Excavation

Date 30 August 2010 - 6 September 2010

Event ID 632645

Category Recording

Type Excavation

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/632645

NJ 72276 12557 An excavation was undertaken 30 August–6 September 2010 to assess the degree of survival of elements of the 17th-century privy garden, which is shown on an estate plan of 1788 extending E from the E wing of the castle. Documentary evidence indicates that the garden was systematically dismantled in 1796 when the present walled garden was constructed. A geophysical survey was undertaken by Rose Geophysical Consultants prior to excavation.

Both the geophysical survey and the excavation revealed extensive rig and furrow which appeared to predate the 17th-century garden. The N boundary of the garden and its orientation and layout were confirmed, but its dismantling had been thorough and few structural details remained. Traces of paths, beds and planting lines were located, associated with 17th-century pottery and clay tobacco pipes.

Reports: Aberdeenshire SMR, RCAHMS and The National Trust for Scotland

Funder: The National Trust for Scotland

HK Murray – Murray Archaeological Services Ltd