Document record MAB54270 - CASTLE HILL
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Summary
An archaeological evaluation was carried out by Headland Archaeology in May 2001, in advance of the Moray Coast Wastewater Project (see also NJ66SE0232).
Protected Status/Designation
- None recorded
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred NJ 6896 6429 (53m by 66m) Centred at - Polygon: Known Site Extent |
|---|---|
| Map sheet | NJ66SE |
| Authority | Aberdeenshire |
| Civil Parish | Banff |
Type and Period (4)
Full Description
An archaeological evaluation was carried out by Headland Archaeology in May 2001, in advance of the Moray Coast Wastewater Project (see also NJ66SE0232). This established that stratified archaeological deposits survived on the site, which could not be preserved in situ. This was followed in September 2001 by excavation by Headland as part of the Moray Coast Wastewater Project on the site of proposed pumping station at the foot of the seaward slope of Castle Hill, Banff. The subsequent excavation revealed a ditched enclosure, possibly associated with Banff Castle, and an extensive spread of midden material dating from the 11th -13th centuries dominated by waste from fish and shellfish processing. A large assemblage of medieval pottery, including decorated jugs, and artefacts relating to the fishing industry was also recovered from the midden, including a large collection of medieval fish hooks. A high ratio of deer bone within the midden suggests the waste also derived from a high status site, such as the Castle. In the final phase of activity, a rectangular building was constructed on top of the midden deposits, possibly an outbuilding associated with the Castle. The site is thought to represent the remains of a small fishing settlement on the shore at the mouth of the Deveron. The evidence recovered is considered to be important both in a local and regional context, and the evidence concerning the medieval fishing industry is of national importance.
HEADLAND ARCHAEOLOGY, 2001, AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATION AT CASTLE HILL PUMPING STATION, BANFF, DSR (Bibliographic reference). SAB4351.
HEADLAND ARCHAEOLOGY, 2001, RESULTS OF THREE ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS IN ADVANCE OF THE MORAY COAST WASTEWATER PROJECT , DSR (Bibliographic reference). SAB5939.
STRONACH, S, 2002, Castle Hill and Deveronside. DES 2001, p8-9, p8-9 (Bibliographic reference). SAB3351.
EVALUATION
BAILEY, L, 2015, AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATION OF A MEDIEVAL FISHERMEN'S MIDDEN AT CASTLE HILL PUMPING STATION, BANFF. IN SAJ 36-7 (2015) 1-35, POST-EX (Bibliographic reference). SAB3791.
Jan 1 2001 , GR/01/CT377-393, GR/01/CT377-393 (Ground Photograph). SAB13310.
Other Statuses/References
- Authority: ASH;
- Old Historic Environment Record Ref: NJ66SE0106;
External Links (0)
Sources/Archives (5)
- --- SAB13310 Ground Photograph: Jan 1 2001 . GR/01/CT377-393. Colour Transparency. GR/01/CT377-393.
- --- SAB3351 Bibliographic reference: STRONACH, S. 2002. Castle Hill and Deveronside. DES 2001, p8-9. N. p8-9.
- --- SAB3791 Bibliographic reference: BAILEY, L. 2015. AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATION OF A MEDIEVAL FISHERMEN'S MIDDEN AT CASTLE HILL PUMPING STATION, BANFF. IN SAJ 36-7 (2015) 1-35. Y. POST-EX.
- --- SAB4351 Bibliographic reference: HEADLAND ARCHAEOLOGY. 2001. AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATION AT CASTLE HILL PUMPING STATION, BANFF. DSR.
- --- SAB5939 Bibliographic reference: HEADLAND ARCHAEOLOGY. 2001. RESULTS OF THREE ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS IN ADVANCE OF THE MORAY COAST WASTEWATER PROJECT . DSR.
Finds (0)
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (3)
Record last edited
Jun 17 2025 3:36PM
