MHG1553 - Stone Circle, , Bridge of Broubster
Summary
Remains of probable later Neolithic-early Bronze Age stone circle.
Type and Period (2)
- STONE CIRCLE (Neolithic to Late Bronze Age - 4000 BC? to 551 BC?)
- (Alternate Type) STANDING STONE (Neolithic to Late Bronze Age - 4000 BC? to 551 BC?)
Protected Status
Full Description
The stone circle, on a gentle NE-facing slope, is generally as described. Five stones survive in an upright position, the largest being 1.3m high, and the others averaging 0.5m high. There are four other stones lying around projected perimeter of circle; they may have been upright and formerly part of the circle. They include a recumbent slab, 1.6m by 0.9m by 0.45m, positioned 13m N of the largest erect stone, and these two stones are probably those described in the Name Book. At least two of the non-erect stones occur on the line of a wasted field wall. There is no evidence of cairn noted by Burl; the only mounds appear to be natural, or stone clearance associated with the nearby deserted croft.
Revised at 1:2500 Visited by OS (J B) 20 July 1981.
A large open stone circle, ruined but recognisable, and measuring 62.8m in diameter. Despite being badly damaged NE arc appears to be flattened. The tallest stone, 1m high, stands on W. There is a small cairn near the centre, but there is no reason to doubt that it is a later addition. Although classed as one of the largest 'open circles' of Britain, this site is exceptional in that other circles of this class invariably have stones averaging 1.5m or more in height.
A Burl 1976; L J Myatt 1973.
The standing stone described by RCAHMS is situated at ND 0449 5992 (A) in cultivated land. It is 1.3m high 0.6m broad, and 0.4m thick Re-surveyed at 1:2500
Visited by OS (E G C) 11 4 1961 and (N K B) 13 November 1964.
A standing stone, 4ft high, 2ft 4ins broad, and 10ins thick, pointed towards top and facing E-W. 'In its immediate vicinity are several other slabs, apparently set on end, protruding to a less degree above ground. They are, however, irregularly placed and it is doubtful if they have formed part of a prehistoric setting of stones. The adjacent ground has been under cultivation.'
RCAHMS 1911.
(A - ND 0449 5992: B - ND 0449 5995) Standing Stones (NR)
OS 6"map, Caithness, 1st ed., (1872)
Two standing stones within a few links of each other, one being 3ft high, 2ft broad, and 1.5ft thick; and the other 3ft high, 2.5ft broad, and 1ft thick.
Name Book 1872.
Sources/Archives (4)
- --- SHG1572 Text/Publication/Article: Myatt, L J. 1973. 'Survey of an unrecorded stone setting near Broibster', Caithness Fld Club Bulletin Vol. 1 Oct 1973, p.9. Caithness Fld Club Bulletin. 9. 9-10.
- --- SHG2004 Text/Publication/Volume: Burl, {H} A {W}. 1976. The stone circles of the British Isles. 36-8, 156, 356.
- --- SHG2664 Text/Report: RCAHMS. 1911. The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments and Constructions of Scotland. Third report and inventory of monuments and constructions in the county of Caithness. . 108, No. 402.
- --- SHG3399 Text/Publication/Volume: Name Book (County). Object Name Books of the Ordnance Survey. Book No. 9, 125-6; illust..
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred ND 0440 5990 (40m by 40m) (2 map features) |
|---|---|
| Map sheet | ND05NW |
| Civil Parish | REAY |
| Geographical Area | CAITHNESS |
Finds (0)
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Investigations/Events (0)
External Links (2)
- http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/SM427 (Online designation description (Historic Environment Scotland))
- https://canmore.org.uk/site/7705 (View RCAHMS Canmore entry for this site)
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