Archaeology Notes

Event ID 646836

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Archaeology Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/646836

HY73NW 4 7110 3752.

(HY 7110 3752) Brough (NR)

OS 6" map, Orkney, 2nd ed.,(1900).

An uncertain chambered cairn composed of flat loosely-laid slabs, now turf-covered, appears to have a diameter of about 50', though it has probably been longer from north to south. In the section exposed along the shore the cairn material can be seen to spread for as much as 30' on either side of the entrance and it is possible that the cairn has been built on a low platform.

The sea has eroded the south edge of the mound exposing the outer end of a passage facing due south leading into the centre of the mound. It is partly choked with debris, but the side walls built of thin slabs are exposed to a depth of a foot, and a lintel can be seen in situ over them. About 10' to the east erosion has exposed a short length of wall-face apparently running parallel to the passage and facing the east. On the east side of the mound about 5' within its edge are two thin slabs on end which might be part of an encircling wall.

In the centre of the mound a small hole has been howked and here a 3' length of wall-face of thin slabs is exposed facing ESE, presumably part of a chamber. It is probable that most of the internal structure remains undisturbed.

A S Henshall 1963, visited 1957.

As described and planned by Henshall. Undoubtedly a chambered cairn.

Visited by OS (NKB) 14 July 1970.

In May 1983, the cliff section was recorded prior to further sea erosion. A square masonry chamber, with its lintelled entrance inland, was located centrally within the cairn mound material of rubble and earth. The cairn seemed to be supported 3-3.5m either side of the chamber by single face walls. External to the East wall was evidence of another chamber or cell. The central chamber, although partially exposed was backed (to the sea) by a semi-circular single faced wall and collapsed upright slabs. This may have joined with the two mound retaining walls.

Most of the tomb lies inland under a mound 7.76m high, which on the cliff edge was partially encircled by a line of masonry which crossed the entrance of the exposed central chamber.

Records and report with the NMRS.

Sponsor: SDD(AM)

B Smith 1983