Iron Age Roundhouse | Reconstruction

A simulated Iron Age roundhouse at the Ryedale Folk Museum, North Yorkshire. Roundhouses are relatively common in the British Bronze and Iron Ages, seemingly representing a standard type of housing in most areas. The style continued to be used even into the sub-Roman period in some cases. This reconstruction is based on an example excavated at nearby Pickering Quarry. The common features of a roundhouse are the circle of timber posts joined by wattle-and-daub panels, and a roughly 45 degree pitched thatch roof. Here an impressive 'porch' feature has been interpreted, most likely used as a windbreak of sorts. 45 degrees was found by experimental archaeologists to be the most efficient design, and surprisingly strong. A hearth burns constantly in the centre, but there is no chimney as an updraft will allow sparks to start a fire, and besides the smoke discourages creatures from eating the thatch. Not the best model ever, but the site is restricted by trees, hungry pigs etc. 149 images processed in Metashape