Scheduled MonumentsScotlandChester's Dikes, settlement
Settlement

Chester's Dikes, settlement

Scotland
HES SM12420
Site type
Settlement
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Chester's Dikes is a prehistoric settlement in Berwickshire, Scottish Borders, comprising earthwork defences and associated archaeological deposits. The site consists of substantial linear banks and ditches that form an enclosure, characteristic of Iron Age fortified settlements in the Borders region. Dating evidence places the settlement within the Iron Age period, when such defended sites served as focal points for community organisation and resource management. The dikes represent a significant example of prehistoric territorial demarcation and settlement hierarchy in the Scottish Marches, though the precise chronology and duration of occupation remain subjects for further archaeological investigation.

Chester's Dikes, settlement is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM12420. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Chester's Dikes, settlement?

Chester's Dikes is a prehistoric settlement in Berwickshire, Scottish Borders, comprising earthwork defences and associated archaeological deposits. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM12420.

Who is responsible for protecting Chester's Dikes, settlement?

Chester's Dikes, settlement 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 SM12420.

What other scheduled monuments are near Chester's Dikes, settlement?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Rathburne House, tower house 180m NNW of (3.8 km), Longformacus House,enclosed cremation cemetery 1450m SW of (4.8 km), Dirrington,farmstead 400m N of (5.2 km).

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