Other than the graves, physical evidence of Norse settlement is exiguous. Geomor-
phological and palynological studies of the landscape and vegetation of the Island have
revealed little, although wetlands were clearly much more extensive and the marginal
lands of the uplands were utilised. No traces of field systems have been recognised.
Only one Norse dwelling-house has been excavated in the lowlands; from St Patrick’s
Isle it dates from around 1100. However, perhaps as many as twenty promontory forts
around the coast were occupied in the Viking Age. Created by cutting off a small
headland overlooking the sea, by means of a bank and external ditch, the outworks
enclosed an often continuous series of houses. The forts are multi-period; some pre-
dating the Viking Age, some continuing in use afterwards. The sites are exposed and
were probably used primarily as look-out stations.
One site – the Braaid – uniquely seems to show continuity between the pre-Norse
inhabitants and the incomers. Here (Figure 27. 3. 4 ) are the remains of a pre-Norse round
house and two other buildings, all built of stone and presumably turf. One (a byre) is
rectangular ( 16. 5 m × 6 m); the other ( 20 m × 8 m at its widest point) has curved long
walls. The latter was probably entered through the gables. Few internal features remain,
although there are hints of lateral benches. The floor surface is lost and no fireplace was
found. After it became derelict the ruins enclosed a number of simple shelters.
The propinquity of the round house to the other buildings suggests a continuous
history from the pre-Norse period into the Viking Age – the incomers introduced into
Man a new architectural fashion, the rectangular building. The byre, while unremark-
able in Viking contexts, suggests that the farmstead was at the centre of a sizeable
Figure 27. 3. 4 The remains of a pre-Norse round house and two other buildings at Braaid.
(Copyright © Manx National Heritage.)–– chapter 27 ( 3 ): The Isle of Man––