Papa Stour, Hill Of Fielie

HU15NE 22 1684 5953

The enclosure is clearly defined by lines of boulders on three sides; on the fourth side there is a discontinuous line. The numerous stony mounds within the enclosure fall into two sizes (6 by 5m, and 3.5 by 2m). The well on the E boundary measures 0.68m by 0.62m and 0.29m deep, and is surrounded by large flat stones. A second well, to the S, lacks the surround, but is roughly square and shallow. The mounds within the enclosure are reputed to be the remains of the huts of lepers.

Information from Ms V Turner, Shetland Amenity Trust, 16 December 1991.

Scheduled as 'remains of leper colony', this group of monuments comprises an enclosure, huts and walls within it, and a stone-lined well on the E exterior. They are defined by an enclosure of irregular form, measuring about 72m along the hillside by 64m up and down slope. The top side is marked only by occasional large boulders, but on the other three sides the boundary has taken the form of a substantial wall, now tumbled. Within this enclosure, which has no clear entrance, are a large number of stone and turf mounds. Most of these appear to be the remains of field clearance, but some larger examples occur, of which at least 4 appear to have been roofed oval huts, measuring only about 2m by 3m internally. Immediately outwith the E boundary is a stone-lined well or spring, which still affords water.

According to local tradition, recorded in the Old Statistical Account, Papa, along with other parts of Shetland, practised the segregation of those believed to have leprosy, although modern studies suggest the complaint may have been the result of dietary deficiencies rather than true leprosy. The practice of segregation had already died out by the mid-eighteenth century. Tradition states that 'lepers' were excluded from contact with society and built small individual huts in which to shelter. These huts were allowed to collapse after their occupants died. 'Lepers' were supported by the community, who left food at agreed points on the boundary of the colony, but also tried to grow some food for themselves.

Information from Historic Scotland, scheduling document dated 29 April 1996.

A programme of test pitting, geophysical survey, excavation and survey on Papa Stour was undertaken in July 2004, in pursuit of enhanced soils and their relationship to the location of early chapel sites established by the papar.

HU 1685 5952 Hill of Feilie. A measured survey was undertaken at the 'leper colony' on the Hill of Feilie. This Scheduled Ancient Monument had not previously been recorded in detail, and the work confirmed a complex, possibly multi-period site.

Report lodged with Shetland SMR and the NMRS.

Sponsors: Carnegie Trust for the Universities of Scotland, Hunter Trust.

B Ballin Smith, B E Crawford, G Peterson and J Thomas 2004.