Arbroath, Hospitalfield House, Garden

ARCHAS Cultural Heritage Ltd were commissioned by the Patrick Allan-Fraser of Hospitalfield Trust to undertake an archaeological watching brief during ground breaking works in advance of the potential redevelopment of Hospitalfield House in Arbroath. The works involved the excavation of a series of geotechnical trial pits and boreholes around the Hospitalfield complex and followed the completion of a Desk Based Assessment charting the known history and development of the site. The Trust are proposing to construct a number of structures and additions to the existing buildings in order to provide better access to and conservation of the collections held at Hospitalfield House. The site proposed for development has long associations with the Chapel and Hospital of St. John, a religious house founded in the 14th century by the monks of nearby Arbroath Abbey. A large number of inhumations were revealed to the south of Hospitalfield House during works in the 19th century and again in 1996. It is suggested that these burials originate from the cemetery or graveyard associated with the hospital. The history of the hospital and its subsequent development are unclear, but the site was already a high status dwelling by the middle of the 17th century. Patrick Allan-Fraser took possession of Hospitalfield House in 1843 and proceeded to undertake a programme of construction, alteration and development of the present buildings. The excavations around Hospitalfield House were of limited scope and failed to reveal any significant archaeological deposits or artefacts. A total of 18 holes were excavated, with only one revealing buried structural remains, likely of 19th century date.

Information from OASIS ID: archascu1-219222 (R Cameron) 2015

ARCHAS Cultural Heritage Ltd were commissioned by the Patrick Allan-Fraser of Hospitalfield Trust to undertake an archaeological desk based assessment (DBA) in advance of the potential redevelopment of Hospitalfield House in Arbroath. The Trust are proposing the construction of a number of structures and additions to the existing buildings in order to provide better access to and conservation of the collections held at Hospitalfield House. The site proposed for development has long associations with the Chapel and Hospital of St. John, a religious house founded in the 14th century by the monks of nearby Arbroath Abbey. A large number of inhumations were revealed to the south of Hospitalfield House during works in the 19th century and again in 1996. It is suggested that these burials originate from the cemetery or graveyard associated with the hospital. The history of the hospital and its subsequent development are unclear, but the site was already a high status dwelling by the middle of the 17th century. Patrick Allan-Fraser took possession of Hospitalfield House in 1843 and proceeded to undertake a programme of construction, alteration and development of the present buildings. The archaeological potential of the site has been assessed as high with further potential for disturbing medieval remains and depsoits. ARCHAS Ltd recommend an archaeological watching brief be undertaken on all ground breaking works on site, while a pre-construction archaeological evaluation is proposed prior to any construction works on site.

Information from OASIS ID: archascu1-212431 (R Cameron) 2015