Eliza D’Oyly Traill Burroughs (1849–1908)

a voice from the ‘Unrecorded Past’

Abstract

Eliza D’Oyly Traill Burroughs, or Lady Burroughs, is known for her report on the discovery and excavation of Taversoe Tuick, Rousay, Orkney, in 1898. Apart from this report, however, Eliza is a largely elusive figure about whose personality and private life not much is known. This article draws on archival material, recorded local memories and public documents to reconstruct a portrait of the enigmatic author behind the Taversoe Tuick report.