Condition

1
Broch? Complex Atlantic Roundhouse?
Prehistoric
Shetland

Description

A substantial stone structure over 10m in diametre and 2m in height is exposed in a sand mound at the north end of Channerwick. The structure appears to comprise a massive external double wall constructed from white crystalline rock. Rubble fills the space between the walls. To the north of the external wall, internal structures are constructed with fine-grained sandstone slabs. At least two walls are visible. In the centre of the internal space, a subterranean corbelled chamber underlies the floor and hearth deposits of the structure. Associated midden deposits comprising peat ash and organic material and incorporating frequent animal bone and pottery are present throughout the internal part of the structure and extend c. 50m north-eastwards, thinning gradually to the stream where they form a thin layer directly overlying beach cobbles. An inhumation burial was recovered in February 2014 from the area immediately seaward (south-east) of the structure. The skeleton is currently being re-dated to verify an initial 19th century date obtained from the mandible. The architecture and scale of the structure is suggestive of a broch. However, internal structures strongly resemble a wheelhouse. There are examples of brochs with later wheelhouses inserted into the interior, e.g. at Levenwick broch, around 10km south of Channerwick. However, initial impressions of the remains exposed in the section, are that the internal structure is contemporary with the external wall. Until further investigation, complex Atlantic Roundhouse best describes the structure.

Location

440506.00
1123224.00
27700
59.9918938
-1.2757806

Submitted photographs

Image Date Caption User
Feb 2018: erosion of soil from behind pier has left the stonework partially freestanding 30/05/2014 Feb 2018: erosion of soil from behind pier has left the stonework partially freestanding joannahambly
Feb 2018: erosion of soil from behind pier has left the stonework partially freestanding
Feb 2018: central part of section in interior of broch, lower part covered by slumped material 30/05/2014 Feb 2018: central part of section in interior of broch, lower part covered by slumped material joannahambly
Feb 2018: central part of section in interior of broch, lower part covered by slumped material
Feb 2018: Section lower part covered by recently slumped soil and turf 30/05/2014 Feb 2018: Section lower part covered by recently slumped soil and turf joannahambly
Feb 2018: Section lower part covered by recently slumped soil and turf
Collapsed south wall of church. The broch-like structure is to the left (southwest) of this out of view. 30/05/2014 Collapsed south wall of church. The broch-like structure is to the left (southwest) of this out of view. training1
Collapsed south wall of church. The broch-like structure is to the left (southwest) of this out of view.
Face of external wall, looking north 30/05/2014 Face of external wall, looking north training1
Face of external wall, looking north
Corbelled cell beneath floor and hearth deposits 30/05/2014 Corbelled cell beneath floor and hearth deposits training1
Corbelled cell beneath floor and hearth deposits
Closer view of oblique section across external wall. 30/05/2014 Closer view of oblique section across external wall. training1
Closer view of oblique section across external wall.
General view looking northwest. Massive external walling to left, internal structures to right. 30/05/2014 General view looking northwest. Massive external walling to left, internal structures to right. training1
General view looking northwest. Massive external walling to left, internal structures to right.

Submitted updates

Update id Date User
1661 30/05/2014 training1
Tidal state Mid
Proximity to coast edge Coast edge
Coastally eroding? active sea erosion; has eroded in the past
Visibility above ground Not visible
Visibility in section Clearly visible in section
Access accessible on foot (no footpath)
Local knowledge is well known
Description A substantial stone structure over 10m in diametre and 2m in height is exposed in a sand mound at the north end of Channerwick. The structure appears to comprise a massive external double wall constructed from white crystalline rock. Rubble fills the space between the walls. To the north of the external wall, internal structures are constructed with fine-grained sandstone slabs. At least two walls are visible. N the centre of the internal space, a subterranean corbelled chamber underlies the floor and hearth deposits of the structure. Associated midden deposits comprising peat ash and organic material and incorporating frequent animal bone and pottery are present throughout the internal part of the structure and extend c. 50m north-eastwards, thinning gradually to the stream where they form a thin layer directly overlying beach cobbles. An inhumation burial was recovered in February 2014 from the area immediately seaward (south-east) of the structure. The skeleton is currently being re-dated to verify an initial 19th century date obtained from the mandible. The architecture and scale of the structure is suggestive of a broch. The internal structures strongly resemble a wheelhouse. Levenwick broch, around 10km south of Channerwick is described as a broch with a later wheelhouse inserted into the interior.
Urgent recording, sampling for dating and assessment of significance.
Comments Exposed in easterly gales of 2012/13 and further damaged in 2013/14. ShoreDIG project to clean, record and sample site was carried out in 2015.

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