Kirkcudbright, St Cuthbert Street, Greyfriars Episcopal Church
Church (Period Unassigned)
Site Name Kirkcudbright, St Cuthbert Street, Greyfriars Episcopal Church
Classification Church (Period Unassigned)
Alternative Name(s) Mote Brae, Greyfriars Church
Canmore ID 211747
Site Number NX65SE 188
NGR NX 68285 51076
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/211747
- Council Dumfries And Galloway
- Parish Kirkcudbright
- Former Region Dumfries And Galloway
- Former District Stewartry
- Former County Kirkcudbrightshire
NX65SE 188 68285 51076
Watching Brief (August 2003)
An archaeological evavaluation and watching brief was carried out at Greyfriars Church, Kirkcudbright by Headland Archaeology Ltd in August 2003 before the installation of under-floor heating. The present church is built on the site of the 15th century Franciscan Friary church and incorporates the burial aisle of the Maclellan family, which is believed to have formed part of the medieval church. Evaluation of deposits below the existing floor confirmed the presence of redeposited human bone and wall foundations relating to earlier buildings. A watching brief was therefore maintained whilist the ground in the interior of the church was being reduced down to the formation level of the new heated floor. Substantial quantities of redeposited human bone were recovered and an articulated female inhumation was excavated in the present chancel (the Maclellan Aisle). Several foundation walls were exposed including a sloping stone shaft. Analysis of the human bone has identified the remains of at least 31 individuals and, from measurement of facial shape, it seems a distinct possibility that at least some of these were related (possibly members of the Maclellan family). The foundation walls uncovered relate to various previous buildings on the site, including the 1730 parish church and three phases of the 19th century Old Church School. Although no plans exist of the medieval church, it is likely that one of the foundation walls formed part of that church.
Funder: A C Wolffe and Partners
Headland Archaeology Ltd
