Documents

Where documents include maps, the use of this data is subject to terms and conditions (https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/termsandconditions).

The legal document available for download below constitutes the formal designation of the monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The additional details provided on this page are provided for information purposes only and do not form part of the designation. Historic Environment Scotland accepts no liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on any inaccuracies within this additional information.

• Type

  Legal Documents

  Title

  SM6833_Legal Doc

  Download(https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/document/600012602)

Summary

Description

The monument comprises the remains of a tower probably of 16th century date, situated on an artificial terrace on the S slopes of Overton Hill, some 700m SSW of Overton Bush.

The monument comprises the remains of an oblong tower or bastle some 10.8m E-W by about 7.2m N-S. It was formerly 2 storeys and an attic in height, each floor containing a single chamber. While both gables are mainly entire, its side walls are greatly reduced. The masonry is rubble, with any freestone dressings torn out. The ground floor entrance appears to be at the S end of the E gable.

On the E side of the tower are the footings of a range of buildings, while further E is the outline of another building. These, together with several field banks in the area, probably form the remains of a later farmstead but may be contemporary with the main structure.

The structure has affinities with the group of monuments typified by the nearby pele-houses or bastles of Mervinslaw and Slack's tower. Overton differs from these structures in that it is built in lime mortar rather than being clay bonded, and that each of the principal floors has a fireplace in the W gable.

This tower is presumably the "strong tower house" erected by Robert Frissel (Fraser) in the last quarter of the 16th century "aunempste the head of Read Water".

The area to be scheduled encompasses the visible remains and an area around them in which traces of associated activity may be expected to survive. It is rectangular with maximum dimensions of 140m E-W by 90m as marked in red on the accompanying map.

Statement of National Importance

The monument is of national importance as a relatively well preserved example of a small, late medieval semi-fortified estate centre, the focus of which was a pele house or bastle. The importance of the site is increased by the unusual construction features of the bastle.

The archaeology of this monument has the potential to contribute to our understanding of the construction techniques, defences, domestic life and function of such monuments. The site's importance is enhanced by its later use as a farmstead.

References

Bibliography

About Scheduled Monuments

Historic Environment Scotland is responsible for designating sites and places at the national level. These designations are Scheduled monuments, Listed buildings, Inventory of gardens and designed landscapes and Inventory of historic battlefields.

We make recommendations to the Scottish Government about historic marine protected areas, and the Scottish Ministers decide whether to designate.

Scheduling is the process that identifies, designates and provides statutory protection for monuments and archaeological sites of national importance as set out in the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979.

We schedule sites and monuments that are found to be of national importance using the selection guidance published in Designation Policy and Selection Guidance (2019)

Scheduled monument records provide an indication of the national importance of the scheduled monument which has been identified by the description and map. The description and map (see ‘legal documents’ above) showing the scheduled area is the designation of the monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979. The statement of national importance and additional information provided are supplementary and provided for general information purposes only. Historic Environment Scotland accepts no liability for any loss or damages arising from reliance on any inaccuracies within the statement of national importance or additional information. These records are not definitive historical or archaeological accounts or a complete description of the monument(s).

The format of scheduled monument records has changed over time. Earlier records will usually be brief. Some information will not have been recorded and the map will not be to current standards. Even if what is described and what is mapped has changed, the monument is still scheduled.

Scheduled monument consent is required to carry out certain work, including repairs, to scheduled monuments. Applications for scheduled monument consent are made to us. We are happy to discuss your proposals with you before you apply and we do not charge for advice or consent. More information about consent and how to apply for it can be found on our website at www.historicenvironment.scot.

Find out more about scheduling and our other designations at www.historicenvironment.scot/advice-and-support. You can contact us on 0131 668 8914 or at designations@hes.scot.