Roundhouses

Often when archaeologists talk of structures we imagine standing buildings, but the reality is that most of the time they are referring to the evidence of structure, such as foundations and post holes. This is particularly true where timber (which rots away) was the main construction material used.

Apart from some rare stone-walled examples, no roundhouses from the Bronze and Iron ages survive above ground today. The majority of evidence is obtained when excavation takes place and post holes (literally, the holes into which the supporting posts were sunk) or circular slot trenches (trenches into which upright timbers were 'slotted') are revealed.

Apart from post holes and slot trenches, other features in the ground can also indicate the site of a roundhouse. These include burnt areas where an hearth would have been for heating and cooking, storage pits and even drainage; and drip gullies carved out to carry rain water running off the roof away from the house.

There are some slight regional differences in style and foundation plan, but most roundhouses tend to follow a similar design. By looking at the post hole or slot trench plan, and considering the various load-bearing properties of different woods of different sizes, assumptions can be made to determine what kind of roof could be supported by the foundations.

Everyone experienced the same problems in construction at the time, so the round shape is probably a combined result of technique, style, suitability for domestic life and a reflection of the social organisation at the time.

See also Roundhouses: the hole truth