EAB12232 - Metal Detecting Survey - HILL OF MUCHALLS

A metal detector survey was carried out by Headland Archaeology in 2012 ahead of the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, in an area identified as the possible site of a Civil War skirmish (MAB63016) in 1639. The survey area covered approximately 10 hectares. A total of 204 finds were recovered, the majority were of very recent origin, although four were of possible 17th century date, however none of these could be accurately dated due to their condition. One was a musket ball, 20 mm in diameter; round lead shot continued in use until the mid-19th Century, so it cannot be definitively linked to the battle. A triangular piece of solid cast iron may be diced shot, which could be coated in lead to make round shot, or used as it was as grape shot. One copper alloy coin is possibly of 17th Century date, its appearance and size consistent with 17th Century 'Stirling' turners of the reign of Charles I. A possible button may also be 17th Century. It is of copper alloy, rounded and hollow, and 10 mm in diameter. The majority of the other finds are iron, most probably relating to farm machinery, but also including 12 copper alloy buttons of 18th or 19th century date, a possible ornate buckle fragment, and six coins of 9th and early 20th century date.