Parts of Monastery Established by King James I Potentially Found in Perth Drain
Surviving elements of a monastery founded by King James I of Scotland nearly 470 years ago may have been discovered within an old drain during an excavation in Perth. The Charterhouse, which housed Carthusian monks, was later demolished, and the medieval site was covered by a hospital and residences.
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According to BBC UK, surviving sections of a monastery established by King James I of Scotland approximately 470 years ago might have been located in an aged drain. The Charterhouse was founded in Perth to accommodate monks of the Carthusian Order, and its central feature was a richly decorated church. Over time, the monastery was torn down, and the medieval location became buried beneath houses and a hospital.
During an excavation conducted last month, archaeologists and volunteers uncovered an 18th Century culvert that appeared to have utilized stone sourced from the demolished monastery. This drain once served to carry wastewater from King James VI Hospital, which was constructed around 1749-1750 and later converted into apartments in the 1970s. The drain was found while digging in a grassy open area at the former hospital.
Flat stones covering the top of the drain are believed to be medieval masonry. Archaeologist Dr Gavin Lindsay informed BBC Scotland News that clear chisel marks are visible, indicating careful work to create the smooth sides. He noted that the elaboration and effort put into these stones were significantly greater than what would be expected for a drain from the 1700s. The collection of masonry also includes stone floor slabs. Dr Lindsay mentioned that a stone mason who visited the site suggested the smooth surfaces of these slabs resulted from prolonged foot traffic. The archaeologist speculated that this traffic could have been from many monks, or even King James himself.
Dr Lucy Dean, associated with the University of Highlands and Islands Centre for History, is also involved in the Perth Charterhouse Project. She stated that the volunteers sifted through the excavated soil and found several pieces of pottery and glass that are likely medieval, alongside numerous items from the 19th and 20th centuries. Specialists will examine the stones from the drain and the pottery fragments further. The project's next phases, according to the archaeologists, involve studying archives to gain more information about the monastery and communicating findings to the local community. Future excavations are possible.
Residents of Perth have been asked to report any other surviving masonry that may have been reused. Dr Lindsay stated that fragments have already been identified incorporated into the retaining wall of Perth Station, as well as into the boundary walls of gardens. The project has involved the University of Stirling and the Perthshire Society of Natural Science, with funding provided by the trustees of the King James VI Hospital and The Guildry Incorporation of Perth.
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