Document record MAB60380 - WESTHALL

Souterrain (Wainwright's 'Westhall I').

Souterrain (Wainwright's 'Westhall I'). In April 1869 a souterrain was found, according to A. Jervise, who visited the site and drew the remains 'at Kerryston Bank'. It was noticed when the foundations of a new house were being laid 'upon a rising ground on the estate of Westhall'. Jervise visited the site and recorded the remains, the end of the souterrain being destroyed by the house foundations. He did not record which house, but F. T. Wainwright was able to discover that only one house in the group was being built in April 1869, that called Kerryston Bank, and so places the souterrain at its southwest corner at NO 4563 3542. This souterrain seem not to have been built in the normal souterrain manner. According to Jervise, its walls consisted of flagstones set on edge, and his illustration makes it quite clear what he means. His section, however, suggests that at least the end of the souterrain was built of stones laid flat in the usual souterrain tradition, and A. J. Warden, who may have had access to other information, speaks of 'converging walls', suggestive of corbelling. The structure was entirely destroyed. Jervise notes 'It is probable that the weem had been opened long ago, when the flags which covered the top had been carried off for building purposes'. No finds were discovered (or reported) in 1869. Wainwright noted that in the garden of the house called Kerryston Bank were the upper stones of three or four querns, two of which are of a kind which could have come from souterrains. See also NO43NE0025.

Jervise, A, 1871, Proc Soc Antiq Scot 8, 164-6 (Bibliographic reference). SAB12157.

Warden, A J, 1880-5, [Untitled], Vol. 5, 4 (Bibliographic reference). SAB10087.

WAINWRIGHT, F. T., 1963, THE SOUTERRAINS OF SOUTHERN PICTLAND, 216-19 (Bibliographic reference). SAB2085.

Barclay, G, 1981, Proc Soc Antiq Scot 110, 201-7 (Bibliographic reference). SAB5210.

Record last edited

Jun 30 2021 5:37PM