Jarlshof

Jarlshof is the best-known prehistoric archaeological site in Shetland, Scotland [1]. It lies in Sumburgh, Mainland [1]. It contains remains dating from 2500 BC up to the 17th century AD [1]. The Bronze Age settlers left evidence of several small oval houses with thick stone walls and various artefacts including a decorated bone object [1]. The Iron Age ruins include several different types of structures, including a broch and a defensive wall around the site [1]. The Pictish period provides various works of art including a painted pebble and a symbol stone [1]. The Viking Age ruins make up the largest such site visible anywhere in Britain and include a longhouse; excavations provided numerous tools and a detailed insight into life in Shetland at this time [1]. The most visible structures on the site are the walls of the Scottish period fortified manor house, which inspired the name "Jarlshof" that first appears in an 1821 novel by Walter Scott [1].