Dunbar, Victoria Harbour, The Vaults

NT67NE 503 6785 7926

NT 679 793 Targeted archaeological recording was undertaken in September 2003 at The Vaults, a complex of barrel-vaulted subterranean chambers located in Dunbar Harbour, before possible consolidation or refurbishment. A full metric and photographic survey of the complex was undertaken, supplemented by some limited investigation of deposits both within and sealing the external masonry courses.

First discovered in 1988, the entrance to the site was re-established in 2000 by members of the Dunbar Harbour Trust. Hitherto, the remains had been enigmatic and their purpose not fully understood, although it seemed probable that The Vaults formed the basement of a storeyed superstructure above.

Map evidence and drawings clearly indicate that there was a substantial building on or adjacent to the site of The Vaults up to at least the late 18th century, whereas maps from the first half of the 19th century depict an essentially vacant area.

The 1st edition OS map of 1854 clearly identifies an ice house at the site, and indeed many of the typical features associated with ice houses are present within The Vaults, and the structure is interpreted as such. This ice house was probably used for the preservation of catches from the local fishing industry. The majority of ice houses fell out of use during the late 19th century.

The Dunbar example is probably contemporary with the construction of Victoria Harbour in 1842. It is not clear, however, whether the ice house itself was newly constructed at this time or if it was constructed over or within an existing building on the site. Map evidence suggests that the ice house was abandoned some time in the late 19th century.

If the identification is correct, then the occurrence of an ice house at Victoria Harbour represents a fascinating insight into both the prevalent construction techniques of the time and the importance of such a feature in the local community.

Archive to be deposited in the NMRS.

Sponsor: Dunbar Harbour Trust.

A Dutton 2003

NT 6785 7926 Dunbar Harbour Vaults are an extremely interesting and well preserved structure, comprising passageways, rooms, a large vaulted cistern and two culverts. The aims of this second phase of work, undertaken between 12 April 2006 and 31 May 2007, were to further investigate the origins of the Vaults; to carefully record and remove the loose rock infill; to record and investigate archaeological deposits in the Vaults in the remit prescribed in the SMC conditions and consent; and to investigate parts of the external structure in the area covered by the E embankment. The fieldwork was organised by the Dunbar Vaults Investigation Group, and was undertaken by group

members and many other volunteers, with professional advice and supervision provided by Abercorn Archaeology LLP.

A large volume of modern infill was removed from the complex, revealing several interesting features below. These

included a masonry fragment plausibly deriving from the Castle defences and two pits containing midden material, all found in the northern chamber. 'The Cistern', seemingly a large rock-cut tank fed by culverts, was partially emptied to reveal its full depth. Deposits here were of mixed character, with 19th-century debris throughout the fill, but there were potentially significant finds including whale bones, possible ships' timbers, and staves from a bucket. Post-excavation analysis is planned, to include scientific dating of artefacts.

The provisional results suggest that the Vaults represent a multiperiod complex. The cistern probably relates to supply of water to the castle and could be 16th-century or earlier. Other chambers are probably later additions, perhaps the cellars of a large postmedieval building demolished by the early 19th century.

Archive to be deposited with RCAHMS. Report to be deposited with East Lothian Council SMR and RCAHMS.

Funder: Heritage Lottery Fund.

Richard Heawood, 2007.