1. A small (2m internal diameter) circular stone-built roundhouse, part of the north stream settlement. Described by Evans (1990) thus; 'Hut above the west scarp of the North Stream, the entrance and internal wall of large and small stones exposed by excavation. There are at least ten small cairns in the vicinity. The proximity of the stream, the cairns, the small size of the hut and the location peripheral to habitations, not to mention the blackthorn scrub all suggest a sauna.' (Evans 1990, 257, Number 13 and Figure 10). This is probably the hut excavated by Mr Drane or Edward Laws between 1896-1898, and is shown on the 1st edition Ordnance Survey map.
2. Visit and photography by RCAHMW on 3 September 2024. It was noted that the upper courses of the structure's wall appear to be corbelled. Alternative functions and dates should also be considered in addition to Evans' suggestion; potentially that of a post-medieval structure such as a vegetatble store or a corn-drying kiln?
Louise Barker, RCAHMW, September 2024
3. RCAHMW Survey visit with UAV and ground photogrammetry, 5th April 2025.
A Sketchfab model resulting from the photogrammetric survey is available to view here: https://sketchfab.com/3d-models/cwt-13-ynys-sgomer-hut-13-skomer-island-a41e491517a14d6e8691e3858111d3fb
A small drystone building on the north side of a minor stream valley, broadly circular with a clear north facing entrance. The building measures 1.5m internally north-south x 1.4m east-west. The maximum internal height of exposed stonework is 0.7m , with 3-4 courses of stone visible. Entrance defined by two stone jambs/doorposts, the western of which stands 0.48 high; that on E side has slumped inwards slightly. The entrance width is 0.5m. with an external drywalled entranceway or small forecourt.
Externally, the wall has a width of 1.2m on the west side, while the hut stands on an artificial terrace on the south and east sides; externally the wall measures 2.8m wide on S side where built up, but with a suggested wall thickness of approx. 1.15m on S side excluding spread or tumbled material.
The exact function and date remains uncertain despite reappraisal.
Toby Driver and Louise Barker, RCAHMW, 5th April 2025.
Reference:
Evans, J. 1990. An Archaeological Survey of Skomer, Dyfed'. Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society 56, 247-267.