Condition

3
Southpund or Levenwick broch and structures
Iron Age
908
SMR646
Shetland

Description

The broch is surrounded by two earthen and stone ramparts. A later 'wheelhouse' type structure has been inserted into its interior. The remains of several smaller outbuildings or houses are indicated around the exterior of the broch. (i) The broch measures some 18m in diameter and stands up to 4m high. The entrance lies to the NE. Part of a stairway leading to a gallery is visible but otherwise much of the interior is taken up with the collapsing remains of a later 'wheelhouse'. This appears to have been more stoutly built than is usual for such structures. The broch, which was investigated in the last century (Goudie, 1873), was badly damaged during storms in 1900. It lies close to the coast edge and is very vulnerable to further storm damage. However, despite references to contrary, it is rather well-preserved, if much obscured by collapsed stone and debris. (ii) The earthen ramparts are now very much reduced; they stand to a maximum height of 1.5m. They appear to be founded on a stone base. (iii) A structure is cut into the inner bank of the broch defences. It appears to be of the type generally regarded as 'Pictish' in that it is cellular in plan, has a sunken floor and has revetted walls formed from small coursed blocks. 01/06/2014 As described. This stretch of hard cliff coastline features spectacular storm beaches of boulder sized rock thrown many meters high over the cliffs and onto the land. The broch is undoubtedly constructed of material from these storm beaches. The structure is too far from the coast edge to be vulnerable to coastal processes except from the most severe (once in a 100 year event) storm.

Location

441500.00
1119600.00
27700
59.9592590
-1.2586935

Submitted photographs

Image Date Caption User
View of interior of broch, looking east 01/06/2014 View of interior of broch, looking east training1
View of interior of broch, looking east
Seaward side of broch, looking west 01/06/2014 Seaward side of broch, looking west training1
Seaward side of broch, looking west
Coastal location of broch, looking northeast 01/06/2014 Coastal location of broch, looking northeast training1
Coastal location of broch, looking northeast

Submitted updates

Update id Date User
1674 01/06/2014 training1
Tidal state Mid
Site located? Yes
Proximity to coast edge 11-50m
Coastally eroding? has eroded in the past
Threats stock erosion; structural damage/decay
Visibility above ground Highly visible (substantial remains)
Visibility in section Not visible
Access accessible on foot (no footpath)
Local knowledge is well known
Description The broch is surrounded by two earthen and stone ramparts. A later 'wheelhouse' type structure has been inserted into its interior. The remains of several smaller outbuildings or houses are indicated around the exterior of the broch. (i) The broch measures some 18m in diameter and stands up to 4m high. The entrance lies to the NE. Part of a stairway leading to a gallery is visible but otherwise much of the interior is taken up with the collapsing remains of a later 'wheelhouse'. This appears to have been more stoutly built than is usual for such structures. The broch, which was investigated in the last century (Goudie, 1873), was badly damaged during storms in 1900. It lies close to the coast edge and is very vulnerable to further storm damage. However, despite references to contrary, it is rather well-preserved, if much obscured by collapsed stone and debris. (ii) The earthen ramparts are now very much reduced; they stand to a maximum height of 1.5m. They appear to be founded on a stone base. (iii) A structure is cut into the inner bank of the broch defences. It appears to be of the type generally regarded as 'Pictish' in that it is cellular in plan, has a sunken floor and has revetted walls formed from small coursed blocks. 01/06/2014 As described. This stretch of hard cliff coastline features spectacular storm beaches of boulder sized rock thrown many meters high over the cliffs and onto the land. The broch is undoubtedly constructed of material from these storm beaches. The structure is too far from the coast edge to be vulnerable to coastal processes except from the most severe (once in a 100 year event) storm.
Monitor
Comments Re-assign priority 3.

Pin It on Pinterest