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Desk Based Assessment

Event ID 714104

Category Recording

Type Desk Based Assessment

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/714104

NT27SE 46 27633 74963.

(NT 2763 7495) Plague Kiln (NR)

OS 6" map, (1966)

This feature was originally a dovecot, built in the 16th century. It is circular, basal circumference 67'. The 3'7" thick walls are rubble; there is one string-course. Its fabric has been considerably altered, it is said for use as a kiln for disinfection during the plague of 1645. The top has been heightened with a masonry collar; a wide modern entrance has been cut out of the S side, but the original entrance, now built up, faced E. No nests remain, but the broken sills of 27 tiers may still be seen, so there must have been about 1000 of them In 1852, the building was used as a boat-house by the Royal Humane Society, and it is now used as a store for implements used in the park.

RCAHMS 1951; A N Robertson 1945.

The dovecot is depicted in a contemporary map of the 1560 siege of Leith.

Steer 1964; Donaldson 1966.

Information from OS Index Card.

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References