Monument record 10268 - ECC 1.11 Eilean Chalium Cille

Summary

Blackhouse, originally built as a barn

Location

Grid reference NB 38425 21021 (point)
Map sheet NB32SE
Island Lewis
Parish HARRIS, Western Isles

Map

Type and Period (5)

Full Description

"Consisting of large collapsed earthcore walls, with little visible evidence of stone faces, the remains of this blackhouse measure 17 x 7 metres and are orientated from west to east. Standing to a maximum height of 1.5 metres this house has two opposing entrances 1 metre wide located in the north and south walls, 5 metres from their east ends. This house was built within the extents of enclosure (1.10) being situated at, and forming, the enclosure's south-eastern corner. A second smaller structure was constructed against this house's north wall at its east end. This structure, also constructed of stone and turf, measures 3 metres from west to east and 2 metres from north to south. It has a single entrance at the centre of its west wall. This structure definitely abuts the main building, suggesting that it post-dates the original construction. Overall, the form and size of this house suggest that it post-dates the other blackhouse (1.9) also attached to enclosure (1.10). While it is possible that two house existed concurrently attached to the same enclosure, it is more likely that this house started out life as a barn related to house (1.9) and that at some point, perhaps when house (1.9) was shortened, this house was rebuilt and enlarged. At that point it is likely that house (1.9) was then utilised as a barn." (Burgess 2004, 84)


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2004, Archaeological Survey and Evaluation of Eilean Chalium Chille and the Putative Site of the Seaforth Head Castle (Unpublished document).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  • --- Unpublished document: Chris Burgess, Northamptonshire Archaeology. 2004.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 22 2004 11:01AM

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