Archaeology (General)

Articles tagged with the topic ‘Archaeology (General)’

Displaying 1 - 50 of 262

3086-3

Phil Moore with Ian Suddaby

A Burnt Mound and Wooden Posts on the A75 at Derskelpin Farm, Dergoals, Glenluce, 2010

Archaeology (General), Bronze Age

TDGNHAS Series III, 86 (2012), 37(4.08 MB)

Abstract

A programme of archaeological fieldwork was undertaken in advance of construction work for a short stretch of dual carriageway on the A75 between Newton Stewart and Glenluce. The route comprises areas of improved pasture on drumlins and peat bog within the interdrumlin basins. Fieldwork included peat coring within these inter-drumlin basins. A bridge and other features on the disused Portpatrick & Castle Douglas Line were recorded during a standing building survey. Other areas of the route were investigated by trial trenches and a burnt mound was discovered. Later excavation revealed that, although neither a hearth nor a trough lay within the excavated area and the site was clearly horizontally truncated, in terms of location, plan morphology, constituent deposits and suggested date, it conformed to others in South-West Scotland and more widely. Two main phases of activity were identified with deposits of burnt stone being either preceded or succeeded by a series of posts, which may represent an early medieval fence line. A single flint flake was recovered. Radiocarbon dating suggests that the burnt mound was probably formed in the later first millennium AD.

3085-4

Magnus Kirkby

Neolithic, Bronze Age, Anglian and Later Discoveries at Lockerbie

Archaeology (General), Neolithic, Bronze Age, Early Mediaeval, Post-mediaeval archaeology

TDGNHAS Series III, 85 (2011), 53(3.42 MB)

Abstract

Four areas of archaeological significance covering a timescale from early Neolithic to post-medieval periods were identified during initial fieldwork at Lockerbie Academy.2 The earliest site identified was the remains of a Neolithic timber hall, which was situated on top of the flat plateau towards the north-west end of the site. At the summit of the rounded knoll in the centre of the area, a Bronze Age phase consisting of a cremation and inhumation cemetery enclosed by a possible ring-cairn was identified. At the base of the rounded knoll, the remains of an Early Historic timber hall were identified. This Anglian timber hall reoccupied the site of a post-built structure, which was interpreted as a timber hall, possibly belonging to an earlier British tradition. A corn-drying kiln was identified cut into the same knoll as the Bronze Age cemetery and has been dated to the late medieval or early post-medieval period. A segmented ditched enclosure was located towards the north-east end of the site, but the poor survival of this feature combined with a lack of finds and palaeobotanical evidence means that it remains undated.

3085-3

D. Coles, A. Sheridan and Crane Begg with Philip Abramson, Charles French and Jane Murray

Excavation and Recording of Three Sites at Knocknab on Torrs Warren, West Freugh

Archaeology (General), Neolithic

TDGNHAS Series III, 85 (2011), 17(3.42 MB)

Abstract

In 1992, during a routine reconnaissance of MOD land at West Freugh, a scatter of artefacts was observed eroding out of a former land surface within the dunes at Knocknab. Initially the assemblage was recorded in situ and surface artefacts were collected. However, when it became evident that archaeological layers were being exposed and then undermined by severe storms, limited excavation was also undertaken. Over the following three years, the area was periodically monitored and artefacts collected where present. The great majority of the assemblage comprised lithics and ceramics located on the old ground surface and within pits. A radiocarbon date of 3940–3700 cal BC, obtained from Sorbus charcoal from a pit in Area 1, established an early Neolithic context for the material. The aim of this report is to bring the results of this investigation into the public arena, with particular emphasis on an analysis of the lithic and ceramic assemblages. It is not intended to provide a more wide-ranging synthesis of the material from Luce Sands but it is hoped that the information within this article could be incorporated into such a synthesis in the future.

3084-4

Michael McCarthy, I. Armit, Chris Gaffney and Bobby Friel

The Isle of Whithorn: Towards a Reassessment

Archaeology (General), Iron Age, Early Mediaeval, Mediaeval

TDGNHAS Series III, 84 (2010), 43(3.44 MB)

Abstract

One of the characteristic archaeological features of the Machars is the series of promontory forts occupying remote headlands projecting out into Wigtown Bay, Luce Bay and the Irish Sea. They are generally characterized by one or more ramparts and ditches that appear to cut the headland off from its hinterland, but little is known about them. Morphologically they are a class of monument typical of the Iron Age and attributed very broadly to the second half of the 1st millennium BC (Armit 1997, 59; Harding 2004, 144-7).

3084-3

M.G. Cavers and A. Geddes with R. Engl, A. Heald, D. Masson, Scott Timpany and J. Robertson

Homesteads In West Galloway: Excavation at Airyolland, Mochrum, Wigtownshire

Archaeology (General), Iron Age

TDGNHAS Series III, 84 (2010), 19(3.44 MB)

Abstract

Archaeological work began at the site of Airyolland I in 2004 when a detailed topographic survey was carried out by the authors. In 2006, the first season of exploratory excavation began at the site; two trenches were excavated in the interior and over the perimeter rampart. The results of this first season of work were promising, and although material culture was sparse with little in terms of artefactual evidence recovered, the two trenches excavated yielded well preserved evidence of the original construction of the site. A slot across the perimeter earthwork encountered a massive stone wall, around 3m in width and composed of two well-built faces retaining a rubble core. Excavation within the interior encountered ruinous remains of interior structures, incorporating large boulders as well as several pits or postholes relating to a stone walled building in the lower half of the site.

3084-2

M.G. Cavers and A. Crone

Galloway Crannogs: An Interim Report on Work at Dorman’s Island and Cults Loch by the Scottish Wetland Archaeology Programme

Archaeology (General), Iron Age

TDGNHAS Series III, 84 (2010), 11(3.44 MB)

Abstract

The Scottish Wetland Archaeology Programme (SWAP) has been undertaking a concerted programme of archaeological survey and excavation on a range of settlements and landscapes in wetland areas across the country. The principal aim of this work is to bring Scotland’s wetland sites into the mainstream of archaeological research, by focussing on their role within their wider landscape contexts. The crannogs of Dumfries and Galloway comprise a particularly dense concentration of these wetland sites, and two key projects at Dorman’s Island, Whitefield Loch and Cults Loch, Castle Kennedy have aimed to investigate their nature and function and, in the case of the flagship project at Cults Loch, their contemporary landscapes. This interim statement summarises some of the main results of these projects up to the end of the 2008 season.

3083-4

D. Gordon with Melanie Johnson, Louise Turner and Mhairi Hastie

Excavation of an Iron Age Round House and Associated Palisaded Enclosure at Whitecrook Quarry, Glenluce

Archaeology (General), Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age

TDGNHAS Series III, 83 (2009), 23(WARNING large file size: 5.11 MB)

Abstract

The remains of an unenclosed prehistoric settlement were identified during a series of
archaeological works that took place in advance of sand extraction in 2006. Rathmell
Archaeology Ltd carried out the ensuing excavations on behalf of Barr Ltd. Two ring
groove houses were identified, along with a palisaded enclosure dating from the Late
Bronze Age to the Early Iron Age, and a series of unassociated negative features. While
radiocarbon dates showed evidence of further activity from the Neolithic to the Early
Bronze Age, no other coherent structures were identified.

3082-10

Jane Murray

Sir Herbert Maxwell: Chairman of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historic Monuments of Scotland 1908-1934

Archaeology (General), Prehistory (General), Antiquarian, Recent, Recent (Literature & Art), Genealogy

TDGNHAS Series III, 82 (2008), 115(2.63 MB)

Abstract

The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland was established by Royal Warrant in February 1908, entrusted with the task of making an inventory of the ancient and historical monuments and constructions connected with or illustra

3081-3

S. Ramsay, J.J. Miller and R.A. Housley

Paleoenvironmental Investigations of Rispain Mire, Whithorn

Quaternary geology, Botany, Archaeology (General), Prehistory (General), Mesolithic, Iron Age, Early Mediaeval, Neolithic

TDGNHAS Series III, 81 (2007), 35(2.95 MB)

Abstract

On behalf of the Whithorn Trust, and with support from Historic Scotland, a palaeoenvironmental study was carried out on a wet fen/mire located 400 m south of Rispain Camp, an Iron Age site in Galloway. The investigation revealed a good lateglacial and ea

3080-11

A.R. Williams and P.G. Williams

A Field-Study Meeting in Galloway, August 1939: The Institute of Sociology, Le Play House

Recent, Recent (Social), Recent (Literature & Art), Geology, Botany, Archaeology (General), Agriculture, Industrial Archaeology, History, Antiquarian, Field Meeting

TDGNHAS Series III, 80 (2006), 143(3.8 MB)

Abstract

Between 1st and 15th August 1939 the Institute of Sociology, Le Play House, 35 Gordon Square, London held a field study meeting in Galloway. Centred on Newton Stewart the group set out to investigate the natural history, history and social science of the

3080-2

M. Cook with A. Duffy and M. Melikian

Excavations of a Bronze Age Roundhouse and associated Palisade Enclosures at Aird Quarry, Castle Kennedy, Dumfries and Galloway

Prehistory (General), Archaeology (General), Bronze Age, Neolithic, Iron Age

TDGNHAS Series III, 80 (2006), 9(3.8 MB)

Abstract

Remains of a prehistoric roundhouse within a palisade enclosure were identified during an archaeological evaluation in advance of a quarry extension in 1999. In accordance with planning conditions an archaeological excavation by AOC Archaeology Group was

3079-22

Jane Murray

Antiquarian Collectors in Wigtownshire - Scientific Pioneers or Acquisitive Hoarders?

Archaeology (General), Archaeology (Non-British), Prehistory (General), Neolithic, Bronze Age, Recent, Antiquarian, Museums

TDGNHAS Series III, 79 (2005), 191(4.05 MB)

Abstract

Summary of a lecture presented to the Society on 15th October 2004. Displays of prehistoric artefacts in the museums of Scotland include much material from Wigtownshire, mostly collected during the latter decades of the 19th century. George Wilson, Free

3079-18

Jane Murray

The William McDowall Selby Collection

Genealogy, Archaeology (Non-British), Archaeology (General), Prehistory (General), Neolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Early Mediaeval, Roman and Romano British, Parish History, Antiquarian, Recent, Recent (Social)

TDGNHAS Series III, 79 (2005), 147(4.05 MB)

Abstract

In 1946 a Miss Helen Selby brought into the National Museum of Antiquities of Scotland a collection of artefacts gathered largely from local sources by her father, William McDowall Selby, and grandfather, Robert Bird Selby, who served successively as medi

3079-4

D. Ronan and J. Higgins with P. Makey, C. McGill, A. Hall and J. Cowgill

Bronze Age Settlement at Ross Bay, Kirkcudbright

Archaeology (General), Prehistory (General), Mesolithic, Bronze Age, Iron Age, Botany, Post-mediaeval archaeology, Recent

TDGNHAS Series III, 79 (2005), 47(4.05 MB)

Abstract

In January 2002, during the archaeological monitoring of topsoil stripping for the construction corridor of a 1.2km gas pipeline at Ross Bay, near Kirkcudbright, Dumfries and Galloway, previously unknown archaeological remains were recorded at three locat

3078-3

I. Banks

The Excavations of Multi-period Remains adjacent to the Banked Enclosure of Warden's Dykes, Gretna: Neolithic, Bronze Age and Early Historic Evidence from the M74

Archaeology (General), Prehistory (General), Neolithic, Bronze Age, Early Mediaeval, Iron Age, Mesolithic, Quaternary geology

TDGNHAS Series III, 78 (2004), 37(4.91 MB)

Abstract

Excavations were carried out by GUARD (Department of Archaeology, Glasgow University) around the site of Warden's Dykes on behalf of Trusthouse Forte and BP Oil UK Ltd in advance of the construction of an access road for the new Gretna motorway service st

3078-2

J. Pickin

Bog Bodies from Dumfries and Galloway

Quaternary geology, Archaeology (General), Prehistory (General), Iron Age, Bronze Age, Roman and Romano British, Recent, Recent (Social), Antiquarian

TDGNHAS Series III, 78 (2004), 31(4.91 MB)

Abstract

A recent review of the evidence for bog bodies in Scotland has added 14 previously unrecogbised examples to the existing gazeteer. Seven of these 'new discoveries' - actually old finds hidden in local newspaper accounts and antiquarian reports - are fro G

3076-18

James Williams

Review - The Early Development of Dumfries from William I (1165-1214) till James III (1460-1488) by Inez Debaus

Archaeology (General), Prehistory (General), Mediaeval, Post-mediaeval archaeology, History, Parish History

TDGNHAS Series III, 76 (2002), 171(1.97 MB)

Abstract

Review of a thesis for the degree of Licentiate in Archaeology at the Catholic University of leuven which was the result of practical work in the area under the guidance of A E Truckell. Copy available at the Dumfries Archive Centre

3076-16

James Williams

Review - The Excavation of a Scottish Lowland Crannog: Excavations at Buiston, Ayrshire 1989-90 by Anne Crone and others

Review, Archaeology (General), Iron Age, Early Mediaeval, Mediaeval, Antiquarian

TDGNHAS Series III, 76 (2002), 168(1.97 MB)

Abstract

Review of the publication by Anne Cone and others of 'The Excavation of a Scottish Lowland Crannog: Excavations at Buiston, Ayrshire 1989-90'. Covers all aspects of the archaeology - including a review of Robert Munro's 19th century excavations. Includes

3076-9

J.R. Mackenzie with C.R. Wickham-Jones and A. Cox

A Multi-period site at 67-71 Irish Street, Dumfries, the former British Legion Club-house

Mesolithic, Archaeology (General), Prehistory (General), Neolithic, Mediaeval, Post-mediaeval archaeology, Recent

TDGNHAS Series III, 76 (2002), 119(1.97 MB)

Abstract

The Scottish Urban Archaeological Trust Ltd (SUAT) carried out an excavation in advance of development at the site of the former British legion Club House at 67-71 Irish Street, Dumfries (NGR NX 9717 7595). The excavation was jointly funded by Callander L

3075-5

Watt, J. Muir

William Galloway's Excavations at Whithorn, 1886-1897: Selections from Unpublished Correspondence in the Bute Muniments

Archaeology (General), Early Mediaeval, Mediaeval, Recent, Recent (Social), Recent (Literature & Art), Antiquarian, Parish History

TDGNHAS Series III, 75 (2001), 133(1.92 MB)

Abstract

The important excavations at Whithorn, carried out during the 1880s and 1890s under the patronage of the Third Marquess of Bute, were unpublished at the time of the death, in 1897, of the architect in charge, William Galloway. The only published record of