Date 1 April 2009 - 2 April 2009
Event ID 603396
Category Recording
Type Excavation
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/603396
NJ 7212 1270 This standing stone is a natural boulder with a pyramidal capstone, traditionally regarded as a memorial stone to John Bell, architect of the upper works at Castle Fraser in the early 17th century. However, its proximity to the Castle Fraser recumbent stone circle and its two outlying standing stones (NJ71SW 6) suggests that this was a prehistoric monument later re-used as a memorial.
As a result of rabbit burrowing stabilisation was required, providing the opportunity for a small excavation. This
revealed the original socket for the stone but no prehistoric material within it. However, a furrow of probable medieval/post-medieval rig and furrow cultivation was revealed, beside the stone but respecting it. This suggests that it is likely to have been standing before the improvements of the 18th century and may indeed be a prehistoric monument. It is shown on an Estate map of 1788 in an open field, only later being emphasised as a landscape feature in a small group of trees. There is some indication that the pyramidal capstone and a
ball finial (now missing) may have been added at the end of the 18th century. This work was carried out on 1–2 April 2009.
Report: Aberdeenshire SMR, NTS and RCAHMS
Funder: The National Trust for Scotland
HK Murray and JC Murray – Murray Archaeological Services Ltd
Ordnance Survey licence number AC0000807262. All rights reserved.
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Castle Fraser Policies, John Bell's Stone
Commemorative Stone (Period Unassigned), Rig And Furrow (Medieval) - (Post Medieval), Standing Stone (Prehistoric)(Possible)
Canmore ID 18721 |
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DP 199988
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 199989
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 199990
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 199991
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 199992
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 199993
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 199994
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 199995
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 199996
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 199997
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 199998
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 199999
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 200000
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 200001
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 200002
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 200003
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 200004
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 200005
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 200006
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 200007
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 200008
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 200009
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 200010
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 200011
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 200012
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 200013
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 200014
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 200015
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 200016
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 200017
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 200018
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 200019
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 200020
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 200021
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 200022
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 200023
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 200024
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 200025
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 200026
Photograph of John Bell's Stone, Stabilisation Project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202792
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202793
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202794
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202795
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202796
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202797
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202798
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202799
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202800
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202801
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202802
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202803
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202804
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202805
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202806
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202807
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202808
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202809
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202810
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202811
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202812
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202813
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202814
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202815
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202816
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202817
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202818
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202819
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202820
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202821
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202822
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202823
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202824
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202825
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202826
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202827
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202828
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202829
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202830
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202831
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202832
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202833
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

DP 202834
Photograph from archaeological excavation of John Bell's Stone, Stabalisation project, Castle Fraser
Murray Archaeological Services
1/4/2009
© Copyright: Murray Archaeological Services Ltd. Courtesy of HES.

















































































