Archaeological Evaluation

Date 3 May 2010 - 1 June 2010

Event ID 633795

Category Recording

Type Archaeological Evaluation

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/633795

NT 2679 7650 A programme of archaeological works was undertaken 3 May–1 June 2010 on the site of Sandport House, prior to its clearance and redevelopment. The works consisted of a borehole survey (six boreholes were drilled) to the S of the area and a watching brief on the removal of rubble to the N of the area. A previous evaluation undertaken on the site in 2009 had identified at least one underground vault in this area

and a total of four vaults were revealed after the removal of the (relatively) modern dump of material which had filled them.

Three vaults were located to the NE of the site and a number of fireplaces and a cast-iron range were recorded inside them. A brick floor was also exposed. A further vault to the W (with remnants of its vaulted roof still in place) seems to have functioned as a service vault, with a number of drains and later concrete piers for the buildings that were once located above it. Map regression and other archive research indicated that the area had been occupied in the 18th century and subject to industrial development by the early 19th century. David Bell Seed Manufacturers had occupied a large mill building on the site during the 19th and 20th centuries.

No vault existed to the NW of the development area, but there was an indication that medieval deposits might exist and a small hand-dug trench was excavated at a central point in the N of the site. This trench contained a number of potential medieval deposits with finds of pottery and glass, the exact date of which have yet to be determined.

Archive: RCAHMS (intended)

Funder: Chamberlain Portobello Developments Ltd

Diana Sproat – AOC Archaeology Group