Archaeological excavation of a medieval structure and an assemblage of prehistoric artefacts from the summit of Traprain Law, East Lothian, 1996 - 1997

Abstract

Investigations on the summit of Traprain Law, East Lothian, recorded and partly excavated approximately 300 sq m of fire-damaged ground immediately south of the summit 'pond'. The majority of the area excavated, roughly 240 sq m, proved either to be outcropping bedrock or shallow sandy loam soils overlying bedrock. These soils contained a range of early and later prehistoric artefacts. The remaining area excavated, roughly 60 sq m, contained a stretch of stone wall interpreted as the remains of a building and associated with quantities of medieval ( 13th- to 14th-century) pottery and iron nails. The nature of the medieval use of Taprain Law is reviewed in the light of this. The work was jointly sponsored by Historic Scotland and the National Museums of scotland.