Sydserf House

NT 5412 8171 A programme of archaeological works was required by East Lothian Council at Sydserf, a 17th-century T-plan 2-storey house. The house is being restored and a demolished steading is to be reconstructed; the work was carried out between 28 September 2006 and 10 January 2007 to satisfy a condition of planning consent. The work comprised a detailed scheme of historic building recording, an archaeological evaluation of the area E of the house, and archaeological investigation in the house itself.

The house, a truncated shell with a later roof, has been stylistically dated to the 17th or 18th-centuries by previous authorities. Analysis of the fabric suggests that the 17th-century (or earlier) core has undergone extensive alteration and refurbishment over time, leaving a building with irregular fenestration and a number

of features that are difficult to explain. In broad terms, a 17th century or earlier house was enlarged and formalised during the 18th-century, moving out of use as an important residence around 1800. The site was probably the seat of the Sydserff family from the late 15th- century until around 1700, when this family branch appears to have died out. Later agricultural use resulted in a number of major alterations. Test pits in the building produced evidence for internal partitions and floors, apparently of 19th-century date.

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

Funder: Dunglass Ltd.

NT 5412 8171 A programme of archaeological works was required by East Lothian Council at Sydserf, a 17th-century T-plan 2-storey house. The house is being restored and a demolished steading is to be reconstructed; the work was carried out between 28 September 2006 and 10 January 2007 to satisfy a condition of planning consent. The work comprised a detailed scheme of historic building recording, an archaeological evaluation of the area E of the house, and archaeological investigation in the house itself.

Two phases of archaeological evaluation were undertaken in the proposed development area. Most of this area, to the E of the house, had been disturbed by 20th-century development and no evidence of an earlier, 19th-century steading complex was found.

An area immediately to the S of the house was also evaluated and appeared to be undisturbed, with an intact soil overlying natural subsoil. No archaeological features were identified in the evaluation.

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

Funder: Dunglass Ltd.