Ring Knowe

NT23SW 2 2068 3465.

(NT 2064 3465) Fort (NR)

OS 6" map (1965)

This fort is situated on a wooded knoll which forms part of a ridge running from NE to SW between the manor Water and the Hallmanor Burn. The defences have consisted of triple ramparts and ditches which enclose an area measuring 310 ft by 180 ft. At the SW end, where they are best preserved, the outer rampart stands 5 ft 6 in in height both externally and internally, the middle rampart stands 5 ft 3 in above the medial ditch and 2 ft 6 in above the inner ditch, and the inner rampart stands 3 ft 3 in above the inner ditch and one foot above the interior. A slight spread of stones on the crest of the middle rampart represents the remains of a comparatively recent field-wall. Elsewhere the ramparts have virtually been reduced to mere scarps, and the ditches are completely filled up.

Of the two gaps in the defences, that at the NE end is the original entrance, whereas the one at the SW end is patently a later breach, since the scarps of the inner and medial ditches continue across the gaps in their respective ramparts. The interior of the fort shows no trace of dwellings. (Information from A McLaren notebook 1, 1)

RCAHMS 1967, visited 1956

A fort in good condition and as described.

Visited by OS (WDJ) 17 May 1962 and (BS) 16 October 1974

On the afforested summit of Ring Knowe, there are the well-preserved remains of a tri-vallate fort with an original entrance on the NE. To the interior there are indications of a number of ring-groove houses. At ht edate of visit the plantation was being clear-felled.

I M Smith 1990, visited July 1981