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Hall Broch
Lammersmuir Hills, Berwickshire. Theme - Archaeology Other themes: Scotland, Buildings See also: Brochs - Unique Scottish Prehistoric Architecture |
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Brochs
are normally thought of being uniquely from northern Scotland. This is
a rare example of a southerly broch, albeit a lot less tall than its distant
brethren. It is situated within a large and well-preserved Iron Age fort/settlement,
and is believed to have been built in the 1st or 2nd century AD. However
several excavations have produced relatively few finds, so the dating of
the broch and of the surrounding fort/settlement is therefore rather vague.
The superlative neatness of its remains point to extensive restoration, and the original broch may have reached twice the current height (northen brochs being still taller). In common with other brochs it has massively thick walls which contain small rooms, particularly defending the entrance as shown on the left. However it covers an exceptionally large floor area for a broch. It may have been built to protect coppermines at Elba, which is close by - Scottish Borders Heritage. See "Scotland BC" by Anna
Ritchie 1988 - Fourth impression 1994, HMSO,
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Located at NT772603 in the Whiteadder valley of the Lammermuir Hills, it can be reached by a signposted and way-marked route from a small parking area at NT789609. The "there and back" walk is about 2.5 - 3 miles. The signpost suggests it might be this much one way, and, despite the warnings, the ground is neither very rough nor very steep - but wear good boots!
And if you are feeling fit you can nip up to the summit of Cockburn Law (325m NT765597) where there is another clearly visible hill fort and an excellent all-round view.
