Strip Map And Sample at 7 Barnton Avenue West

Addyman Archaeology undertook an archaeological recording operation at land at 7A Barnton Avenue West, Edinburgh, in advance of works associated with the erection of two new villas, parking and landscaping. The site is within the grounds of the former site of Barnton House (Cramond Regis), demolished in the early part of the 20th century. It is also likely that the site is within the bounds of the important medieval crown estate of Cramond Regis referred to in charters dating from 1391 onwards. The first edition Ordnance Survey map of the estate indicates that the site lies on or close to a large group of outbuildings associated with the house. Two areas within the proposed development area were stripped of topsoil and subsoils to natural. The site had been terraced in the 20th century for two dwelling houses, now demolished. This terracing had removed the majority of archaeological features, deposits or structures which may have existed on site. In Area 1, some linear drainage features were recorded. A sequence of buried soils along the south and west flanks of the site was recorded, some containing lime mortar inclusions, interpreted as constructional or destruction horizons of early buildings in the area now removed by the 20th century terracing. No other archaeological features or structures were noted in this area. In Area 2, rubble stone field drains, a shallow rubble-filled pit, linear ditch and stone capped and lined field drain, reused with a ceramic pipe, were recorded.