Scheduled MonumentsScotlandTrefor Hill, motte
Medieval · Motte

Trefor Hill, motte

Scotland
HES SM11141
Period
Medieval
Site type
Motte
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Trefor Hill is a motte situated in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, dating to the Norman period of the twelfth century. The earthwork consists of a substantial mound of rammed earth and stone, typical of early medieval fortifications constructed throughout Scotland following the Norman influence in Britain. As a motte, it would originally have supported a timber palisade and defensive structures on its summit, serving as a stronghold for local landholding and control of surrounding territory. The site represents the adoption of Anglo-Norman fortification techniques in north-eastern Scotland during the High Medieval period.

Trefor Hill, motte is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM11141. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Trefor Hill, motte?

Trefor Hill is a motte situated in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, dating to the Norman period of the twelfth century. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM11141.

What period does Trefor Hill, motte date from?

Trefor Hill, 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 Trefor Hill, motte?

Trefor Hill, 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 SM11141.

What other scheduled monuments are near Trefor Hill, motte?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including St Ethernan's,Rathen old parish church (0.6 km), Knockmonean Cairn (1.9 km), Cairn of Memsie (2.4 km).

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