Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement is a significant archaeological site located in Shetland, Scotland. The site presents a remarkable timeline of human habitation spanning over 4,000 years, from the Bronze Age to the Viking Age. Jarlshof showcases a variety of structures and artifacts that offer a unique glimpse into the lives of its past inhabitants. The settlement’s rich history and well-preserved remains make it a fascinating study for archaeologists and a popular destination for history enthusiasts.
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What is the history behind the Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement?
The history of Jarlshof dates back to around 2500 BC, during the late Neolithic period. The first inhabitants built a settlement that was later used and expanded by successive cultures, including the Bronze Age, Iron Age, Picts, Vikings, and Scots. The site remained inhabited until the 17th century AD.
The site was hidden beneath a mound of earth until a violent storm in the late 19th century revealed the ruins. Excavations began in the 1930s and have continued intermittently ever since, uncovering a wealth of artifacts and structures that shed light on the site’s extensive history.
Despite its long history, the name “Jarlshof” is relatively recent, coined by Sir Walter Scott in his 1821 novel “The Pirate”. The site was named after the fictional Jarl’s (Earl’s) mansion in the novel, and the name stuck.
Today, Jarlshof is managed by Historic Environment Scotland and is recognized as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. It is one of the most important and best-preserved prehistoric sites in Scotland, attracting thousands of visitors each year.
Archaeological research at Jarlshof continues to this day, with new discoveries still being made. The site offers a unique opportunity to study the evolution of human habitation and culture in the Shetland Islands over several millennia.
What are the key features of the Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement?
The Jarlshof site is unique in its variety of well-preserved structures from different periods. These include Bronze Age houses, an Iron Age broch and wheelhouses, a Norse longhouse, a medieval farmstead, and a 16th-century laird’s house.
The Bronze Age houses are some of the oldest structures at the site, characterized by their circular shape and central hearth. The Iron Age broch, a type of fortified dwelling, is particularly well-preserved, with its double-wall construction and internal chambers still visible.
The Norse longhouse, dating from the Viking Age, shows the transition from round to rectangular building styles. It features a long, narrow layout with a central hearth and stone benches along the walls.
The medieval farmstead and the laird’s house represent the later periods of habitation at Jarlshof. The farmstead includes a barn, byre, and corn-drying kiln, while the laird’s house, built in the Scottish Baronial style, is the most recent and largest structure at the site.
Other key features of Jarlshof include its artifacts, which range from pottery and tools to jewelry and coins. These items provide valuable insights into the daily lives, trades, and cultures of the site’s past inhabitants.
What artifacts have been discovered at the Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement?
Over the years, a wide range of artifacts has been unearthed at Jarlshof, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lives of its inhabitants over the centuries. These include tools, pottery, jewelry, and other personal items, as well as animal bones and plant remains that provide information about diet and farming practices.
From the Bronze Age, pottery and stone tools have been found, along with evidence of metalworking. The Iron Age has yielded more sophisticated pottery, as well as tools and weapons made of iron. A significant find from this period is a collection of carved stone balls, whose purpose remains a mystery.
The Norse period has produced a wealth of artifacts, including a variety of tools, household items, and personal belongings. These include combs made of bone and antler, iron knives, and a rare silver coin, evidence of trade and wealth.
From the medieval period, pottery shards, iron tools, and animal bones have been found, along with a notable collection of gaming pieces, indicating leisure activities. The 16th-century laird’s house has yielded a range of domestic items, including pottery, glassware, and a lead seal from a document.
These artifacts, along with the structures at Jarlshof, provide a rich and detailed picture of life at the site from prehistoric times to the 17th century.
What types of structures can be found at the Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement?
Jarlshof boasts a variety of structures that reflect its long history of habitation. These include dwellings, defensive structures, and agricultural buildings from different periods, each with its unique architectural style and features.
The earliest structures at Jarlshof are the Bronze Age houses, characterized by their circular shape, stone walls, and central hearth. These were followed by the Iron Age broch, a type of fortified tower unique to Scotland, and wheelhouses, round buildings with radial internal walls.
The Norse period introduced a new architectural style, with the construction of a longhouse. This rectangular building, with its central hearth and stone benches, was a common type of dwelling in Viking Age Scandinavia.
The medieval farmstead represents a further evolution in building styles, with its separate barn, byre, and corn-drying kiln. The 16th-century laird’s house, the most recent structure at Jarlshof, is a large, two-story building in the Scottish Baronial style, with crow-stepped gables and a turret.
These structures, along with the artifacts found at Jarlshof, provide a tangible link to the past, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the site’s rich history firsthand.
Who were the inhabitants of the Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement?
The inhabitants of Jarlshof over the centuries were a diverse group, reflecting the site’s long history and strategic location. From the Bronze Age farmers who first settled the site, to the Iron Age Picts, Norse Vikings, and Scots, each group left its mark on Jarlshof.
The Bronze Age inhabitants were likely farmers, as evidenced by the remains of their round houses and the tools and pottery they left behind. The Iron Age Picts, known for their brochs and intricate stone carvings, also lived at Jarlshof, leaving behind a wealth of artifacts and structures.
The Norse Vikings arrived in the 9th century, bringing with them their distinctive longhouses and a range of household items and personal belongings. They were followed by the Scots, who built a medieval farmstead and the impressive laird’s house.
Each group of inhabitants contributed to the rich tapestry of life at Jarlshof, their diverse cultures and lifestyles reflected in the site’s structures and artifacts. Today, visitors to Jarlshof can explore this fascinating history, walking in the footsteps of its past inhabitants.
Conclusion and Sources
In conclusion, Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement is a unique archaeological site that offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Its well-preserved structures and diverse range of artifacts provide a tangible link to the site’s inhabitants over the centuries, from the Bronze Age to the 17th century. As research continues, Jarlshof will undoubtedly continue to reveal new insights into Scotland’s rich history.
For further information, the following sources provide detailed and reliable information about Jarlshof:
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