollows are clearly descernible as natural features on the higher ground above the fort, and, as they come into its immediate vicinity, they have been dug out and shaped to simulate artificial lines. The 8' wide entrance is at the lower (E) side.
D Christison 1891; RCAHMS 1920, visited 1912.
This is a multivallate fort which is generally as described. Access to the interior is via a staggered entrance on the N and E sides.
Resurveyed at 1/2500.
Visited by OS (I A) 17 August 1973, (W D J) 16 September 1959.
