Archaeological Evaluation

Date 2 December 2014 - 25 May 2016

Event ID 1127271

Category Recording

Type Archaeological Evaluation

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1127271

NS 1962 0721 Archaeological works were undertaken at Turnberry Golf Course, between 2 December 2014 and 25 May 2016. Phase 1 comprised a walkover survey and evaluation centred around Turnberry Castle (Canmore ID: 40581), Turnberry Lighthouse and Keeper’s Houses and the adjacent Walled Garden (Canmore ID: 40584). Phases 2 to 5 related to locating and excavating historical service trenches leading towards the castle and lighthouse along with various watching briefs conducted during the installation of the 9th green and the removal of the walled garden. An evaluation and watching brief undertaken during the installation of stairs and paving on the lighthouse’s western terrace included the re-excavation of a trench originally investigated in 2008.

Potentially significant archaeological remains of indeterminate date were uncovered just to the S of the walled garden while a possible entrance to the castle was recorded beneath the current trackway. Two intercutting ditches were excavated within the trench on the western terrace, however, it remains unclear whether they relate to the lighthouse or castle. Many modern services were located within the confines of the castle wall.

Archive: NRHE (intended)

Funder: SLC Turnberry Ltd

Steven Black – Clyde Archaeology

(Source: DES Volume 21)