Publication Account

Date 1988

Event ID 656243

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Publication Account

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/656243

NF19NW 21.20 10022 99539

This drystone building, which lies outside the head dyke close to Tobar Childa, is of particular interest because it is linked to a ruined cell; compared with a regular cleit it is also of unusual width and height, and has two entrances, one of which is now blocked. Part of the structure forms the W end of an enclosure which abuts the E side-wall. Externally, the walls are battered, and they are also revetted on the E and S, where the ground falls away. Internally, the main structure is 3.66m long and 2.06m wide. The walls are corbelled and ceiled by large slabs at a height of 2.29m above floor-level. The doorway now in use is near the middle of the W side-wall and its outer lintels are two stout timbers containing a series of wooden pegs. Towards the N end of the opposite wall there is another blocked doorway which contains an immured timber jamb and lintel. A wall has been added in this area probably in order to discourage stock from entering the adjacent enclosure.

At the N end of the cleit there is a narrow passage 0.36m high, 0.38m wide, and 0.81m long. It leads into a sub-circular cell, which is represented only by foundations and measures 2.29m in maximum diameter.

G P Stell and M Harman 1988.