Edinburgh, 44-46 Pleasance, University Of Edinburgh, Physical Education Department
Brewery (19th Century), University (20th Century)
Site Name Edinburgh, 44-46 Pleasance, University Of Edinburgh, Physical Education Department
Classification Brewery (19th Century), University (20th Century)
Alternative Name(s) Bell's Brewery; United Breweries; Department Of Physical Education; Edinburgh University
Canmore ID 119865
Site Number NT27SE 1657
NGR NT 26347 73438
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/119865
- Council Edinburgh, City Of
- Parish Edinburgh (Edinburgh, City Of)
- Former Region Lothian
- Former District City Of Edinburgh
- Former County Midlothian
NT27SE 1657 2634 7343
NT 263 734 An archaeological watching brief was maintained in February 2006 during the excavation of several trial pits along the W side of Viewcraig Gardens, directly behind the Pleasance Sports and Exercise Centre and Sports Union of the University of Edinburgh. The trial pits were excavated in advance of a proposed development. The site was occupied by two breweries in the 19th century. In total eight trial pits were excavated. Most revealed heavily mixed and disturbed deposits but suggested potential for some undisturbed deposits surviving beneath them.
Archive and report to be deposited in NMRS. Report lodged with CECAS SMR.
Sponsor: City of Edinburgh Council
Colin Hewat, 2006.
Field Visit (8 December 2005)
Headland Archaeology Ltd was commissioned to carry out a desk-based assessment and walkover survey of land along the western side of Viewcraig Gardens, and lying directly behind the Pleasance Sports and Exercise Centre and Sports Union of the University of Edinburgh, which occupy two former 19th Century breweries. Map evidence suggests that whilst most of this area was scarped during the construction of the Dumbiedykes housing estate in the 1960s/1970s, some level areas directly behind the former breweries may be undisturbed. Archaeological remains relating either to the breweries, or to earlier post-medieval settlement/cultivation around the extra-mural suburb of Pleasance, may, therefore, survive.
Headland Archaeology 2005
