Scheduled MonumentsScotlandBrough of Deerness, chapel and settlement
Medieval · Chapel and settlement

Brough of Deerness, chapel and settlement

Scotland
HES SM4654
Period
Medieval
Site type
Chapel and settlement
Nation
Scotland
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Brough of Deerness is a medieval chapel and settlement situated on a promontory in Orkney, Scotland. The site comprises the remains of a small stone chapel and associated domestic structures dating to the medieval period, likely established between the twelfth and sixteenth centuries. The settlement occupied a naturally defensible position on the headland, with evidence of both ecclesiastical and secular occupation that reflects the religious and economic life of medieval Orkney. The chapel represents an important example of small-scale medieval religious provision in the Northern Isles, whilst the broader settlement evidence contributes to understanding of Norse and Scottish settlement patterns in the region during the medieval period.

Brough of Deerness, chapel and settlement is a scheduled monument protected by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM4654. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Brough of Deerness, chapel and settlement?

Brough of Deerness is a medieval chapel and settlement situated on a promontory in Orkney, Scotland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic Environment Scotland under reference SM4654.

What period does Brough of Deerness, chapel and settlement date from?

Brough of Deerness, chapel and settlement dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a chapel and settlement. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Brough of Deerness, chapel and settlement?

Brough of Deerness, chapel and settlement 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 SM4654.

What other scheduled monuments are near Brough of Deerness, chapel and settlement?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including The Howie,mound 300m SE of Newbanks,Deerness (3.3 km), Eves Howe,broch 640m N of Braebuster (5.3 km), Dingy's Howe,broch,Upper Sanday (7.2 km).

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