Archaeological dig on blaze site reveals 'Cowgate palaces'

Published on Saturday 1 December 2007 01:19

ARCHAEOLOGISTS digging at the site of the fire that devastated part of Edinburgh's Old Town have uncovered remains of buildings going back to the 16th century.

It is thought the homes may have belonged to some of the city's wealthiest inhabitants. Fragments of pottery, coins and pipes have been recovered from the site, where a major archeological dig is going on before a hotel is built in the next few years.

About half the area is being examined during the three-week project, the biggest archaeological analysis there since the blaze, which destroyed a number of buildings.

The area where fire struck in December 2002 was one of Edinburgh's most fashionable quarters in the 16th and 17th centuries - the so-called "palaces of the Cowgate". But by the mid-1800s it had degenerated into a notorious slum.

The archaeology firm AOC and the council's head archaeologist, John Lawson, have revealed the discovery of the building remains in the north-west corner of the fire site, near the Faith nightclub in the Cowgate.

Mr Lawson said: "There was extensive redevelopment of the Cowgate in the 19th and 20th centuries, but before then it was really quite an affluent area.

"What we've discovered dates back much further, probably to the 16th century, as well as quite a bit of pottery and several coins.

"We're talking about a major piece of the jigsaw which may help us to understand what life was like in the Cowgate at that time.

"This is the only major archaeological dig that has taken place on this site, but this is a very significant find.

"When it's finished, hopefully we'll have a real microcosm of Edinburgh's history.

"I'd hope there could maybe be some form of publication produced on the whole history of the area, now that we've been able to find out so much more over the last few years."

Lindsay Dunbar, senior project officer with AOC, added: "Quite a bit of stuff has survived, like the earthenware, and there are several drains and culverts.

"It's obviously pretty exciting to have made this kind of discovery, and it's such a rare opportunity to embark on a major dig in the heart of medieval Edinburgh."

City developer Whiteburn secured a deal to buy the fire site from its multiple owners last year. It plans to build a hotel, complete with glass-domed roof, retail and leisure complex on the site."

The plan is to link the various levels with steps and courtyards.

David Kilgour, the project manager with Whiteburn, said: "We are working closely with Mr Lawson to ensure any historical remains are recorded."