Excavation

Date 7 August 1995 - 1 September 1995

Event ID 1034218

Category Recording

Type Excavation

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1034218

NS 792 938 During August 1995, prior to the installation of surfaces in parts of the N and E range ground floor chambers (Lower Hall, Corridor, Kitchen and Cellar), modern underfloor deposits and late medieval occupation debris were removed to an average depth of 350mm.

Within the Lower Hall, the construction cut for the 17th century Town-House was found to truncate a complex cultivated soil deposit, associated with the primary tower-house occupation (early 16th century). This soil horizon contained an abundance of 14th-15th century pottery. Against this surface, and on exposed natural bedrock and boulder clay was found evidence of timber joists for the 17th century floor and the contemporary staircase. A modern drain truncated the floor level, running across the chamber from the E door to the W.

In the Corridor between the Lower Hall and the Cellar, evidence was found of the timber floor continuing from the Lower Hall, dating c1630, thereby predating the present wall configuration. In the Kitchen, the fireplace and original floor were overlain by a complex series of coal and ash deposits, most of which reflect the 19th and 20th century occupation of the house. The floor comprised artificially levelled bedrock, and contained 2 rock-cut features of uncertain date, probably relating to the 16th century occupation of the site.

In the Cellar between the corridor and the Kitchen, modern debris was excavated to the required depth, or to bedrock.

G Ewart and P Sharman 1995

Sponsor: Historic Scotland

Kirkdale Archaeology