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Jarlshof Prehistoric and Norse Settlement

Sumburgh, Shetland
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Delve into more than 4,000 years of human settlement in the same location. Neolithic people first settled at this site in Shetland around 2700 BC, and it remained in use until the AD 1600s.

Jarlshof contains more than 4,000 years of human settlement on a single site. Discoveries made here include oval-shaped Bronze Age houses, an Iron Age broch and wheelhouses, Norse long houses, a medieval farmstead, and a laird’s house dating from the 1500s.

Enjoy the site’s dramatic location on a headland overlooking the West Voe of Sumburgh and take our fun fact-finding quiz while exploring the settlement. 

Clearly dug out remains of former building, forming a stone-lined, curved trench in a grassy area
A shoreline with stones and a fence separating it rom a road, and beyond that the remains of a ruined building

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Enjoy the Jarlshof audio guide

Our audio guides tell you fascinating stories from some of Scotland’s most impressive historic places.
Our audio guides
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Use a Membership or Explorer Pass to discover centuries of Scottish history and heritage, all while saving money and supporting our work.

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Valid for 14 consecutive days

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