The extensive remains of a high-status Norse settlement extend for over 100m parallel to the coast. The eroding coastal section contains frequent lengths of walling, relating to a series of separate structures, along with associated features such as drains, pits and paved surfaces. The site has been partially excavated over several seasons in the 1980's and early 1990's (Owen, 1993). The current section face has changed little since the last season of work in 1993; the majority of the features which were then visible could be relocated. Where there has been recent damage, this has removed no more than 0.5m of the section face and then only in isolated areas. What is more worrying, however, is the degree to which the section has been undercut by the sea. The softer deposits at the base of the section have been scoured out, creating an overhang of between 0.5m to 1m in depth. There has been very little turf regeneration over the 1993 cuttings and thus the exposed deposits, which include heavy masonry, are very vulnerable to further erosion.
6 July 2014
2 main exposures one of 10m and one of about 5m containing walling and cultural material. Black plastic visible in section (likely from excavation). Coastline generally appears to be currently quite stable and well vegetated.
Location
345459.00
1043129.00
27700
59.2711334
-2.9586048
Submitted photographs
Image
Date
Caption
User
06/07/2014
Small exposure of stone structure in well-vegetated coast edge
training1
Submitted updates
Update id
Date
User
1722
06/07/2014
training1
Tidal state
Mid
Site located?
Yes
Coastally eroding?
has eroded in the past
Visibility above ground
Not visible
Visibility in section
Limited visibility in section
Access
easily accessible - no restrictions
Local knowledge
don't know
Description
The extensive remains of a high-status Norse settlement extend for over 100m parallel to the coast. The eroding coastal section contains frequent lengths of walling, relating to a series of separate structures, along with associated features such as drains, pits and paved surfaces. The site has been partially excavated over several seasons in the 1980's and early 1990's (Owen, 1993). The current section face has changed little since the last season of work in 1993; the majority of the features which were then visible could be relocated. Where there has been recent damage, this has removed no more than 0.5m of the section face and then only in isolated areas. What is more worrying, however, is the degree to which the section has been undercut by the sea. The softer deposits at the base of the section have been scoured out, creating an overhang of between 0.5m to 1m in depth. There has been very little turf regeneration over the 1993 cuttings and thus the exposed deposits, which include heavy masonry, are very vulnerable to further erosion.
6 July 2014
2 main exposures one of 10m and one of about 5m containing walling and cultural material. Black plastic visible in section (likely from excavation). Coastline generally appears to be currently quite stable and well vegetated.
