Whithorn Roundhouse

Excavations near Whithorn from 2015 to the present, carried out by AOC Archaeology, have revealed the timberwork and architectural detail for a group of Iron Age houses, which were discovered in an unprecedented state of preservation owing to waterlogged conditions at the site. An oak doorway, façade of vertical oak timbers, and woven flooring made of hazel, covered with grasses and vegetation, were discovered, as well as, recently, evidence of wood-turning, metalworking and a finely decorated wooden bowl.

The Whithorn Trust has used the evidence to construct a full-size replica, which won the Scottish Heritage Angels Award in 2017. It measures 13 metres across, with a central working fireplace, and is about 9 metres at the apex. The building is thatched with water reed and this work was carried out by local volunteers and trainees, under supervision of a master thatcher. The timbers are alder or oak and the woven walls, filled with clay, are from hazel gathered from an Atlantic Hazel Woodland, near Newton Stewart. The Trust now operates the venue as part of its visitor attraction and for educational and community use. The interiors of the building continue to develop, as archaeologists continue excavation and post excavation analysis.

We will provide costumed guided tours, bread making (on the fire) and children’s activities (weaving and spinning, clay thumb pot making).

Priory Museum will be closed but roundhouse will be open