This is a multi-phase native settlement complex in the North Tyne valley, Northumberland, comprising an earlier defended enclosure (likely later prehistoric/Iron Age in origin) overlain or adjoined by an undefended Romano-British farmstead, probably occupied through the 2nd–4th centuries AD. The site lies in the upland zone behind Hadrian's Wall, in territory associated with the Brigantes or a northern sub-grouping, and represents the typical pattern of indigenous rural settlement that persisted in the hinterland of the frontier.
Source: Pleiades — A Community-Built Gazetteer and Graph of Ancient Places. View the Pleiades record →
Its significance lies in demonstrating continuity of native settlement under Roman rule in the militarised zone north of the Wall corridor — close to outpost forts such as Bellingham (Habitancum) and within the economic orbit of the frontier garrisons, to which such farms likely supplied stock and produce. The transition from defended to open settlement reflects the broader regional pattern in which the imposition of Roman peace rendered enclosure ramparts redundant.
The site is known principally from earthwork survey rather than excavation, showing the characteristic combination of a curvilinear ditched/banked enclosure and adjacent stone-founded hut circles and yards typical of North Tynedale Romano-British farms (comparable to sites like Tower Knowe
This is a multi-phase native settlement complex in the North Tyne valley, Northumberland, comprising an earlier defended enclosure (likely later prehistoric/Iron Age in origin) overlain or adjoined by an undefended Romano-British farmstead, probably occupied through the 2nd–4th centuries AD. It is recorded in the Pleiades gazetteer of ancient places as a settlement site from the Roman period in Britain.
Defended settlement and Romano-British settlement, 400m south east of Smalesmouth Farm is classified as a Roman settlement — a civilian site in the Pleiades ancient world gazetteer. Roman Britain's archaeology encompasses thousands of sites ranging from legionary fortresses and marching camps to villas, temples and towns.
Several Roman sites lie within a short distance, including Romano-British farmstead, 330m north west of Sidwood Cottage (5.4 km), Romano-British farmstead 170m north of Cleugh Head (7 km), Romano-British settlement, 150m ENE of Hawkhirst scout camp (8.2 km). Aubrey Research maps over 2,200 Roman sites across Britain, drawn from the Pleiades ancient world gazetteer.
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Research the area around Defended settlement and Romano-British settlement, 400m south east of Smalesmouth Farm