Markdhu

NX17SE 56 185 736 to 186 737.

A group of at least two, and probably four, hut-circles with an extensive field-system is situated on the enclosed peat moorland to the NE of Markdhu.

i) NX 1852 7367. This peat-covered hut circle lies 110m NNE of the farmhouse; it measures 9m in diameter within a bank 2.3m thick by 0.3m high. The entrance is on the SE.

ii) NX 1859 7375. Situated 100m NE of (i) this hut circle measures 7m in diameter within a stony bank 2m thick by 0.3m high; the entrance is on the SE.

iii) NX 1851 7376. A possible hut circle some 85m N of (i). It measures about 7m in diameter within a stony bank 1.4m thick by 0.2m high. On the NNW the bank is overriden by an old field dyke which incorporates a large upright boulder measuring 1m by 0.8m at the base and 0.8m in height.

iv) NX 1863 7366. Another possible hut circle is situated on sloping ground below a ridged field of relatively recent date. It measures about 7m in diameter within a heavily robbed bank spread 2m in thickness by 0.3m in maximum height; its entrance is on the SE.

The field system extends over an area of at least 5 ha and comprises a series of large fields partly enclosed by thick stony banks and low scarps buried in the peat. Some of the fields have been encroached upon by ridged fields of relatively recent date. Only hut circles (ii) and (iv) certainly lie within fields.

RCAHMS 1987, visited (SH) 4 July 1986