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Iron Age remains unearthed in EdinburghWORKMEN digging up a city street in preparation for a new bus route have uncovered an Iron Age structure. The remains of the 3000-year-old stone enclosure were discovered in the Broomhouse area. Archeologists believe the 130ft by 100ft structure dates back to around 1000BC, making it from the late Bronze or early Iron Age. The remains were uncovered by Balfour Beatty workmen excavating the site as part of preparation works for the West Edinburgh Busway. The construction firm is carrying out works on behalf of Transport Initiatives Edinburgh near the Edinburgh-Glasgow railway line. A fuller evaluation of the site is now being conducted by Headland Archeology. A spokesman for the company said the structure would need to be closely examined before its secrets are revealed. He added: "The development on this site has given us an opportunity to carry out research into the historical landscape of the Broomhouse area. It’s likely the timber structure was used as a farm steading enclosure or a corral for livestock. "Excavating, recording and collecting artefacts from the site will give us a better understanding of what it was used for." Council archeologist John Lawson agreed the ancient structure was a significant find. "This is the first such monument to be excavated within the city’s boundaries," he said. "It probably dates to the late Bronze Age or early Iron Age, although recent work in Scotland has shown that this type of enclosure may also date to the early medieval period, around the tenth to 13th century AD. "Either way, it is an important site in Edinburgh’s history." The West Edinburgh Bus System will provide travellers with a bus service from Ingliston to the city centre, passing through residential areas such as Stenhouse as well as Edinburgh Park. It has been described as a vital part of the city’s public transport scheme. It is not known whether the find will delay work to the project, scheduled to finish later this year. Councillor Ricky Henderson, executive member for sports, culture and leisure, said the find was a valuable part of the city’s history. "The discovery of these remains at Broomhouse will further help piece together Edinburgh’s past," he said. "Preserving and recording the findings will add valuable information to the bank of knowledge the city has built up through its archeological finds to date." In July last year, the accidental discovery of a 200-year-old map led to the location of the long-lost settlement of Whittingehame in East Lothian, which dated from the seventh century but was abandoned nearly 300 years ago. Investigations of the field near East Linton identified the site of old buildings, including the pub, a blacksmith’s and school, while a host of relics were brought to the surface by a farmer’s plough. About 200 villagers lived at the site at one time, until the 18th century when agriculture declined and it was abandoned. Further archeological work was to be carried out on the area to expose the foundations of the buildings where relics have been recovered. http://news.scotsman.com/edinburgh.cfm?id=226522004 |
Posted by BrigantesNation 27th February 2004ce Edited 10th September 2007ce
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