| Early smiths discovered
that if the iron was heated and reheated over a bed of burning charcoal crystallisation
could be checked. They had to hammer the iron every time they heated it, forming it into
the desired tool or weapon without the use of a mould. When they had achieved a
satisfactory shape the smith heated the finished product once again and plunged it into a
bath of cold water. The sudden chilling prevented the iron from developing weak points
because of partial crystallisation. |
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In each of the Celtic settlements
there were usually a dozen houses surrounded by a stout timber palisade (wall) to keep out
warring neighbours. In the North and the West where there were very few trees the
settlements were built of stone, but they were still built to the same design. Often they
built Brochs beside their huts into which they would retreat if they came under
attack. These were huge circular, stone constructions, much wider at the base with a tiny
entrance. The people could herd their livestock into the brochs if necessary, as these
were kept stocked with supplies of food. Water supplies, or even a well inside, ensured
the survival of a tribe under threat. |
| The Celts had other very effective
ways of making their living places safe. They built Crannogs, which were floating wooden
settlements on lochs and moors. A floating platform would be built from wood and upon this
floating platform they would build a round hut approximately fifteen metres in diameter.
Around the timber walls of the crannogs, there was a walkway, and on the side looking over
the loch access for a harbour. A narrow causeway reached the shore. The people who lived
here planted crops in nearby fields, and could withdraw to their Crannogs should danger
threaten. |
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No other country in the world can boast a
life span more rich or diverse than Scotland. The true story of the people, the battles,
the nobility and its Kings and Queens, is more thrilling than any novel, and has more love
stories than all the Hollywood Movies.
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