MHG1663 - Broch, Thomsonsfield
Summary
No summary available.
Type and Period (1)
- BROCH (Iron Age - 550 BC to 560 AD)
Protected Status
Full Description
The mound containing remains of broch measures approx 35m N-S by 21m transversely and 0.9m high. It extended W into adjacent field, but has been ploughed out.
Surveyed at 1:2500. Visited by OS (J M) 28 April 1982.
All that remains of this feature is low grassy mound of indeterminate diameter, situated in pasture field. It is now almost ploughed out but scatter of stones still remains on and around mound. According to Mr Gunn (Brabster, Canisbay), an excavation was carried out about 50 years ago, revealing sections of a circular wall and many limpet shells. The artifacts found during excavation by Mr Nicholson, now deceased, and given to Mr Sinclair, also deceased, are now either in possession of Mr Nicholson's grandson at Nybster or with Mr Sinclair's niece at Dunblane.
Revised at 1:2500. Visited by OS (R B) 25 February 1965.
ND36NW 1 3285 6993. Broch (NR) OS 6" map, (1960)
This mound, under cultivation, contains remains of broch whose dimensions are unobtainable. The mound was partially excavated by John Nicholson, Nybster, and from it were recovered a rotary quern, three water-worn stones, probably loom-weights, and a diminutive cup or hollowed pebble, 2.75 by 2 by 0.75ins. With the exception of one of loom weights, which is in NMAS, donated by Alexander Sinclair in 1911, objects are in possession of Mr Sinclair.
RCAHMS 1911; Proc Soc Antiq Scot 1911.
ND36 2 BRABSTERMIRE ND/3285 6993
This probable broch in Canisbay, Caithness, was partially explored by John Nicholson of Nybster some time before 1910 at which time parts of a circular wall were uncovered [1]. Nothing is visible now except a low, grassy mound.
Finds included a stone rotary quern, 3 grooved pebbles some 15cm (6in) long –possibly loom weights – and a small stone cup only 7cm (2.75in) long. One of the “loom weights” is in the National Museum [3].
Sources: 1. NMRS site no. ND 36 NW 1: 2. RCAHMS 1911b, 16, no. 37: 3. Proc Soc Antiq Scot 45 (1910-11), 220 (find): 4. Swanson (ms) 1985, 552. <1>
Sources/Archives (3)
- --- 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. . 16, No. 37.
- --- SHG626 Text/Publication/Article: PSAS. 1911. 'Donations to and purchases for the Museum and Library, with exhibits', Proc Soc Antiq Scot Vol. 45 1910-11, p.10-17, 152-7, 220-4, 315-18, 366-70, 416-18. Proc Soc Antiq Scot. 10-17, 152-7, 220-4, 315-. 220.
- <1> SHG26111 Text/Publication/Monograph: Mackie, E.. 2007. The Roundhouses, Brochs and Wheelhouses of Atlantic Scotland c.700 BC - AD 500: Architecture and material culture Part 2 (I & II) The Northern and Southern Mainland and the Western Islands. BAR British Series. 444. Paperback. ND36 2 BRABSTERMIRE.
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred ND 3284 6992 (70m by 70m) (2 map features) |
|---|---|
| Map sheet | ND36NW |
| Civil Parish | CANISBAY |
| Geographical Area | CAITHNESS |
Finds (3)
- LOOMWEIGHT (Undated)
- ROTARY QUERN (Undated)
- CUP (Undated)
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Investigations/Events (0)
External Links (2)
- http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/SM588 (Online designation description (Historic Environment Scotland))
- https://canmore.org.uk/site/9304 (View RCAHMS Canmore entry for this site)
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