Scheduled MonumentsScotlandNithside,motte & bailey 450m ESE of
Medieval · Motte & bailey

Nithside,motte & bailey 450m ESE of

Scotland
HES SM690
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte & bailey
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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

Overview

History & significance

Nithside Motte and Bailey is a Medieval fortification located approximately 450 metres south-east of Nithside in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. The monument comprises a motte, or raised earthwork, with an associated bailey or defended enclosure, representing a common form of Norman or early Medieval military architecture in Scotland. Such mottes were typically constructed during the 12th and 13th centuries and served as administrative centres and defensive strongholds for local lords. The site's proximity to the River Nith suggests strategic placement to control movement through this important waterway in south-west Scotland.

Nithside,motte & bailey 450m ESE of is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM690. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Nithside,motte & bailey 450m ESE of?

Nithside Motte and Bailey is a Medieval fortification located approximately 450 metres south-east of Nithside in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM690.

What period does Nithside,motte & bailey 450m ESE of date from?

Nithside,motte & bailey 450m ESE of dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a motte & bailey. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Nithside,motte & bailey 450m ESE of?

Nithside,motte & bailey 450m ESE of 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 SM690.

What other scheduled monuments are near Nithside,motte & bailey 450m ESE of?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Moat,enclosure 300m NW of (4.3 km), Moatland,motte (5.3 km), Springfieldhill, fort (5.8 km).

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