Archaeology Notes

Event ID 795004

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Archaeology Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/795004

NT27SE 25.02 2576 7344

NT 2576 7344 During restoration works in 1998 at Tailor's Hall on the S side of the Cowgate, a large well, approximately 3m in diameter, was uncovered in the N courtyard. This was located halfway along and against the S wall of Tailor's Hall, with the foundations of the building forming the S side of the well. The E side was dominated by a large modern iron pipe with iron girders spanning the well in an E-W direction. In the W it appeared to cut bedrock. To the N a stone-built arch formed the side; this was blocked, at least partly, by bricks. The arch may form the entrance to a N-S tunnel connecting a number of wells in this area. At 2.6m below ground level, the sides of the well stepped in to a round, brick-lined shaft full of water. The shaft also contained concrete, reinforcing cables and ironwork, possibly capping or the support for a pumping mechanism.

The well is thought to be Early Modern in date and related to the brewing industry.

Sponsor: City of Edinburgh Council.

J N Robertson 1999