Iron bell with a bronze coating

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This iron bell with a bronze coating was found at the Broch of Burrian on North Ronaldsay in Orkney. It is evidence of the spread of Christianity, introduced from the western or Celtic tradition, between 650 and 900.

The small bell is quadrangular in shape and extremely corroded. There is no evidence that it had a clapper, and it was perhaps struck with a separate striker. Only fragments survive of the bronze coating, which appears to have been cast on.

After Columba founded the monastery of Iona in 563, the close links with the Irish tradition of Christianity continued. Handbells were important in this tradition, and when found in Pictish Scotland, reflect the influence of the west coast church.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-038-376-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.GB 306
• Date: Between 650 and 900
  
• Material: Iron, sheet; small
  Bell
  
• Dimensions:
• What: Bell
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Orkney, North Ronaldsay, Burrian
  
• Event:
• Description: Small iron bell from Burrian
  
• References:
  • MacGregor, Arthur. The Broch of Burrian, North Ronaldsay, Orkney. Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, 105 (1972-4), pp 63-118, esp. pp 100, 113. 
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