Castlerigg — Borrowdale Cairn Knot (Northwest Outlier)
Castlerigg Knot
Late Neolithic to Early Bronze Age (3000–1800 BCE)·Late Neolithic Atlantic·🇬🇧 England, Cumbria, Keswick, United Kingdom
About
About Castlerigg — Borrowdale Cairn Knot (Northwest Outlier)
Castlerigg — Borrowdale Cairn Knot (Northwest Outlier) in England, Cumbria, Keswick, United Kingdom is a Late Neolithic to Early Bronze Age (3000–1800 BCE) megalithic attributed to Late Neolithic Atlantic. Systematic survey and photogrammetry document stratified deposits. The site includes a principal citadel and ancillary settlement. Dimensions chamber 4.2 m × 2.8 m; mound 18 m diameter; area 3.7 ha. Excavation excavated; condition buried. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans available.
Why it mattersKey Late Neolithic Atlantic megalithic with stratified sequence and landscape setting at 210 m elevation.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing
- 02Function and labor organization
Theories
- 01Ritual landscape model
- 02Ceremonial centre
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 3000–2500 BCE
- Period
- Late Neolithic to Early Bronze Age (3000–1800 BCE)
- Culture
- Late Neolithic Atlantic
- Purpose
- Ceremonial tomb and territorial marker
- Rediscovered
- 1967
- Excavation
- Excavated
c. 3000–2500 BCE
Initial construction / foundation
c. 1166 BCE
Major refurbishment / second phase
1905
Modern rediscovery and excavation
On the ground
Structures & features
54.6000° N · 3.0900° W · 210 m · 4 mapped features
Principal Chamber
chamberPrincipal Chamber at Castlerigg — Borrowdale Cairn Knot (Northwest Outlier) — chamber with stratified deposits
54.5980° N · 3.0886° WPeripheral Kerb Segment
kerbPeripheral Kerb Segment at Castlerigg — Borrowdale Cairn Knot (Northwest Outlier) — kerb with stratified deposits
54.6018° N · 3.0895° WOutlier Menhir
standing stoneOutlier Menhir at Castlerigg — Borrowdale Cairn Knot (Northwest Outlier) — standing stone with stratified deposits
54.5981° N · 3.0876° WAncillary Cairn
cairnAncillary Cairn at Castlerigg — Borrowdale Cairn Knot (Northwest Outlier) — cairn with stratified deposits
54.6014° N · 3.0908° W