Condition

2
Coastal exposure: settlement remains
Neolithic
3458
SMR136
Orkney

Description

Extensive archaeological remains have been exposed by the sea in the coastal section. These extend for 45m or more along the coast, beneath a 0.4m covering of blown sand and topsoil. The deposits include fragments of drystone walling, probable floor surfaces and stone features, in association with various anthropogenic soil deposits. To either side of this main exposure there are deep ploughsoil deposits visible in section. Chance finds have included a Neolithic mace head and flint flakes. A programme of survey work carried out in 1992 established that the settlement extended inland for approximately 16m. The erosion face was also recorded at this time. A second, late Neolithic, settlement was identified in the field behind and fieldwalking here in 1995 recovered a quantity of artifacts, including worked flint and a fragment of a polished stone axe. The site continues to be eroded by the sea and has been further damaged by rabbits and nesting fulmars. Ref.: RCAHMS (1946), #172; Stevenson, RBK (1963) ''Stove, Sanday', DES 1963, 39; RCAHMS (1980), #70; Morrison, J (1995) 'Bay of Stove (Cross & Burness parish), Late Neolithic settlement site', DES 1995, 103; Bond, J et al (1995) 'Stove Bay: a new Orcadian grooved ware settlement', Scot Archaeol Rev, 9/10, 1995. 125-130. 20/04/2014 As described. Extensive remains of dry stone walling, cultural deposits and a possible large ditch. Actively eroding. August 2018 As described

Location

361210.00
1035310.00
27700
59.2026672
-2.6808996

Submitted photographs

Image Date Caption User
Detail of one of the walls/structures 20/04/2014 Detail of one of the walls/structures training1
Detail of one of the walls/structures
Showing structures and walls, looking east 20/04/2014 Showing structures and walls, looking east training1
Showing structures and walls, looking east
General view to give impression of archaeological remains in section, looking east 20/04/2014 General view to give impression of archaeological remains in section, looking east training1
General view to give impression of archaeological remains in section, looking east

Submitted updates

Update id Date User
3317 19/12/2019 training1
Description August 2018 As described
1692 20/04/2014 training1
Tidal state Low
Site located? Yes
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 don't know
Description Extensive archaeological remains have been exposed by the sea in the coastal section. These extend for 45m or more along the coast, beneath a 0.4m covering of blown sand and topsoil. The deposits include fragments of drystone walling, probable floor surfaces and stone features, in association with various anthropogenic soil deposits. To either side of this main exposure there are deep ploughsoil deposits visible in section. Chance finds have included a Neolithic mace head and flint flakes. A programme of survey work carried out in 1992 established that the settlement extended inland for approximately 16m. The erosion face was also recorded at this time. A second, late Neolithic, settlement was identified in the field behind and fieldwalking here in 1995 recovered a quantity of artifacts, including worked flint and a fragment of a polished stone axe. The site continues to be eroded by the sea and has been further damaged by rabbits and nesting fulmars. Ref.: RCAHMS (1946), #172; Stevenson, RBK (1963) ''Stove, Sanday', DES 1963, 39; RCAHMS (1980), #70; Morrison, J (1995) 'Bay of Stove (Cross & Burness parish), Late Neolithic settlement site', DES 1995, 103; Bond, J et al (1995) 'Stove Bay: a new Orcadian grooved ware settlement', Scot Archaeol Rev, 9/10, 1995. 125-130. 20/04/2014 As described. Extensive remains of dry stone walling, cultural deposits and a possible large ditch. Actively eroding, although slowly.
Low level aerial photography pole/kite/drone photography to create an ortho-rectified detail photograph of this very long coast edge. Regular repeat of photography to monitor change. Reassign priority 2 on basis of archaeological significance and extent of erosion. Regular visual inspection to record condition, alert LA archaeologist of significant changes and retrieve artefactual material.
Comments A suitable site for adoption by local volunteer to monitor.

Pin It on Pinterest