During the first three weeks of the excavation a large area of the moated platform has been de-turfed and a series of structural features has been exposed and investigated. It is clear that a significant quantity of the stonework of the old castle has been removed, both in the late 13th century and in later times, yet substantial wall footings and foundations survive and the ground plan of the castle is gradually being revealed.
Once a site grid had been established, one of the first tasks was to de-turf an area of
the platform in an attempt to locate the position of the curtain walls. In early Summer,
the platform is carpeted by bluebell flowers, the bulbs of which survive in the turf layer.
This turf, therefore, was very carefully removed and stacked in the inner moat so that it
can be kept moist and re-instated on the platform once the excavation is completed.
A trench dug across the northern bank of the platform in advance of tree felling in 1978 has been re-opened and a small section of the curtain wall was revealed at its southern end. The foundation trench for the curtain wall has been revealed in a newly-exposed area to the east of this trench and along the eastern side of the platform.
In the northern corner of the platform, substantial remains of a sandstone corner tower have been uncovered (see image) . The tower appears to be square or rectangular in plan, in contrast to those in the newer Caerlaverock Castle. The walls are approximately 1 metre thick and the tower is 5.1 m wide at its base, which is chamfered.
Recent work has concentrated upon an internal range of buildings which occupy the southern section of the platform. Wall footings have been revealed and a pair of probable door jambs also survive, although slightly dislodged.
LATEST FINDS
Pottery and metalworking debris are the two most predominant materials recovered from the
excavation so far. Among the medieval pottery recovered is a number of jug handles,
mainly in redware fabrics with a patchy, green to brown glaze. The longer handle shown
in the image is 140 mm in length. The metalworking debris possibly relates to activity
on the platform post-dating the demolition of the castle. No hearths or furnaces have
yet been located. Other finds from the site include a small number of copper alloy objects
including a small swivel ring, and a group of iron nail fragments.
VISITORS
We have a visitor centre near the site, containing an exhibition about the dig and (when possible) a small display of finds. Visitors are taken on regular guided tours throughout the day, and can view the dig in progress from a raised viewing platform, overlooking the site. There has been a steady flow of visitors, many of them from overseas. Their comments about the work have been very positive and encouraging.
Click here to continue your tour