Description

The monument is a substantial mound comprising the accumulated remains of a series of settlements, a long-cist cemetery and related activities, dating mainly to the Pictish and Norse periods (between around 500 and 1200 AD). The mound measures approximately 75m in diameter and stands up to 4.5m high. It is irregular in shape with a depression in the central area. The mound has been affected by coastal erosion along its NE side. Previous archaeological investigations, both in antiquity and more recently, have confirmed the presence of significant structural remains within the mound and recovered a range of fine artefacts, as well as human and animal skeletal material. The mound is situated at the S end of Birsay Bay, at about 14m above sea level, on the NW coast of Orkney Mainland. The monument was originally scheduled in 1937, but the documentation did not meet modern standards: the present rescheduling rectifies this.

The scheduled area is circular on plan, measuring 120m in diameter, as shown in red on the accompanying map. It includes the remains described above and an area around them within which evidence relating to the monument's construction, use and abandonment is expected to survive.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Statement of Scheduling

The monument is of national importance because of its inherent potential to make a significant addition to our understanding of the past, in particular Pictish and Norse settlement, material culture, society, economy and religion. The presence of buildings, artefacts and burials representing at least three major phases of use can enhance our understanding of the processes of cultural interaction during the interface between the Pictish and Norse periods in Orkney, as well as the development of Christianity before and during the Norse period. Previous archaeological investigations of the mound have confirmed the presence of significant structural and artefactual remains, and recent geophysical and topographical surveys have demonstrated its continuing high archaeological potential. This potential is enhanced by the location of this settlement mound in an area around the NW coast of Orkney Mainland which is exceptionally rich in Pictish and Norse sites, including on the Brough of Birsay. The loss of this monument would significantly diminish our ability to appreciate and understand changes in settlement, land-use and economy in the Pictish and Norse periods in Orkney.

Source: Historic Environment Scotland

Sources

Bibliography

RCAHMS records the monument as HY22NW 5.

ReferencesBourke, C, 1984, 'The hand-bells of the early Scottish church', in Proc Soc Antiq Scot 113, 467.

Farrer, J, 1865, 'Account of the discoveries of the Knowe of Saverough', Proc Soc Antiq Scot 5, 9-12.

Farrer, J, 1870, 'Note respecting various articles in bronze and stone found in Orkney, and now presented to the Museum' , Proc Soc Antiq Scot 7, 104.

Griffiths, D, Harrison, J and Athanson, M, 2012, 'Birsay-Skaill Landscape Archaeology Project, Orkney: Phase XIII (Skaill Bay/Snusgar 2011); Phase XIV (Saevar Howe Survey 2011)', Data Structure Report 2011-12 (unpubl rep), University of Oxford.

Hedges, J W, 1983, 'Trial excavations on Pictish and Viking settlements at Saevar Howe, Birsay, Orkney', Glasgow Archaeol Jour 10, 73-124. RCAHMS, 1946, The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland. Twelfth report with an inventory of the ancient monuments of Orkney and Shetland, 23, no 40.

Canmore

https://canmore.org.uk/site/1835/

Source: Historic Environment Scotland