Edinburgh, St John's Hill

NT27SE 559 2630 7347

NT 2631 7347 An archaeological evaluation of a potential development site within the medieval suburb of the Pleasance was undertaken in February 1995. The site was approximately 10.3ha in extent, bounded to the N by Holyrood Road, the Pleasance to the W, Viewcraig Gardens to the E and the Pleasance annexe of the University of Edinburgh on the S.

A total of 21 trial trenches totalling 325sqm were excavated. In most areas modern building and terracing had destroyed any archaeological remains which may once have existed. Two limited areas of archaeological deposits/structures which pre-date the 19th century were identified, within Area A (Trench 1) and Area C (Trenches 2, 4 and 5). At the W end of Trench A1, fronting onto Holyrood Road, clay-bonded wall foundations probably represent the remains of a medieval structure. No deposits or finds were associated with the excavated remains. An area of 47sqm of dark cultivation soil, located within Trenches C2, C4 and C5 contained 17th century finds. This represented the only remaining element of the garden areas to the rear of the premises fronting onto the Pleasance shown on Gordon of Rothiemay's bird's-eye view of Edinburgh of 1647. A 17th century pit within Trench C2 contained primary butchery waste (skulls, horn cores) from cattle and sheep. A single redeposited flint flake was recovered from the same pit.

Sponsor: Morrison Developments Ltd.

D Reed 1995.