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ORKNEY
&
SHETLAND
ROYAL COMMISSION
ON ANCIENT MONUMENTS
SCOTLAND |
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RCAHMS
NMRS
[note]
447
A1.1
INV (12) |
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[photograph inserted]
FIG.I. - St. Magnus Church, Egilsay, from N.E. (No. 611). |
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[coat of arms]
THE ROYAL COMMISSION ON THE
ANCIENT AND HISTORICAL MONUMENTS OF SCOTLAND
TWELFTH REPORT WITH AN INVENTORY OF THE
ANCIENT MONUMENTS OF ORKNEY & SHETLAND
VOLUME I
REPORT & INTRODUCTION
Crown Copyright Reserved
EDINBURGH |
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THE REPORT and INVENTORY are published in three volumes:-
Vol. I - REPORT AND INTRODUCTION 10s. 0d. net
Vol. II - INVENTORY OF ORKNEY -- £1 15s. 0d. net
Vol. III - INVENTORY OF SHETLAND -- £1 0s. 0d. net
The compleat set of three volumes may be purchased
at the inclusive price of £3 3s. 0d. net
EDINBURGH
PUBLISHED BY HIS MAJESTY'S STATIONERY OFFICE
To be purchased directly from H.M. STATIONERY OFFICE at the following addresses:
13A Castle Street. Edinburgh 2; York House, Kingsway, London W.C.2;
39-41 King Street, Manchester 2; 1 St. Andrew's Crescent, Cardiff;
80 Chichester Street, Belfast;
or through any bookseller
1946
Price 10s.d. net
S.O. Code No. 49-140-12-1 |
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CONTENTS
-- page
LIST OF PLANS AND ILLUSTRATIONS -- v
ROYAL WARRANTS RATIFYING AND CONFIRMING THE TERMS OF THE COMMISSION -- vii
ROYAL WARRANT APPOINTING A NEW CHAIRMAN -- ix
ROYAL WARRANTS APPOINTING NEW COMMISSIONERS -- x
TWELFTH REPORT OF THE COMMISSION -- xv
LIST OF ANCIENT AND HISTORICAL MONUMENTS AND CON-
STRUCTIONS IN ORKNEY AND SHETLAND WHICH THE
COMMISSIONERS DEEM MOST WORTHY OF PRESERVATION -- xviii
SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY -- xxii
INTRODUCTION TO THE INVENTORY OF ANCIENT AND
HISTORICAL MONUMENTS AND CONSTRUCTIONS IN
ORKNEY AND SHETLAND -- 1
GLOSSARY -- 63
INDEX -- 65
iii |
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LIST OF PLANS AND ILLUSTRATIONS
Figure -- Name -- Plate or {p} Page
1 St. Magnus Church, Egilsay, from N.E. (No. 611) -- Frontisp
2 Types of chambered cairns -- p.16
3 The Dwarfie Stane, from N.W. (No. 385) -- 1
4 Chambered cairn, Calf of Eday (No 245) ; stalled chamber -- 2
5 Miscellaneous relics from Orkney and Shetland -- 3
6 Some typical Viking relics from Orkney and Shetland -- 4
7 Brooch from Clibberswick, Unst -- 5
8 Comb and case from Skaill (No. 767) -- 5
9 Gold discs and amber beads from the Knowes of Trotty (No. 73) -- 6
10 Sketch-map, after Thomas, showing monuments near the Bridge of Brodgar -- p27
11 Distributions map of Orkney brochs -- p29
12 Distribution map of Shetland brochs -- p30
13 Broch of Mousa, from S. (No. 1206) -- 7
14 Chambered cairns in Orkney. Head of Work, from E. (No. 414) -- 8
15 Do. The Knowe of Lingro, from E. (No. 562) -- 8
16 Do. The Knowe of Lairo, from N.E. (No. 577) -- 8
17 Do. The Knowe of Lairo, from E. (No. 577) -- 8
18 Cairns in Shetland. Hurdi Field (No. 1410) -- 9
19 Do. North End of South Houllan (No. 1425) -- 9
20 Do. Upper Loch of Brouster (No. 1437) -- 9
21 Do. Sclater's Cuml (No. 1624) -- 9
22 Do. Heoga Ness (No. 1727) -- 9
23 Do. Burga Water (No. 1616) -- 9
24 Mounds of burnt stones in Shetland. Lochs of Beosetter (No. 1090) -- 10
25 Do. Sefster (No. 1448) -- 10
26 Do. Skelberry (No. 1169) -- 10
27 Do. Will Houll (No. 1091) -- 10
28 Do. Quildrin Knowe (No. 1661) -- 10
29 Do. Swinister (No. 1166) -- 10
30 Earl's Palace, Kirkwall (No. 401) ; main block from S.W. -- 11
31 Standing stones in Orkney. Watch Stone (No. 879) -- 12
32 Do. Setter (No. 212) -- 12
33 Do. Cloddyhall (No. 823) -- 12
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HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION.
FIGURE -- NAME -- PLATE OR {p} PAGE
34 Standing stones in Orkney. Mor Stein (No. 782) -- 12
35 Do. Near Holland House, N. Ronaldsay (No. 196) -- 12
36 Do. Barnhouse Stone (No. 880) -- 12
37 Stone implements from Shetland. Rude implements -- 13
38 Do. Polished knives -- 13
39 Orkney arrow-heads -- 14
40 Orkney arrow-heads -- 15
41 Old water-mill at Millbridge, Orkney ; machinery -- 16
42 Typical Orkney kiln, at Kirkabist, Egilsay -- 16
43 Old water-mill at Millbridge, Orkney ; exterior -- 16
44 Kiln at Exnaboe, Shetland. Plan -- p.56
45 Broken stone hammers from Orkney -- 17
46 Polished stone axes and adzes from Shetland -- 18
47 Neolithic pottery from Orkney. From the Knowe of Onston (No. 893) -- 19
48 Do. From the Knowe of Onston (No. 893) -- 19
49 Do. From the chambered cairn (No. 245) on the Calf of Eday -- 19
50 Steatite urns -- 20
vi |
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ROYAL WARRANTS RATIFYING AND CONFIRMING
THE TERMS OF THE COMMISSION
WHITEHALL
February 12, 1936
The KING has been pleased to issue a Warrant under His Majesty's Royal Sign
Manual to the following effect:—
EDWARD R.I.
EDWARD THE EIGHTH by the Grace if God, of Great Britain, Ireland and the
British Dominions beyond the Seas, King,
Defender of the Faith, to all to whom these Presents shall come:—
GREETING!
Whereas it pleased His late Majesty from time to time to issue Royal Com-
missions of Enquiry for various purposes therein specified@
And whereas in the case of certain of these Commissions, namely, those known
as—
........................................................................................................................
Ancient and Historical Monuments (Scotland) Commission
........................................................................................................................
the Commissioners appointed by His late Majesty, or such of them as were then acting
as Commissioners, were at the late Demise of the Crown still engaged upon the business
entrusted to them :
And whereas We deem it expedient that the said Commissioners should continue
their labours in connection with the said enquiries notwithstanding the late Demise of
the Crown :
Now Know ye that We, reposing great trust and confidence in the zeal, discretion
and ability of the present members of each of the said Commissions, do by these
Presents authorize them to continue their labours and do hereby in every essential
particular ratify and confirm the terms of the said several Commissions.
And we do further ordain that the said Commissioners do report to Us under their
hands or under the hands of such of their number as may be specified in the Com-
missions respectively, their opinion upon the matters presented for their consideration ;
and that any proceedings which they or any of them may have taken under and in
pursuance of the said Commissions since the late Demise of the Crown and before the
issue of these Presents shall be deemed and adjudged to have been taken under and
in virtue of this Our Commission.
Given at Our Court at St James's the tenth day of February, 1936 ; in the
first Year of Our Reign.
By His Majesty's Command,
JOHN SIMON
vii |
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WHITEHALL,
December , 1936
The KING has been pleased to issue a Warrant under His Majesty's Royal Sign
Manual to the following effect: —
GEORGE R.I.
GEORGE THE SIXTH, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, Ireland and the
British Dominions beyond the seas, King
Defender of the Faith, to all all to whom these Presents shall come :—
GREETING !
Whereas it pleased our Royal Predecessors from time to time to issue Royal
Commissions of Enquiry for various purposes therein specified :
And whereas in the case of certain of these Commissions, namely, those known
as—
...............................................................................................................................
Ancient and Historical Monuments (Scotland) Commission
...............................................................................................................................
the Commissioners appointed by Our Royal Predecessors, or such of them as were
then acting as Commissioners, were at the late Demise of the Crown still engaged
upon the business entrusted to them ;
And whereas We deem it expedient that the said Commissioners should continue
their labours in connection with the said enquiries notwithstanding the late Demise of
the Crown :
Now Know ye that We, reposing great trust and confidence in the zeal, dis-
cretion and ability of the present members of each of the said Commissions, do by
these Presents authorize them to continue their labours and do hereby in every
essential particular ratify and confirm the terms of the said several Commissions.
And We do further ordain that the said Commissioners do report to Us under
their hands or under the hands of such of their number as may be specified in the
Commissions respectively, their opinion upon the matters presented for their considera-
tion ; and that any proceedings which they or any of them may have taken under
and in pursuance of the said Commissions since the late Demise of the Crown and before
the issue of these Presents shall be deemed and adjudged to have been taken under
and in virtue of this Our Commission.
Given at Our Court at Saint James's the seventeenth day of December, 1936 ;
in the first Year of Our Reign.
By His Majesty's Command,
JOHN SIMON
viii |
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ROYAL WARRANT APPOINTING A NEW CHAIRMAN
GEORGE R.I.
GEORGE THE FIFTH, by the Grace of God, of Great Britian, Ireland, and the
British Dominions beyond the Seas, King,
Defender of the Faith, to
Our Trusty and Well-beloved Sir GEORGE MACDONALD, Knight Commander of Our
Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Master of Arts, Fellow of the British Academy,
Doctor of Letters, Doctor of Laws, Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of
Scotland:-
GREETING!
Whereas it pleased His late Majesty by Warrant under His Royal Sign Manual
bearing date the seventh day of February, Nineteen hundred and eight, to direct the
issue of Letters Patent under the Seal appointed by the Treaty of Union to be kept
and made use of in place of the Great Seal of Scotland appointing Our Right Trusty
and Well-beloved Counsellor Sir Herbert Eustace Maxwell, Baronet, together with
the several persons therein mentioned to be Commissioners to make an Inventory of
the Ancient and Historical Monuments and Constructions connected with or illus-
trative of the contemporary culture, civilisation, and conditions of life of the people
in Scotland from the earliest times to the year 1707.
And whereas the office of Chairman of the said Commission has become vacant
by the resignation of the said Sir Herbert Eustace Maxwell, Baronet.
Now Know ye that We reposing great trust and confidence in your knowledge,
discretion and ability have nominated, constituted and appointed and do by these
Presents nominate, constitute and appoint you the said Sir George Macdonald, one
of the Members of the said Commission, to be Chairman thereof, subject to the
provisions of the aforesaid Letters Patent.
Given at Our Court at Windsor [italics] the tewenty-seventh day of April [italics], 1934, in the
twenty-fourth year of Our Reign.
By His Majesty's Command,
GODFREY P. COLLINS.
b[italics] ix |
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ROYAL WARRANTS APPOINTING NEW COMMISSIONERS
GEORGE R.I.
GEORGE THE FIFTH, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, Ireland, and the British Dominions beyond the Seas, King,
Defender of the Faith, to
Our Trusty and Well-beloved Sir John Maxwell Stirling Maxwell, Baronet, Knight of our most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle:-
GREETING!
Whereas it pleased HIs late Majexty by Warrant under HIs Royal Sign Manual bearing date the seventh day of February, Nineteen hundred and eight, to direct the issue of Letters Patent under the Seal appointed by the Treaty of Union to be kept and made use of in place of the Great Seal of Scotland appointing Our Right Trusty and Well-beloved Counsellor Sir Herbert Eustace Maxwell, Baronet, together with the several persons therein mentioned to be Commissioners to make an Inventory of the Ancient and Historical Monuments and Constructions connected with or illustrative of the contemporary culture, civilisation, and conditions of life of the people in Scotland from the earliest times to the year 1707.
And whereas a vacancy has occurred amongst the Commissioners so appointed.
Now Know ye that We reposing great trust and confidence in your knowledge, discretion and ability have nominated, constituted and appointed and do by these Presents nominate, constitute and appoint you the said Sir John Maxwell Stirling Maxwell to be one of the Commissioners for the purposes of the said Inquiry.
Given at Our Court at Saint James's the thirteenth day of March 1934, in the twenty-fourth Year of Our Reign.
By HIs Majesty's Command,
GODFREY P COLLINS |
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GEORGE R.I.
GEORGE THE FIFTH, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, Ireland and the British Dominions beyond the Seas, King,
Defender of the Faith, to
Our Trusty and Well-beloved John Graham Callander, Esquire, Doctor of Laws, Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland:-
GREETING!
Whereas it pleased his late Majesty by Warrant under His Royal Sign Manual bearing date the seventh day of February, Nineteen hundred and eight, to direct the issue of Letters Patent under the Seal appointed by the Treaty of Union to be kept and made use of in place of the Great Seal of Scotland appointing Our Right Trusty and Well-beloved Counsellor Sir Herbert Eustace Maxwell, Baronet, together with the several persons therein mentioned to be Commissioners to make an Inventory of the Ancient and Historical Monuments and Constructions connected with or illustrative of the contemporary culture, civilisation, and conditions of life of the people in Scotland from the earliest times to the year 1707.
And whereas a vacancy has occurred amongst the Commissioners so appointed.
Now know ye that We reposing great trust and confidence in your knowledge, discretion and ability have nominated, constituted and appointed and do by these Presents nominate, constitute and appoint you the said John Graham Callander to be one of the Commissioners for the purposes of the said Inquiry.
Given at Our Court at Saint james's the thirteenth day of March 1934 in the twenty-fourth Year of Our Reign.
By His Majesty's Command,
GODFREY P COLLINS |
orkney-shetland-1946-vol-1/05-014 |
GEORGE R. I.
GEORGE THE FIFTH, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, Ireland and the British Dominions beyond the Seas, King.
Defender of the Faith, to
Our Trusty and Well-beloved Sir Iain Colquhoun, Baronet, Companion of Our Distinguished Service Order, Lieutenant-Colonel in Our Regular Army Reserve of Officers:-
GREETING!
Whereas it pleased His late Majesty by Warrant under His Royal Sign Manual bearing date seventh day of February, Nineteen hundred and eight, to direct the issue of Letters Patent under the Seal appointed by the Treaty of Union to be kept and made use of in place of the Great Seal of Scotland appointing Commissioners to make an Inventory of the Ancient and Historical Monuments and Constructions connected with or illustrative of the contemporary culture, civilisation and conditions of life of the people of Scotland from the earliest times to the year 1707.
And whereas a vacancy has occurred amongst the Commissioners so appointed.
Now Know ye that We reposing great trust and confidence in your knowledge, discretion and ability have nominated, constituted and appointed and do by these Presents nominate, constitute and appoint you the said Sir Iain Colquhoun to be one of the Commissioners for the purposes of the said Inquiry.
Given at Our Court of Saint James's the fifteenth day of May 1934, in the twenty-fifth Year of Our Reign.
By His Majesty's Command,
GODFREY P. COLLINS.
xii |
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GEORGE R. I.
GEORGE THE SIXTH, by the Grace of God, of Great Britain, Ireland and the British Dominions beyond the Seas, King.
Defender of the Faith, to
Our Trusty and Well-beloved Reginald Francis Joseph Fairlie, Esquire, Royal Scottish Academician, Doctor of Laws, Fellow of the Royal Institue of British Architects, Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland:-
GREETING!
Whereas it pleased His late Majesty King Edward the Seventh by Warrant under His Royal Sign Manual bearing the date seventh day of February Nineteen hundred and eight, to direct the issue of Letters Patent under the Seal appointed by the Treaty of Union to be kept and made use of in place of the Great Seal of Scotland appointing Commissioners to make an Inventory of the Ancient and Historical Monuments and Constructions connected with or illustrative of the contemporary culture, civilisation and conditions of life of the people in Scotland from the earliest times to the year 1707.
And whereas a vacancy has occurred amongst the Commissioners so appointed.
Now Know ye that We reposing great trust and confidence in your knowledge, discretion and ability have nominated, constituted and appointed and do by these Presents nominate, constitute and appoint you the said Reginald Francis Joseph Fairlie to be one of the Commissioners for the purposes of the said Inquiry.
Given at Our Court of Saint James's the seventh day of June 1938 in the second Year of Our Reign.
By His Majesty's Command,
JOHN COLVILLE.
xiii |
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TWELFTH REPORT
OF THE
ROYAL COMMISSION ON THE ANCIENT AND HISTORICAL MONUMENTS OF SCOTLAND
To The King's Most Excellent Majesty.
MAY IT PLEASE YOUR MAJESTY,-
We, Your Majesty's Commissioners, appointed to make an Inventory of the Ancient and Historical Monuments connected with or illustrative of the contemporary culture, civilisation and conditions of the life of the people in Scotland from the earliest times to the year 1707, and to specify those which seem most worthy of preservation, humbly present to Your Majesty this our Twelfth Report. The Inventory deals with the monuments and constructions in the counties of Orkney and Shetland, and appended to the Report is a list of those which, in our opinion, are most worthy of preservation.
We record with grateful respect the receipt of the gracious message which accompanied the acceptance by His Late Majesty King George V. of the volume embodying our Eleventh Report with Inventory of the Monuments in Fife, Kinross, and Clackmannan.
We desire to acknowledge the welcome assistance given us by owners and occupiers of historic buildings and sites in the area under review, and to express our special thanks to Mr. W.G. Grant of Trumland for valuable co-operation of many kinds in connection with the monuments of Rousay; to Mr. H. Marwick, O.B.E., M.A.,D. Litt., Kirkwall, for much local information and many useful suggestions and criticisms; to Mr. J. S. Richardson, one of Your Majesty's Inspectors of Ancient Monuments, and Professor V. Gordon Childe, D.Litt., D.Sc., F.S.A., for material contributed; to the Society of Antiquaries of Scotlandfor the use of blocks and other facilities; to Messrs. J.W. Cursiter, A.H. Bishop, J. Flett (Kirkwall), W. J. Hemp, F.S.A., B.S. Jamieson (Whalsay), H.E. Kilbride-Jones, J. Logan Mack, F.S.A., Star Photos (Perth), and J. Rattar (Lerwick), for permission to reproduce certain photographs; and to the following gentlemen, among others, for special help rendered in a variety of ways;- Sir Francis J. Grant, K.C.V.O., LL.D., Lord Lyon King of Arms; the Rev D.G.Barron, O.B.E., V.D., D.D.; Major B.H. Neven-Spence, M.D., M.P., of Uyea; Major H.H. Hebden, M.C., of Eday; Captain H.L. Norton Traill, F.R.G.S.; the late Rev. W. G. Carson, M.A., Fetlar; Messrs. J. S. Clouston, O.B.E., of Smoogroo; J.J.Duncan; A. J. H. Edwards; A. H. Ferguson, Nesting; J. Fraser; the late W. Laidlaw McDougall, Sumburgh; D.L. Macintyre, V.C., and the staff of Your
xv |
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HISTORICAL MONUMENTS (SCOTLAND) COMMISSION
Majesty's Office of Works, Edinburgh ; T. Mainland, Bressay ; P Moar, Lerwick ;
J. Mooney, J.P., Kirkwall ; W. Ratter, Lerwick; D. J. Robertson, Kirkwall ; G.
Russell, Lerwick ; H. W. Scarth of Breckness ; L. Scott, Lerwick ; J. Stewart,
Whalsay ; E.S. Reid Tait, Lerwick ; W. Traill, C.E., J.P., of Holland ; and G. Mackie
Watson, F.R.I.B.A.
Orkney and Shetland are well known for the number, variety and interest of
their prehistoric remains. Such monuments as Maes Howe, the Rings of Brodgar and
of Stenness, and the Broch of Mousa, have long been famous. The present survey has
afforded an opportunity, not only for reviewing earlier knowledge of all the prehistoric
monuments found in the islands, but also for assembling the results of some very
important discoveries which have been made during the past few years, while, in
addition, much completely new matter is now published for the first time. It may be
mentioned further that this Inventory practically completes our survey of the areas
in which brochs are found in any numbers, and that in consequence the present
volumes, together with those dealing with Caithness, Sutherland, and the Outer
Hebrides and Skye, may be taken as containing nearly all the material likely to be
helpful to students of these structures without further excavation. The records of the
early domestic sites, again, as well as the evidence of Celtic Christianity provided by
ogham inscriptions and symbol carvings, are also of considerable interest.
In view of the fact that these islands were for centuries the seat of a Norwgian
Earldom, the number of monuments attributable to the Norse régime is disappoint-
ingly small. However, the mere grouping together of all the available matter, some of
it new, does something to facilitate the study of this period. In particular, the runic
inscriptions in Maes Howe have been given very full treatment. Architectural remains
of the Norse and succeeding periods, such as the series of early churches which have
survived without material alteration, are in general of much interest in their anti-
quarian aspect though not very distinguished artistically. But at least three of the
buildings here recorded - St. Magnus Cathedral and the Earl's Palace in Kirkwall, and
Muness Castle in Unst - are amongst the finest examples of their types in Scotland.
The present description of St. Magnus Cathedral is much more fully detailed than any
which has previously appeared.
The general condition of the monuments is unsatisfactory, and those which are
not under the protection of Your Majesty's Office of Works are deteriorating rapidly.
The advance of dilapidation was noted by our officers even during the eight years
occupied by the present survey. In the case of buildings of the historic periods the
cause appears to be lack of attention suffered for a long period in the past, the effects of
which are now becoming patent. The decay of the prehistoric structures, on the other
hand, seems rather to be due to a secular process of attrition whether at the hands of
farmers and builders, or of careless persons of all sorts. We note, however, that the
work of the Orkney Antiquarian Society and the visits made by our own officers in the
course of the survey have resulted in a gratifying increase in the interest taken in, and
the respect felt for; their heritage by the people of the islands.
We desire to record that a full description of the post-Reformation tombstones in
the Cathedral Churchyard at St. Andrews, which was inadvertently omitted from the
Inventory of the Ancient and Historical Monuments and Constructions of Fife, has
been duly prepared and published in the Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of
Scotland, Volume lxx (1935-6), pages 40 to 121.
xvi |
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LIST OF ANCIENT AND HISTORICAL MONUMENTS
AND CONSTRUCTIONS IN ORKNEY AND SHETLAND
WHICH THE COMMISSIONERS DEEM MOST WORTHY OF PRESERVATION.
NOTE.-While it is hoped that this list may prove useful to H.M. Office of Works, upon whom rests the
responsibility of scheduling under the Ancient Monuments Acts, the Commissioners would not wish it to be
regarded as exhaustive from that point of view. It includes only those monuments which can, in their opinion,
be strictly described as "most worthy of preservation." Monuments in the custody of H.M. Office of Works
are marked * .
ORKNEY
BIRSAY AND HARRAY. Earth-house, Resting Hill (No. 243).
St. Peter's Chapel, etc., Brough of Birsay (Nos. Chambered Cairn and Indeterminate Structures,
1 and 6).* Calf of Eday (No. 245).
Earl's Palace, Birsay (No. 8). * Chambered Cairn, Calf of Eday (No. 246).
Broch (probable), Mithouse, Mirbister (No, 19). Chambered Cairn, Calf of Eday (No. 247).
Broch (probable), Burrian, Garth (No. 21).
Knowe of Nesthouse, Kirbister (No. 26). |
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INTRODUCTION
TO THE
INVENTORY OF ANCIENT AND HISTORICAL MONUMENTS
AND CONSTRUCTIONS IN ORKNEY AND SHETLAND
GENERAL
The most remarkable feature of the present Inventory is the wealth of archæo-
logical remains, especially those dating from the era of the megalithic monuments.
Nor is this really surprising, seeing that in early prehistoric times Orkney and Shetland
were more accessible to those in search of a home than were many parts of the interior
of Great Britain. Save for the crossing of the English Channel, one could hug the
shore all the way from the south of Spain through the Hebrides to Caithness, and we
know from the distribution of megalithic tombs in Scotland that this must have been
the main route followed by their builders. Thereafter, although the currents and tide-
rips of the Pentland Firth would prevent small primitive craft from making anything
like a direct passage, the distance from Duncansby Head in Caithness to Brough Ness
in South Ronaldsay is just over six miles as the crow flies, Again, while it is true that
North Ronaldsay is separated from Sumburgh Head in Shetland by fifty miles of open
water, Fair Isle, which is in full view of both, provides a convenient stepping-stone.
Given reasonable visibility, therefore, it would be possible to sail from Gibraltar to
the Muckle Flugga without losing sight of land, a consideration in the first importance
when navigation was in infancy. The two groups of islands were this closely
connected with the western European seaboard. They are usually spoken of together and those who have never seen them are apt |
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