Scottish Castles Association

Preserving the Past for the Future


Archaeologists uncover medieval defences in grounds of historic castle

Fyvie Castle Aberdeenshire

The 'gatehouse' dated 1599

Archaeologists have made a surprising discovery in the grounds of an Aberdeenshire castle. Experts excavating at Fyvie Castle, near Turriff, expected to uncover a 400-year-old garden. Instead they have discovered what they believe to be an 800-year-old defence system which will help them learn more about the castle's history.

Fyvie Castle L Plan

Interior forming a L-plan

Fyvie is recorded in a charter of 1211 but the first mention of a stone building dates from 1395. The lower stages of Fyvie are of early date but the upper were remodelled in the late 16th century and responsible for today's striking appearance. Shannon Fraser, of the NTS, said: "We don't know anything about medieval Fyvie at all ... to come across 13th century pottery is just incredible".

However, a caveat - among the findings was a fragment of Chinese porcelain!

Fyvie Castle dig

Fyvie Castle dig



Source: The Castle Studies Group Bulletin Summer 2012



Added: 19 Jul 2012 Updated: 05 Dec 2014
  Member Comments

? You are not currently signed in. Please sign in below.Comment Rules

Add your comment

We'd love to hear your views. If you are a Scottish Castles Association member, please sign in below and share them with us.

(required field)
Please verify that you are not a robot.
Comments found: (0)

Presently, there are no comments posted for this record!


back to topTop

BECOME A CORPORATE MEMBER- MORE INFO
Our corporate members...

Visit our Skills and Trades Section

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​