A series of medieval publications is set to be launched in Perth Museum and Art Gallery.Olwyn Owen, Head of Scheduling and Marine at Historic Scotland said:
“The excavations in Perth in the mid 1970s gave us a glimpse for the first time in Scotland, of just how rich the urban archaeological resource might be. Perth is the jewel in our urban archaeological crown, unique amongst Scottish towns for the depth, importance and consistently high quality of its archaeological remains.
‘“The archaeological deposits of Perth contain artefacts and materials that do not survive elsewhere. This gives us the opportunity to be able to reconstruct an accurate picture of lifestyle and living conditions in the town some 700 or 800 years ago.”
Derek Hall, Assistant Editor Tayside and Fife Archaeological Committee added:
“Urban excavations can often provide the most information and in some ways the most striking finds. This is because many medieval towns are situated on sites where continuous occupation can result in archaeological deposits being up to three or four metres deep. As these deep deposits are sometimes waterlogged, it means that the decay process is either very slow or does not happen at all, providing us with a fascinating insight into our past history and heritage.”
The series is set to have four books, two of which will detail the history, excavation, excavated buildings and the environmental and zoological evidence. The others will be published next year and will describe the ceramics, metalwork, religious objects and wooden objects, leather and textiles.
A single volume of the publications will cost £15 plus £6 postage and packaging. More information is available on the Historic Scotland Website.
