Beith, Court Hill

NS35SE 1 3611 5393.

(NS 3611 5393) Court Hill (NR)

OS 6" map (1970)

A small and apparently artificial hill, nearly flat on top and sloping gradually to its base which is nearly circular. It is a tradition in the neighbourhood that from this hill the abbot of Kilwinning dispensed justice to his vassals.

Name Book 1855

The Law, Court or Mote Hill of the barony of Beith (which belonged to Kilwinning Abbey) is situated in a valley, by the side of a stream issuing from (what was) Boghall Loch. Artificially built of earth and stones, it occupies a dry, rocky, but not elevated knoll, which must once have been almost completely surrounded by marsh. It is conical, about 60ft in diameter at the base and 20 ft in diameter on its level top; it stands 10 to 12ft high. Some large stones can be seen just above the base. It has never been explored.

R Love 1876

Court Hill is a sub-oval, flat-topped mound, measuring 15.0 by 14.5m over all, 10.0 by 8.0m across the top, and 2.0m high, situated at the foot of a small valley. A number of large stones are visible in the sides of the mound.

Visited by OS (DS) 30 August 1956

Court Hill (name verified) at approximately 105m OD, is generally as described. Turf-covered, and probably situated on a low outcrop, it is essentially an artificial work of earth and large stones (some boulder sized), and appears of irregular and haphazard build; the flattish top is probably not a design feature.

Obviously pre-dating the channelling (late 18th century?) of the burn which detours around it, the mound was probably isolated in this once marshy outflow of the former Boghall Loch (see NS35SE 14). This may relate to its function (e.g. decoy stance), but it has no obvious industrial or archaeological purpose and is doubtfully ornamental in this low, obscured position.

Enquiry at Bog Hall proved negative.

Visited by OS (JRL) 18 January 1983.