Watching Brief

Date 13 April 2015 - 24 June 2015

Event ID 1201144

Category Recording

Type Watching Brief

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1201144

This report contains the results of archaeological monitoring on excavation of pipe trenches for the new Central Heating and Power project commissioned by the University of Edinburgh. The development area followed the route of Drummond Street to West College Street crossing South Bridge. Pipe trenches continued on from the previous development continuing along Drummond Street, Roxburgh Place, South College Street and West College Street.

In situ archaeological material was encountered along Drummond Street and Roxburgh Place in the form of a medieval midden deposit. In section C a sandstone block doorway with iron hinges was revealed within this deposit. This was found to be overlying a sandstone lined well.

A sandstone, cement bonded boundary wall was discovered under the railings of the boundary wall for the Edinburgh University Old College building with several buttresses extending out from the wall. Further along the rear and roof of a cellar were also revealed.

Excavations along the areas of Roxburgh Place and Drummond Street contained quantities of loose sandstone and mortar indicating that previous structures may have been present but were likely removed during the insertion of previous services which were frequently encountered during the excavation works.

Information from Stuart Wilson - AOC Archaeology Group.