Monument record MHG1397 - Burial Ground, Mains of Murkle
Summary
Early medieval burial ground containing over 30 burials, some of which were interred within long cists.
Location
| Grid reference | Centred ND 1659 6940 (100m by 100m) (Buffered by site type) |
|---|---|
| Map sheet | ND16NE |
| Old County | CAITHNESS |
| Civil Parish | THURSO |
| Geographical Area | CAITHNESS |
Map
Type and Period (1)
Full Description
On a gently sloping terrace above Murkle Bay, ploughing of a previously fallow area revealed a large number (30+) of human burials. Those with discernible detail were in poorly built long slab cists with gravel/shingle/shell bases (no basal slabs). At least one grave seemed to have had a small upright slab at the head end. Cap slabs were only inches below the turf.
As this is only the most recent of a series of burials discovered in the area (see also ND16NE 25, 31), a single 'skeleton' was removed from the most clearly visible cist and analysed prior to dating. The bones came from more than one individual. The date is 640 +- 60bp (GU 2135).
N Fojut 1987.
Sources/Archives (1)
- --- SHG1092 Text/Publication/Article: Fojut, N. 1987. 'Mains of Murkle (Olrig parish) long cist burials, c 14 date', Discovery and Excavation in Scotland 1987, p.25. Discovery and Excavation in Scotland. 25. 25.
Finds (0)
Protected Status/Designation
- None recorded
Related Monuments/Buildings (1)
Related Events/Activities (0)
Record last edited
Apr 8 2010 3:38PM
