Earth-houses and their Occupants

Abstract

The term " earth-house" is here used as denoting an underground structure almost invariably built of stone, and used as a dwelling. The article relates chiefly to those of Scotland, with an occasional reference to other examples. Reference is made to obstructions deliberately built or placed in the entrance passage, rendering access to the interior difficult. They form an integral part of the original structure, and it is obvious that their purpose is to impede the advance of an\r\nintruder. These are common in Ireland and less so in Scotland. The constriction of passages at certain points ought probably to be regarded also as intended to impose a temporary check to the advance of an intruder. It is argued that the occupants must have been of small stature given the dimensions of many of the structures.