More information : [NU 0522 1045] Camp [OE] (1)
The Old Hag (Callaly Burn). Oval multiple ramparted earthwork of
approx 1/2 acre. (2)
Type B3.(Forts on flat,low-lying or naturally unprotected ground) (3)
"...there are traces of another camp in a field 650 yds north of the
mansion (Callaly Castle) called Old Hag. It was on the north side
the brook, was small, its interior not more, possibly, than about
30 yds, and circular in shape; it is however nearly destroyed.
There was a larger part distinctly visible projecting towards the
West, and leading to a supposition that it was a temporary place of
strength before the building of the ancient part of the present
mansion." (4)
The earthwork is situated in near-level pastureland, a little above
the 300 ft contour, the land to the E falling away towards a small
stream. Having higher ground immediately to the W. this is not a
favourable defensive position.
The work consists of a platform, roughly oval in shape with slight
traces of an inner bank on the E. side. Gaps in the scarped slopes
to the E. and W. are possible entrances. To the S., at a distance
of about 25m, and concentrically placed is an outer work consisting
of a fragment of ditch and a counter-scarp bank. The distance
between the two features suggests that the space was used for stock
enclosing rather than for defence. The outer bank has an entrance
to the S., and opposite it, in the inner bank, the slope is slightly
lowered, possibly indicating another entrance to the interior.
The inner earthwork is badly mutilated to the N by old tree planting,
and its interior surface is much disturbed. No traces of interior
occupation are recognisable.
There is no evidence to indicate the purpose of the earthwork or its
date. (5)
The work is much reduced, but its construction and general
appearance are in the local IA tradition. Certainly it is not a
medieval strong point as implied by Maclauchan. Resurveyed at
1:2500. (6)
NU 0522 1044. Multivallate hillfort 550m N of Callaly Castle.
Scheduled RSM No 20991. The enclosure, of Iron Age date, has an
oval central platform measuring 60m by 40m, surrounded by scarped
banks 1.2m high and 5m wide. A gap in the E is an original entrance
10m wide. There are also slight traces of an inner bank on the E.
Concentric to the platform and at a distance of 25m to the S there
is an outer work. This is formed by a ditch 10m wide and 2m deep.
In front of the ditch there is a counterscarp bank 5m wide and
0.1m high, which merges with the natural slope of the ground.
Outside the ditch there is an external bank 5m wide and 0.5m high.
(7)
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