 Remains of hut circle below the escarpment |
 Cist at SK275753 looking northeast |
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Swine Sty is an extensive
settlement and farming site on the south-western side of Big Moor, to the east
on the other site of the Bar Brook are a large collection of cairns
and the stone
circles of Barbrook I, II
and III. The area of Swine Sty is
divided into two by a low escarpment with the majority of the Bronze
Age field systems occurring on the higher ground to the north, these are thought
to include areas for crop production or the pasturing of animals, clearance cairns,
as well as possible stone built structures of uncertain use. To the south of the
escarpment is an area that was excavated to reveal stone built enclosures and
hut structures (one of these huts is shown above left) as well as pottery remains
and evidence of possible coal working. Radiocarbon dates suggested that the site
was in use around 1900 BC. Much of this part of the moor is covered with thick
layers of heather and I found it difficult to make out many of the features of
the landscape, even in winter.
A short distance to the northeast of the settlement at SK275753 are the remains of a stone cist next to a rock outcrop. It's position offers some fine views to the southeast and southwards towards Birchen Edge and the prehistoric sites of Gardom's Edge. |
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