Skara Brae - Info pack
History Resource Description
Skara Brae is a prehistoric village situated on the Orkney Islands, just off the coast of mainland Scotland. Hidden for centuries by a massive sand dune near the Bay of Skaill, the site was revealed to the world after a powerful storm in 1850 stripped away its sandy shroud. Archaeological efforts in the 1860s, led by William Watt, unearthed four buildings, and subsequent excavations in 1926 exposed even more of the village and its artefacts. This discovery is particularly significant as Skara Brae is one of the most well-preserved Neolithic settlements in Western Europe, offering a unique window into the lives of its ancient inhabitants.
The archaeological findings at Skara Brae have been instrumental in shaping our understanding of the Stone Age period in Britain. Visitors can marvel at the circular stone houses with walls up to 2.4 metres high, which are connected by covered passageways. Despite the roofs no longer being present, it is believed that they were originally made from materials like turf, thatched seaweed, or straw. Inside, the stone-built furniture, including beds, dressers, shelves, and hearths, has remarkably stood the test of time, providing an extraordinary glimpse into the domestic lives of people during the Neolithic era.