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

  SM867_Legal Doc

  Download(https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/document/600003709)

Summary

Description

The monument comprises the remains of a motte, likely to date to the 12th or 13th century AD. The monument is visible as a substantial earthen mound, which stands up to 4.5m high. The mound is approximately oval on plan and measures 30m N-S by 25m transversely at its base. There is a levelled area atop the mound and a smaller platform part-way down its S side. There are indications that the motte was accessed from the NE side originally. The monument is located in a built-up area of Dunfermline, in a low-lying field near to Lady Mill Toll. It lies close to the W bank of the Tower Burn at around 40m above OD.

There is documentary evidence from at least the 16th century for the name, 'Perdieus Mount'. The lands of 'Perdew' (1526), 'Perdewis' (1557-85) and 'Perdeweis' (1610) were described as lying on the S side of lower Dunfermline, on both sides of the Lyne Burn.

The scheduled area is irregular on plan, to include the remains described above and an area around them within which evidence relating to the monument's construction, use and abandonment is expected to survive, as shown in red on the accompanying map. The scheduling specifically excludes the above-ground elements of a small wooden shed on the E side of the mound.

Statement of National Importance

The monument is of national importance because it has an inherent potential to make a significant addition to the understanding of the past, in particular the dating, construction and functions of mottes as medieval strongholds. It retains its field characteristics to a significant degree, with little sign of later disturbance. This monument can also add to our understanding of the control of land and authority in the development of the medieval burgh of Dunfermline. Its importance is enhanced because of its potential relationship with other important medieval buildings close by, including Dunfermline Palace, Abbey and Malcolm's Tower. The loss of this motte would diminish our future ability to appreciate and understand settlement and land tenure in Dunfermline and medieval Scotland more generally.

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.