Condition

6
Chambered cairn
Neolithic
3395
SMR3
Orkney

Description

This Maes Howe type chambered cairn forms a prominent feature on the low-lying peninsula of Els Ness. It was investigated by Farrer and Petrie in the 1860's with subsequent salvage excavations carried out by Childe in the 1950's. The cairn measures 20.5m by 17m and stands on an artificial platform. A 9m entrance passage leads into the central chamber. This stands 4m high and has six symmetrically-arranged side cells opening off of it. Sherds of Neolithic pottery, animal bone and stone implements were uncovered, along with a quantity of human remains. The tomb has been consolidated and partially restored and is open to the public under guardianship protection. Ref.: Farrer, J (1870) 'Note of excavations in Sanday...', PSAS, 7 (1866-8), 398-401; RCAHMS (1946) #449; Childe, V G (1954) 'Re-excavation of the chambered cairn of Quoyness, Sanday on behalf of MoW in 1951-2' in PSAS, 86 (1951-2), 121-39; RCAHMS (1980) #3; Davidson, J L & Henshall A S (1989) 'The chambered cairns of Orkney', #44.

Location

367660.00
1037790.00
27700
59.2254791
-2.5683475

Submitted photographs

Image Date Caption User
April 2014_showing coastal defence in front of Quoyness chambered cairn, looking SW 21/04/2013 April 2014_showing coastal defence in front of Quoyness chambered cairn, looking SW training1
April 2014_showing coastal defence in front of Quoyness chambered cairn, looking SW
Quoyness Chambered Cairn 21/04/2013 Quoyness Chambered Cairn training1
Quoyness Chambered Cairn
Quoyness chambered cairn entrance passage 21/04/2013 Quoyness chambered cairn entrance passage queenkara
Quoyness chambered cairn entrance passage

Submitted updates

Update id Date User
898 21/04/2013 queenkara
Tidal state Low
Site located? Yes
Proximity to coast edge 11-50m
Coastally eroding? not eroding
Coastal defence Yes
Threats none
Visibility above ground Highly visible (substantial remains)
Visibility in section Not visible
Access accessible - difficult terrain; accessible on foot (no footpath)
Local knowledge is well known; is well visited
Description This Maes Howe type chambered cairn forms a prominent feature on the low-lying peninsula of Els Ness. It was investigated by Farrer and Petrie in the 1860's with subsequent salvage excavations carried out by Childe in the 1950's. The cairn measures 20.5m by 17m and stands on an artificial platform. A 9m entrance passage leads into the central chamber. This stands 4m high and has six symmetrically-arranged side cells opening off of it. Sherds of Neolithic pottery, animal bone and stone implements were uncovered, along with a quantity of human remains. The tomb has been consolidated and partially restored and is open to the public under guardianship protection. Ref.: Farrer, J (1870) 'Note of excavations in Sanday...', PSAS, 7 (1866-8), 398-401; RCAHMS (1946) #449; Childe, V G (1954) 'Re-excavation of the chambered cairn of Quoyness, Sanday on behalf of MoW in 1951-2' in PSAS, 86 (1951-2), 121-39; RCAHMS (1980) #3; Davidson, J L & Henshall A S (1989) 'The chambered cairns of Orkney', #44.

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