Edinburgh, Holyrood Palace

The Palace of Holyroodhouse.

From the time of the accession of the House of Stewart Edinburgh gradually rose in importance until, in 1452, it became officially the chief burgh of the realm. During the frequent minorities of the Stewart dynasty its castle was not only the royal dwelling but also frequently the refuge of royal persons, although by the turn of the 15th and 16th-centuries that "wyndy and richt unpleasand castell and royk," as Bishop Gavin Douglas called it, had become quite out of date. Like many another religious house the Abbey of Holyrood had accommodated royalty from time to time, yet little or nothing is known of any permanent royal residence existing there until the year 1473, when the Queen's "chalmire" is specifically mentioned in the accounts of the Lord High Treasurer. It was James IV who, in preparation for his marriage to Margaret Tudor, began, in 1501, to build a palace in the outer court of the Abbey, the superintendent of the work being Master Leonard Logie and the master mason Walter Merlioun. No doubt such of the Abbey buildings as were suitable were merely repaired and included in the scheme, but a new tower, hall, chapel and gatehouse are mentioned in a further series of the same accounts. John Younger, Somerset Herald, a member of the Queen's English retinue, in his minute description of the wedding festivities of 1503 mentions several of the apartments in this palace. For example, the dining-room is spoken of as richly dressed with red and blue hangings and as containing a canopy of state, a "riche bed of astat, and a riche dressor, after the guyse of the countre." The Great Chamber was hung with tapestry representing “the ystory of Troy towne,” the King's Chamber " was haunged about with the story of Hercules, togeder with other ystorys," the King's Hall was "haunged of th' ystory of the old Troy," while a fifth room had another tapestry of the Hercules series.** Then came the tragedy of Flodden. Although James IV did not live to see his work completed it was continued until 1530, in which year no less a sum than £1,568 was expended in "building and reparation of the new hous" probably under the immediate direction of John, Duke of Albany, who had been recalled from France in 1515. Pitscottie, indeed, attributes the whole of the work to James V, who, however, had only attained the age of seventeen when it was stopped (1).

James IV's tower, the walls of which had been finished as early as 1505, can still be seen at the N.W. corner of the present building, but the rest of the 16th-century palace, excepting a fragment of the gatehouse, has been swept away in the course of several reconstructions. Some idea of its appearance can, however, be gained from the drawing reproduced in Fig. 59; this can be referred to 1544 as it shows the destruction caused by Hertford's forces in that year (2). Drawn from the slopes of the Calton Hill, which rises on the N.W. of the Abbey, this sketch shows nothing of the Abbey cloister, which Younger mentions. At Holyrood, as elsewhere, the communal dwelling had probably now been abandoned in favour of manses, two of which seem to be represented on the N. side of the choir. There is a range shown in the position of the cellarium, but at some little distance from the church; while another runs from the S.W. tower of the church to abut on James IV's tower, which is turreted at three, if not at all four, corners*** and projects outwards from the N.W. corner of the whole. From James IV's tower an irregular series of buildings extends southwards to meet others grouped round a small inner court. From the nature of the entries in the Lord High Treasurer's accounts it would appear that several of the buildings were of wood.

The architectural significance of this 16th-century palace escaped notice until Dr. W. Douglas Simpson (3) recently showed its affinity to Tattershall Castle, in England, the building of which was in progress between 1434 and 1446, and to other palatia on the Continent. As he suggests, the direct ancestor of this Scottish palace is probably to be sought in France. At Holyrood the principal constituent, the tower, was no doubt the King's private residence and the new hall one of several intended for the general use of the household - the whole constituting a suitable and up-to-date establishment for a sovereign. The Seigneur de Brantome, a member of Queen Mary's suite and one who was presumably familiar with the best contemporary architecture of France, pronounced it to be "undoubtedly a fine building, little in keeping with the country” (4).

The manner in which the Gothic palace of 1544 gave way to an orderly Renaissance lay-out can be clearly seen from Gordon of Rothiemay's map, of 1647, and from a survey prepared in 1663 by John Mylne, King's Master Mason, and now preserved in the Bodleian Library. The two courtyards of the earlier plan were retained, but a third was built on the E. side of the smaller one, while James IV's tower was left projecting at the N. end of the façade - Charles I had proposed to build a similar tower at the opposite end to balance it, but the scheme was not carried out until his son was restored to the throne. The S.W. tower of the church, shown roofless in 1647, had disappeared by 1660; and by 1663 the cloister-garth had become the Privy Garden, while the site of the conventual frater was now occupied by the Bishop's house.

In November 1650 the palace took fire while it was occupied by Cromwell's troops, but it cannot have suffered extensive damage as it was again occupied in 1655 and no steps were taken for its rebuilding until 1658. The repairs and additions then made would seem, moreover, to have been confined to the upper part of the front, seeing that Sir William Bruce's warrant of appointment, dated 1676 (see infra) authorised him "to take down the buildings and rooms built by the usurpers above the front of the West quarter of His Majestie's Palace of Holyroodhouse." The extent and appearance of Cromwell's additions can be gauged by comparing Gordon of Rothiemay's drawing, which shows the facade as it stood about 1647, with that of Hollar, prepared shortly after 1660.

After his restoration Charles II resolved to rebuild Holyroodhouse. In 1671 Sir William Bruce of Balcaskie, an eminent architect as well as a staunch Royalist, submitted sketch plans, made by Robert Mylne, King's Master Mason, for the reconstruction. Some of these are still extant and have been reproduced by the Rev. R. S. Mylne in The Master Masons to the Crown of Scotland (5). The king's comments upon Bruce's scheme are instructive: "The low vaulted chappell is to be made a large vaulted cellare; for his Majestie will have noe Chappell in this new house but ane entrie . . . into the church." He "does noe way approve of three Royal apartements, they being absolutely unnecessary. For he will only have his oune Great Apartements to the East upon the new Privy Garden and the old Royall Apartement where it now is, the Privy chamber of it being enlarged as is proposed, and the Drawing Room and Bed Chamber to be as it now is in the North-Towr [i.e., James IV's tower]. His Majesty does alsoe much dislike his Privy Gallery, and would have it converted into conveniencyes for Robes and back staires for the Royal appartement to the East." He also made most practical suggestions for improving communication and for the better placing of the kitchens. A proposal to raise the central part of the front to the height of the inner court was less happy; effect was not given to this, the design being recast instead.

In general, however, the scheme was approved and Bruce was appointed general overseer and superintendent of the work at a salary of £300 sterling. As the matter was urgent, the work of demolition as well as that of reconditioning the old tower was put in hand forthwith; but the main contract (6) was not entered into until the following year, when, on March 11th and 12th, Robert Mylne, King's Master Mason, agreed to execute the whole work in accordance with Sir William Bruce's designs,and with a minutely-detailed specification, for the sum of £57,000. Some of the building-accounts for the years 1674-8 are preserved in H.M. General Register House. From these it appears that stone was brought from Dalgety in Fife and from South Queensferry to eke out such of the old material as was suitable for re-use. Paving stones were obtained from an adjacent quarry in the King's Park. Marble mantelpieces from Italy were shipped from London. The bulk of the timber required for finishings, as well as tiles, marble pavings, linseed oil and white lead, came from Holland. The church windows were repaired with English glass, but French glass was imported for those of the palace. Adequate provision was made for water-supply and drainage. Jacobus de Wet (de Witt), a Dutch artist, was engaged on the recommendation of the Earl of Lauderdale, the King's Commissioner, "for there are nane here who worke so well as those of that nation,"· while his compatriot, Jan van Santvoort, was employed as a carver. The ornamental plasterwork was carried out by John Hulbert and George Dunsterfield, both Englishmen, with the assistance of Thomas Alborn, who may have been a Scot. James VII and II proposed to complete the scheme by laying out St. Anne's Yard, on the E. of the palace, as a formal garden, with walks bordered by statues. The Revolution, however, caused this project to be dropped.

[see RCAHMS 1951, 146-151, for a full architectural description]

RCAHMS 1951

(1) P.S.A.S., xxxiv (1899-1900), p. 224. (2) The Bannatyne Miscellany, i, p. 184. (3) Journal of the British Archaeological Association, June 1935, pp. 186 f. (4) Lalanne, (Euvres Completes de Pierre de Bourdeille Seigneur de Brantome (1873), vii, p. 419. (5) Between pp. 168 and 169. (6) P.S.A.S., xiv (1879-80), p. 329.

**These tapestries appear to have been purchased in 1503 from James Hornyll, for £161. (Accounts of the Lord High Treasurer, ii, p. 214).

***Hollar’s view of about 1660 shows a fourth turret at the S.E. corner.

Oblique aerial photographs of Holyrood Palace and Abbey, Edinburgh, by Mr John Dewar in 1971.

In preparation for his marriage to Margaret Tudor in 1503, James IV ordered the construction of a palace in the outer court of the Abbey... James IV's plan was never completed although work on the palace continued in the reigns of James V and Mary. The major piece of extant sixteenth century work, the north-west tower, dates from the reign of James V. After his restoration in 1660, Charles II resolved to rebuild the palace and ordered Sir William Bruce to draw up plans for its reconstruction. The plans were ultimately approved by the king who appointed Robert Mylne, his master mason, to execute the work. Mylne erected the north quarter of the palace first, then the east, the south with its tower and finalJy the front (Richardson, 1950, 6).

Information from ‘Historic Edinburgh, Canongate and Leith: The Archaeological Implications of Development’ (1981).

NT 2691 7392. Four 1 x 1m trial trenches were excavated by Kirkdale Archaeology in the gardens in the forecourt of the Palace, in advance of the installation of a new water supply. No finds were recovered, and the removed material comprised garden soil and levelling material.

Sponsor: Historic Scotland.

G Ewart and A Dunn 1996.

Kirkdale Archaeology carried out a watching brief to monitor the installation of a new fire hydrant supply at the Palace of Hollyroodhouse. The trench required for the new services revealed a wall aligned N-S, at a point c 5.8m S of the junction between the SW tower and the S wall of the palace. It was of two periods of build, the earlier element with indications of moulding on its W side, and perhaps, therefore, part of the formal structures associated with either palace or abbey buildings.

However, the secondary wall was clearly of more rustic build, and together they appeared to reflect a form of crude outbuilding, nonetheless pre-dating the present 19th-century garden layout.

Sponsor: Historic Scotland

G Ewart 1997

The Public Monuments and Sculpture Association (http://www.pmsa.org.uk/) set up a National Recording Project in 1997 with the aim of making a survey of public monuments and sculpture in Britain ranging from medieval monuments to the most contemporary works. Information from the Edinburgh project was added to the RCAHMS database in October 2010 and again in 2012.

The PMSA (Public Monuments and Sculpture Association) Edinburgh Sculpture Project has been supported by Eastern Photocolour, Edinburgh College of Art, the Edinburgh World Heritage Trust, Historic Scotland, the Hope Scott Trust, The Old Edinburgh Club, the Pilgrim Trust, the RCAHMS, and the Scottish Archive Network.

A short Watching Brief was carried out in Holyrood Palace Piazza.

Sponsor: HS

G Ewart

Kirkdale Archaeology

Kirkdale Archaeology was contracted by Historic Scotland to excavate test trenches across the proposed line of a water main (Phase 3 Fire Hydrant Renewal 1998) below the existing garden path along the E side of the Palace and to the S of the Abbey cloisters, to assess any likely damage to archaeological deposits. Three trenches were opened; trenches 1 and 2 were positioned to the N of steps running down to the grassed terrace from the frontage of the E range of the palace to the garden path and trench 3 to the S of the steps. The trench dimensions were kept to a minimum in order to create as little as possible inconvenience to visitor access and damage to the path and grassed surfaces.

Only very residual traces of sensitive archaeological deposits were located but, more usefully, the presence of an existing water supply along the W edge of the path was identified.

G Ewart 1998

Sponsor: Historic Scotland

Kirkdale Archaeology

NT 2691 7392 The digging of a trench to carry a pipe needed to upgrade the water supply within the palace and gardens was monitored. In most cases the new trench followed the line of earlier works. Evidence was found of the initial levelling of the site, the abbey construction, pits - mostly thought to be graves, and later levelling.

A Radley 1999

Sponsor: Historic Scotland

Kirkdale Archaeology

The archaeological work at Holyrood Palace was to investigate the area of ground to be disturbed in the excavations inadvance of the installation of parking meters in the area immediately to the E of the Palace grounds boundary wall.

The deposits encountered in Trenches 1-11 were very similar and the material in the roughly 0.40m in depth removed was basically 0.15m of turf and topsoil [001] over 0.20m of sandy imported material [002] and an unknown depth of grey green gravel [003]/[004].

It may be that [002] only exists in the area investigated, not under the car-park surface, and that it was imported to an area which was always going to be turfed. [003] and [004] were thought to be bedding gravel laid down immediately prior to the construction of the current car park surface. Nothing of archaeological significance was found.

Five trial trenches were dug in the Piazza to locate the cast iron pipe that serviced the sprinkler system inside the Palace. The work was carried out over 3 periods, starting in 1999 and ending in 2000.

The first excavations were numbered trenches 1-3; Trench 1 was located toward the S of the Piazza, Trench 2 to the NE and Trench 3 was in the NW corner.

Further work was completed on the 1st December 1999, when further excavation for work on the water pipes in the Piazza was undertaken. This trench, numbered 4, was in the area where Trench 1 had earlier located the pipe.

The final phase of the works at Holyrood Palace involved a trench dug in the NW corner of the Piazza.Archaeological supervision was called when only a small amount of the trench had been excavated by the Historic Scotland squad, and they had observed in-situ masonry.

The results of the excavations of the five small trenches are summarised in terms of six phases, with Phase 1 representing the latest activity. The features in phases 1, 2 and 3 are clearly modern. Due to the lack of any datable finds the other phases are difficult to date. Trench 3 is extensively disturbed and most of the evidence therefore comes from trenches 1 and 2. Phase 4 does seem to involve garden landscaping but the date of this work cannot, at this stage of reporting, be determined. Phase 5 similarly cannot be dated with any certainty. The high amount of waste material included does suggest that dating could be obtained with more careful and more extensive excavation. A selection of the bones from [204] were shown to a human bone specialist to verify that there were no burials included, and they were all confirmed as animal bones. Phase 6 was barely seen.

Sponsor: Historic Scotland

G Ewart & A Dunn

Kirkdale Archaeology

Between the 29th February and the 6th of March a watching brief was carried out on groundworks in the forecourt to the W of the palace. The work involved a hand-dug trench starting just east of the NW corner of the main palace building extending N, parallel to an iron fence (Trench A). The excavation then turned W, again following the fence, and extended to the western entrance (Trench B). Trenches C and D were parallel to each other; they joined trench B and initially extended S before turning W. These trenches were within the northern forecourt lawn, with trench D being the more westerly and southern. Trench E was through the Tarmac surface to the W of the lawns and aligned mainly N-S although there were short E-W stretches at either end. Trenches F and G were parallel to each other and through the southern lawn. They were mostly aligned E-W in the main but turned S at the E end. Trench F was the northern of the two. Only modern and 20th century material was uncovered.

Sponsor: Historic Scotland

A Dunn 2000

Kirkdale Archaeology

A programme of clearance and landscaping was undertaken on the Piazza, a grassed area enclosed by a paved, arcaded quadrangle within the Palace of Holyroodhouse. The aim of this work was to remove the deposit of ash below the Piazza turf prior to the laying of a new lawn. The majority of the spoil removal was by machine (JCB), and an archaeological presence was maintained throughout. The majority of the features encountered comprised services, these being recorded principally to show areas of disturbance.

The discovery of the earlier walls and the associated terrace upon which they were built is most likely evidence of the early Augustinian Abbey, some after the middle of the 12th century and the earlier decades of the 13th century. Significantly these remains were damaged by the secondary masonry, implying that they were already cleared, and that masonry is part of some later medieval building programme. This in turn was removed when the present Piazza was laid out in the 17th century. It is however noteworthy that the latter does not appear to be a close revision of a residual monastic cloister or enclosure.

In conclusion, despite the limited area exposed, the recent programme of work has shown that there is archaeological potential within the Piazza for the examination of the development of the Abbey from the early years of its foundation.

Sponsor: Historic Scotland

G Ewart & A Dunn

Kirkdale Archaeology

NT 2692 7389 Excavation and monitoring works were undertaken between July and September 2001, in advance of an extensive programme of the upgrading of services for the Palace of Holyroodhouse (NMRS NT 27 SE 35). Excavation was undertaken in two areas – the forecourt, and the S side of the piazza within the palace complex. The trenches in the forecourt were narrow and dug to a general depth of approximately 1.5mfor the subsequent location of new service conduits. The cutting ran in a series of stages, from the main entrance of the palace on its W side round to meet the Archers Gate on the S side of the palace. Evidence was retrieved of at least three courtyard/parade ground surfaces, generally cobbled and metalled surfaces. The sequence appears to reflect forecourt levels from late monastic occupation of the site, the later 17th century, and the 19th century.The earliest surface is generally of 15th-century date and demonstrates how much the forecourt levels had been raised over the two successive periods.

At one point a N–S aligned covered drain was revealed, sealed by the last metalled surface, appearing therefore to represent early medieval occupation of this part of the abbey precinct. The area to the S of the W side of the palace revealed evidence of various 18th-century additions to the palace as depicted on the Edgar map of 1742. However, more substantial footings were revealed, perhaps revealing structures depicted on this part of the site on the 1647 Rothiemay perspective.

G Ewart 2001

Sponsor: Historic Scotland

Kirkdale Archaeology

NT 2692 7389 Excavation and monitoring works were undertaken between July and September 2001, in advance of an extensive programme of the upgrading of services for the Palace of Holyroodhouse (NMRS NT 27 SE 35). Excavation was undertaken in two areas – the forecourt, and the S side of the piazza within the palace complex.

Within the S alley of the 17th-century piazza, evidence was found of a series of buildings demolished at the time of the Charles II rebuilding of the palace, but which generally respect a similar plan/footprint. These structures comprised at least one internal space with a hearth, but which lay near/was linked to service structures or spaces on the evidence of cobbled surfaces and paving. These elements appear to be part of the post-medieval palace layout, but which may in turn derive from earlier monastic ranges/structures. The earliest feature so far revealed was some sort of oven or forge complex located at the W end of the S alley of the piazza. This comprised a well-constructed flue or ash pit with much associated burning and heat-affected surfaces; pottery retrieved from the infill of this structure suggests at least a 14th-century date for its late use.

A watching brief was also maintained on cable laying throughout the SW corner of the palace complex over three floors.

G Ewart 2001

Sponsor: Historic Scotland

Kirkdale Archaeology

In August 2002 Kirkdale Archaeology carried out, under the Historic Scotland minor archaeological works call-off contract, at Holyrood Palace a Watching Brief during the excavation of a Pipe Trench for new services in Holyrood Palace.

G Ewart 2002

Sponsor: Historic Scotland

Kirkdale Archaeology

NT 269 739 During the extensive renovation and upgrading works on parts of the N Range of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the downtaking of the dividing wall between Rooms 13 and 15 (N range, third floor) revealed that it was of unusually high-quality work. This wall was a simple stud partition with lightweight laminate wall fabric with wallpaper finish, but after removal of the wall surfaces (by contractors) the timber framework was recorded prior to removal.

The timber frame comprised a series of vertical and horizontal beams with two diagonal bracing beams. The entire structure was of pine and was assembled prior to fixing against floor and ceiling. This was achieved by a series of heavy iron bolts with plate terminals and a central tie rod.

The following inscription was seen, written in pencil in a 'Copperplate' hand:

Wm. Dunnet

Joiner Sept 20th 1900

Holyrood

The quality of the work is surprisingly high and the metalwork is also of good quality. The latter are of unusual design and may have been custom made. All this may indicate high quality control for a major reworking of the upper floor, from a series of large spaces to smaller individual chambers, at the turn of the 19th/20th century.

Also during this programme, numerous floorboards, fittings and doors were removed by contactors. This work was monitored.

At ground-floor level, within the present kitchens, excavation in advance of new gas mains installation revealed the presence of human burials. These comprised evidence of four mature adults, two juveniles, one child, and one baby. Due to the constraints of the area opened, only a brief record was feasible, and they were not disturbed any further. The individuals appeared to be part of a secular graveyard lying to the N and W of the Abbey Church, pre-dating the construction of the later 17th-century Palace and any possible 16th-century precursor.

G Ewart

Sponsor: Historic Scotland

Kirkdale Archaeology

NT 2679 7391 A watching brief was undertaken in January and February 2002 during the excavation of service tracks across the courtyard area in the general area of known Palace/Abbey buildings.The presence of stone walls pre-dating the later 19th-centurychurch structure (providing footings and delimiting the latter on its E side at least) suggests a more complex structural history than might be first assumed. In addition, the area outwith the walls was equally complex, featuring imported clays, which in turn received a drain. The area W and N of the church was then infilled to create a new ground level, significantly higher than its predecessor. The drain was then introduced, although whether inside or outside a building is not known. Lastly the church was constructed utilising the levelled and truncated remains of both residual surfaces and masonry.It is likely that the midden-rich deposits noted as exterior dumps,which appeared to extend across the entire footprint of the site,date to the 16th or early 17th century (on pottery evidence), and the drain was laid in some time before the church was constructed(1850), when the drain was truncated.It is also likely that the walls revealed both within the courtyard and below later masonry associated with the school activity pre-date the midden infill, and as such are parts of stone buildings earlier than the 16th- to early 17th-century rebuilding programme.There was no further opportunity to investigate the extent and date of this masonry. However, it is likely that this relates to the late use of the Abbey precinct, still a functioning monastic house,and that the landscaping and drainage date to the immediate post-Reformation conversions to the monastic layout, generally depicted on Gordon of Rothiemay’s perspective of 1647.

G Ewart and D Stewart 2002

Sponsor: Ben Tindall Architects

Kirkdale Archaeology

NT 268 738 A watching brief was undertaken in March 2002during the excavation of a series of boreholes and test pits, located on the S side of the Coachmen’s House, near Holyrood Palace.The sites lie at the southern end of a range of service buildings which define the W side of the Palace forecourt, and most lie within an open area presently used as a garden.The upper deposit in every area appeared to have been deposited or disturbed in recent times. Beneath the recent material was a large amount of make-up material.

G Ewart and D Stewart 2002

Sponsor: Historic Scotland

Kirkdale Archaeology

As part of Phase 3 of the Service Upgrade Project at The Palace of Holyroodhouse, a brick culvert to carry gas pipes and other services was to be constructed in the S loggia between the S range of the palace and the central piazza, continuing S into the palace through rooms G44, G44A, G45, G46a and G46b. The majority of the excavation was to be undertaken by archaeologists. As part of the same programme of works, standing building recording took place in various rooms in the S range.

It is clear that the excavation trenches revealed a complex sequence of structures earlier than the current palace. These are not from a single phase, but reflect the continual evolution of buildings on the site. These buildings may not only be from the buildings of the royal palace, but may also be from the mediaeval abbey buildings, which were absorbed by the earlier palace. There was no archaeological proof that the current S range is an adaptation rather than a complete rebuild of the earlier palace range. However, analysis of the finds may provide dating evidence for this as well as dates for the phases recognised in the excavation results.

The excavations show that the earlier buildings on the site were not completely cleared for the construction of the current palace. Their reduced remains, along with substantial amounts of levelling material, were used as a platform on which to build the late 17th-century palace. This may have been a deliberate way providing extra drainage to cope with the boggy, low-lying nature of the Holyrood area.

The future correlation of the remains found during these excavations with those found by other works around the palace, especially within the piazza and surrounding loggia will be informative. It will provide a more extensive, in-depth overview of the layout of the earlier palace buildings, if not those of the abbey.

More detail about the Standing Building Recording can be found in the full report.

G Ewart 2003

Sponsor: Historic Scotland

Kirkdale Archaeology

Under the terms of its P.I.C. call-out contract with Historic Scotland, Kirkdale Archaeology was asked to undertake a programme of standing building recording exercises and archaeological monitoring in the N range of Holyrood Palace during intrusive works and alterations. Most of this work involved a baseline recording of features on the third floor, especially the examination of under floor features exposed during work carried out as part of the Services Upgrade Project. Other features closely examined include structural features uncovered in the E wall of the ground floor kitchen.

Features in the E wall of the ground floor kitchen were revealed after the removal of plaster. The features were described and interpreted. This work was carried out on 5th January 2003.

Gordon Ewart 2003

Sponsor: Historic Scotland

Kirkdale Archaeology

NT 268 739 A watching brief was undertaken between January and March 2004 during a small excavation for the planting of a large tree located to the W of the Palace forecourt. Relatively modern structural features were removed and earlier, possibly 18th-century, features were left intact and were not considered to be under threat by future root growth.

There were clearly substantial structural remains in this area and any further ground-works undertaken would afford an opportunity of a better understanding of them. Historic maps may help give a better understanding of the phase 2 and 3 structure, those of the 18th century may be a good starting point.

It is the gardener’s opinion that the tree roots will grow mainly outwards and generally will do no damage to the structure, and that the major roots are likely to grow along the pipe trench.

A Radley 2004

Sponsor: Historic Scotland

Kirkdale Archaeology

NT 269 738 As part of a comprehensive upgrade in services within and N of the N Range of the Palace (DES 2003, 72), two trenches were excavated in late 2004. The first cut across the raised platform immediately N of the Palace block and uncovered evidence of its construction and drainage,suggesting it formed part of the late 17th-century rebuilding of the Palace.The other trench cut across the N side of the Piazza and revealed evidence of modern service installation. A late 17th-century door was discovered in situ on the ground floor, recently obscured by boarding to receive electricity cables.

A Radley 2004

Sponsor: Historic Scotland

Kirkdale Archaeology

NT 269 739 A watching brief was undertaken in April 2005 during the excavation of extensive trenches in the gardens around the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the abbey. The archaeological potential of these areas was somewhat limited by the extensive landscaping works undertaken in the gardens over the last two centuries, although there was a higher chance of encountering buried features near the ruinous abbey. There were no finds or features of archaeological significance.

Sponsor: Historc Scotland

D Stewart 2005

Kirkdale Archaeology

In August 2005 Kirkdale Archaeology carried out a short Standing Building Recording in preparation for the larger scale SBR carried out in November and December 2005.

G Ewart and D Gallagher 2006

Sponsor: Historic Scotland

Kirkdale Archaeology

NT 269 738 As part of the final stage of the services upgrade programme for the palace, elements of the NW Tower of James V were recorded in advance of a new service track installation between October and December 2005. The recent survey work and documentary research has reviewed the original layout of the tower and its later history.

The tower was conceived of as a free-standing structure, to the NW of and slightly detached from the pre-existing palace. Its ground floor consisted of two chambers with stone barrel-vaults, the western of which still survives. In August 1529, when the surviving documentation begins, the vaults were already in place and work had started on the upper walls.

The internal space of the tower consisted of two principal rooms on each floor, with smaller rooms in the western rounds. These rooms on the first and second floors formed the outer and inner chambers of the stacked royal lodging. Each of these apartments had separate access. The continued rebuilding of the palace by James V saw the integration of the originally freestanding tower with adjacent structures.

Access to the gardens to the N was by means of a raised timber gallery entered from a new floor in the N wall of the outer chamber. This gallery was demolished in 1676 and replaced with a stone built wing intended as an extension of the royal apartments.

The stair in the NE round was extended upwards to give access to both the upper floor of the tower and the E quarter. This made the smaller stair within the wall of the tower redundant.

The to straight stairs connecting the N wall of the inner chambers were replaced by a turnpike stair that rose from the ground. This is likely to have been inserted when the northern extension was created in c.1676.

After the demolition of the northern extension in the early 19th century, the N wall was refaced and new narrow slit windows placed to light the stair. The doorway from the first floor was sealed and the inner part of this aperture converted into a cupboard.

G Ewart and D Gallagher 2006

Sponsor: Historic Scotland

Kirkdale Archaeology

NT 269 7381

In advance of the installation of new service tracks two trenches were excavated in the S garden area of the palace in February-March 2006. One trench (measuring 5 x 1m) lay immediately E of the present path, 33m S of the S wall of the palace block. The second trench (5 x 1m) lay 40m N of the South Gate. Both the trenches showed evidence of a sequence of up to three separate garden phases - each laid above the other and up to 1m deep in the S trench. The earliest garden featured clear planting holes and beds, possibly of 16th-century date, associated with the palace of James IV and V.

G Ewart and A Radley 2006

Large areas of the garden to the E, S and N of the present palace block were examined via geophysical survey in August 2006. In light of these findings and historic map evidence, a total of 7 small trenches were excavated over 4 days.

Trench 1: This cutting opened a slot across a low earth mound in the East Garden. The mound was a garden feature constructed over two periods, the earlier ascribed to the mid 16th century. The mound was built over the levelled remains of the N side of a building within the monastic East Range (late 12th century).

Trenches 2/3: These two trenches were laid together and cut across the line of the monastic East Range and the possible South Range. Evidence of the conversion of a monastic plan into parterre garden over two periods was found as well as the recycling of the S range as part of the undercroft of a hall and later part of a parterre design.

Trench 4: This trench revealed a large stone-lined drain and associated building of post-1675 garden layout. It overlay infilled monastic features.

Trench 5: This indentified the conjunction of the South Tower of James IV and the Chancellor’s Lodging of James V. Evidence was found of the destruction of the latter, possibly in the riots of 1688.

Trench 6: This trench cut across the E wall of the South Tower of James IV.

Trench 7: This trench was excavated over the site of the tennis court, lying towards the S side of Abbey Mount, immediately N of Abbey Strand. No evidence of the tennis court was found, only the sub-ground floor features from 19th-century tenements.

In addition a full 3D survey was completed on the outside elevations of Queen Mary’s Bathhouse and the main structural phases were defined, showing its conversion from a defensive, mural tower associated with the royal formal gardens to the N and W of the palace of the late 16th-century date.

Archive to be deposited in NMRS.

Sponsor: Wildfire Television

Kirkdale Archaeology 2006

NT 268 739 (centred on) Six small holes were excavated for tree planting in the gardens of the Palace on 19 February 2009. There were no finds or features of great archaeological significance, although in three trenches there were traces of structural remains in the form of mortar and stone.

Archive: RCAHMS (intended)

Funder: Historic Scotland

Information from Alan Radley (Kirkdale Archaeology) March 2009. OASIS ID: kirkdale1-249676

NT 268 739 A watching brief was maintained, 6 January–20 February 2009, during excavations in advance of a new gas mains upgrade along a route running from the NW gate to the present boiler house. Most of the route followed the line of existing pipelines and involved no new ground-breaking. The cutting consisted of two sections. At its N end it ran for c20m E–W before turning S for a distance of c130m to meet the existing boiler house. The majority of the route exposed redeposited backfill in existing cuts, the only exceptions were at each end.

Immediately within the NW Gate, where the pipe entered the Palace grounds, the excavation exposed parts of the footings of the existing garden wall and evidence of a 19th-century hothouse which adjoined it. At the S end of the route, an area measuring 3 x 4m was excavated and was found to contain mortar and light rubble probably associated with the 17th-century N wing of the James V Tower. This was erected in 1676 as an extension to the planned Queen’s apartments, replacing an earlier gallery and was occupied by the Duke of Hamilton, as Keeper of the palace. It was demolished early in the 19th century.

Funder: Historic Scotland

Gordon Ewart – Kirkdale Archaeology

OASIS Id: kirkdale1-249692

NT 268 739 (centred on) In November 2009 a trench was excavated to the S of the SE corner of the palace. The excavation was halted when substantial in situ structural remains were discovered 150mm below the present ground surface. The remains may relate to 18th- and 19th-century buildings lying close to the S face of the palace. These buildings, associated with the Duke of Hamilton gardens, consisted of a combination of enclosures and roofed buildings.

A watching brief was maintained in December 2009 during an excavation of the N end of the ha-ha. The work disturbed little other than topsoil and material that may have been associated with a Victorian boundary wall. A deposit that may have been part of an earlier version of the ha-ha was seen but not excavated.

A watching brief was carried out in February 2010 during the excavation of 17 small holes in advance of tree planting in the gardens of the palace. Traces of a path that may have run alongside an earlier version of the E boundary wall were recorded in two of the holes. Traces of an earlier soil horizon were recorded in the majority of the holes at 0.3–0.4m below the current ground surface. Other features recorded included the remains of a structure formed with stone and clay, perhaps a drain, and a stone and mortar surface of

indeterminate date.

A Radley 2010

Sponsor: Historic Scotland

Kirkdale Archaeology

During the repair of windows on the south face of Palace of Holyroodhouse a recording exercise was undertaken on the easternmost two windows on the first and second floors. It was found that the widows were constructed with the appearance of sash windows but did not have the necessary fittings to work as such. Behind the windows was masonry blocking thought to have been in situ when these windows were first installed. Inscriptions seen on the blocking and window panes consist mostly of signed names, many dated 1867. Glass from previous repairs was cleared out from between the window frames and the blocking at the first floor level, but there were no inscriptions visible on the fragments. It was noted here that the windows were made with thinner glass while the sherds found included both this and thicker window glass. It was thought the thinner glass replaced the earlier window glass.

Information from David Murray and Alan Radley (Kirkdale Archaeology) 26 March 2010. OASIS ID: kirkdale1-279398

NT 2692 7385 A watching brief was maintained 27–28 April 2010 during the removal of an area of pampas grass in the gardens of the palace. The excavation revealed an E–W aligned wall line, which was at least 0.95m wide and up to 1.05m wide at its W end. This substantial wall, bonded with lime mortar, probably represented part of the expanded 17thcentury palace, with its N face lying 13.3m S of the S wall of the extant palace buildings.

Archive: RCAHMS (intended)

Funder: Historic Scotland

Information from David Murray (Kirkdale Archaeology) April 2010. OASIS ID - kirkdale1-279378

A watching brief was maintained during the excavation of ten small holes in the grounds of the Palace of Holyroodhouse. These were designed to take permanent survey markers, and were located around the S, E and N sides of the Palace complex. All the holes were hand dug by Historic Scotland staff, under archaeological supervision, and all measured 400 mm x 400 mm and were 125 mm deep. All these trenches were of such shallow depth that nothing of archaeological significance was recorded. The similar black sandy silt encountered in all trenches is likely to reflect the latest phase of use of the site as a garden.

Information from David Murray (Kirkdale Archaeology) 22 April 2010.

OASIS ID: kirkdale1-279376

Historic Scotland commissioned Kirkdale Archaeology to monitor the excavation of a long track being dug around the gardens on the S side of Holyrood Palace (see Fig.1 and Fig. 2). The track was designed to carry a service pipe from the S gate around the W side of the S gardens.

This trench stretching around the S gardens of Holyrood Palace has exposed long and often remarkably consistent sequences. The earliest evidence would seem to consist of a lower ground surface, perhaps 500 mm below the current level, with possibly associated structural remains. Within trench 1 in particular 004 was thought likely to represent a buried ground surface.

The trenches excavated totalled 265 m in length, with much of this following the course of these two tracks. Where the excavation followed these routes it was dug using a small mechanical excavator, while where it ran across the grass it was handdug by the Palace garden staff. Due to the stony nature of much of the deposits encountered a toothed bucket was used by the excavator. This meant that there is some variation both in width (c 300- 500 mm) and depth (300 to a maximum of 7002mm) in these stretches, while the hand dug stretches tended to be much more uniform (300 mm wide and deep).

The relationships between the various structural remains simply cannot be determined in the limited, often damaged areas examined. Wall 206 in trench 2 is almost certainly the same as 418 in trench 4, making it at least 9 m long. The cut 023/ 031 in trench 1 bottomed on an apparent wall 034, making it most likely a robber trench. 034 is significantly wider than 206, but could represent footings to the same feature. This would make it at least 80 m long. The S end of the gardens was extended in the nineteenth century, and this wall line would make a good candidate for this earlier boundary.

Wall line 408/ 409 lay just to the S of 418 in trench 4, but their relationship was obscured by later cuts. 408/ 409 could represent a structure just outside the gardens. The major cut 411 to the S of these walls seemed to be backfilled with re- deposited natural boulder clay. This implies a feature dug to a considerable depth, with a major drain known to run on roughly this course being a good candidate for this feature, again just outside the original Palace enclosure wall.

Returning to the NW end of trench 1 the structural remains orientated NE- SW 006, resemble the top of a vaulted roof, with its edge set, sloping stones. This is again most likely a well built drainage channel.

These structures and possibly associated ground surface were then sealed over by substantial deposits. Under the main roadway 003, a rubble rich deposit, is likely to represent a hardcore under pinning for the track. Much of this was dolerite, 11 including some enormous blocks, likely to have been freshly quarried from Arthur’s seat (quite possibly from Salisbury Crags directly overlooking the site), but it included some sandstone demolition/ construction rubble. Finds indicate a late nineteenth century date for this operation.

Context 003 seems to post- date the construction of the Haw-Haw, although they may well be contemporary operations. Wherever excavation was carried out over the Haw-Haw its make up was found to be rich in flint chips, presumably introduced as drainage.

Away from the Haw-haw and main track dumps of soil such as 215 and 216 seemed to have been used to seal structural remains and raise the ground level generally. The operation was presumably intended to prevent flooding of the low lying area of the gardens, and indicates a massive landscaping operation.

G Ewart 2010

Sponsor: Historic Scotland

Kirkdale Archaeology

NT 2694 7404 A watching brief was carried out 16–24 May 2012 on a small excavation for a tree in the N garden. The area mostly contained deposits of dumped material, which had been used for levelling and landscaping. A substantial amount of bone, some of it human, was recorded, along with a large amount of mortar and some sandstone rubble. Late medieval pottery and 19th-century finds were also recorded. It is possible that material was dumped in this area during landscaping of the ruinous E end of the abbey in the early 19th century, and probable that the source of the bone was the abbey cemetery, which lies to the N of the abbey.

Archive: RCAHMS (intended)

Funder: Historic Scotland

Information from David Murray (Kirkdale Archaeology) July 2012. OASIS ID - kirkdale1-310844

2012

NT 2686 7384 A watching brief was carried out, 21 September 2016 – 7 April 2017, during excavations to locate a burst water pipe. During the work at least two multi-phase, narrow, stone-walled structures, each with a series of floors, including a cobbled surface at the base were identified. Cartographic evidence suggests these are two possible stables, built

against the boundary wall between the S garden and palace forecourt during the early 18th century. The S boundary wall and cobbles are, in turn, residual elements of the late 16th-century palace and garden layout. It is likely that the cobbled surface is a continuation of the present Holyrood Road, itself an extension of the Cowgate.

The buildings were partially infilled, to raise the floor levels, probably in line with a newly raised palace forecourt level, defined by a combination of dumped material, sealed by clay and mortar-rich surfaces. The sequence culminated with reduction of the upstanding walls and the infill of the areas immediately adjacent. These were carefully levelled over with bedding material for the mid-19th-century courtyard surface. These deposits then saw the introduction of a major water pipe (c1890) with at least three further service pipes running roughly N/S. The sequence can be summarised in terms of the following four phases:

Phase 1: Late 16th to early 17th century – The S boundary wall of the palace/abbey, separating the S garden from Holyrood Road, ran along the S side of the forecourt.

Phase 2: Late 17th to 18th century – The area was subdivided with new cross walls, creating at least two buildings.

Phase 3: Early 18th century – New floors added at a higher level, when the courtyard level was generally raised.

Phase 4: Mid-19th century – These structures reduced and cleared away.

Archive: NRHE (intended)

Funder: Historic Environment Scotland

Gordon Ewart – Kirkdale Archaeology

(Source: DES, Volume 18)

NT 26850 73925 As part of an extensive program of upgrading and conversion at the Palace of Holyroodhouse (Canmore ID: 52380), an archaeological program of work was begun in October 2017. The work focused on three zones:

Zone 1: Abbey Strand and the North Garden;

Zone 2: The Royal Mews; and,

Zone 3: The Palace Forecourt

The work comprised an integrated program of historical research, archaeological excavation and historic building survey on large areas and key buildings across the western half of the site (as required by its status as a Grade 1 listed building, a scheduled ancient monument and World Heritage Site).

In view of the size and scale of the project, the following is a summary of the fieldwork with provisional results. This summary is described under the two main strategies of excavation and watching brief, and historic building survey. To date, the work has provided new evidence for:

The origins of the site from 9th – late-11th century;

The monastic colonisation of the site and early development of the abbey from 12th – mid-15th century;

The building and occupation sequence of Abbey Strand from mid-15th – mid-20th century;

The North Garden as a monastic, formal and horticultural space from 12th – 19th century;

The evolution of late- and post-medieval structures within the Mews from late-16th – mid-19th century; and,

The Forecourt (abbey outer precinct, formal garden and parade ground) from 12th – late-19th century.

Results of Excavation at Abbey Strand and the Palace of Holyroodhouse

Zone 1

A total of seven trenches were excavated beneath the footprint of the upstanding Abbey Strand structures, representing the entire area of a series of ground floor spaces (most recently used as stores). A further series of eight trenches were excavated at ground floor level between the east and west elements of the Abbey Strand complex, and another series of 22 assessment trenches were excavated in the present garden area and to the north of the Abbey Strand structures. Finally, a group of eight trenches was monitored around the immediate perimeter of the Abbey Strand structures.

The excavations across the North Garden and under Abbey Strand revealed evidence of a sequence of gardens post-dating the foundation of the Abbey in 1128. The evidence suggests that the monastic presence commenced with the landscaping of residual features, characterized by a complex array of timber slots and post-pits. The monastic phase is represented by a series of potentially temporary buildings, arguably associated with the initial colonization of the site, and included clay-bonded footings and floors, pre-dating subsequent building in mortared stonework.

These structures lay immediately outside the abbey precinct and were themselves truncated by the development of Abbey Strand structures and garden activity towards the north of the site. Structural remains were found beneath Abbey Strand (which are yet to be fully defined) that appear to represent residual rectilinear structures on a different alignment from the subsequent Abbey Strand structures.

The garden sequence broadly echoes the evolution of the monastic, palace and physic gardens, in that each regime was placed over its predecessor rather than removing it. Garden activity predating the layout of the 16th century has been defined by a series of linear and individual pits, most likely associated with the Sacristy Garden of the abbey.

The North Garden of the 16th century palace occupied the area to the north of the forecourt, including Queen Mary’s Bathhouse. This was only one of several formal gardens within the palace. It was superseded by a Physic Garden, which partially overlay the earlier site. The footings of a wall were visible stretching from the rear of the east building at Abbey Strand up to the Bathhouse. This wall appears to be the foundation of the west boundary of the Privy Garden. The original abbey and palace gardens were gradually encroached upon from the 17th century as a variety of buildings took advantage of being beyond the jurisdiction of the burgh of Canongate. The north carriage drive of 1856 – 7, and the north part of the palace's forecourt also overlie the east end of the former north garden.

Zone 2

This zone saw the monitoring of a series of service trenches, extending from the north, down the eastern side and along the southern limits of The Mews area of the palace complex. To the north there were six separate trenches, to the east two trenches, and to the south there were a series of nine trenches.

The findings towards the northern end of this zone confirmed the presence of late-Medieval structures beneath the 19th century elements of the gatehouse and its associated structures. Some evidence was found of buried ground levels within the southern half of the 16th century gatehouse, comprising a flagged stone floor. To the south, the excavated evidence confirmed the presence of service structures lying beneath the 19th century stable block, and the presence of a series of stone culverts running E-W towards the limits of the monastic precinct. These two E-W culverts were observed as far as the edge of the forecourt.

Zone 3

Excavation in this zone was limited to the monitoring of a series of 10 service trenches, extending the full length of the western side of the forecourt, the west side of the northern approach road, and along the north and south sides of the forecourt. A further series of nine assessment trenches were excavated in the northern and southern grassed areas, immediately adjacent to the forecourt. Finally, the area of the central fountain was also excavated.

The excavation of long service tracks along the western edge of the present forecourt revealed evidence of the successive build up of roadway surfaces and the conversion of the outer monastic precinct to part of the recreational space for the late-15th century palace. Excavation in the NW and SW corners revealed evidence of garden activity of the 18th and 19th centuries, but also an earlier horse burial towards the northern end of the zone. Further evidence of the extensive multi-phase aquifers of the site was also picked up in the form of a sequence of major stone drains and culverts located towards the west of the forecourt, and a ditch to the north.

The excavation of the fountain revealed evidence of its supply and development from its original role as the base of a statue of Queen Victoria (which was subsequently removed). The 19th century statue was in turn found to overlie a sequence of courtyard surfaces.

Results of Historic Building Survey at Abbey Strand

Abbey Strand

Abbey Strand lies immediately to the west of the former gate of Holyrood Abbey, on the north side of the Canongate. It was bounded on the east by the North Garden of the palace and by the Watergate on the west.

The preliminary results of the program of historic building survey suggest the following principal phases of construction and occupation.

House of the Hospital of St Leonard 1490 – 1570

The building at this stage was part of the complex of service structures within the monastic precinct that were gradually absorbed into the sphere of the expanding royal palace. It sat next to the abbey gatehouse, soon replaced by the new palace gatehouse erected for James IV. The building is shown on the so-called ‘English spy’s view’ of Edinburgh of 1544, depicting the invasion of that year when the building was damaged, along with many others in the Canongate. The structure was found to comprise two principal phases with the earlier phase featuring a single upper floor later converted to two upper floors above ground level.

The Renaissance Mansion 1570 – 1630

Abbey Strand was rebuilt in the late 1560s as a splendid structure convenient for the royal court of Mary Queen of Scots (1561 – 68) and later James VI. It is at this time that the western building takes its present form, possibly as a lodging for courtiers. Evidence was traced of a timber gallery on two levels on the N wall of the building, which was by now subdivided into a series of four separate lodgings at first- and second-floor level, furnished with new fireplaces, doors and windows. This building was subsequently extended to the east, recycling elements of the late monastic layout to create an irregularly shaped structure built directly against the monastic precinct wall.

17th Century Prosperity 1630 – 1700

The main structure still functioned as high-status accommodation at this time, but was remodelled and expanded. This saw the addition of a third-floor and the rebuilding of the north gallery as a series of stone chambers on the north side of the newly enlarged structure, from ground-floor to third-floor. Additional structures were also erected to the rear of Abbey Strand, in Thomson’s Close.

The easternmost portion of the complex was converted into further residential accommodation on two floors separated from the earlier, western block, both of which were served by kitchens on the ground- and first-floor.

Tenement and Ale Houses 1700 – 1916

The open environs of Holyrood Palace were used as a place of leisure, where one could walk, eat, drink and enjoy life away from the crowded High Street. Abbey Strand had strong associations with the production and sale of alcohol. Part of the building is described as a laigh still house sometime owned by the Widow Symmington, and Joseph Symmington is listed in Williamson’s Directory for 1773 – 4 as a brewer in the Abbey Close. The ground-floor of Abbey Strand was occupied by a row of taverns, and the OS plan of 1852 marks (from west to east) the Crown Inn, the Abbey Tavern and the Queen’s Arms at numbers 7, 11 and 21 Abbey Strand (respectively). These remained until 1915.

The creation of the series of taverns at ground level was marked by cellarage and paved surfaces internally. To the east, the earlier kitchen may have been converted for a time to brewing with a cobbled hard standing. Access for barrels to the possible brewery and at least one tavern from the south was achieved via enlarged doorways on the south side of the complex, directly off Abbey Strand. Access to the residential accommodation on all the upper floors of the complex was via a series of external stairs to the north and south, replacing earlier examples.

Restoration 1916

Under the architect Thomas Ross, the main building was lowered and early windows restored. Internally, the accommodation was upgraded, details of which survive in the Edinburgh Dean of Guild records and in Historic Environment Scotland plans. Generally, the building remained in multiple occupancy, although with fewer inhabitants.

Extensive evidence was recorded of these works (on all floors above ground-level) in terms of fireplaces, doorways, decoration and partition walls.

Results of Historic Building Survey at The Mews

The results of a program of desk-based research and historic building survey within The Coachmen’s House confirmed the late-medieval origins of the building and its conversion over several periods.

This building was found to be converted from a 16th century structure which was integrated within the 17th century plan by Bruce and Milne. This may refer to apartments associated with James IV, his stables and Mint.

Evidence was found of how the 19th century stable block was converted from an earlier long range, the function of which is as yet identified (but may well be associated with the earlier stable arrangements of James IV).

Considerable elements of the elaborate Victorian stable block were noted, with the stalls and foddering arrangements still intact.

Archive: NRHE (intended)

Funder: Royal Collections Trust

Gordon Ewart – Kirkdale Archaeology

(Source: DES Vol 20)

NT 26850 73925 A watching brief was completed during the excavation of two hand dug cable trenches for services in the western and southern areas of the south garden of the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Trench 1 ran along the west side of the existing gravel path for a distance of 40m before turning to the west for a distance of 23m, recycling an existing service duct and culminating in an inspection box.

Trench 2 was located towards the southern gate of the garden and followed the edge of the existing path and turning circle. This trench was 25m long and was dug to a depth of 250mm. This trench revealed evidence of 19th/20th century garden activity to a depth of c.200mm, over redeposited clay and rich silts which in turn reflected 17th/18th century garden levels.

Archive: NRHE (intended)

Funder: Private individual

Gordon Ewart – Kirkdale Archaeology

(Source: DES Vol 20)

This phase of archaeological work was to monitor the digging of a trench to carry a pipe needed to upgrade the water supply within the Palace and gardens.

In most cases the new trench followed the line of earlier works, meaning there was no new disturbance of archaeological material. The only place where this was not possible was at Trench 2, where there was thought to be little likelihood of disturbing anything of archaeological importance.

Sponsor: Historic Scotland

Kirkdale Archaeology