Standing Building Recording

Date January 2012 - June 2013

Event ID 994136

Category Recording

Type Standing Building Recording

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/994136

NT 68195 61807 A programme of archaeological work was undertaken, January 2012 – June 2013, prior to/during the refurbishment of this well preserved later 16th-century (c1550) tower house. The work consisted of the production of an initial record and assessment of the structure, monitoring and building recording during interior works, and monitoring of excavations associated with services within and in the vicinity of the tower. An additional stage of recording and monitoring followed the decision to remove cementitious harl from the tower exterior. Additional groundwork to the exterior, the expansion of the parking area on the W side of the tower, was also monitored. A comprehensive reappraisal of the understanding of the evolution of the structure was carried out and, with many areas newly exposed, an extensive formal survey of the structure was completed. It was possible to closely relate recorded secondary modifications to historical sources for works carried out in the later 18th century, the early 19th century, in c1895–1900, and in the second half of the 20th century.

Much evidence for the original appearance and internal arrangement of the tower was recorded. A stone turnpike stair located at the NW angle provided access by means of two entrances at each level respectively to smaller chambers within the NE part of the tower and to chambers in the main body to the S. The entrances off the stair to the NE chambers were all subsequently blocked and the walling segregating the NE chambers from the areas to the S were broken through. Evidence was found at first floor level that the NE chamber had been vaulted. It was further concluded that the lower two levels of the tower had likely also been vaulted, with the upper of these levels forming an entresol arrangement.

Evidence for earlier windows was recorded throughout the building. All had been detailed with simple chamfered surrounds and many preserved evidence for glazing grooves and bars.

Some uncertainty remains as to whether the main entrance was located in the same position as the current entrance or at first floor level. The existing bolection-moulded entrance surround dates to the 1890s. However, it is clear from earlier views that a predecessor entrance at the same point was itself of secondary construction. On the W elevation a broad relieving arch above an area of patched walling at hall (second floor) level and a series of putlogs may be evidence for an original first floor entrance that led into an intramural space which existed at that point, but this remains unconfirmed.

Other features of the original build include an in situ floor structure of pine common joists at third floor level, the remains of a slop-sink spout within the N elevation at hall level, and relieving arches seen externally that suggest the former presence of fireplaces internally.

Evidence for subsequent modifications was mapped throughout. Extensive work was carried out from the late 18th to early 19th century. This included the removal of the first floor vault, and the vaults within the chambers to the NE, the associated formation of a kitchen and other domestic spaces at basement level, and a series of chambers defined by new partition walls at first floor level. The S chamber remains well preserved, retaining its panelled interior. The upper floors were extensively modified and the roof structure and parapets rebuilt. A new cap-house above the stair gave access to the parapet; this bears the date 1781. Many new windows were inserted during this period and original ones modified, often enlarged and all provided with projecting stone sills. A new ground floor entrance was also formed towards the N end of the E wall.

Below basement floor level a stone-lined drain, designed to keep ground water levels reduced, was recorded. Of the series of services trenches excavated to the N and E of the tower, none revealed evidence for remains associated with its earlier occupation, indeed it was clear that there had been much ground reduction to natural in the vicinity. One stone-lined channel revealed to the N was evidently an overflow for the well that still exists further to the NW.

Archive: RCAHMS

Funder: Private client

Tom Addyman and Jenni Morrison, Addyman Archaeology, 2013

(Source: DES)