The Knap of Howar is a Neolithic site on the island of Papa Westray in Orkney, Scotland that is believed to be the oldest preserved stone house in northern Europe. The site consists of two “houses”, commonly referred to as “the farmstead”, which were built through dry stone construction with an adjoining passageway between them.
Excavations show evidence that the inhabitants of the house kept cattle, sheep, and pigs; cultivated barley and wheat; gathered shellfish and also fished for species which need to be line caught using boats. The larger building (House One) is believed to be the living quarters while House Two served as a workshop and storage space.
