hat has in recent times been
called the "Frobisher House", although originally christened
"Fenton's Watchtower", is one of the main archaeological features
visible on Kodlunarn Island.
Situated at the highest point of the island, it is now a shallow,
irregular pit surrounded by large, scattered boulders. The
dimensions of the house taken from the exterior of the foundation
are 3.6 m by 4.3 m (12 feet by 14 feet). The
north, east, and west walls are 0.6 m (2 feet) thick.
The south wall may be thicker. At the south end of the west wall
is what may be a door 0.75 m (30 inches) wide. The
entire structure is oriented roughly east and west.
The foundation, relatively well preserved, in some areas stands
more than 30 cm high. Some of the rocks in the foundation and
scattered around the structure have been shaped slightly, probably
with mining tools. Lime mortar was used between the rocks, while
small stones and rubble filled in any chinks.
Based on careful measurement of the rock scattered about the
foundation, it is believed that the masonry walls may have been
0.9 to 1.1 m (3 to 3½ feet) high. This
suggests that the upper portion of the walls may have been built
from wood. Captain Fenton, who oversaw
the construction of the house, noted in his journal that the roof was
completed with boards.
The timber, along with the various trinkets and other items left
behind in the house, were subsequently salvaged by the Inuit.
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