Pits and Boots: Excavation of Medieval and Post-medieval Backlands under the Bon Accord Centre, Aberdeen

Pits and Boots is a monograph that explores the backlands of an area that would have formed part of the industrial quarter of the medieval town of Aberdeen. The site, well-dated by dendrochronology and artefactual evidence, indicates activity from the late 12th century AD into the early modern period, with a particularly intensive period in the 13th century. The excavation uncovered a remarkable assemblage of organic remains, including leather, wooden artefacts, textiles, animal pelts, fibres, and cordage, which has revealed a range of activities associated with the use of animal hides. The excavation charts the changing nature of this once-peripheral area of Aberdeen, from an industrial zone in the medieval period to horticultural and domestic spaces in post-medieval times, and has greatly enhanced our knowledge of Scottish urban development.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 13 May 2021
Publisher: Archaeopress

Pits and Boots is a remarkable archaeological excavation that took place in 2007-8, in preparation for an expansion of the Bon Accord Centre in Aberdeen. The excavation uncovered the backlands of an area that would have been part of the medieval town's industrial quarter. The site is well-dated through dendrochronology, augmented by artefactual evidence, and indicates activity from the late 12th century AD to the early modern period, with a particularly intensive period in the 13th century. The excavation uncovered a wealth of structural evidence, including backland boundaries, hearths/ovens, several wood-lined wells, and numerous large pits.

The contents of these pits and wells form the core of this monograph. The waterlogged conditions within the pits and wells have preserved a remarkable assemblage of organic remains, including leather, wooden artefacts, textiles, animal pelts, fibres, and cordage. The leather assemblage is the largest ever found in Scotland and has revealed a range of activities associated with the use of animal hides, from hide processing to tanning and shoemaking. The wood assemblage is also extensive and includes bowls, platters, coopered vessels, and tools. Metalwork, crucibles, clay mould fragments, and ceramics all testify to the industrial nature of the area, while the large quantities of animal and fishbone demonstrate that butchery on an industrial scale took place in the area.

The excavation has charted the changing nature of this once-peripheral area of Aberdeen, from an industrial zone in the medieval period to horticultural and domestic spaces in post-medieval times. It has greatly enhanced our knowledge of Scottish urban development. The excavation has also provided valuable insights into the social and economic structures of medieval Aberdeen, as well as the technological and material culture of the period.

In conclusion, Pits and Boots is a groundbreaking excavation that has shed light on the rich history of Aberdeen and has contributed significantly to our understanding of medieval urban development in Scotland. The excavation's findings will continue to inspire and inform future research and heritage management efforts in the area.

Weight: 1312g
Dimension: 206 x 289 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789694871