The Ting Mound or Thing Moot at Fellfoot Farm, Little Langdale, Cumbria, England is an Ancient Monument (a 'nationally important' archaeological site). It is a natural mound which has been deliberately terraced, possibly in the tenth century, although it has not been dated archaeologically. [1]
It is believed that the mound was used as an open-air meeting place for local government, [2] specifically for a Thing (from the Old Norse þing), a type of early assembly found throughout Northern Europe where there was Scandinavian influence. The mound is very similar to the Tynwald Mount on the Isle of Man. [1] This supports the idea that it was established by Viking settlers, who have left a legacy of Norse toponyms in the Langdales, and possibly built some of the dry-stone walls which are a feature of the landscape. [3] It is situated close to a Roman road and other transport routes through the Cumbrian mountains. [4]
Towards the end of the nineteenth century the site attracted the interest of local antiquarians. It was described by Henry Swainson Cowper (see note 1) and painted by W.G. Collingwood. [5]
The Ting Mound or Thing Moot at Fellfoot Farm, Little Langdale, Cumbria, England is an Ancient Monument (a 'nationally important' archaeological site). It is a natural mound which has been deliberately terraced, possibly in the tenth century, although it has not been dated archaeologically. [1]
It is believed that the mound was used as an open-air meeting place for local government, [2] specifically for a Thing (from the Old Norse þing), a type of early assembly found throughout Northern Europe where there was Scandinavian influence. The mound is very similar to the Tynwald Mount on the Isle of Man. [1] This supports the idea that it was established by Viking settlers, who have left a legacy of Norse toponyms in the Langdales, and possibly built some of the dry-stone walls which are a feature of the landscape. [3] It is situated close to a Roman road and other transport routes through the Cumbrian mountains. [4]
Towards the end of the nineteenth century the site attracted the interest of local antiquarians. It was described by Henry Swainson Cowper (see note 1) and painted by W.G. Collingwood. [5]