“We saw at least 20 cairns of varying size, taking pictures from various angles allowing us to set the site in a wider landscape context.
“Establishing what the monument was used for is a tricky question.
“The walls are low now but could have been much higher so possibly it had an agricultural purpose acting as a pen to keep cattle or sheep.
“We can’t rule out a ritual significance – perhaps we are looking at a graveyard?
“Whatever its origins, it stands as reminder that the history of North Yorkshire is far from done and dusted, but is still being written.”
Spurred on by the aerial images, the National Park commissioned experts from Wessex Archaeo- logy to undertake a ground survey to plot the various features. Their report is due in the new year.
Graham Lee, North York Moors National Park Authority archaeologist, added: “Dating the site is fraught with difficulty, but it’s just possible it could be 4,500 years old, or date back even further.
“To put this into context that’s before the pyramids and Stonehenge were built.
“The site shows signs of later activity too, notably in the Bronze Age and also in the 20th century, with some evidence of stone removal.
“A similar site has been recorded on Fylingdales Moor, which was also revealed after a much larger moorland fire in 2003. This is also thought to possibly be neolithic in date.”
The New Stone Age (neolithic period) lasted from around 4,000BC to about 2,500BC, during which the population increased and early forms of agriculture began to be adopted.
“These early farmers were the first to destroy the forest cover of the moors.
“They grew crops, kept animals, made pottery and were highly skilled at making stone implements. However, little is known about their beliefs as no language or written evidence survives.
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* Last Updated: 30 December 2009 8:28 AM
* Source: Scarborough Evening News
* Location: Scarborough
http://www.scarborougheveningnews.co.uk/news/Moors-give-up-ancient-secret.5947347.jp