Scheduled MonumentsScotlandBlackhammer,chambered cairn,Rousay
Neolithic · Chambered cairn,rousay

Blackhammer,chambered cairn,Rousay

Scotland
HES SM90035
Period
Neolithic
Site type
Chambered cairn,rousay
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Blackhammer is a Neolithic chambered cairn located on the island of Rousay in Orkney, Scotland, dating to approximately 3000–2400 BCE. The monument consists of a long mound containing a series of interconnected rectangular stone-built chambers arranged in sequence along its length, a distinctive architectural form characteristic of Orkney's stalled cairns. The structure demonstrates sophisticated dry-stone construction techniques and represents an important example of Neolithic communal burial practice in northern Scotland. Excavation has revealed evidence of multiple burials and deposits within the chambers, contributing significantly to understanding the funerary and social practices of Neolithic Orkney communities.

Blackhammer,chambered cairn,Rousay is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM90035. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Blackhammer,chambered cairn,Rousay?

Blackhammer is a Neolithic chambered cairn located on the island of Rousay in Orkney, Scotland, dating to approximately 3000–2400 BCE. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM90035.

What period does Blackhammer,chambered cairn,Rousay date from?

Blackhammer,chambered cairn,Rousay dates from the neolithic period, and is classified as a chambered cairn,rousay. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Blackhammer,chambered cairn,Rousay?

Blackhammer,chambered cairn,Rousay is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic Environment Scotland — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Scotland. The official designation reference is SM90035.

What other scheduled monuments are near Blackhammer,chambered cairn,Rousay?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Hall of Rendall, settlement 275m NE of and St Thomas's Kirk (6.7 km), Ness of Boray,broch (7.2 km), Seven Knowes, mounds (7.2 km).

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