The Archaeology of the Siege of Leith, 1560

Abstract

This paper summarises the findings of two evaluations carried out in public spaces in the Leith area, both of which were specifically designed to establish the survival or otherwise of remains relating to the siege of Leith in 1560. Between 6 and 10 November 2006 a trial trenching evaluation was carried out within Pilrig Park to the south of the French citadel to 'ground truth' geophysical anomalies identified during a previous phase of work (Banks et al. 2006) and also to establish the character of topographic features on the ground. The main aim of the project was to establish the presence or absence of remains related to the siege fort known as Somerset's Mount which from a map drawn in 1560 is known to have been located in the vicinity. The evaluation identified the remains of a WWII air raid shelter, the remains of a building associated with Pilrig House demolished sometime in the early to mid 19th century, and a possible ditch associated with the fort, into which several archaeological features including the foundation slot of a small building or other structure and a probable blacksmith's forge had been cut.

The second part of this report concerns the evaluation at Leith Links, around 1 km to the north east of Pilrig Park and to east of the French citadel. A week long evaluation similar to that carried out at Pilrig took place in April 2007, the aim being to locate further evidence for siege works. Once again, attention focussed on geophysical anomalies resulting from the previous survey. The Links are traditionally associated with the siege through the presence of two mounds, which at least since the 19th century have been identified as the platforms for siege guns directed against the eastern face of the French citadel. An area between the two mounds, which are scheduled ancient monuments, was trial trenched along with an area further to the north. Only the latter produced physical remains which seem to relate to the 1560 map. These took the form of an earthen bank and possibly related ditches which run along the same alignment as a feature shown on the early map, though there is some question as to its function.     

The Archaeology of the Siege of Fort William, 1746

Abstract

In August and September 2007, the Centre for Battlefield Archaeology and Glasgow University Archaeological Research Division (GUARD) conducted a programme of archaeological investigation of the remains of the old fort at Fort William and part of the Parade in the town of Fort William on the west coast of Scotland. The fieldwork involved geophysical survey at the fort and the Parade, followed by trial excavation of anomalies. Trial trenches at the Parade exposed several rich midden deposits and material providing evidence for the burning of the town of Maryburgh, as suggested in contemporary accounts in 1746. The results at the fort were not so positive, as most traces of the garrison were removed in the 19th and 20th centuries through its use as a railway yard; however, a trench outside the fort suggests survival of midden deposits pre-dating this period of destruction. This part-Heritage Lottery assisted project was a Highland 2007 initiative supported by Lochaber Community Fund and Highland Council, and included active participation on the part of the local community, including school groups and metal detectorists.     

Annual Meeting at Colchester, 1876

The evidence for the reconstruction of building C12 at Cowdery's Down is reconsidered and an alternative structure proposed. In this, the massive inset slots by the doorways are identified as holding door jambs. A common-rafter roof is proposed, and it is suggested that any floor boarding would have been set directly on the ground and not suspended.     

开阳堡历史的围城赵氏封地,一城一世界

开阳堡即战国时期赵国代郡之安阳邑,《史记赵世家》载,赵武灵王封长子章为代郡安阳君,掌辖赵国半壁江山.它是阳原县境内,最古老的县城和村庄,距今至少已有2200年.故开阳有"开阳原县村庄先河"之说. 城市的面目可谓日新月异,人们的生活节奏,越来越快,如同地铁窗外一闪而过的广告牌.而看到开阳堡,它静静地呆在那里,尤其使人感受到它的孤独空寂.第一次了解到开阳堡,还是在2007年.无意间在网络上看到一幅开阳堡的照片,高大厚实的黄土,围作一座完整的城堡,雄伟壮丽,孤傲地伫立在那里.这座不知历经多少沧桑保留下来的城堡,一定有着道不尽的故事.从此,我对开阳堡一直心存好奇,想着某天,一定要去探访一番.