Nether Murthat DSR - RA03024

Nether Murthat, Beattock:
Archaeological Evaluation
Data Structure Report
27th November 2003

Nether Murthat – Data Structure Report
Overview
This Data Structure Report (DSR) presents the findings of an archaeological evaluation
required by Patersons of Greenoakhill in respect of the proposed extraction of sand and
gravel on land at Nether Murthat, Beattock, Dumfries & Galloway (NGR ref: NY 104 989).
The area concerned is currently agricultural ground at Nether Murthat farm extending to 35ha
to the south-east of Beattock, adjacent to the River Annan. This ground contains the inferred
line of a Roman Road (SMR DG8698), the location of potential later prehistoric fort (SMR
DG7268) and a spoil heap (SMR DG12244) from the construction of the railway in the
nineteenth century. These sites were identified by Ms Jane Brann, who advises Dumfries &
Galloway Council on archaeological matters. The final site, the spoil heap, was considered to
not be of archaeological importance and did not require to be addressed by the
archaeological works. Ms Brann also identified the hazard from currently unknown
archaeological sites given the density of known prehistoric sites in the immediate landscape.
Dumfries & Galloway Council requested a programme of archaeological work commencing
with an evaluation to inform the planning determination process. Rathmell Archaeology Ltd
was appointed to act on behalf of the applicant, Patersons of Greenoakhill, with regard to
assessing the archaeological resource. The terms of the evaluation were agreed in advance
with the Dumfries & Galloway Council through a Written Scheme of Investigation. The main
objective of the works was to evaluate the extent, nature, condition and importance of the
known archaeological monuments that lie within the development area. Given the constraints
from the current landownership the evaluation was unable to assess the hazard from
currently unknown archaeological sites.
The evaluation confirmed the presence of the later prehistoric fort (SMR DG7268) and
characterised the features associated with this monument. While the enclosure features of
this monument, ditches and palisades, survive well the interior by contrast is substantively
devoid of features. The features investigated did not contain any prehistoric artefacts while
the ditches appear to have sterile fills. Overall the monument is at best of Regional
significance. The works failed to identify any archaeological features associated with the
Roman Road. It is inferred that either the line of this road does not cross through the
extraction area or the prolonged history of ploughing has wholly removed trace of this
monument.
Project Works
The programme of works agreed with the Dumfries & Galloway Council comprised an
archaeological desk-based assessment and an intrusive evaluation through machine cut
trenches.
The desk-based assessment consulted the readily available public archives including the
Dumfries & Galloway Sites and Monument Record, the National Monuments Record of
Scotland, the National Library of Scotland and the Scottish Record Office. The evaluation
trenches extended to 5% of a 1ha area centred on the putative later prehistoric fort (SMR
DG7268) and three trenches across the presumed line of the Roman Road (SMR DG8698).
All works were undertaken in keeping with the submitted Written Scheme of Investigation
(WSI) with on-site works running from 17th November 2003 to 21st November 2003.The
exception to this was that the evaluation exceeded the specified 5% sample of the putative
later prehistoric fort. While the WSI specified a need for some 1100m 2, basal dimensions,
and the actual area investigated was 1200m 2.
All works were conducted in accordance with the Institute of Field Archaeology’s Standards
and Policy Statements and Code of Conduct and Historic Scotland Policy Statements.
 Rathmell Archaeology Ltd, Page 1 of 26

Findings: Desk based assessment and site inspection

The development area is depicted as open ploughed ground on Roy’s Military Survey of
Scotland (1747-55) with a settlement or farm named Murthat lying in the general vicinity and
a road running south from Moffat to the west. By the first edition Ordnance Survey (1861) the
ground has been enclosed, with common boundaries surviving to the present day. However,
the ground named Oak Bank is covered by a dense stand of trees, unlike the current sparse
covering of trees.
A series of spoil heaps or barrow runs (NMRS NY19NW61; SMR DG12244) have been
identified on the western side of the development. Their character and location, adjacent to
the west coast mainline, has led to the interpretation that these features derive from the
construction of the Annandale direct line of the Caledonian Railway circa 1847-8 (Thomas
1971).
The inferred line of the Roman Road (NMRS NY19NW30; SMR DG8698) was accounted as
running through the parish (Gabrial Scot 1791-99 & Singer 1845). A potential route for this
road was determined by the Ordnance Survey (OS 1861a), described as the ‘supposed
route’ (OS 1861b), and this runs through the development area. There have been no modern
identified features or cropmarks to support this inferred line as it crosses the development
area.
The interpretation of an oblique aerial photography (Fig 1) taken by Mr J Dewar in 1975 led
to the identification of a possible late prehistoric fort at Oak Bank (NMRS NY19NW23; SMR
DG7268). The probable lines of two ditches had been identified as cropmarks running in an
arc to cut off a promontory overlooking the River Annan. This encloses an area measuring
about 80m by 40m (RCAHMS 1997, no. 638). These cropmarks are only visible within the
field to the immediate north of Nether Murthat farm, as the next field north is under stubble.
No features are visible within the interior, and in general there are strong geological markings
within the cropmark field that obscure much of the archaeological cropmarks.
Another run of oblique aerial photography taken by the Royal Commission on the Ancient
and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS) in 1992 (Fig 2) again evidences the same
cropmarks for the two ditches, although they appear less stark than those from 1975. No
additional features are visible.
Prior to the evaluation the field was being used for grazing sheep and had been until recently
been used for grazing cattle. The fields are generally bounded by drystone dykes built from
rounded field stone, although some stretches of post and wire fences are present. Mr Vic
Kerr, who retired from farming the ground 16 years ago, confirmed that the ground had not
been ploughed since the mid 1980s. Prior to this all the fields were ploughed for a barley
crop on a six year rotation and before the 1960s the fields were in an oats and turnip rotation.
The ground has only been used as pasture since he retired.
Overall the topography of the potential quarry is a raised terrace adjacent to the floodplain of
the River Annan, to the east. The terrace is bounded at the west by the Dead Burn and has
an undulating nature that, to the west, tends to marshy and boggy ground in the hollows. The
inferred line of the Roman Road lies along the high point of a broad north to south ridge
through the centre of the development area. At the site of the Oak Bank fort a clear
promontory lies orientated north to south, tapering to the north and with steep slopes on all
sides bar the south. A linear hollow arcs across the southern side of the promontory and is
clearly visible as the eastern dyke running along the top of the bluff crosses the hollow. This
topography combined with our knowledge from the aerial photographs, suggested a probable
location for the innermost ditch within the hollow cutting off the promontory. There was no
obvious location for the outer ditch, as the topography rose away from the site.

Figure 1: 1975 Oblique aerial photograph showing Oak Bank fort in upper right quadrant. The
arcing ditch cropmarks are only visible in the pasture field and not the adjacent stubble field.
In the lower left quadrant St Catharines fort is clearly visible across the River Annan.
Figure 2: 1992 Oblique aerial photograph of Oak Bank fort after the two fields have ceased to
be ploughed.

Figure 3: Layout plan of trenches.

Findings: Putative fort trenches

Seven trenches were opened to determine the nature, form and extent of Oak Bank Fort
(Figure 6). Trenches 1 to 4 were opened in the north-east corner of the field north of Nether
Murthat Farm. They radiated from the angle of the field, numbered 1 to 4 from east to west.
Trench 5 ran parallel to Trench 4 but in the next field north while Trench 6 lay on the
promontory in the same field. Trench 7 was a small trench opened on the eastern edge of
the promontory overlooking the steep drop to the floodplain.
Outer Ditch
The inferred line of the Outer Ditch was crossed by Trenches 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5. A negative
feature cutting the subsoil and matching this line was located in Trenches 1, 2, 3 and 5, but
was absent from Trench 4. In plan the Outer Ditch varied in breadth from 1.5m in Trench 1 to
3.5m in Trench 3 although it is uncertain as to whether this reflects the character of the
underlying ditch or is partly a product of ploughing. The Outer Ditch was excavated in Trench
2 and 5 to its full depth.
In Trench 2 the Outer Ditch was 2m broad (Fig 5c) and had a v-shaped cross section with a
rounded base cut through a loose clast supported gravel (211). Beneath the topsoil there
was a b-horizon (202) which is likely to represent a truncation of the ditch fills by the
subsequent working of the soil. The fill of the ditch (211) was sandy silt that was rich in
pebbles and small stone. The base of the ditch was 950mm below the modern ground
surface, with the last 450mm cutting the subsoil.
In Trench 5 the Outer Ditch was 2m broad with a steep v-shaped cross section cut into a stiff
clay with stones. The ditch fill (502) was a homogenous sandy silt with increasing stones
towards the base. The base of the ditch was 1m below the modern ground surface, with the
topsoil only 200mm deep. The ditch cut was a very abrupt interface and the subsoil appears
very stable.
Where excavated, no artefacts were recovered from the fills of the ditch nor were any
anthropic materials noted.
Inner Ditch
The inferred line of the Inner Ditch was again crossed by Trenches 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, but was
observed in plan in all. The line of the ditch follows the inner edge of the depression that cuts
off the promontory lying to the north-east. The breadth of the Inner Ditch varies from 4m in
Trench 3 to 6m in Trench 4. As with the Outer Ditch this variation may not reflect the
underlying character of the ditch.
The Inner Ditch was machine sectioned in Trench 2 to the maximum safe depth without the
use of stepping or shoring (Fig 7b). The ditch cut was 4m broad at its upper level and was
observable cutting at an angle down through the underlying sands and gravels. We may infer
from the slope of the cut and the depth of excavated deposits that the ditch has a probable v-
shape profile with a basal depth of more than 1.5m from the modern ground surface. The
ditch is probably cut some 0.5m into the underlying sand and gravel layers, including at
depth the loose clast supported gravel (210).
The observable fills of the ditch (204) (205) are a sequence of sandy silts with common stone
inclusions that noticeably increase in the volume towards the base of the section. One in-
wash layer of sand (207) was noted within the section. The ditch fills are overlain by over
deepened and homogenised b-horizon and topsoil as was present at the Outer Ditch in
Trench 2.
No artefacts were recovered from the fills of the ditch. Occasional wood charcoal fragments
were noted in the section from the lower (202) and mid (204) fill of the ditch. No other
anthropic materials were noted.

Figure 4a: Shallow linear feature (103) and posthole (105) (Film 2; Neg 22)
Figure 4b: Two excavated linear slots (405) and (407), in Trench 4 (Film 2; Neg 28)
Figure 4c: Section through broad black feature (409) and posthole [411] (Film 2; Neg 30)
Figure 4d: Linear stone feature (107) and shallow linear feature (114) (Film 2; Neg 11)

Figure 5a: Looking east up Trench 5 Figure 5b: Looking north along field
with outer, inner and palisades marked boundary to summit of Oak Bank
(Film 2 ; Neg 15 ) (Film 1; Neg 18)
Figure 5c: Section through Outer Ditch Figure 5c: Detail of drystone field
[212] in Trench 2 (Film 2; Neg 9) boundary (Film 2; Neg 35)

Palisade and Enclosure Features

To the immediate interior of the Inner Ditch several linear features were identified running
broadly parallel to the Inner Ditch in trenches 1, 3, 4 and 5. No features were noted in Trench
2 as it was ended too close to the inner edge of the Inner Ditch. The character of these
features was such that they fell into two characteristic groups, Trenches 1 and 3 and then
Trenches 4 & 5.
In Trenches 1 and 3 a stone feature (107)(302) formed from a belt of medium sized rounded
stones (Fig 4d) crossing the breadth of the trenches. Where investigated in Trench 1 this
stone feature proved to be bedded in a slight cut into the subsoil. In Trench 1 this lay to the
immediate north of a 1m broad, shallow cut (114). Further north in Trench 1 there were a
number of potential small features (Fig 4a) including a narrow linear slot (103) crossed the
trench and was associated with a number of probable postholes. One of these postholes
(105) was excavated and proved to be circular in plan, with a U shaped cross section and cut
to a depth of 250mm into the subsoil.
In Trenches 4 & 5 a broad band of material (409)(505) was exposed beneath the topsoil
where the trenches crossed the bottom break of slope coming into the hollow. The band of
material was more than 6m wide in Trench 4 but almost 8m wide in Trench 5. On excavation
in Trench 4, this material (409) was a sandy silt deposit that was rich in stones and
occasional wood charcoal. The underlying subsoil surface appeared to have been slightly
truncated, with a marked cut at the eastern limit. Some 400mm to the west of this cut, within
the band of material, a linear cut was excavated [411] that was filled by a comparable fill to
the overlying material (Fig 4c). The linear slot was cut to a depth of 300mm into the subsoil, a
cumulative depth of 600mm beneath the modern ground surface.
Uphill and to the interior of the band of material were a suite of linear slots running parallel to
the ditches and other enclosure features. In Trench 4, there were two of these features (405)
(407) both of which appeared to be a combination of post-holes and slots (Fig 4b) on a
common alignment. These features had a typical depth of around 250mm beneath the topsoil
and a breadth of 350mm. In Trench 5 three comparable features (506), (508) and (509) were
noted with a common location and orientation to the equivalent features in Trench 4.
However, two of these linear slots intercut one another, suggesting that they are not all
contemporary.
Summit Area
To the interior of the enclosure features previously described, very few additional features
were noted on the summit. Two possible small posthole features were noted in Trench 6 and
it is possible that the most northern posthole features already described in Trench 1 should
be considered as summit features.
Trench 7 appeared to be bare subsoil apart from the cairn that had been dumped on the
eastern slope of the hill. This has all the characteristics of field stone and probably
represents a clearance of the area either contemporary with or subsequent to the building of
the drystone field boundaries.
Findings: Roman Road trenches

Four trenches were opened to determine the position and nature of the Roman Road (NMRS
No. NY19NW30), and were numbered 8 to 11. These trenches were positioned
perpendicular to the inferred line of the Roman Road as determined by the Ordnance
Survey. The trenches were placed in the areas that were topographically most likely to
contain any surviving remains of a road.
None of these four trenches exhibited any features that would be suggestive of the presence
of a made stone and gravel road or of any of the associated features such as ditches or
gravel borrow pits. Within each trench the exposed subsoil was composed of variable
mixture of subsoil ranging in colour from light orange to grey-brown although always
combining sands, gravels and concentrations of medium stones.
Figure 6: Plan of significant archaeological feature comprising Oak Bank fort.

Fig 7a: From summit of Oak Bank looking southwest over evaluation area (Film 1; Neg 28)
Fig 7b: Section through Inner Ditch [206] in Trench 2 (Film 2; Neg 1)
Fig 7c: Looking east along field boundary to Oak Bank (Film 1; Neg 29)
Fig 7d: The summit of Oak Bank across the Annan to Catharine’s Hill (Film 2; Neg 34)
Figure 8: Composite section through the Inner Ditch [206] and Outer Ditch [212] in Trench 2,
with the inferred full profile of the Inner Ditch [206].

Discussion
Ditch complex
The presence and line of the Inner Ditch and Outer Ditch, identified from the oblique aerial
photographs, have been confirmed by the evaluation trenching. The Outer Ditch appears to
be discontinuous but the Inner Ditch does not. The longer stretch of the Outer Ditch lies on
the reverse slope of the rising ground to the south of the promontory (Fig 8). This contrasts
with the Inner Ditch that follows the hollow, which arcs across the, gentle gradient, southern
access to the promontory. The section through the Inner Ditch also indicates that the hollow
appears to pre-date the excavation of the ditch. The Ditch has therefore been used to
exaggerate a natural feature. The eastern limit of the hollow is the area that topographically
most closely resembles the character of the ditch lying within and may be predominantly
anthropic in origin.
There was no clear indication of an entrance through the ditch complex. There is an
identified break in the Outer Ditch within Trench 4 suggesting that there may be a staggered
entrance through both ditches.
The fills of the ditches were universally sterile of any anthropic input other than limited
quantities of wood charcoal. This is not wholly unusual as the upcast from the excavation of
the ditches will have presumably formed ramparts. These ramparts would inhibit the mobility
of anthropic material discarded or lost in the interior of the site (McCullagh 2000). The
exception to this would potentially be the terminals of the ditch when adjacent to
entranceways. No such terminals were identified.
The predominantly V shaped cross section of the ditches appear remarkable given that the
basal portion of the ditches in Trench 2 are cut through loose unconsolidated gravels. The
unstable character of the subsoil suggests that they would have rapidly filled. This may be
evidenced through the stone fills towards the base of the ditches. There was no visible
recutting of the ditch, indeed it would probably be hard to maintain a V shaped cross section
should the ditch be recut. One inference would be that the ditches were not maintained or
emptied after being cut.
While the base of the ditches exhibit characteristics of rapid filling, the Inner Ditch had at
least one sand inwash layer that may suggest a period of relative stability in the profile of the
ditch fill.
Palisades and enclosure features
The presence of parallel linear slots running between Trench 4 and 5 suggest that these are
most probably palisade or fence features. From the sections exposed it is clear that these
features are formed by a continuous combination of posts and linear slots on a common
alignment.
In Trench 4 it is apparent that these palisades respect one another, although the most
downslope palisade [411] lies in an uncertain association with the band of material (409).
This gives rise to the potential interpretation that these features are contemporaneous.
However, in Trench 5 at least two of these features intercut and three slots are identifiable
outwith the band of material. This suggests a greater complexity to the palisade enclosures
and offers the potential for a single palisade that is renewed at various times, with some
realignment at the same time.
The surviving severely truncated slot in Trench 1 may be the basal portion of one of these
palisades that has suffered from the exaggerated effect of ploughing on the summit area.
This provides the potential for the extent of the palisades to be in common with the ditch
complex. While the shallowest access to the summit of the promontory is from the south, it is
likely that a palisade enclosure would have had to encircle the whole summit area given that
the steepness of slope does not make any approach to the summit inaccessible.
Trench 1 and 3 both contained a linear rubble feature of uncertain function, which may be the
base of a drystone construction. One alternative potential is the use of rubble bases in the
construction of turf walls or rampart faces. The location and length of this feature suggests
that this is some element of an enclosure feature comparable in function to the palisades.
The Ramparts
The excavation of the ditch complex must have created considerable volumes of sand and
gravel that would most commonly have been used to form a rampart. No clear topographic
feature was visible to suggest the location of the rampart, although there was a slight
suggestion of a rise and fall in the dyke to the east of Trench 1 upslope of the linear hollow.
The band of material (409)(505) in Trenches 4 & 5 is of uncertain origin but appears to have
levelled up a slightly truncated area of subsoil at the base of the slope running down towards
the Inner Ditch. One potential interpretation is that this material is the residual base of a
rampart. That this putative rampart lies outwith the palisades may suggest a sequential
enclosure of the promontory. The presence of one of the possible palisade lines at the inner
edge of the band of material can not be used to imply sequence as the fill of palisade was
not distinguishable from the band of material.
Interior structures
The findings from the interior trenches clearly illustrate a general absence of negative
features from the summit of the promontory. Certainly there is inadequate evidence to even
suggest the character of the structures that may have stood there. The most likely
explanation for this is that the prolonged ploughing of the ground has led to sever truncation
of the features in the summit area. Consequently, a fundamental element of the monument
appears to have been expunged through the passage of time. The alternative is that the
original monument had a bare interior. This appears relatively uncredible in the context of the
extensive enclosure features and the presence of comparable sites such as St Catharine’s
Hill (Fig 1 and Fig 7d) to the immediate east that have interior structures.
Portable material culture
All the artefacts recorded from the development site during these works have been of
nineteenth and twentieth century date, which presumably derive from middening of the
ground.
The absence of artefacts from the ditch complex of Oak Bank fort has already been
discussed above. This does not credibly address the absence of artefacts from the internal
features such as the palisade slots, postholes and general topsoil. However, the later
prehistory of central Scotland has often been characterised as artefact poor and even
aceramic. It is reasonable to postulate that a similar poverty in the survival of material culture
may be present at Oak Bank fort.
The significance of the fort
Oak Bank fort has through these works been confirmed to have the characteristics of a later
prehistoric fort. However, while a set of enclosure features has been identified there is an
absence of features from interior features or portable material culture. The freely draining
nature of the subsoil will also have compromised the survival of palaeoenvironmental
evidence. The shallower features on the site have clearly been severely compromised by the
prolonged ploughing of the site.
Given these characteristics the site cannot be considered favourably against the published
criteria for National significance (Historic Scotland 2002, 11). Given the probable age of the
monument, and the potential for the recovery of a pattern of defensive enclosure both in plan
and temporally, then the monument is reasonably of regional importance.
The Roman Road
The works failed to identify any archaeological features associated with the Roman Road. It
is inferred that either the line of this road does not cross through the extraction area or the
prolonged history of ploughing has wholly removed trace of this monument.
Some doubt has been raised from recent work as to whether the Roman Road had crossed
the River Annan or if it still lies to the east of the river, as it does further south (Brann pers
comm). It is credible that these works give some support to the likelihood of this alternative
route.
Conclusion
The evaluation confirmed the presence of the later prehistoric fort (SMR DG7268) and
characterised the features associated with this monument. While the enclosure features of
this monument, ditches and palisades, survive well the interior by contrast is substantively
devoid of features. The features investigated did not contain any prehistoric artefacts while
the ditches appear to have sterile fills. Overall the monument is at best of regional
importance.
The works failed to identify any archaeological features associated with the Roman Road. It
is inferred that either the line of this road does not cross through the extraction are of the
prolonged history of ploughing has wholly removed trace of this monument.
References
Gabrial Scot 1791-99 Parish of Kirkpatrick-Juxta, The Statistical Account
of Scotland, Vol 4
Historic Scotland 2002 A list of scheduled monuments, properties in care
and protected wrecks in Scotland 2002, Haddington
McCullagh, R 2000 An Iron Age Coastal Community in East Lothian:
The Excavation of Two Later Prehistoric Enclosure
Complexes at Fishers Road, Port Seton 1994-5,
STAR Monograph 6
Ordnance Survey 1861a Dumfriesshire, 1st edition map
Ordnance Survey 1861b Name Book of the Ordnance Survey, Dumfriesshire,
no 34
RCAHMS 1997 Eastern Dumfriesshire: an archaeological
landscape, Edinburgh
Roy 1747-55 Military Survey of Scotland
Singer 1845 Parish of Kirkpatrick-Juxta, New Statistical Account
of Scotland, Vol 4
Thomas, J 1971 Scotland: the lowlands and borders, A regional
history of the railways, Newton Abbot

Appendix 1: Trench Details

Within this appendix a standardised set of data pertaining to the evaluation trenches is
presented. Modern Features are in this instance taken as any feature thought to post date
circa 1840.
All measurement distances quoted along the trench measure based on the quoted
orientation of the trench. See Figure 2 for trench locations.
Trench 1
Orientation: North to South (Parallel to drystone wall)

Size: 72m by 2m (144m 2)
Topsoil depth: 200mm to 500mm
Subsoil character Sandy gravel with numerous stones at the northern end and
interior to the ditches. Varies in wide bands between very stony or
predominantly orange silty sand.
Significant features: Both the inner and outer ditches are evident in the subsoil. The
outer ditch (110) is represented as a small stony feature a little
more than 1m broad. The inner ditch (109) is much more
substantial and almost 5m broad immediately beneath the topsoil.
Towards the northern end of the trench, in the interior of the
ditches, there are several small features. Two linear features
running parallel to the ditches one of which is very shallow and
containing large stones (107), the other is deeper but has very few
stones in the fill (114). Also running parallel to the ditches is a
shallow timber slot (103), which is flanked by several likely
postholes (101), (102) and (105).
Artefacts: Nineteenth and twentieth century ceramics and glassware from
Topsoil.
Trench 2
Orientation: North north-east to South south-west

Size: 38m by 2m (76m 2)
Subsoil character Very stony sand and gravel at the northern most end, interior to
the ditches. The character of the subsoil changes, in the area of
the ditches, to orange slightly silty sand. At the southern most end
of the Trench, the subsoil changes back to very stony sand and
gravel.
Significant features: Both the inner [206] and outer [212] ditch appears very clearly in
Trench 2. Both ditches were excavated to determine extent. At the
extreme northern end of the Trench there is a possible posthole
(214) but apart from that no other features were visible in the
subsoil.
Artefacts: None
Trench 3
Orientation: North-east to South-west

Size: 68m by 2m (136m 2)

Subsoil character The subsoil is predominantly very stony sand and gravel subsoil
with bands of less stony orange slightly silty sand around the area
of the ditches.
Significant features: Both the outer and inner ditches are clearly visible in the subsoil.
The outer ditch (306) was about 4m broad and the inner (305) a
little more than 5m. Towards the northern end of the Trench one
possible feature was visible in the subsoil but seemed very shallow
(304). Another stone feature ran parallel to the ditches (302).
Artefacts: None.
Trench 4
Orientation: East to West (Parallel to drystone wall)

Size: 53m by 2m (106m 2)
Subsoil character Very stony sandy gravel at the eastern end of the Trench changes
gradually to the western end to a mid-brown silty sand with
numerous inclusions of gravel and stones.
Significant features: The outer ditch is not present in this Trench. The inner ditch (412)
is apparent in the subsoil and is about 6m board. Within the interior
of the ditches, there was another wide shallow feature (409), which
appeared to be the backfilling of a sculpted hollow. At the base of
this hollow, there were cuts for postholes [411]. Further towards
the interior two lines of timber slots (405) and (407) appeared,
upon excavation, to be a linear series of postholes. Another
posthole was also clearly visible (402). However, no features were
present at the crest of the hill suggesting truncation of deposits
due to ploughing.
Artefacts: Nineteenth and twentieth century ceramics and glassware from
topsoil.
Trench 5
Orientation: West to East (Parallel to drystone wall)

Size: 64m by 2m (128m 2)
Subsoil character The precise character of the subsoil changes along the length of
the trench with bands of increasingly silty deposits amongst the
sand and gravel. For the most part, however, the soil is very stony
sand and gravel.
Significant features: The features of this Trench are very similar in layout to those in
Trench 4. The inner ditch (504) is 5m broad. The broad dark infill
feature, which appeared in Trench 4, seems to continue into this
Trench (505) but was not excavated. Similarly, the timber slots (or
postholes) also appear to continue in this Trench (506), (508) and
(509). The outer ditch (502) does appear in this Trench but as it
does not appear in Trench 4 we may suppose that it is
discontinuous.
Artefacts: None
Trench 6
Orientation: North north-west to South south-east

Size: 25.5m by 2m (51m 2)
Subsoil character A mottled dark brown and light brown sandy gravel.
Significant features: Two possible postholes or small features (602 and (603).
Artefacts: None
Trench 7
Orientation: West to East

Size: 3m by 2m (6m 2)
Subsoil character Very stony sand and gravel subsoil.
Significant features: Upper part of the stone cairn collapse of the western slope of the
hill.
Artefacts: None
Trench 8

Size: 100m by 2m (200m 2)
Subsoil character Sandy gravel in varied but very broad bands of colouring, from
mid-brown to orange, and inclusions of stones.
Significant features: None
Artefacts: None
Trench 9

Size: 100m by 2m (200m 2)
Artefacts: None
Trench 10

Size: 50m by 2m (100m 2)

Artefacts: None
Trench 11

Size: 50m by 2m (100m 2)
Artefacts: None
Appendix 2: Record summaries

Context Summaries
No. Interpretation Description
101 Fill of Posthole Dark brown silty sand.
102 Fill of Posthole Dark brown silty sand.
103 Fill of Linear Slot (inc. stones) Dark brown silty sand. Several small to
medium sub rounded stones.
104 Cut of Linear Slot Box shaped cross section if linear slot
crossing the breadth of the trench.
105 Fill of Posthole Dark brown sandy silt with small to
medium stones and rootlets throughout.
106 Cut of Posthole U-shapes cross-section of a circular cut.
Sharp interface.
107 Linear Stone Feature Linear arrangement of large and medium
rounded stones with dark brow silt matrix.
108 Fill of Inner Ditch Mid-brown sitly sand.
109 Cut of Inner Ditch Shallow slopping topmost part of cut.
110 Fill of Outer Ditch Mid-brown sandy silt.
111 Cut of Outer Ditch Linear cut running across breadth of
Trench.
112 Topsoil Dark to Mid-brown silty sand. Some small
to medium stones.

113 Sand and Gravel Subsoil Broadly banded very stony sand and
gravel natural soil.
114 Fill of Broad Linear Feature Dark brow sandy silty with frequent small
to medium sub-rounded stones. Rootlets
throughout.
115 Cut of Broad Linear Feature Sharp interface, flat base and irregular
sided. Crossing the full breadth of the
trench.
to medium stones.
202 Upper Fill of Inner Ditch B-horizon. Mid to light brown silty sand
with inclusions of gravel and small stones.
203 Sandy Lenses in Inner Ditch Fill Light brown silt sand mix. Inclusions of
small stones.
204 Lower Fill of Inner Ditch Mid-brown sandy silt. Inclusions of gravel
and small sub-rounded stones. Some
fragments of charcoal.
205 Clast Rich Basal Fill of Inner Ditch Very stony fill at base of Inner ditch.
Increasing amount of stones towards base.
206 Cut of Inner Ditch Steep sided cut of ditch shallowing slightly
towards base.
207 Thin Altered Layer Slightly silty sand. White to light brown.
Very thin layer.
208 Orange Sand-Gravel Subsoil (S) Light orange sandy silt. Inclusions of gravel
and small sub-rounded stones. Probably
natural. Probably same as (209).
209 Orange Sand-Gravel Subsoil (N) Light orange sandy silt. Inclusions of gravel
and small sub-rounded stones. Probably
natural. Probably same as (208).
210 Fine Gravel Subsoil Natural subsoil, no matrix, small sub-
rounded stones and gravel.
211 Fill of Outer Ditch Mid-brown sandy silt. Inclusions of gravel
and small sub-rounded stones. Higher
concentration of stones towards the base.
212 Cut of Outer Ditch Sloping cut to rounded base of small ditch.
213 Fill of Possible Posthole Dark brown silty sand.
to medium stones.
302 Linear Stone Feature Linear arrangement of large to medium
stones running the full breadth of the
trench.
303 Subsoil Very stony sand and gravel natural soil.

304 Black Discolouration on Subsoil Very thin layer of black sandy silt covering
the natural soil.
305 Fill of Inner Ditch Mid-brown silty sand.
306 Fill of Outer Ditch Mid brown silty sand.
to medium stones.
402 Fill of Possible Posthole Dark brown sandy silt.
403 Fill of Posthole (Palisade 1) Dark brown sand silt with charcoal
inclusions and common rounded stones.
404 Cut of Posthole (Palisade 1) Clear interface, rounded base and circular
in plan.
405 Fill of Linear Slot (Palisade 1) Dark brown sandy silt. Some small stones
and gravel.
406 Fill of Posthole (Palisade 2) Dark brown sandy silt.
407 Fill of Linear Slot (Palisade 2) Very dark brown sandy silt. Inclusions of
charcoal. Large stone and gravel
inclusions.
408 Cut of Linear Slot (Palisade 2) Steep sided with a rounded base. Linear
running the full breadth of the Trench.
409 Fill of Dark Earth Belt Dark brown to black sandy silt. Gravel
inclusions. Charcoal fragments. Small to
medium sub-rounded stones.
410 Lower Interface – Dark Earth Belt Interface probably representing
landscaping or backfilling of a natural
feature.
411 Cut of Posthole (Palisade 3) Cut for posthole may form part of a linear
feature. About 300mm wide.
412 Fill of Inner Ditch Mid-brown sandy silt.
to medium stones.
502 Fill of Outer Ditch Light orange-brow sandy silt, with
inclusions of small sub-rounded stones.
503 Cut of Outer Ditch Sharp cut and contrast between clay
based subsoil. Steep sided and sharp
base.
504 Fill of Inner Ditch Mid to light brown silty sand.
505 Fill of Dark Earth Belt Dark brown to black sandy silt. Gravel
inclusions.
506 Fill of Timber Slot Dark brown to black sandy silt.


to medium stones.
602 Possible Posthole Dark to mid-brown silty sand.
603 Possible Posthole Mid-brown silty sand.
604 Subsoil Mottled dark brown to mid-brown sandy
gravel.
to medium stones.
702 Stone Cairn Material Large to medium stones. Scattered in a
cairn.
703 Subsoil Stony sand and gravel natural soil.
Drawing Record
No. Title Scale Date Author
1 NE-facing Section, Inner Ditch, Trench 2 1:10 19/11/03 AM
2 SW-facing Section, Outer Ditch, Trench 2 1:10 19/11/03 AM
3 Summary Plan Drawings, Trenches 1 to 7 1:100 20/11/03 AM
4 S-facing Section, Outer Ditch, Trench 5 1:20 21/11/03 AM
5 W-facing Section through (113) ad (114) 1:10 21/11/03 AM
6 W-facing Section through (105) 1:10 21/11/03 AM
7 W-facing Section through (103) 1:10 21/11/03 AM
8 S-facing Section through (403) 1:10 21/11/03 AM
9 S-facing Section through (407) 1:10 21/11/03 AM
10 N-facing Section through (409) 1:10 21/11/03 AM
Photographic Record
Fil Neg. No. Description Fro Date
m m
1 15 Area of Fort prior to excavation W 17/11/03
1 16 Area of Fort prior to excavation SW 17/11/03
1 17 Commencement of Trench 1 NW 17/11/03
1 18 Stone dike and crest of hill S 17/11/03
1 19 Stone dike and crest of hill, excavation Trench 1 N 17/11/03
1 20 Area of Fort from crest of hill NE 17/11/03

1 21 Area of Fort from crest of hill E 17/11/03

1 22 Area of Fort from crest of hill SE 17/11/03
1 23 Trench 1, after topsoil stripping N 17/11/03
1 24 Trench 2, cleaning ditch sections NE 17/11/03
1 25 Trench 3, after topsoil stripping NE 17/11/03
1 26 Trench 4, after topsoil stripping E 17/11/03
1 27 Catharine’s Hill, seen from Fort SW 17/11/03
1 28 Trenches 1, 2, 3: excavation in progress NE 18/11/03
1 29 Area of Fort seen from a distance W 18/11/03
1 30 Area of Fort seen from a distance W 18/11/03
1 31 Area of Fort seen from a distance NW 18/11/03
1 34 Northern end of Fort from a distance W 18/11/03
1 35 Trench 5 after topsoil stripping E 18/11/03
1 36 Trench 6 after topsoil stripping SE 18/11/03
2 1 NE-facing Section, Inner Ditch, Trench 2 NE 20/11/03
2 4 N half of NE-facing Section, Inner Ditch, Trench 2 NE 20/11/03
2 5 N half of NE-facing Section, Inner Ditch, Trench 2 NE 20/11/03
2 6 S half of NE-facing Section, Inner Ditch, Trench 2 NE 20/11/03
2 7 Exposed (210) at base of Trench 2 N 20/11/03
2 8 SW-facing Section, Outer Ditch, Trench 2 SW 20/11/03
2 9 SW-facing Section, Outer Ditch, Trench 2 SW 20/11/03
2 10 Linear stone feature, N of Trench 3 NW 20/11/03
2 11 Stone feature, linear dark feature in Trench 1 W 20/11/03
2 12 Stone feature, linear dark feature in Trench 1 S 20/11/03
2 13 S-facing section through outer ditch, Trench 5 S 20/11/03
2 14 S-facing section through outer ditch, Trench 5 S 20/11/03
2 15 Excavation in progress, Trench 5 W 20/11/03
2 16 Excavation in Progress, area of Fort NW 20/11/03
2 17 Timber slot features, Trench 5 W 20/11/03
2 18 Trench 6 after topsoil stripping SE 20/11/03

2 19 Detail of stone dyke W 20/11/03

2 20 Distance of stone dyke W 20/11/03
2 21 Slope on W side of hill N 20/11/03
2 22 Section of (103) and (105) W 20/11/03
2 23 Section of (103) W 20/11/03
2 24 Section of (105) W 20/11/03
2 25 Black staining of subsoil, Trench 3 NW 21/11/03
2 26 Linear stone feature, Trench 3 NW 21/11/03
2 27 Linear stone feature, Trench 3 NW 21/11/03
2 28 Excavated features, (403) and (406), Trench 4 W 21/11/03
2 29 Section through (406), Trench 4 S 21/11/03
2 30 S-facing section (409), Trench 4 S 21/11/03
2 31 Unexcavated (101), Trench 1 posthole W 21/11/03
2 32 Slope on E side of Fort N 21/11/03
2 33 Slope on E side of Fort N 21/11/03
2 34 Slope on E side of Fort and Catharine’s Hill S 21/11/03
2 35 Close detail of drystone dyke W 21/11/03
2 36 Section through (107) and (114) W 21/11/03
Samples List
No. Type Bags Context No.
1 Bulk sample of timber slot 1 407
2 Bulk sample of posthole fill 1 403
3 Bulk sample of posthole fill 1 105
4 Bulk sample of matrix of shallow stone feature 1 107
5 Bulk sample fill of linear feature 1 114
6 Bulk sample of lower fill of Inner Ditch, Trench 2 1 204
7 Bulk sample of fill of Outer Ditch, Trench 5 1 502
8 Bulk sample of fill of Outer Ditch, Trench 2 1 211
Artefacts List
No. Description From
1 Two pieces of modern pottery and one piece of glass General Topsoil
2 Two fragments of bone Context (409)

3 Fragments of wood charcoal Context (409)

Appendix 3: Discovery & Excavation in Scotland
LOCAL AUTHORITY: Dumfries & Galloway

PROJECT TITLE/SITE Nether Murthat
NAME:
PARISH: Kirkpatrick-Juxta
NAME OF Alan Matthews & Thomas Rees
CONTRIBUTOR:
NAME OF Rathmell Archaeology Limited
ORGANISATION:
TYPE(S) OF PROJECT: Evaluation
NMRS NO(S): NY19NW23, NY19NW30
SITE/MONUMENT Fort (Prehistoric), Roman Road
TYPE(S):
SIGNIFICANT FINDS:+ None
NGR (2 letters, 6 figures) NY 104 989
START DATE (this season) 17th November 2003
END DATE (this season) 21th November 2003
PREVIOUS WORK (incl. None
DES ref.)
PROPOSED FUTURE None
WORK:
MAIN (NARRATIVE) An archaeological desk based assessment and
DESCRIPTION: (may evaluation were carried out in support of a proposal to
include information from develop a sand & gravel quarry at Nether Murthat,
other fields) Beattock.
The evaluation confirmed the presence of the later

prehistoric fort (SMR DG7268; NMRS NY19NW23) and
characterised the features associated with this
monument. While the enclosure features of this
monument, ditches and palisades, survive well the interior
by contrast is substantively devoid of features. The
features investigated did not contain any prehistoric
artefacts while the ditches appear to have sterile fills.
Overall the monument is at best of Regional significance.
The works failed to identify any archaeological features

associated with the Roman Road (SMR DG8698; NMRS
NY19NW30). It is inferred that either the line of this road
does not cross through the extraction area or the
prolonged history of ploughing has wholly removed trace
of this monument.
PROJECT CODE: 03024
SPONSOR OR FUNDING Patterson of Greenoakhill
BODY:
ADDRESS OF MAIN 8, Underwood, Kilwinning, Ayrshire KA13 7HR
CONTRIBUTOR:
E MAIL: admin@rathmell-arch.co.uk
ARCHIVE LOCATION Report to West of Scotland Archaeology Service and
(intended/deposited) archive to National Monuments Record of Scotland.

Contact Details
Rathmell Archaeology can be contacted at its Registered Office or through the web:
Rathmell Archaeology Ltd
8, Underwood
Kilwinning
Ayrshire
KA13 7HR
www.rathmell-arch.co.uk
t.: 01294 542848 f.: 01294 542849

m.: 07817 334907 e.: admin@rathmell-arch.co.uk

Nether Murthat DSR - RA03024

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Nether Murthat DSR - RA03024

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Nether Murthat, Beattock:

Data Structure Report

27th November 2003

 Rathmell Archaeology Ltd, Page 1 of 26

Findings: Desk based assessment and site inspection

 Rathmell Archaeology Ltd, Page 2 of 26

 Rathmell Archaeology Ltd, Page 3 of 26

Figure 3: Layout plan of trenches.

 Rathmell Archaeology Ltd, Page 4 of 26

Findings: Putative fort trenches

 Rathmell Archaeology Ltd, Page 5 of 26

 Rathmell Archaeology Ltd, Page 6 of 26

 Rathmell Archaeology Ltd, Page 7 of 26

Palisade and Enclosure Features

Findings: Roman Road trenches

Figure 6: Plan of significant archaeological feature comprising Oak Bank fort.

 Rathmell Archaeology Ltd, Page 9 of 26

 Rathmell Archaeology Ltd, Page 11 of 26

 Rathmell Archaeology Ltd, Page 14 of 26

Appendix 1: Trench Details

Orientation: North to South (Parallel to drystone wall)

Orientation: North north-east to South south-west

Orientation: North-east to South-west

Size: 68m by 2m (136m 2)

Orientation: East to West (Parallel to drystone wall)

Orientation: West to East (Parallel to drystone wall)

Orientation: North north-west to South south-east

Orientation: West to East

Orientation: West to East

Orientation: North to South (Parallel to drystone wall)

Orientation: West to East

Size: 50m by 2m (100m 2)

Orientation: North to South (Parallel to drystone wall)

Appendix 2: Record summaries

 Rathmell Archaeology Ltd, Page 18 of 26

 Rathmell Archaeology Ltd, Page 19 of 26

 Rathmell Archaeology Ltd, Page 20 of 26

508 Fill of Timber Slot Dark brown to black sandy silt.

 Rathmell Archaeology Ltd, Page 21 of 26

1 21 Area of Fort from crest of hill E 17/11/03

 Rathmell Archaeology Ltd, Page 22 of 26

2 19 Detail of stone dyke W 20/11/03

 Rathmell Archaeology Ltd, Page 23 of 26

3 Fragments of wood charcoal Context (409)

 Rathmell Archaeology Ltd, Page 24 of 26

Appendix 3: Discovery & Excavation in Scotland

LOCAL AUTHORITY: Dumfries & Galloway

The evaluation confirmed the presence of the later

The works failed to identify any archaeological features

 Rathmell Archaeology Ltd, Page 25 of 26

t.: 01294 542848 f.: 01294 542849

 Rathmell Archaeology Ltd, Page 26 of 26

You might also like