31952: ECC 26.1 Crobeag, Toa

Summary:

HOUSE (Post Medieval – 1540 AD to 1900 AD)
BLACK HOUSE (Post Medieval – 1540 AD to 1900 AD)
COW HOUSE (Post Medieval – 1540 AD to 1900 AD)
LONGHOUSE (Post Medieval – 1540 AD to 1900 AD)
Blackhouse

Location:

NB 38930 20953

Full description:

"The fragmentary remains of this blackhouse are located on the north facing slope above the north-east shore of the Toa promontory. Measuring 11 x 5 metres this structure is orientated from south-east (dwelling or uphill end) to north-west (byre or downhill end). The remains survive largely as collapsed wall core, though some stone is visible in the tumble much appears to have been deliberately removed. The downhill (byre or north-west) end of this structure is apsoidal in form. A single entrance can be seen at the north-west end of of the south-western wall giving access into the byre area. Access to the dwelling is likely to have been made through the byre. A barn is attached to the south-western wall measuring 3 metres in width, and running along the south-western wall of the house from the dwelling end in a north-westerly direction for 6 metres. No entrance to this ancillary structure can be identified. Extensive infields or stack yards (26.2) have been identified to the north of this structure and a possible corn-drying kiln (26.3) has been identified in an enclosure (26.4) to the south. Considerable formal cultivation (26.5) has also been identified on the north facing slopes to the west of this house which is thought to date to the same broad period." (Burgess 2004, 101-102)

References:

Chris Burgess, Northamptonshire Archaeology. 2004. Northamptonshire Archaeology Archaeological Survey and Evaluation of Eilean Chalium Chille and the Putative Site of the Seaforth Head Castle. Part No Loch Seaforth Head Gazeteer.

Acknowledgement:

Information provided by Western Isles Council Sites & Monuments Record, January 2006.