Monument record MHG12490 - Defensive Enclosure, Langdale

NC64SE 4 6948 4467.
Dun (NR) OS 6"map, (1961)

The mutilated remains of a defensive enclosure, probably a dun, discovered during field investigation. The footings of a wall, 2m to 3m broad and 0.5m high, form a circular enclosure 12m in diameter. E arc of this wall has been destroyed by a roadside quarry. Surrounding site on W are remains of a rampart 1m high with an outer ditch 6m wide and 2m deep. No entrance is apparent, but it was probably on either N or S side, close to the escarpment. (cf NC75NW 14). Visited by OS (J L D) 7 May 1960.

This work, situated on the upper edge of a steeply sloping gravel terrace, is generally as described by previous OS field investigator. The central structure is now visible as a semi-circular arc of stones, faced internally with contiguous slabs for most of its length, about 1.3m wide and 0.3m high. It appears too weak to be a dun and may have been a round-house. The outer work comprises a rampart and ditch only for a length of about 15m in SW extremity; elsewhere it reduces to a silted ditch which may be partly natural. The date and purpose remain uncertain, though mature appearance of outer work suggests a feature of some antiquity with limited defensive capacity possibly a homestead. It is possible that ditch and central semi-circle of stones are not contemporary.
Revised at 1:10,000. Visited by OS (J B) 11 October 1978.