A low motte above the Avon preserves earthwork evidence for a medieval strongpoint even though later damage removed much of its southern half.
Quick facts
- Date
- Medieval; precise construction date unknown
- Architect / designer
- Builders not recorded
- Type
- Earthwork motte on a river promontory
- Designation
- Scheduled monument (SM2627)
- OS grid reference
- NS 73944 45657
Architecture and continuing use
The surviving mound rises about two metres and measures roughly thirty metres across its top. Promontory edges strengthen the position naturally. The scheduled area forms a D-shape around the remaining mound and slopes, protecting buried as well as visible evidence.
Its story
The motte belongs to medieval lordship in the Stonehouse landscape, although documentary attribution remains uncertain. During the later twentieth century, unknown activity removed much of its south-south-eastern half. Rescheduling in 1996 defined the surviving area more precisely.
Why it is included
Scheduled status recognises the monument’s archaeological potential and the way its promontory position helps explain medieval control of the Avon valley.
What to notice
- The surviving curve of the mound.
- Promontory slopes above the river.
- The visibly truncated side where later removal altered the earthwork.
Reading the surroundings
Do not assume a right of entry across farmland. Seek landowner permission where required, avoid livestock and crops, and never climb or dig into the scheduled earthwork.
Timeline
- medieval period A motte was raised on the Avon promontory.
- before 1996 Unrecorded activity removed much of the monument’s southern half.
- 29 February 1996 The protected area was amended around the surviving earthwork.
What we know — and what remains uncertain
No secure construction date, builder or historical occupant is known. Condition beyond the designation description and public access were not independently verified.
Sources & further reading
- Historic Environment Scotland: Cot Castle Motte, SM2627 — Current designation status, official mapped location, date, fabric and significance.
- Trove designation: SM2627 — Parallel national designation identity and archival context.
- Community Action Lanarkshire: Make Your Way Stonehouse — Community active-travel interpretation of Stonehouse landmarks, former railways and the old kirkyard route.
- Stonehouse community heritage guide — Local historical context for Stonehouse churches, public buildings, turnpike roads and settlement development.
Location
OS grid reference NS 73944 45657 · Location confidence: High: the current national designation supplies an exact mapped National Grid Reference; public text separately states access and current-use uncertainty. · Select the marker to open its satellite view in Google Maps. On desktop, drag Pegman (the yellow figure) onto a blue road. On mobile, turn on the Street View layer and tap a blue road. Other photo markers may be user-contributed.
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