Fig. 41.—Showing Horizontal Beam in its original position.
1. Log Pavement and its surrounding Wooden Structures.—After clearing the whole space enclosed by the original circular trench down to the level of the log pavement, it was still difficult to make out the general plan of its structure, and that of the superstructure erected upon it. In the centre there was a rectangular space about 39 feet square, having its sides nearly facing the four cardinal points, and a flooring of thick oak beams somewhat like railway sleepers (see Figs. 40, 41, and 42). The fireplaces were nearly in the centre, but a little nearer its northern side. The wooden pavement was more carefully constructed at the south side than under the fireplaces; although, quite close to the latter, on its eastern side, were found two beautiful slabs of oak, which were removed, and measured 12 feet by 1 foot 6 inches. These beams had a series of round holes extending along the whole length of one edge, and about 51⁄2 inches apart. They appeared quite symmetrical, as if formed by an auger, and had a diameter of about 1 inch, and a depth of 2 or 3 inches. Close to the southern side of this rectangular space, there were exposed two very curious beams 7 feet 9 inches apart, and lying over a thin layer of clay which intervened between them and the general log pavement. One was slightly curved, and both had a raised rim running along their whole length, and each had a horizontal hole through which the ends of a beam passed (see Fig. 42). Moreover, they had square-cut holes at right angles to the former, as if intended for uprights. The finding of a double-bladed paddle (Fig. 126), close to one of these beams, suggested to the men the idea that they were the remains of a large boat, which, I must say, they very much resembled. Below this clay, and lying immediately over the log pavement, a long piece of a charred beam and the blade-half of an oar were found.
Fig. 42.—Curious Beams lying over Log Pavement.
At the south-east and south-west corners of the wooden pavement the remains of what appeared to be partitions or walls, running northwards, were noticed (see Figs. 40 and 42). These were constructed of short uprights and long slender beams laid along the line of partition, and interspersed with a matty substance like bast, together with clay and earthy matter. At the south end, the logs forming the pavement were laid parallel to each other and in groups, some running north and south, and others at right angles to these. There were two and sometimes three layers of logs, each lying transversely over the other. At the ends of the upper layers there were here and there deeply penetrating piles slightly projecting above the flooring, with a horizontal beam stretched between and tightly jammed, apparently for the purpose of keeping the logs in position. About 12 or 13 feet from the south side, a straight row of these piles and stretchers ran across the log pavement, which, at first sight, I took to be the remains of a partition (see Plan of Crannog, Plate II.).
Surrounding the rectangular log pavement, and just touching its four corners, we could trace a complete circle of firmly-fixed upright piles, arranged in two rows from 2 to 3 feet apart. They were all made of oak, apparently young trees, and projected several feet above the surface of the pavement, some of which were observed on the grassy surface of the mound before excavations were commenced. The most important thing, however, about them was the mode in which they were connected together by transverse beams, similar to, but ruder than, those already described as found at the north-east corner of the outer trench. Some of these beams were bevelled at the ends on their upper surfaces, especially the outer ends, and had two holes, one at each end, through which the pointed ends of the uprights projected. Fig. 41 shows one in its original position. At its inner end there were two strong wooden pins in a slanting direction, which entered the mortised hole through lateral grooves on its under surface and jammed the upright. The ends of these pins diverged and rested on clay, stones, and pieces of wood, and were evidently inserted for the purpose of supporting it. One transverse beam, observed on the west side not far from the former, and forming part of the same elevated platform, had horizontal holes, and lay on a solid mass of wood, stones, and vegetable matter, which was interposed between it and the rude log pavement (the rectangular oak pavement did not extend so far). Fig. 40 is a view taken from about the middle of the bank, close to the south side of the log pavement, and looking north-west. In front are seen the remains of a partition, a little farther back the beam just described, and turning round, at the far-off corner, the beam represented in Fig. 41. Fig. 42 is also taken from the same point, but with the view looking north-east. In both these sketches portions of the oak pavement are seen before any of the logs were disturbed. All the raised beams found in position were from 21⁄2 to 3 feet above the log pavement, and were directed towards the centre of the crannog, so that they presented an appearance which reminded one of the spokes of a large wheel. On the north side this arrangement was very well marked, many of the beams being still in situ, and in one place long beams were found lying over them, and running along the circumference of the crannog, above which were distinctly seen remains of a wooden platform precisely similar to that already described, at the north-east corner, with which, indeed, it was continuous.
It is thus more than probable that a circular platform of wood, presenting a breastwork some 3 feet high, surrounded the central log pavement, except at its southern side, where no traces of the raised horizontal beams were found, and where also the uprights were mostly formed of thick boards, suggesting rather the idea of a division between the wooden pavement and the refuse-bed. On the west side the segment left between the side of the rectangular oak pavement was also covered with logs of wood, but much rougher, and made of a softer wood than oak. This ruder pavement extended below the transverse beams, and merged into a conglomerated mass of stones, brushwood, and beams.
External to this circle of piles and platform, at the sides, but more especially on the south, there were other piles which appeared to form circles. On the south side indications of two or three such circles were noticed, but on the north side we could not ascertain their extent, as the trench was not far enough out to expose them if they did exist. But this point, together with several others, we hope to determine by further excavations as soon as the weather permits.
