Natural record MAB65701 - TILLYHERMACK

Ogston reported that a fortified structure stood on Tillyhermack, on a rocky knoll, composed of an irregular oval rampart of stones, mostly set on edge.

Ogston reported that a fortified structure stood on Tillyhermack, on a rocky knoll, composed of an irregular oval rampart of stones, mostly set on edge. He drew a plan showing a hollow way entering it with an entrance on the south side, which was narrowed by stones placed across it at intervals. There were two converging natural terraces of rock, heightened in parts by artificially placed blocks of stone, extended for 25 yards to the east and then continued northwards for 16 yards as an S-shaped bank of earth, to meet another stony terrace, faced with stones set on edge, which formed the northern boundary of the enclosure for 45 yards. Turning southwards from its western extremity, the boundary continued as a terrace of rock, capped at longer intervals with blocks of stone, and finally curved to the east again to end beside the entrance. In the interior of this circuit, a few blocks were placed here and there along elevated ridges, forming partial inner partitions, and on the exterior, especially at the eastern end, others resembling outworks. The highest point of the enclosed ground was rudely hollowed to form a shallow basin, 4 or 5ft. diameter, the bottom of which showed 10 or 12 cup marks, unlike ordinary cup markings, being as much as 3ins deep. Ogston's plan and his account were a complete misrepresentation - over emphasising barely visible features and ignoring some more prominent ones. There are no traces of artificial constructions on Tillyhermack, the 'defences' being living rock or stone naturally broken from the rock. The 'cup marks' are natural, the result of weathering.

OGSTON, A, 1931, PREHIST ANTIQ HOWE OF CROMAR, 60-70, PLAN (Bibliographic reference). SAB1358.

Record last edited

Jun 24 2020 3:44PM