Hebridean Archaeological Sites
Cille Bharra, Barra
Main Article
The chapel at Cille Bharra was perhaps founded as early as the 7th century AD, being named after St Barr (or Finnbar) who was ordained c AD 600. It was after the Saint that the Norsemen gave the island the name of Barray. The largest building on the site was the church, and, although it has lost its gable ends, the top of the door with its distinctively Irish inward- sloping jambs can be seen in the north wall. Narrow splayed windows in the surviving walls are similarly triangular at the top on the inside, but rounded on the outside face. After the church fell into disrepair it was partially filled with soil and used for burials.
The best preserved building on the site is the north chapel and inside this can be seen a full-size replica of an elaborate Norse rune stone which was found in the cemetery in 1865. On one side the runic inscription reads:"After Thorgerth, Steiner's daughter, this cross was raised", whilst on the other is an elaborate Celtic cross with plaited interlace. There are also three 16th century grave-slabs in this chapel believed to have once covered the graves of Macneils or their near relatives.
SMR Database Entries
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar has an extensive online Sites and Monuments Records database, with in-depth details about the historical, cultural and archaeological sites and monuments in the Hebrides. This site is featured in this database, and the list below gives links to read more. These links will open in a new browser window / tab.
