Condition

1
Settlement
2853
Orkney

Description

Substantial archaeological deposits and structural remains are exposed in the coastal section around the headland at Whitehowe. The cliff stands up to 4m high and, of this, up to 2m is comprised of archaeological deposits. The exposure extends for about 30m. At the base of the section, glacial till is covered by a cultivation soil, which in turn is covered by a layer of blown sand. The earliest structural remains visible in the section are built over this layer of sand. They comprise a flagged surface, associated with up to three separate structures and a series of stone-lined drains. The walls of the structures vary in construction; one is double faced with a hollow core, others appear to be revetted. The impression gained is that the structures are conjoined or closely associated. Layers of anthropogenic soils and midden-type deposits surround and fill into the structures, and there is some indication of a secondary phase of construction. Further deposits of shell midden and agricultural soils fill into the uppermost structures and render the area level. Although the deposits exposed at this site are extensive, they are not capable of ready interpretation. The earliest remains relate to cultivation while later remains suggest a substantial settlement which was occupied over long duration. At the abandonment of the settlement, the area appears to have been farmed once again. The farmstead which now occupies part of the site is of 18-20th C date. The later structures visible in section are reminiscent of Viking or Norse buildings, but this can not be conclusively demonstrated with the available evidence. Since this phase of activity occurs at an intermediate stage in the life of the site, it is probable that the earlier remains may be of prehistoric date. The remains have already been affected by coastal erosion and very vulnerable to further losses. It is very unlikely, given its physical circumstances and extent that this site can be provided with coastal defences and therefore it must be assessed, excavated or abandoned. As a first step, it is recommended that an assessment should be carried out as a matter of urgency to ascertain the extent, date and nature of the remains. ShoreUPDATE 13 May 2015 As described. Soils, paving, walling and midden visible in section. Dumping of modern material over coast edge at north and south ends of site. The site is actively eroding and vulnerable.
As described. Remains very vulnerable.

Location

348400.00
1050620.00
27700
59.3387642
-2.9088094

Submitted photographs

Image Date Caption User
Coast edge and features in section 16/07/2022 Coast edge and features in section Ellie
Coast edge and features in section
Structures in section 16/07/2022 Structures in section Ellie
Structures in section
King's Craig general view of the coast edge in front of the settlement mound 13/05/2015 King's Craig general view of the coast edge in front of the settlement mound training1
King's Craig general view of the coast edge in front of the settlement mound
King's Craig southern part of section 13/05/2015 King's Craig southern part of section training1
King's Craig southern part of section
King's Craig middle part of section 13/05/2015 King's Craig middle part of section training1
King's Craig middle part of section
King\'s Craig northern end of section 13/05/2015 King\'s Craig northern end of section training1
King\'s Craig northern end of section
King's Craig general view of the settlement mound 13/05/2015 King's Craig general view of the settlement mound training1
King's Craig general view of the settlement mound
King\'s Craig structural remains and midden at north end of section 13/05/2015 King\'s Craig structural remains and midden at north end of section training1
King\'s Craig structural remains and midden at north end of section

Submitted updates

Update id Date User
4021 16/07/2022 Ellie
Tidal state Mid
Site located? Unsure
Proximity to coast edge Coast edge
Coastally eroding? active sea erosion; has eroded in the past
Description As described. Remains very vulnerable.
2038 13/05/2015 training1
Tidal state Low
Site located? Yes
Proximity to coast edge Coast edge
Coastally eroding? active sea erosion; has eroded in the past
Visibility in section Clearly visible in section
Access accessible on foot (no footpath)
Description Substantial archaeological deposits and structural remains are exposed in the coastal section around the headland at Whitehowe. The cliff stands up to 4m high and, of this, up to 2m is comprised of archaeological deposits. The exposure extends for about 30m. At the base of the section, glacial till is covered by a cultivation soil, which in turn is covered by a layer of blown sand. The earliest structural remains visible in the section are built over this layer of sand. They comprise a flagged surface, associated with up to three separate structures and a series of stone-lined drains. The walls of the structures vary in construction; one is double faced with a hollow core, others appear to be revetted. The impression gained is that the structures are conjoined or closely associated. Layers of anthropogenic soils and midden-type deposits surround and fill into the structures, and there is some indication of a secondary phase of construction. Further deposits of shell midden and agricultural soils fill into the uppermost structures and render the area level. Although the deposits exposed at this site are extensive, they are not capable of ready interpretation. The earliest remains relate to cultivation while later remains suggest a substantial settlement which was occupied over long duration. At the abandonment of the settlement, the area appears to have been farmed once again. The farmstead which now occupies part of the site is of 18-20th C date. The later structures visible in section are reminiscent of Viking or Norse buildings, but this can not be conclusively demonstrated with the available evidence. Since this phase of activity occurs at an intermediate stage in the life of the site, it is probable that the earlier remains may be of prehistoric date. The remains have already been affected by coastal erosion and very vulnerable to further losses. It is very unlikely, given its physical circumstances and extent that this site can be provided with coastal defences and therefore it must be assessed, excavated or abandoned. As a first step, it is recommended that an assessment should be carried out as a matter of urgency to ascertain the extent, date and nature of the remains. ShoreUPDATE 13 May 2015 As described. Soils, paving, walling and midden visible in section. Dumping of modern material over coast edge at north and south ends of site. The site is actively eroding and vulnerable.
Reassign to priority 1*

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