Árbók Hins íslenzka fornleifafélags - 01.01.1992, Page 129

TIMBURHÚS FORNT
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and design of the house itself was also carried out. In an attempt to verify the origin of the
house an emphasis was laid on sources concerning the relocation of the house, the origins of
commerce in Blönduós and, finally, the history of the houses used by the merchants of the
monopoly trade at Skagaströnd as compared with Hillebrandtshús.
Nothing emerged from this research that conclusively refuted the legend concerning the
relocation of the house. Many of the findings, on the contrary, seem to indicate that it may
well date from the 18th century. However, documents that might have dispelled all doubts,
one way or the other, have, regrettably, been lost.
The main dimensions of Hillebrandtshús are the same as those of the old small shop at
Skagaströnd. The layout of the frame is also similar and its general method of construction
very old. There is a basement under the present house in Blönduós which appears not to
have been part of the house originally. The roof is lower than on the house at Skagaströnd
but, again, it is likely that it has been replaced. Wood was very valuable as building material
in those days and relocation of houses not uncommon.
The historical value of the house is considerable. Not only because it is the oldest house in
Blönduós but also because its main parts may date back to the 18th century. Few houses
remain from that period and this one is probably among the very oldest existing houses in
Iceland.
Translated by Eiríkur K. Bjarnason