Monument record MHG1716 - Broch, Duncansby Head
Summary
No summary available.
Location
| Grid reference | Centred ND 4054 7325 (70m by 70m) (Buffered by site type) |
|---|---|
| Map sheet | ND47SW |
| Old County | CAITHNESS |
| Civil Parish | CANISBAY |
| Geographical Area | CAITHNESS |
Map
Type and Period (2)
Full Description
'On top of Duncansbay Head, and about fifty yards from precipice, may be traced site of a circular building of about 25 feet diameter, which is supposed to have been a watch-tower, and to have communicated with a similar one on top of Warth Hill.' (ND36NE 13: structure).
NSA 1845 (P Jolly)
'On Duncansbay Head stood ancient fort of Dungulsbae, a very early, if not earliest stronghold of the Earls of Orkney and Katanes, and apparently one of those circular edifices known as Picts' houses. It was generally held by a prefect or captain under the earl. Remains or vestiges of the building existed in 1793 (OSA) and appear to be still extant (NSA).
Orig Paroch Scot 1855
Many years ago there was a telegraph beacon on the green oval summit of Duncansbay Head, but nothing remains of it.
Name Book 1873
An apparently circular feature visible at ND 4054 7326 on APs may be that referred to above.
Visible on RAF APs (CPE/Scot/UK 185: 1351-2, flown 1946).
There is no evidence of antiquity of the summit of Duncansby Head. The summit area is occupied by a radio mast.
Visited by OS (JB) 10 May 1982
Sources/Archives (4)
- --- SHG2597 Text/Publication/Volume: NSA. 1845. The new statistical account of Scotland by the ministers of the respective parishes under the superintendence of a committee of the society for the benefit of the sons and daughters of the clergy. Vol.15 (Caithness), 25.
- --- SHG2606 Text/Publication/Volume: Sir John Sinclair (ed.). 1791-9. The statistical account of Scotland, drawn up from the communications of the ministers of the different parishes.
- --- SHG3350 Text/Publication/Volume: Name Book (County). Object Name Books of the Ordnance Survey. Book No.2, 95.
- --- SHG342 Text/Publication/Monograph: OPS. 1855. Origines parochiales Scotiae: the antiquities ecclesiastical and territorial of the parishes of Scotland. 2/2. 815.
Finds (0)
Protected Status/Designation
- None recorded
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (0)
Record last edited
Jun 26 2009 1:18PM
