Antonine Wall, Croy Hill Expansions
Signal Platform(S) (Roman)
Site Name Antonine Wall, Croy Hill Expansions
Classification Signal Platform(S) (Roman)
Canmore ID 45881
Site Number NS77NW 16
NGR NS 7271 7622
NGR Description NS 7271 7622 and NS 7284 7623
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/45881
- Council North Lanarkshire
- Parish Cumbernauld
- Former Region Strathclyde
- Former District Cumbernauld And Kilsyth
- Former County Dunbartonshire
NS77NW 16.00 7271 7622 to 7284 7623.
NS77NW 16.01 7271 7622 Antonine Wall, Croy Hill Roman Signal Platform (West)
NS77NW 16.02 7284 7623 Antonine Wall, Croy Hill Roman Signal Platform (East)
(NS 7271 7622 & 7284 7623) There are two platforms or expansions, roughly semi-circular in shape, measuring about 15 to 20ft from N to S by 30 to 40ft transversely, projecting from the S face of the Antonine rampart on the W slope of Croy Hill. Excavations in 1890-3 showed that one had a stone base, while the other lay on top of the natural rock; it was also shown that these expansions were constructed after the completion of the rampart.
G Macdonald 1934; Glasgow Archaeol Soc 1899
Both these expansions or earthen mounds are considerably mutilated by large excavation trenches running centrally through them from N to S. The westernmost one measures 15 by 18m and is 1.2m high, while the other is 13 by 13m and 1.5m high.
Visited by OS (JLD) 14 January 1957
In 1967 the old section through the Expansion was re-opened.
A S Robertson 1967.
The excavations were reopened in 1967, when laid turf was found to extend S of the wall base, and even N of it. Further work is required to determine its purpose.
A S Robertson 1968
These two sub-rectangular, turf-built mounds, traditionally known as 'expansions', are now interpreted as elements of a communications system.
RCAHMS 1982, K A Steer 1959; A S Robertson 1969
The two expansions are as described.
Visited by OS (MJF) 30 March 1980
These two 'expansions,' which take the form of turf-built platforms with stone bases are situated to the rear of the Wall and attached to it. In the late nineteenth century the Antonine Wall Committee made cuttings through them, in one of which it could be seen that the turf superstructure remained in place, reaching a height of more than 1.5m. In addition the slope or 'batter' of the turf could be clearly seen. Having reopened this cutting in 1967, it was drawn and photographed.
A S Robertson and L Keppie 2001.
Excavation (May 1967 - June 1967)
In 1967 the old section through the Expansion was re-opened.
A S Robertson 1967.
The excavations were reopened in 1967, when laid turf was found to extend S of the wall base, and even N of it. Further work is required to determine its purpose.
A S Robertson 1968
Note (1982)
Croy Hill, 'Signalling Platforms' NS 728 762, 727 762 NS77NW 16
Abutting the S side of the Antonine Rampart, respectively some 600m and 700m SW of the fort NN77NW 10, there are two sub-rectangular mounds, traditionally known as 'expansions' but now interpreted as elements of a communication system. Both were built of turf, like the adjacent curtain but not bonded with it, the eastern one resting on a stone foundation about 5.5m square, and the other constructed directly on bedrock.
RCAHMS 1982
(Macdonald 1934, 351-8; Steer 1957; Robertson 1969, 37-9)
