Archaeology Notes

Event ID 712221

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Archaeology Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/712221

NT26NE 43 2872 6506.

NT26NE 54.00 28807 65146 Mavisbank House

(NT 2872 6506) Earthwork (NR)

OS 1:10000 map (1974)

The RCAHMS describe a fort occupying the level summit of a knoll in the angle formed by the junction of the Bilston Burn with the River North Esk. No trace of a wall or rampart surrounding the enceinte is left, and the only artificial work remaining is the scarping and a terrace 12' broad which runs round the fort except for a short distance on the W arc. On the NW the scarp above the terrace is 12' high, and the scarp below falls 10', while on the E the corresponding measurements are 8' and 7'. The summit area measures 156' N-S by 153'. "Several articles of brass" (OSA 1794), noted as "weapons, bridle bits, surgical instruments, styli, fibulae etc" (NSA 1845) which were to be seen at Penicuik House in 1845, were found here in the 18th c.

RCAHMS 1929, visited 1913

Situated on a high promontory is this circular, level-topped plateau, 50.0m in diameter and comprising two scarped slopes with a small terrace 3.0m - 4.0m broad, between. The maximum height of the upper scarp is 4.0m, and of the lower, 2.0m. No trace of any walling or ramparts was found. On the NE, a short road leads up to the terrace and may be contemporary with the earthwork.

Visited by OS (JLD) 1 September 1954

This earthwork is as described in the previous field report. Its purpose is not clear but it seems unlikely to be the remains of an Iron Age work. More probably it is a terraced motte but as it lies in the open parkland of the early 18th c New Saughton Hall (formerly known as Mavisbank House) the possibility of it being an ornamental work should not be discounted.

Visited by OS (JP) 17 December 1975