Fabric Recording

Date October 2015

Event ID 1025605

Category Recording

Type Fabric Recording

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1025605

NS 8085 9398 A survey of the stonemasons’ marks on the walls of the Bell Tower of Cambuskenneth Priory was undertaken over three days in October 2015 by the Masons’ Mark Project, with the help of two volunteers, after receiving permission from Historic Scotland to undertake the survey.

All internal walls and ribbed vaulting on the ground floor, the two upper floors and spiral stair within the tower were carefully checked for marks. None was noted on the exterior, but this was most likely due to loss through weather erosion of the stone. A total of 497 marks were recorded belonging to 86 different masons.

From the recording and subsequent study of the stonemasons’ marks it is fairly evident that at least three different phases of building were undertaken, although how long a period between them is not clear. There is a definite group of 32 masons who only worked on the ground floor, which includes the area at the bottom of the stairs. Of these 32 masons, four of them worked only on the ribbing of the roof vault, with six of the others also working on the ribbing as well as the walls. Only three masons from this group carrying on to work on the 1st floor, although five of the others did some work on the

spiral stair. Another different group of 25 masons’ marks were recorded on the 1st floor walls, some of whom also worked on the spiral stair. There is also then a group of nine masons who only worked on the spiral stair. However, from the recording work it is fairly obvious that something changes above the 26th course of the 1st floor, as no marks are recorded above it, which goes up to 38 courses. This continues on the 2nd floor where only one possible mark

was found on one wall, with two possible later marks or graffiti. A group of 12 later masons’ marks are scattered throughout the building, but they do not give much idea of repairs undertaken, as some are marked on blocks that have earlier marks on them.

Report: Historic Environment Scotland and Stirling Council Archaeology Service

Report: www.masonsmarkproject.org.uk

Moira Greig – Mason’s Mark Project

(Source: DES, Volume 17)