Stirling, King's Park

Alder Archaeology Lt was commissioned by Stirling Council, Roads Transport and Open Space Department to undertake an archaeological watching brief (Alder site code ST19) on the excavation for the construction of a new footpath in King’s Park, Stirling. The overall

length of the footpath was approximately 300m, with the mid part of the route being centred on NGR NS 7904 9306. The work was undertaken during the period 5-12 May 2010 in good weather conditions. The site was considered to have potential archaeological significance because a previous investigation in the 1970’s recorded the remains of a Roman road just inside the park’s main south eastern gateway at the south end of the new footpath. There is also written evidence of First World War practice trenches near the route. The 1st edition Ordnance Survey plan shows that part of the route is over a 19th century horse racing circuit. The watching brief found one cut feature that could be possibly be the result of activity during the First World War. A deposit of in-situ natural gravel at the south end of the trench may have provided surfacing for the recorded Roman road. The excavation for the new footpath revealed natural sands and gravels below stony topsoil with little evidence of any

substantial activity associated with the historic park.

Alder Archaeology Ltd

NS 79005 93038

An excavation on part of a system of WW1 training trenches, dug by recruits, was carried out 25–27 October 2010. It was considered that the development of the site as an events area would adversely impact upon the trenches and the excavation was undertaken in advance of levelling and regrading work. The trench section excavated revealed the profile of the trenches and a ramped entry trench. This type of layout, of adjoining zigzagging narrow trenches, is indicative of a trench system known as tenaille. No finds associated with the training activities were recovered. The good condition of the trenches and lack of finds suggest that they were backfilled very shortly after being dug.

Archive: RCAHMS

Funder: Stirling Council

R Cachart 2010

A project to characterise the quantity and quality of the Scottish resource of known surviving remains of the First World War. Carried out in partnership between Historic Scotland and RCAHMS.