Newbyers Castle Geophysical Survey

Date 19 May 2018 - 20 May 2018

Event ID 1106263

Category Project

Type Project

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1106263

NT 34430 61454 A geophysical survey was carried out, 19 – 20 May 2018, at the castle as part of a wider archaeological programme being undertaken by Gorebridge Community Development Trust as part of Archaeology Scotland’s Adopt a Monument scheme.

A c0.2ha area was investigated using resistance and ground penetrating radar (GPR). The survey was part of a community event with members of the Trust assisting with the data collection as part of an open day.

High levels of background response have been recorded over the higher terrace in the N of the survey area with several discrete, rectilinear anomalies detected to the N of the castle. The GPR survey has also identified several discrete responses to the N of the castle which show good correlation with the resistance survey results. The orientation of these responses with respect to the castle suggests they may be associated with the castle. However, whether they are due to potential structures contemporary with the castle, such as outbuildings and / or the limit of an outer courtyard, is unclear. As there is some suggestion that the terrace is a relatively modern construction associated with the demolition of the Castle in the 1960s, they could simply be associated with the demolition.

Within the lower terrace to the S and W of the castle several weak trends have been noted. However, interpretation of these is cautious given modern activity such as planting and emplacement of footpaths.

Archive: Rose Geophysical Consultants

Funder: Archaeology Scotland on behalf of Gorebridge Community

Susan Ovenden – Rose Geophysical Consultants

(Source: DES Volume 19)