Understand
Masonry from Perth's lost medieval monastery discovered in 18th-century hospital drain
Overview
Archaeologists and volunteers in Perth have uncovered an 18th-century culvert that appears to incorporate masonry from the lost medieval Perth Charterhouse, a monastery established by King James I of Scotland. The drain, which once served the King James VI Hospital, featured flat stones and floor slabs bearing fine chisel marks and signs of extensive wear, suggesting they originated from the demolished monastic complex. Specialists will examine the stones and pottery fragments found during the excavation, and further archival research and community outreach are planned.
Key points
- Archaeologists in Perth discovered an 18th-century culvert partly constructed using stone believed to be from the medieval Perth Charterhouse.
- The Perth Charterhouse was a Carthusian monastery established by King James I of Scotland nearly 470 years ago and later demolished.
- The drain, used by the King James VI Hospital, was topped with flat stones and floor slabs showing elaborate workmanship and heavy wear.
- Volunteers also recovered potential medieval fragments alongside 19th- and 20th-century pottery and glass during the excavation.
- Other potential reused masonry fragments from the lost monastery have been identified in local garden boundary walls and Perth Station.