Summary:

ENCLOSURE (Crofting - 1850 AD to 1950 AD)
Drystone enclosure of uncertain purpose

Location:

NB 40058 21684

Full description:

"Situated immediately above the north-eastern edge of the township of Cromore, the remains of this oval enclosure measure 24 x 15 metres and are orientated from west to east. Constructed of drystone walls it appears to have two original entrances, both at the east end, one on the north-eastern side and one on the south-east side and both 1 metre wide. A later opening has been forced through the eastern face of the enclosure measuring 2.5 metres wide. This larger opening is a function of the fact that the current access to the area's surrounding houses (33.1, 33.3 and 69.1) comes through the centre of this enclosure. The size and location of this enclosure suggests that it was constructed for stock management, possibly relating to crofting phase activity in the area. An alternative interpretation might be that of a large stack yard relating to the blackhouses in the vicinity (33.1 and 33.3) though the size of the enclosure is considerably larger than other stack yards in the area. The presence of a second smaller, and apparently earlier, enclosure (37) towards the western edge of the interior of this enclosure further confuses the interpretation." (Burgess 2004, 111-112)

References:

Chris Burgess, Northamptonshire Archaeology. 2004. Northamptonshire Archaeology Archaeological Survey and Evaluation of Eilean Chalium Chille and the Putative Site of the Seaforth Head Castle. Part No Loch Seaforth Head Gazeteer.

Acknowledgement:

Information provided by Western Isles Council Sites & Monuments Record, January 2006.