Borve, Lewis - Prehistoric Remains

Prehistoric Remains

In Melbost Borve lie the remains of Cladh Bhrighid (Brigid’s burial ground). Nearby are the ruins of a tiny chapel barely visible in the grass, which historian Martin Martin refers to as the chapel of "St Brigid in Barove" and the Ordnance Survey calls "Teampull Bhrighid" (Brigid’s chapel). Tobar Bhrighid (Brigid’s Well) is also close by. St Brigid was an Irish Christian abbess and saint, with feast day 1 February (Imbolc). The goddess Brigid was one of the Tuatha Dé Danann in Irish mythology.

About half a mile north of Melbost Borve stand the ruins of the broch Dun Bhuirgh. Perhaps Gaelicised from the old Norse word for a fort (borg), this may be the origin of the name Borgh. The broch itself predates Norse times. Its stone wall rises to about 8 feet tall at its highest point.

The remains of Norse water mills lie on the western bank of the river, to the north of the A857.

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