Large univallate hillfort, two round cairns and medieval shieling on Carrock Fell

Scheduled area

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History & significance

Carrock Fell is a univallate hillfort situated on high moorland in Cumberland, dating to the Iron Age. The fort is defined by a single substantial defensive rampart enclosing the summit of the fell, a form of construction typical of northern British hillforts of the later prehistoric period. Within and around this enclosed area are two round cairns, which represent Bronze Age funerary monuments that predate the hillfort itself and suggest continued use of the summit across multiple periods. A medieval shieling, or seasonal pastoral shelter, indicates later use of the site during the medieval period, demonstrating the long-term significance of this elevated location for successive communities engaged in different activities, from defence to burial to animal husbandry.

Large univallate hillfort, two round cairns and medieval shieling on Carrock Fell is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1011592. View the official record →

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