Clickimin Broch

Lerwick, United Kingdom

The Broch of Clickimin is a large and well preserved, though somewhat restored broch near Lerwick. Originally built on an island in Clickimin Loch (now increased in size by silting and drainage), it was approached by a stone causeway. The water-level in the loch was reduced in 1874, leaving the broch high and dry. The broch is situated within a walled enclosure and, unusually for brochs, features a large 'blockhouse' between the opening in the enclosure and the broch itself. Another unusual feature is a stone slab featuring sculptured footprints, located in the causeway which approached the site. Situated across the loch is the Clickimin Leisure Centre. The site is maintained by Historic Scotland.

According to its excavator Hamilton there were several periods of occupation of the site: Late Bronze Age farmstead, Early Iron Age farmstead, Iron Age fort period one (wall/blockhouse), Iron Age fort period two (plugging of the main entrance or landing stage), broch period, early wheelhouse settlement (inside the broch), late wheelhouse settlement (outside the broch). In 1989 Noel Fojut argued that Hamilton's schema was overcomplicated.

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Details

Founded: 200-100 BC
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in United Kingdom

Rating

4.6/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Hannah Randolph (43 days ago)
Really cool historic site and within walking distance of Lerwick - well worth a visit.
Lilo Zsolnay (6 months ago)
I highly recommend visiting. The broch is just at the edge of Lerwick and easy to walk to from the port. It's free to visit and had very few tourists. It is particularly interesting as so few broch's are so well preserved while being so accessible.
Betta Rautio (6 months ago)
A fun stop to explore with adequate signage at the site. We spend a few minutes at these sites to stretch our legs and observe the surrounding views. Worth a quick pit stop if you are in the area.
Demon72 (7 months ago)
Amazing place and very well kept.
Scott Walmsley (11 months ago)
Easy to access and a stunning bit of water surrounding it. Much a ruin, but a pleasant view if you go to the top. A small section to almost crawl through, but can stay stood up, then a circular grass section to navigate to the top, but with little difficulty.
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