A Viking settlement at Freswick, Caithness

Report on the excavations carried out in 1937 and 1938

Abstract

Excavation revealed three distinct groups of buildings, all rectangular and stone built which included dwellings, a smithy, a barn with kiln, a boatshed and a possible bath chamber. Finds were not numerous but included bone combs, spindle whorls, bronze jewellery, a glass bead and iron knives and sherds from Viking cooking pots. Medieval sherds of 13th century date were also recovered. There are documentary references to a Viking settlement at Freswick since at least the 11th century.