Field Visit

Date 3 December 2007 - 7 December 2007

Event ID 577217

Category Recording

Type Field Visit

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/577217

NT 2575 7366 Following an archaeological assessment in 2002 the site was revisited, 3–7 December 2007, in order to complete a condition survey using the previous survey results as a baseline record. The survey also aimed to record the alterations made since 2002, to record any deterioration in previously recorded features and to make recommendations to prevent further deterioration.

Since the 2002 assessment the site has been opened as a visitor attraction, leading to an increase in visitor numbers and alterations to some of the components to enhance the visitor experience or improve safety.

The compact earth floors of some rooms along the route of visitor tours have deteriorated, as have some plaster surfaces along the route. However, the impact of tours on the archaeological fabric is significantly reduced by practical measures put in place by the attraction’s staff, such as new flooring and suggestions to visitors to look but not touch. For example, this has resulted in no further deterioration of ‘Mr Chesney’s house’ since 2002.

Themed lighting and installations have had little negative impact on the site. The lighting was suspended from preexisting electrical services. Most of the installations are almost free-standing, secured by rawl plugs in the masonry and would appear to be reversible to pre-2002 conditions if this were deemed necessary.

Archive: RCAHMS (intended)

Funder: Continuum Group Ltd

Sarah Hogg (Kirkdale Archaeology), 2008

OASIS Id: kirkdale1-60088