Monument record 10163 - LSFH 34.4 Sideval

Summary

Possible sheiling

Location

Grid reference NB 27948 17032 (point)
Map sheet NB21NE
Island Lewis
Parish LOCHS, Western Isles

Map

Type and Period (2)

Full Description

"Located on the east facing slopes of Sideval, the remains of this oval structure measure 5 x 3 metres and are orientated from north to south. Standing a maximum of 0.4 metres tall the structure appears to have an external stone tor or kerb and a significant hollow in its centre. This feature has been interpreted as a curvilinear sheiling, but may represent the remains of a kerb cairn that has been robbed internally, causing its centre to look depressed. No sign of an entrance or internal features could be discerned." "This group, or swarm of sheilings, are located on the eastern and northern slopes of Sideval. Consisting of two rectangular sheilings, constructed of turf and with a stone toe or lining located to the north, and two curvilinear turf and stone sheilings located on the eastern slopes, this swarm seems to represent the edge of a summer grazing area that is presumably located mostly to the north and west, as the land to the east is too wet and marshy to be successfully grazed (particularly by cattle). The remains seem to suggest that earlier grazing locations were closer to Loch Seaforth Head (curvilinear sheilings 34.1 and 34.4) possibly during the medieval period. Later grazings moved north, away from the ground overlooking the loch (rectilinear sheilings 34.2 and 34.3) possibly during the post-medieval period when houses began to appear on the higher ground to the north of the loch edge (32.2)." (Burgess 2004, 47-48)


Chris Burgess, Northamptonshire Archaeology, 2004, Archaeological Survey and Evaluation of Eilean Chalium Chille and the Putative Site of the Seaforth Head Castle (Unpublished document). SWE41054.

Sources/Archives (1)

  • --- Unpublished document: Chris Burgess, Northamptonshire Archaeology. 2004. Archaeological Survey and Evaluation of Eilean Chalium Chille and the Putative Site of the Seaforth Head Castle. Loch Seaforth Head Gazeteer.

Finds (0)

Protected Status/Designation

  • None recorded

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (0)

Record last edited

Jul 15 2004 11:09AM

Comments and Feedback

Do you have any questions or more information about this record? Please feel free to comment below with your name and email address. All comments are submitted to the website maintainers for moderation, and we aim to respond/publish as soon as possible. Comments, questions and answers that may be helpful to other users will be retained and displayed along with the name you supply. The email address you supply will never be displayed or shared.