Document record MAB57828 - ST PAUL STREET

Excavation carried out in 1977 prior to redevelopment on the site previously occupied by Farquhar and Gill recorded a modern underground complex in this northeast corner of the development site (see also NJ90NW0001 for main excavation).

Excavation carried out in 1977 prior to redevelopment on the site previously occupied by Farquhar and Gill recorded a modern underground complex in this northeast corner of the development site (see also NJ90NW0001 for main excavation). Possibly of 18th century date, it comprised two connected circular chambers with walls and vaults of stone, entered by a corridor and flight of steps. The floors of both chambers and the corridor were of bricks laid as stretchers, in the chambers arranged in concentric circles. Both chambers had in the centre a central cavity at least 1m deep below floor level, with a hole in the roof above. Built into the floors of the larger chamber and the corridor were a number of drains leading towards the central cavity. Against one wall was a freestanding brick structure with the remains of an iron tray beneath it, the dense black material filling the tray having overflowed onto the floor of the chamber. Behind this structure was a 'tunnel' circa 300-400 mm square leading to the southwest. The function of the chambers is as yet unclear. One of the chambers had been discovered in March 1912 during construction of foundations for a motor garage as reported in the Press and Journal, a number of articles and letters in the editions for 1st to 5th April providing descriptions and speculation on their function, after the water had been pumped out it was entered by workmen. It was described as a beehive like chamber, circa 15 feet high, with granite walls and brick roof, and at the east end a brick-built passage wide enough to crawl through. The 5th April edition reported that it had been found that the passage at the back of the chamber extends 87 feet to a point where it divides although it had not been ascertained how far these branches extend. One letter to the editor suggested that the chamber was used for secret distilling of whisky. Others considered it to be a large cesspool used in connection with the mansions once numerous in the neighbourhood, and stated that there was an elaborate system of draining in the district to the old loch and burn. Another theory was that the building in which it was located was formerly a old brew house, but the possibility of an ice house has also been mooted.

Author unknown, , PRESS & JOURNAL, 01/04/1912 p. 8 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1416.

Author unknown, , PRESS & JOURNAL, 03/04/1912 p. 6 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1416.

Author unknown, , PRESS & JOURNAL, 04/04/1912 p.4 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1416.

Author unknown, , PRESS & JOURNAL, 05/04/1912 p.6 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1416.

MURRAY, JC, 1982, EXCAVATIONS IN THE MEDIEVAL BURGH OF ABERDEEN (1973-81) , p. 68. Ill 21 (Bibliographic reference). SAB1160.

Record last edited

Aug 18 2021 4:42PM