Snapshot: Revisiting history at Jarlshof

Its appearance is as mystical as its discovery. A heavy storm in the late 19^th century tore through the aged low cliffs at the cape of the southern tip of Shetland, Scotland, exposing part of an unusual settlement of stone structures.

Excavation works revealed several settlement sites, with the oldest dating back 4,000 years. The earliest structures found were Neolithic houses, followed by a Bronze Age village, Iron Age broch, Norse longhouse and medieval farmstead. Excavation efforts also uncovered many artefacts.

The name, Jarlshof means “Earl’s Mansion”, and was given by Sir Walter in the early 19^th century, when he set part of his novel ‘The Pirate’ in the Old House of Sumburgh.

When you visit, you’ll be able to see the interesting evolution of the settlements here based on the time period.

One of the oval-shaped Bronze Age houses has underground passages attached to it, and are believed to serve as cold stores, while another subterranean cave beneath one of the buildings was for keeping grain dry. Smithing was done here, evidenced by broken moulds of axes, knives, swords and pins. The Iron Age saw the formation of a broch, with only half of it remains today. Standing at 2.4 meters high, it was joined by wheelhouses and a byre.

The most impressive structures in Jarlshof is the Norse settlement, a longhouse used for several generations. Modified and lengthen as time went by, the settlement expanded to include barns and byres. Life revolved around farming, with sheep, pigs and cattle being reared and barley and oats grown. At the turn of the 14^th century, the Norse settlement was rebuilt into a medieval farm, with a farmhouse, barn and corn-drier.

The best way to experience Jarlshof is to start from the earliest Stone Age house, and go from house to house until you reach the newest establishment in the 16^th century.

Jarlshof makes a fascinating site for anyone who wishes to take a walk through history. Have you been to this remarkable archaeological site before?

Tip: to help you get the full experience of the different settlements in Jarlshof, take the free audio guide. Also, stop by at the visitor’s center for the recovered artefacts.