Scheduled MonumentsScotlandCatter Law,motte
Medieval · Motte

Catter Law,motte

Scotland
HES SM3312
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic Environment Scotland

Overview

History & significance

Catter Law motte is a medieval motte situated in Dunbartonshire, Scotland, representing a common form of early Norman defensive earthwork. The monument consists of an artificially raised mound typical of motte-and-bailey fortifications, a castle type that became widespread in Britain following the Norman conquest. Such mottes served as strongholds for local lords during the medieval period, providing elevated defensive positions and often serving as administrative centres for their surrounding territories. The site's preservation as an upstanding earthwork remains significant for understanding the distribution and character of early medieval lordship in the Scottish lowlands.

Catter Law,motte is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM3312. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Catter Law,motte?

Catter Law motte is a medieval motte situated in Dunbartonshire, Scotland, representing a common form of early Norman defensive earthwork. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM3312.

What period does Catter Law,motte date from?

Catter Law,motte dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a motte. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Catter Law,motte?

Catter Law,motte is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic Environment Scotland — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Scotland. The official designation reference is SM3312.

What other scheduled monuments are near Catter Law,motte?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Drumquhassle, Roman fort & annexe 300m NNW of Easter Drumquhassle (1.3 km), Kilmaronock Castle (1.8 km), Knockinhaglish,church & cashel (2.7 km).

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