MHG8986 - Moated site, David's Fort
Summary
No summary available.
Type and Period (1)
- MOATED SITE (Medieval - 1058 AD to 1559 AD)
Protected Status
Full Description
NH55SW 4 5394 5328.
David's Fort {NR}
The origin of name "David's Fort" is unknown. Name Book 1876.
Homestead Moat, David's Fort, Conon: Of characteristic trapezoid plan it is formed on minor eminence, interior standing a few feet above surrounding ground. Measures 83ft N-S by 85 to 105ft transversely within a wet ditch, approx. 15ft deep. Internally only feature visible was circular depression 25' diameter, 3' in depth situated close to margin halfway along W side. The ditch is surrounded by remains of a substantial bank standing up to 9ft in height and to 3ft above ground outside. W sector, only 2ft high, is cut by a depression about 5ft wide outside which a hollow track leads off W down slope. The gap & depression may represent place where a wooden bridge originally spanned moat.
Info from R W Feachem (Mss notes) 2 7 1958; A J Beaton 1885.
David's Fort is a homestead moat covered with scrub and trees. The moat still contains water, but it is partially filled with debris in S. Originally fed by a waterway running from an artificially constructed pond, 100m E of site to a cut in bank at NE corner. Another cut through this outer bank in NW was most probably original entrance. The purpose of the break in outer bank in S corner of moat could not be ascertained. The "circular depression" in the interior, mentioned by Feachem, has apparently been made by an uprooted tree, now lying in moat.
Re-surveyed at 1/2500. Visited by OS (N K B) 22 January 1965.
Site listed in Atlas of Scottish History (McNeill & MacQueen 1996) as moated site.
Information from RCAHMS (DE) September 1997
Sources/Archives (7)
- --- SHG1191 Text/Publication/Article: Beaton, A J. 1883. 'Notes on ancient fortifications in the Black Isle, Ross-shire', Proc Soc Antiq Scot Vol. 17 1882-3, p.414-23. Proc Soc Antiq Scot. 414-23. 416-20; plan 417.
- --- SHG2506 Text/Publication/Volume: McNeill, P G B and MacQueen, H L (eds). 1996. Atlas of Scottish History to 1707,. 431.
- --- SHG2675 Text/Report: RCAHMS. 1979. The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland. The archaeological sites and monuments of the Black Isle, Ross and Cromarty District, Highland Region. . 20, No. 126.
- --- SHG3139 Text/Publication/Article: Stell, G. 1986. Architecture and society in Easter Ross before 1707. SHG1943. 99-132. 107.
- --- SHG3363 Text/Publication/Volume: Name Book (County). Object Name Books of the Ordnance Survey. Book No. 31, 40.
- --- SHG8095 Image/Photograph(s): Interior of David's Fort,. Digital Image. .
- --- SHG8510 Image/Photograph(s): Conon, David's fort. Digital Image. .
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred NH 5393 5328 (138m by 127m) (2 map features) |
|---|---|
| Map sheet | NH55SW |
| Geographical Area | ROSS AND CROMARTY |
| Civil Parish | URQUHART AND LOGIE WESTER |
Finds (0)
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Investigations/Events (0)
External Links (2)
- http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/SM2500 (Online designation description (Historic Environment Scotland))
- https://canmore.org.uk/site/12866 (View RCAHMS Canmore entry for this site)
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