OS1/19/6/91
| List of names as written | Various modes of spelling | Authorities for spelling | Situation | Description remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Picts' Kiln [continued] | [continued from page 90] door, "and not improbably also the window and chimney of the aboriginal dwelling. On digging within the area of the pit dwellings, a mass of charred wood or ashes, mingled with fragments of decayed bones and vegetable matter, are generally found, and their site is frequently discernable on the brown heath, or the grey slope of the hill side. With this class also may be grouped the 'Picts' Kilns', on which Chalmers, Train, Sir Walter Scott, and other antiquaries, have expended much conjecture and useless learning. These are of frequent occurrence in Wigton, and Kirkcudbrightshires, as well as in parts of the neighbouring counties. They consist of elliptical or pear shaped inclosures, measuring generally about 16 feet in length and 7 or 8 in breadth, externally the walls appear to be of earth sometimes standing nearly 3 feet high. On removing the surface they are found to be constructed internally of small stones, frequently bearing marks of fire. They are generally believed to be ancient breweries reared by the Picts for the manufacture of a mysterious beverage called heather ale. Sir Walter Scott suggests with not much greater probability that they are primitive lime Kilns. They are said by Mr Train to be invariably constructed on the south side of a hill, close to the margin of a brook, and with the door or narrow passage facing the stream". (Wilson's Archeology. P. [Page] 74, 75, 76) |
Continued entries/extra info
[page] 91Transcribers who have contributed to this page.
Alison James- Moderator, Bizzy- Moderator
Location information for this page.
There are no linked mapsheets.