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Rousay, Westness
Naust (Norse)
Site Name Rousay, Westness
Classification Naust (Norse)
Alternative Name(s) Moaness
Canmore ID 2184
Site Number HY32NE 32
NGR HY 3766 2928
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/2184
- Council Orkney Islands
- Parish Rousay And Egilsay
- Former Region Orkney Islands Area
- Former District Orkney
- Former County Orkney
HY32NE 32 3766 2928
See also HY32NE 7 and HY32NE 17.
At HY 3766 2928 the Norwegians excavators of the nearby Viking graves (HY32NE 7) have uncovered the remains of two rectangular drystone buildings, one apparently overlying the other. According to local information, the excavators believe this to be a Viking boat noust, but the quality of the building suggests that it may be a later house. Excavation report pending.(See S H H Kaland 1973).
Surveyed at 1/2500.
Visited by OS (AA) 10 October 1972.
This noust [naust] was situated (for shelter) on the E side of Moaness and oriented NW-SE. It was shown by excavation to measure 4.5m in breadth but had been reduced by marine erosion to a length of no more than 8m. It was dug into the sand, had an inner stone wall, and was apparently large enough to house two small boats or a ship.
S H H Kaland 1993.
Orkney Smr Note (September 1980)
On E side of Moaness a reclangular naust, aligned NE-SW, 10m
x 5m, two-period. Its second phase is quite like a modern Orkney
naust, the erlier period being a substantial building. A few
rivets found. [R1]
Presumably related to nearby Norse settlement. - see OR 534.
'Norwegians have uncovered remains of two rectangular
drystone buildings one apparently overlying the other. According
to local information the excavators believe this to be a Viking
naust, but quality of building suggests it may be a later house.'
OS visit Oct 82.
Now backfilled.
Information from Orkney SMR (RGL) Sep 1980.
Field Visit (September 1980)
Westness HY 3766 2928 HY32NE 32
Excavated Norse boathouse.
RCAHMS 1982, visited September 1980
(Kaland 1973; OR 544)
