Scheduled MonumentsScotlandKirkcormack,motte,Mayfield
Medieval · Motte,mayfield

Kirkcormack,motte,Mayfield

Scotland
HES SM1122
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte,mayfield
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Kirkcormack Motte is a medieval motte-and-bailey earthwork situated in Mayfield, Kirkcudbrightshire, in south-western Scotland. The monument consists of a substantial mound typical of Norman fortifications constructed in Scotland during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, representing the spread of Anglo-Norman military architecture into the region. Such mottes served as defensible administrative centres for local lords, combining a raised mound for a wooden keep with an adjoining bailey or courtyard for domestic and military functions. The site remains a significant example of early medieval feudal settlement patterns in Galloway, demonstrating the establishment of Norman lordship in the Scottish south-west during the medieval period.

Kirkcormack,motte,Mayfield is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM1122. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Kirkcormack,motte,Mayfield?

Kirkcormack Motte is a medieval motte-and-bailey earthwork situated in Mayfield, Kirkcudbrightshire, in south-western Scotland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM1122.

What period does Kirkcormack,motte,Mayfield date from?

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

Who is responsible for protecting Kirkcormack,motte,Mayfield?

Kirkcormack,motte,Mayfield 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 SM1122.

What other scheduled monuments are near Kirkcormack,motte,Mayfield?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Fort, 335 NE of Low Kirkland (7.2 km), Kirkcudbright Castle (7.6 km), Castlecreavie,forts 270m ENE of (8.2 km).

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