Archaeologists working in Orkney have made an extraordinary discovery - the remarkably well-preserved remains of an 18th-century Royal Navy base. The site, located at the former HMS Tern airfield, has been described as "exceptionally rare" by experts from Historic Environment Scotland (HES).
A Time Capsule from the Age of Sail
The excavation revealed a wealth of artifacts and structures dating back to the Napoleonic era, including what appears to be a naval provisioning complex. The find offers unprecedented insights into Britain's naval operations during a pivotal period in maritime history.
What Makes This Discovery Special?
- Unusually intact structural remains of naval buildings
- Artifacts that provide new understanding of daily life for sailors
- Evidence of complex provisioning systems
- Rare examples of period construction techniques
Gordon Barclay of HES commented: "This is one of the most significant naval archaeology finds in Scotland in recent decades. The level of preservation allows us to reconstruct aspects of naval life with remarkable accuracy."
Why Orkney Matters in Naval History
The Orkney Islands played a crucial strategic role during the Napoleonic Wars, serving as a vital staging post for the Royal Navy. This discovery helps fill important gaps in our understanding of how the navy maintained its formidable presence in northern waters.
Archaeologists are particularly excited about the potential for this site to rewrite aspects of naval history. The team plans to conduct further analysis of the artifacts and structures before publishing their full findings.
