Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 6.djvu/58

28 artificial origin; but the question would still remain, with what object were they constructed? Were they formed for the purpose to which, in modern times, they have been applied, viz., as sites for the erection of windmills; or did they afford sites for beacons, and posts for such means of inspection and telegraphic communication as were formerly in use; or, lastly, were they in fact and truly, from the first, sepulchral mounds, tumuli or barrows? As respects the first suggestion, it seems hardly probable that mounds of such a size as Lamel-hill would be erected for windmills, in a district where sites sufficiently eligible for the purpose are so readily to be met with. It appears, however, to be well ascertained, that mounds were raised by the Romans, as well as by other nations, as exploratory posts or beacons, and that tumuli, really of a sepulchral origin, were thus applied. It may perhaps deserve notice, that from its situation, Lamel-hill seems well adapted to, and may, whatever its origin, have been used for, purposes such as these. Under ordinary atmospheric conditions, "Siward-houe" might be most readily communicated with by signals; and by means of beacon fires, communications might perhaps be maintained with the Roman station of Delvogitia, wherever this may have been situated on the Wolds,—a circumstance which, under the threatening of invasion, would be of no small importance. In the opposite direction too, or to the west, Lamel-hill commands a distinct view of the City, with the hills of Severus, and the mount without Micklegate Bar, on its south-west side; and, during clear weather, Otley Chevin, overlooking the neighbouring site of the Roman station of Olicana (Ilkley), is distinctly seen in the far west.

It must, however, be admitted that, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, artificial mounds like those under consideration, may be presumed to be sepulchral. Direct proof of this is, however, only to be obtained by excavation into their interior. In reference to Lamel-hill, Drake observes, "I take this hill, as several others around the city, to have been originally raised for Roman tumuli, though they afterwards served to plant windmills upon." Speaking of Severus' hills, which he erroneously regarded as artificial in their origin, he says, "Such kind of tumuli or cumuli, sepulchral hills, were raised by the Romans at vast trouble and expense, over their men of highest note, in order to