Skara Brae

Neolithic archaeological site in Scotland

Skara Brae (pronounced /ˈskɑrə ˈbreɪ/) is a large stone-built Neolithic settlement on the Bay of Skaill on the west coast of mainland Orkney, Scotland. It consists of ten houses.

Skara Brae
Skara Brae, looking north
Skara Brae is located in Orkney Islands
Skara Brae
Shown within Orkney Islands
LocationMainland, Orkney, Scotland, UK
Coordinates59°02′55″N 3°20′35″W / 59.048611°N 3.343056°W / 59.048611; -3.343056
TypeNeolithic settlement
History
PeriodsNeolithic
Site notes
OwnershipHistoric Scotland
Public accessYes
TypeCultural
Criteriai, ii, iii, iv
Designated1999 (23rd session)
Part ofHeart of Neolithic Orkney
Reference no.514
State PartyScotland
RegionEurope and North America

It was occupied from roughly 3100–2500BC.[1] It is Europe's most complete Neolithic village. The level of preservation is such that it is a main part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Heart of Neolithic Orkney. This is one of four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Scotland, the others being the Old Town and New Town of Edinburgh; New Lanark in South Lanarkshire; and St Kilda in the Western Isles.

Discovery and features

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Until 1850, Skara Brae lay under years of soil sediment when in the winter of that year a large storm stripped the grass from the large mound known as Skerrabra.[2]

The outline of several of stone buildings was revealed and initial excavations were undertaken by William Watt, the laird of Skaill. It was fully excavated between 1928 and 1930 by Vere Gordon Childe following another storm in 1926.

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References

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  1. Childe, V. Gordon & D.V. Clarke 1983. Skara Brae. Edinburgh: Her Majesty's Stationery Office. ISBN 0-11491755-8.
  2. "Visit Scotland". Skara Brae Prehistoric Village. Retrieved 2016-06-29.

Other websites

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59°02′55″N 3°20′35″W / 59.04861°N 3.34306°W / 59.04861; -3.34306