Description

The monument is the remains of a medieval homestead moat, measuring 29m square within double banks and flat-bottomed medieval ditch. The interior of the enclosure, in which Watcarrick Chapel once stood, is now almost completely occupied by a modern cemetery. It seems likely that the earthwork is a defensive work of the 12th century, predating the granting of the lands of Watcarrick to Melrose Abbey between 1153 and 1165. A U-shaped band 20m broad, extending outwards from the foot of the cemetery wall across the earthwork, is proposed for scheduling. The cemetery and its boundary wall are specifically excluded from the scheduling.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because it is of a very rare class in the area; few such defensive structures of the period survive. It is therefore worth preserving the little that remains as study of the earthworks will be of national importance to the theme of the history of medieval defensive structures. It is of particular interest because of the relative proximity of the more major medieval earthwork at Bogle Walls.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as NY 29 NE 12.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland