How Edinburgh Castle just got a little bigger

MEDIEVAL defences which have lain buried for more than 250 years have been discovered by archaeologists at Edinburgh Castle, it has been revealed.

The foundations of what are believed to be a military spur which formed part of the castle's defence bastion and a section of the city's medieval walls were unearthed at the beginning of the week during foundation work to construct the new stands for the Military Tattoo.

Archaeologists initially discovered the remains of a two-feet wide wall, which they believe to be part of the north perimeter boundary wall between the city and the castle.

Further digging unearthed remains similar to the foundations of a spur, a 16th-century defensive bastion which protected the entrance to the castle.

Both appear in a 1647 drawing by Gordon of Rothiemay but their exact location was not known until now.

The esplanade was formed in 1753 to create a military parade ground. As part of the process, a large amount of levelling was deposited on the area in front of the castle, covering up earlier buildings.

Experts described the finds dating from at least the mid-16th century as "an amazing discovery" and said it would provide evidence of how the historic structures which have been on the site over the centuries were constructed.

Peter Yeoman, head of archaeology at Historic Scotland, said the finds "all added to the story of Edinburgh Castle".

"As the remains have effectively lain covered for over 250 years, this is a unique opportunity to learn more about the esplanade during this period in the castle's history," he said.

"Until recently we have only had early drawings to go by but we are now able to examine the archaeology and record and preserve as much of it as is possible for future generations.

"The remains are too deep down to be displayed but to have this knowledge is a great step forward."

Mr Yeoman said archaeologists will record details of the finds before the area is covered up once more during the construction work.

"They were pretty deeply buried about 10-12 feet down, covered in a large amount of material tipped from Edinburgh's Old Town. The extent of preservation was quite surprising. They will be buried again but will be well protected and we now know their whereabouts and we now have the evidence we need. If there are any artefacts such as pottery and metal we will have a good opportunity to recover them.

"We do have a good understanding in general terms about what was there from an earlier drawing by an English spy for Henry the Eighth's army and a later map. This spur could possibly be part of the artillery battery protruding out on to the esplanade these men had noted."

Both discoveries appear in a 1647 drawing by Gordon of Rothiemay but their exact location was not known until now.

Fiona Hyslop, the culture minister, said: "Edinburgh Castle has a long and important role at the centre of the country's history.

"Finds of this kind are extremely valuable in terms of improving our understanding of the development of the castle, and its defensive needs during key periods in time, as well as showcasing effective modern day partnership working between the heritage and construction sectors."

Excavations during the building of the castle's restaurant and shop nearly 20 years ago revealed details from the Bronze Age.