Wick in Highland, Scotland, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Nybster Broch
Brochs: Beacons of Belonging
You are standing in one of the most important archaeological landscapes in Britain. Scan the horizon. You are surrounded by history: old harbours, houses and burials. As you move around the coastline you will discover the ruins of exceptional buildings: brochs. These tall, circular, drystone towers, built over 2000 years ago, dominated the prehistoric landscape. Imposing structures, often surrounded by village-like settlements, they exercised power over the community. They were beacons of belonging, homes to important people and activities.
Caithness is the home of the broch. There are more brochs here than in any other region. Walk along the path to Nybster Broch. Tread carefully; archaeologists believe that it is one of the most important sites in Scotland. Walk amongst 2000 years of history. Imagine the farmers, fishermen, fowlers, gatherers and craftsmen who lived and died there.
The rich natural environment of Caithness provided resources for eating and drinking. Bone from deer, whale and cattle was transformed into a variety of object. Stone was used in almost every area of life. Metals were turned into tools, weapons and jewellery. From further afield came exotic materials such as Roman pottery and glass.
Brochs continue to dominate our landscape and influence the lives of individuals. In recent years the local community has been excavating the brochs in this area, including Nybster, hoping to shed a little light on these enigmatic sites and the people who lived, worked and died there. Visit Caithness Broch Centre and learn more.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 58° 33.165′ N, 3° 5.378′ W. Marker is in Wick, Scotland, in Highland. Marker is on Route A99, 15.6 kilometers north of the Wick River, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wick, Scotland KW1 4XR, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 14 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Keiss Quoad Sacra Parish War Memorial (approx. 2.5 kilometers away); Warth Hill Viewpoint (approx. 7 kilometers away); Duncansby Head Lighthouse (approx. 10.8 kilometers away); Wick War Memorial (approx. 12.4 kilometers away); The Castle & Gardens of Mey (approx. 13.1 kilometers away); Royal Visit - Castle of Mey (approx. 13.2 kilometers away).
Also see . . . Caithness Broch Project. (Submitted on December 18, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 118 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 18, 2018, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.