Scheduled MonumentsScotlandMote of Urr,motte
Medieval · Motte

Mote of Urr,motte

Scotland
HES SM1134
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

The Mote of Urr is a medieval motte-and-bailey earthwork located in Kirkcudbrightshire in south-western Scotland. The site comprises a substantial mound or motte with an attached bailey, representing a form of fortification typical of the Norman and early medieval period in Britain. The monument is one of the more prominent examples of motte-and-bailey construction in south-western Scotland and is considered significant as evidence of medieval lordly authority and settlement in the region. The earthwork likely dates from the twelfth or thirteenth century, reflecting the period of Norman influence and feudal reorganisation in south-western Scotland.

Mote of Urr,motte is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM1134. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Mote of Urr,motte?

The Mote of Urr is a medieval motte-and-bailey earthwork located in Kirkcudbrightshire in south-western Scotland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM1134.

What period does Mote of Urr,motte date from?

Mote of Urr,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 Mote of Urr,motte?

Mote of Urr,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 SM1134.

What other scheduled monuments are near Mote of Urr,motte?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Redcastle, standing stone 275m ESE of Graham's Wood, Haugh of Urr (1.1 km), Buittle Castle (3.1 km), Edingham Castle (3.2 km).

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