Lanark, 38 Broomgate

NS84SE 78 8804 4360.

The Lanark and District Archaeological Society investigated the interior of 38 Broomgate, Lanark. The property was of interest, having been a house for the headmaster of Lanark Grammar School in the early nineteenth century. It was used for a while as a Poorhouse.

The ground floor was divided into two by a corridor and excavation took place in the northernmost room. The earliest evidence of occupation came from a pit, one metre south of the fireplace. In the fill of this pit were found several pieces of charcoal, some lead, several pieces of nails, some late medieval pottery and a late medieval lock. The lock was later found to have had the key with it. Possibly these finds indicate the presence of an earlier building on the site.

Near the east wall of the property a number of items were found, including a half penny of George II 1745, and it seems reasonable to suggest that the present building on the site goes back to the eighteenth century. A gully was found running parallel to the east wall, and in it was found Victorian rubbish. Possibly this was left during alterations made to convert the house into a Poorhouse.

Several pits were dug in the back garden, but no Medieval levels were encountered.

E Archer and T Ward 1984