Pen and colour wash on paper, 1880
Sir Henry Dryden (1818-1899)
George Petrie (d. 1875)
RCAHMS: Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Collection
In 1879 the antiquarian, George Petrie, excavated a mound on the shore of Scapa Flow. This revealed a broch, or stone tower, surrounded by a huddle of roundhouses. These were the remains of an Iron Age farming community.
The function of brochs is a subject of continuing controversy. In the past they were interpreted as defensive towers, a place of safety in times of trouble. Modern interpretation has underlined their relationship with the roundhouse, and regards them as high status farmhouses. It is likely that display was an important element in their design, proclaiming the social status of the occupants.
This drawing is one of a series prepared by Henry Dryden, based on his own survey and on the results of Petrie’s work. As the remains of the settlement were destroyed in 1981, these drawings, the only surviving detailed representations of the site, provide an invaluable record of this ancient community.