Monument record 10544 - ECC 75.3 Loch Mharabhig

Summary

Crofting phase 'improved' blackhouse

Location

Grid reference NB 40780 19680 (point)
Map sheet NB41NW
Island Lewis
Parish LOCHS, Western Isles

Map

Type and Period (4)

Full Description

"Located behind the western shore of Loch Mharabhig, the remains of this structure measure 4 x 4 metres and stand up to 1 metre tall. Orientated from south to north this building appears to be constructed of drystone and stone and mortar with earth and rubble cores, it has a single entrance in the centre of the east wall, flanked on either side by a 1 metre wide window. Internally there are the remains of a partition located immediately to the south of the entrance, that at one point divided the internal space into a dwelling at the north end of the building and an ancillary space (byre?) at the south end of the building. The floor of the space at the north of the building is flagged. A fireplace has been inserted into both gable ends, and the one at the northern end of the building has a formal chimney stack topped with a ceramic pot. This building shows signs of originally being formed as a blackhouse of a plan typical of those constructed in the early crofting phase, but demonstrates all the signs of 'greying' seen in houses modified in the early years of the 20th century. This includes the insertion of windows and chimneys." (Burgess 2004, 168-169)


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2004, Archaeological Survey and Evaluation of Eilean Chalium Chille and the Putative Site of the Seaforth Head Castle (Unpublished document).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  • --- Unpublished document: Chris Burgess, Northamptonshire Archaeology. 2004.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

Aug 5 2004 4:21PM

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