Excavation

Date 2000

Event ID 998426

Category Recording

Type Excavation

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/998426

NO 642 413 Excavations in advance of the new Arbroath Abbey Visitor Centre uncovered part of the original wall around the medieval abbey, together with a fragment of a previously unknown gateway and traces of a metalled roadway or track into the abbey precinct itself. The wall is some 3-4m out from the present wall around the abbey, and lying between the two walls were four human burials indicating that the monastic burial ground may have been in the excavated area, so the remains found may be those of medieval monks.

The excavations also unearthed a large number of carved stones, some with mason's marks, dumps of stone chippings and metalworking debris which suggest that this same area was also used by craftsmen working on the abbey. Other finds include coins, window glass, buckles, pottery and animal bone.

A watching brief is due to take place on the new construction.

Sponsor: Angus Council.

R Cachart 2000