Kirkintilloch, Peel Park

NS67SE 119 centred on NS 6510 7400

NS67SE 119.00 65115 74023 Bandstand

NS67SE 119.02 65081 74012 Fountain

NS 6510 7400 The excavation of two soakaways was undertaken in May 2002 adjacent to the bandstand, and a series of trial excavations associated with improvements to the park was started in October 2002.

The two soakaways, both 1m square and 1m deep, revealed post-medieval made-up ground over an old ground surface dating to just before the construction of the bandstand in 1905.

One of the trial trenches on the line of the new track found, beneath the post-medieval made-up ground, a layer of red/brown clay, perhaps a floor, over a mixed deposit of medieval debris. The other trial trench revealed a rough cobbled track with kerbing.

Other small trenches on the line of the Antonine Wall have revealed the foundation for the Wall, with a mortar-lined drain. Medieval pottery has also been retrieved. (GUARD 496.3)

Sponsor: East Dunbartonshire Council.

H F James and D Swan 2002

NS 651 740 An evaluation, undertaken prior to redevelopment of the park, revealed several archaeological features. To the N of the park, and along the projected line of the Antonine Wall, a vaulted structure was recorded along with evidence of what may be the remains of a Roman cobbled surface. At the E end of the park, part of the W wall of the medieval peel was uncovered close to the motte mound. This feature was originally excavated in the late 19th century, along with a ditch which may relate to an earlier wooden defensive structure. Additional features included the remains of a path in the S of the park and a mortared drain in the SE. The small finds recovered include Roman and medieval pottery, iron and lead objects, dressed stone fragments and red clay tiles.

Report lodged with WoSAS SMR and the NMRS.

Sponsor: East Dunbartonshire Council.

D Swan and H F James 2003

NMRS REFERENCE:

NS67SE 119.00 6510 7400 Park

NS67SE 119.01 6511 7402 Bandstand

NS67SE 119.02 6508 7401 Drinking Fountain