School pupils unearth Brodick Castle artefact
Brodick, Kilmory and Corrie primary school pupils have helped to uncover historic artefacts at Brodick Castle during archaeological excavations.
The discovery of a copper alloy coin by a P7 pupil was just one of the exciting artefacts which came to light after National Trust for Scotland archaeologists and volunteers excavated the site at the oldest part of the castle.
The dig took place near the drawbridge leading into the battery of the castle, which was discovered by the archaeology team during conservation work to the castle’s exterior in 2023. It is estimated that the timber drawbridge was replaced with a set of stone steps in the early 19th century.
Archaeologists and the volunteers excavated the area to the east of the steps to try and locate their foundations and the basal courses of the adjacent battery.
During the work a range of artefacts were recovered, including a silver coin of particular significance, which has been provisionally identified as a silver half groat of James VI and I.
Another item of interest is a copper alloy coin, very excitedly discovered by a P7 pupil during one of the Trust’s Brodick Drawbridge Dig Days, which is believed to be a Charles I or II.
Other finds included fragments of clay tobacco pipes, butchered animal bones, shards of medieval and post-medieval pottery, and some large wine bottle fragments.
Derek Alexander, head of archaeology at the National Trust for Scotland, said: “We’re excited to share the discovery of a range of historical artefacts at Brodick Castle, including a 17th-century silver coin. We were fortunate to have Katharine Donaldson, Icon Bute intern and conservator, working with us on site, and who was able to clean the coin. The coin shows a thistle and crown on one side and a rose and crown on the other, indicating a silver half groat of James VI and I.
“In 2023, we were thrilled to discover drawbridge holes at Brodick Castle while repointing the castle’s walls, when buildings archaeology specialist Tom Addyman noticed the two vertical slots hidden beneath a layer of cement. As we dug deeper to better understand its infrastructure, we were delighted to find these treasures along the way, which offer a glimpse of Brodick Castle’s rich history.
“A particular highlight was also welcoming local pupils from Brodick, Kilmory and Corrie primary schools to participate in the excavation as part of the Trust’s Brodick Drawbridge Dig Days. One P7 pupil was very excited to discover a copper alloy coin, which is of the right size to be a Charles I or II. We are delighted to be able to support young people to learn more about archaeology and Brodick Castle, and to work with such enthusiastic volunteers.”
Ian McLelland, the National Trust for Scotland’s regional director for south and west, said: ‘The conservation work at Brodick Castle contributes to the Trust’s conservation goals and supports our vision to care for and share Scotland’s nature, beauty and heritage. It’s thanks to the generosity of our members and supporters that our charity can continue its work to protect Scotland’s rich cultural heritage, share the fascinating stories of the special places in our care, and provide access for everyone to enjoy.’’
A 3D model of the archaeological dig at Brodick Castle can be explored at skfb.ly/pxWAq. Further information about Brodick Castle, garden and country park can be found at www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/brodick-castle.
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