The development of a medieval street frontage: evidence from excavations at 80-86 High Street, Perth

Abstract

In advance of redevelopment, an excavation was carried out in 1992 by the Scottish Urban Archaeological Trust Ltd (SUAT) at 80-86 High Street, Perth.Three burgageplots were identified on this prime street frontage site, with medieval occupation spanning some three centuries from the mid-to late 12th century through to the late 14th or early 15th century.Structural remains were not well represented, but there was significant evidence for small-scale craftworking on the site.Most importantly, perhaps, the burgage plots had been laid out over a wattle-lined ditch, radiocarbon dated to cal AD 998-1039, which may have defined an enclosure around an early church, the first real evidence (other than stray finds) for pre-burghal settlement in Perth.