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The Isle of Lewis is the most northerly island in the Outer Hebrides and therefore lies in the path of the wild Atlantic Ocean. Over centuries a style of habitation has evolved which provides optimum protection against the elements. The blackhouse or longhouse is a long building, usually partly below ground and roofed with a mix of peat, straw and turf. Peat fires were burnt all day long to maintain an even temperature. It was not unusual for these to be shared between people and animals, each at one end of the building.

These photographs are from three sites: the Bostah Iron Age Village, the Arnol Blackhouse and the Ge Arrannan Blackhouse Village.

1/12 Bostah Iron Age Village, Great Bernera, Isle of Lewis, CE 400 - 800, reconstructed
Bostah Iron Age Village, Great Bernera, Isle of Lewis, CE 400 - 800, reconstructed
2/12 Bostah Iron Age Village, Great Bernera, Isle of Lewis, CE 400 - 800, reconstructed
Bostah Iron Age Village, Great Bernera, Isle of Lewis, CE 400 - 800, reconstructed
3/12 Bostah Iron Age Village, Great Bernera, Isle of Lewis, CE 400 - 800, reconstructed
Bostah Iron Age Village, Great Bernera, Isle of Lewis, CE 400 - 800, reconstructed
4/12 Inside Bostah Iron Age Village, Great Bernera, Isle of Lewis, CE 400 - 800, reconstructed, with a peat fire lit
Inside Bostah Iron Age Village, Great Bernera, Isle of Lewis, CE 400 - 800, reconstructed, with a peat fire lit
5/12 Above Bostah Iron Age Village, Great Bernera, Isle of Lewis
Above Bostah Iron Age Village, Great Bernera, Isle of Lewis
6/12 Above Bostah Iron Age Village, Great Bernera, Isle of Lewis - a fine and sunny day in July - 12 degrees Celcius
Above Bostah Iron Age Village, Great Bernera, Isle of Lewis
7/12 Above Bostah Iron Age Village, Great Bernera, Isle of Lewis
Above Bostah Iron Age Village, Great Bernera, Isle of Lewis
8/12 Arnol Blackhouse number 42, Isle of Lewis
Arnol Blackhouse number 42, Isle of Lewis
9/12 Arnol Blackhouse number 42, Isle of Lewis
Arnol Blackhouse number 42, Isle of Lewis
10/12 Arnol Blackhouse number 42, Isle of Lewis - a barrier separating animals from people
Arnol Blackhouse number 42, Isle of Lewis
11/12 Ge Arrannan Blackhouse Village, Isle of Lewis - a reconstruction, used as a tourist residence
Ge Arrannan Blackhouse Village, Isle of Lewis - a reconstruction, used as a tourist residence
12/12 Ge Arrannan Blackhouse Village, Isle of Lewis - a reconstruction, used as a tourist residence
Ge Arrannan Blackhouse Village, Isle of Lewis - a reconstruction, used as a tourist residence
First posted on August 4, 2012