Ancient Monuments

History on the Ground

This site is entirely user-supported. See how you can help.

Hut circle with associated field system 300yds (270m) north west of Polcoverack

A Scheduled Monument in St. Keverne, Cornwall

We don't have any photos of this monument yet. Why don't you be the first to send us one?

Upload Photo »

Approximate Location Map
Large Map »

If Google Street View is available, the image is from the best available vantage point looking, if possible, towards the location of the monument. Where it is not available, the satellite view is shown instead.

Coordinates

Latitude: 50.0278 / 50°1'39"N

Longitude: -5.1094 / 5°6'33"W

OS Eastings: 177395.5595

OS Northings: 18810.8128

OS Grid: SW773188

Mapcode National: GBR ZB.FC12

Mapcode Global: FRA 085X.Z52

Entry Name: Hut circle with associated field system 300yds (270m) NW of Polcoverack

Scheduled Date: 18 March 1970

Source: Historic England

Source ID: 1004327

English Heritage Legacy ID: CO 683

County: Cornwall

Civil Parish: St. Keverne

Traditional County: Cornwall

Lieutenancy Area (Ceremonial County): Cornwall

Church of England Parish: St Keverne

Church of England Diocese: Truro

Summary

Stone hut circle settlement and part of an associated field system 200m north west of Polcoverack Vean.

Source: Historic England

Details

This record was the subject of a minor enhancement on 8 December 2015. This record has been generated from an "old county number" (OCN) scheduling record. These are monuments that were not reviewed under the Monuments Protection Programme and are some of our oldest designation records.

This monument includes a stone hut circle settlement and part of an associated field system situated on the western edge of Crousa Downs with coastal views over Dolor Point. The settlement survives as four stone hut circles linked by walls which form part of a contemporary field system. The hut circles are defined by rubble built walls of up to 0.5m high and range in diameter internally from 8m up to 10m. Where entrances are visible they face to the south east and at least one has an annexe at the entrance. The huts are incorporated into the walling of a field system of small rectangular fields which extends to the north east.

Further archaeological remains in the vicinity are not included in the scheduling because they have not been formally assessed.

Source: Historic England

Reasons for Scheduling

Stone hut circles and hut circle settlements were the dwelling places of prehistoric farmers. Most date from the Bronze Age (c.2000-700 BC). The stone- based round-houses consist of low walls or banks enclosing a circular floor area; the remains of the turf, thatch or heather roofs are not preserved. The huts may occur singly or in small or large groups and may lie in the open or be enclosed by a bank of earth or stone. Frequently traces of their associated field systems may be found immediately around them. These may be indicated by areas of clearance cairns and/or the remains of field walls and other enclosures. The longevity of use of hut circle settlements and their relationship with other monument types provides important information on the diversity of social organisation and farming practices amongst prehistoric communities. They are particularly representative of their period. Despite some scrub growth and limited animal burrowing, the stone hut circle settlement and part of an associated field system 200m north west of Polcoverack Vean survives well and will contain archaeological and environmental evidence relating to its construction, development, longevity, agricultural practices, function, domestic arrangements and overall landscape context.

Source: Historic England

Sources

Other
PastScape Monument No:-426497

Source: Historic England

Other nearby scheduled monuments

AncientMonuments.uk is an independent online resource and is not associated with any government department. All government data published here is used under licence. Please do not contact AncientMonuments.uk for any queries related to any individual ancient or schedued monument, planning permission related to scheduled monuments or the scheduling process itself.

AncientMonuments.uk is a Good Stuff website.