5620 x 3733 px | 47,6 x 31,6 cm | 18,7 x 12,4 inches | 300dpi
Data acquisizione:
15 giugno 2010
Ubicazione:
Arnol Black House, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Highland. Scotland.
Altre informazioni:
Arnol is a small village typical of many settlements of the west coast of the Isle of Lewis, Scotland. Once a thriving township with over forty crofts it now has a population of about 100 and supports a much lower number of active crofters. It is perhaps best known as the location of the Blackhouse Museum owned by Historic Scotland. The township of Arnol has been moved at least three times in the last two hundred years with materials for buildings being robbed and re-used from earlier structures. The early 19th century settlement was actually on the coast but later it was moved inland, closer to the main road. Few of the surviving buildings were lived in for more than 50 years and during that time many were considerably modified, extended and partially rebuilt. Through the village the ruins of black houses can be seen everywhere. Very few are still roofed but their the massive stone walls and ‘organic’ lines are very characteristic. The older ones have rounded ends and appear as a series of conjoined cells typically with a central living area/byre with a porch and barn on either side. The later ones can be identified by their gabled end walls and the presence of a stone dividing wall between living area and byre. The museum at No. 42 is probably the best example of a blackhouse on Lewis having been in state care since the occupants moved out in the 1960s. The building, complete with internal fittings, gives a very good impression of what is would have been like to live in a blackhouse. The central hearth is always kept lit and is essential to keep the roof dry an in good condition.
