Archaeology Notes

Event ID 641348

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Archaeology Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/641348

HP60SW 2 62955 01164

See also HP60SW 31.

(HP 6295 0118) Muness Castle (NR) (In Ruins).

OS 6" map, Shetland, 2nd ed., (1902)

The erection of Muness Castle began in 1598. It was burned in August 1627 and whether the castle was ever repaired is doubtful. (W D Simpson) It is structurally complete, apart from its uppermost storey, which was almost entirely removed many years ago to provide material for the present enclosing wall. On plan it is an oblong block 73' 3" long by 26' broad, lying NW - SE, and having a circular tower attached to each of the N and S corners, as well as turrets corbelled out from the remaining corners at the level of the third storey. The masonry which is of local rubble is harled but has exposed dressings of freestone.

W B Armstrong 1881; RCAHMS 1946.

Muness Castle, as described and planned.

Visited by OS (RL) 2 May 1969.