Example of a Bronze-Age burnt mound first discovered at Meur, Sanday, Orkney, Scotland. Dates: 1297-1115 BCE.
First discovered on the coast of Sanday after a severe storm in 2005 excavations uncovered a well, hearth cell, a stone trough, two storage compartments, stone paving and piles of used burnt stones. After damage was caused to the site during the winter of 2012-13 the decision was made to move the main features of the mound to the Sanday Heritage Centre in Lady Village where it remains.
Burnt mounds functioned by using stones from the hearth to heat water in the trough. The purpose of these mounds is unknown with theories including bathing, cooking, brewing, wool production and boat building. There are around 2000 burnt mounds in Scotland and 21 in Sanday, most date between 1800-800 BCE.
The mound today at the Sanday Heritage Centre
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