Edin's Hall Broch, Berwickshire, United Kingdom

Edin's Hall Broch is a 2nd-century broch near Duns in the Borders of Scotland. It is one of the most southerly broch survivals, which are more typically associated with Northern Scotland.

The broch stands in the northwest corner an Iron Age hillfort which presumably pre-dates the broch. The hillfort consists of a double rampart and ditches, enclosing an oval area some 135 metres by 75 metres. A large circular structure (roundhouse) in the centre of the fort, close to the broch, may have been the most important building before the broch's construction.

It is assumed that the hillfort dates to the pre-Roman Iron Age. The date of the broch is uncertain but it has been speculated that it was built between the two main periods of Roman occupation in Scotland: some time in the 2nd century AD. Excavations at Torwoodlee Broch, also in the Scottish Borders, has shown that it was built and demolished during this period.

Within the hillfort is an array of stone footings marking the positions of houses and other structures. Some of the houses overlie the defences – indicating that they are later than hillfort and may be later than the broch as well.

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User Reviews

George Dickie (2 months ago)
Pleasant 40-odd minute walk from the road to the site. Interesting earthwork and impressive round-house foundation.

Kim Kjaerside (13 months ago)
We visited as part of a Duke of Edinburgh Award hike to Abbey St Bathans. It's an impressive place and the historic details founds around the site are so fascinating. Well worth a visit if you are passing, with the Woodlands Café only a short walk from there

Craig H (13 months ago)
If you want exciting castles, big walls, towers, etc. this isn't for you. If you want a lovely walk through remote (ish) countryside and the waist-high remnants of an early time, this *is* for you. I took a dog - the property by the river has chickens roaming around, so keep them on the lead. The fields are used for cows and sheep, but none were there when I went, so it was off-lead all the way. A lovely place to relax, have a picnic and reflect.

Josie Mellor (14 months ago)
You definitely need to be ready for quite the trek to find this but it's worth it. The walk up here is rough ground and a few very steep hills but we were aiming to have a big walk so it worked for us but you definitely need some sensible shoes! A few signs to tell you all the information about the place and fantastic views

Grand MoFF (2 years ago)
Park up in Abbey St. Bathans and walk to this simple but mind blowing feature - the fact you're walking in the same place others did thousands of years ago, and the effort involved to create the settlement!!! Take the effort to head up to the top of cockburn law - great panoramic views.

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