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Jarlshof, Shetland

Wonderful jumble of ancient archeological sites

Jarlshof

Jarlshof is a warren of roofless subterranean chambers that are for the most part remarkable for being the remains of five separate eras - a sort of longstanding home-extension project in a several distinct styles.

The oval structures are Bronze Age (c. 3200–600 BC); Iron Agers added a broch (like the one at Mousa) and wheelhouses; Picts added dwellings too; then Vikings contributed long houses. Finally a medieval farm incorporated and expanded all this.

You can see why they'd all want to live here: for one the spot, near the spectacular cliffs of Sumburgh Head, is lovely.

Practical Info Practical Info icon

Sumburgh, Shetland, ZE3 9JN

Apr–Sep: 9:30am–5:30pm daily; Oct–Mar: Tues–Sat 10am to 4pm; check latest times.

Adult £7.50; full & latest rates.

historicenvironment.scot

Prehistoric & Ancient (>43AD)

Picts & Gaels (43–843AD)

Scots (843-1237)

The Outer Isles

Text © Christian Williams

Images by AdamKR, Lindy Buckley