Archaeology Notes

Event ID 752930

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Archaeology Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/752930

NJ73NE 9.01 762 393.

As a preliminary to restoration work, the interior of the earth closet in the grounds of Fyvie Castle was cleared, and the former means of access was investigated. The interior of the structure, thought to have been built around 1777, was found to have been cleared out within the past 10 or 20 years, but constructional details were nevertheless recorded. Access was found to have been via a fairly slight gravel path. The route of the path is to be further established, with the intention of restoring this for public access to the building.

Sponsor: NTS.

Turner 1994f.

NJ 762 393 The earth closet to the W of Fyvie Castle was built around 1777. As part of the restoration of this fine building, the line of the original footpath which served it was sought. The path shown on the 1st and 2nd Editions OS maps was still discernible, and was able to be followed with ease. All soil and leaf debris which had developed within the past 50 or 60 years was cleared, but the gravel surface of the path was not disturbed.

The path was found to have followed a sinuous route, designed to allow visitors the best view of the charming earth closet building rather than to allow the easiest and quickest access. Having been uncovered, the path is being restored for use by visitors, who can now visit the restored building and see its fine working Victorian earth closet mechanism.

Sponsor: National Trust for Scotland.

R Turner 1995.