Watching Brief

Date 5 August 2013 - 29 November 2013

Event ID 1013069

Category Recording

Type Watching Brief

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1013069

NT 299 699 A programme of archaeological work was undertaken, 5 August – 29 November 2013, during work associated with the creation of a new, 850m long by 8m wide, access road. During the watching brief numerous historic mineshafts were recorded towards the E end of the

development area. Clay bonded walls, an earthen bank, a partly subterranean stone-built structure, linear ditches and possible relict trackways were found towards the centre of the development area, along with numerous culverts and rubble drains. Towards the eastern side of the development area the remnants of five demolished buildings were recorded; these appeared to be associated with a walled garden. Several

features of potential significance regarding the development of the estate and former use of the walled garden, including a possible estate boundary wall and trackway, were uncovered within the Eight Acre Field. The standing building survey noted several features which probably related to an incorporated heating system and changing use of the garden. The evaluation also identified the remains of a heated glasshouse structure

inside the walled garden.

No sign of the putative medieval moated enclosure, which is supposed to have previously occupied the site of the mansion house, was found but the clay-bonded walls and linear ditch features may bear testament to medieval activity on the site.

Archive: RCAHMS (intended)

Funder: Meary Voar/Wintertree Software Inc

Alan Hunter Blair and Beth Spence – GUARD Archaeology Ltd

(Source: DES)