Trial Trench
Date 11 January 2006 - 19 January 2006
Event ID 1020458
Category Recording
Type Trial Trench
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1020458
Headland Archaeology Ltd was commissioned by AMEC to undertake an intrusive archaeological evaluation at Perth Prison in advance of a demolition and redevelopment programme. The archaeological potential of the planned redevelopment derives from the site’s continued use as a prison since 1812. A desk-based assessment concluded that there was a high potential for elements of earlier prison structures to survive, although there was the possibility of later disturbance.
Trial trenching identified structural elements of the Napoleonic prisoner-of-war camp (1812) including the original enclosure wall. Elements of a mid 19th century radial exercise or ‘airing’ yard, along with two tunnel structures, potentially associated with the Victorian air ventilation system, were also identified.
Information from Candy Hatherley (Headland Archaeology) February 2006