Thurster Tower dig at Sarclet – What was discovered after a week of archaeological work?
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The archaeological dig at Sarclet for the remains of a 15th century stronghold called Thurster Tower appears to have thrown up more questions than answers.
Members of the public were invited along to see the evidence for themselves at Open Day events organised by local archaeological group Yarrows Heritage Trust (YHT).
Stuart Munro, a field archaeologist with AOC Archaeology, said: "Realistically, the rectangular buildings we've uncovered could be anywhere from the 11th or 12th century onwards."
Pointing out features within trench one, he added: "What we've got in here is a gable-ended hearth and we assume there's been a chimney. There's evidence of burning and the hearth stones have delineated it. We had a burnt deposit that we've taken away for sampling."
Over the week of the dig, that YHT had set in motion after evidence from contemporary documents and maps showed a tower in the area known as Long Greens, the team of experts and volunteers opened up two trenches across a mound of rubble. Heather Stewart, whose family owns the land at Long Greens, said: "It was known as the 'Castle Park' and it was a legend or oral tradition that we talked of a castle being here. When Yarrows Heritage Trust said there may have been a tower here they approached Peter [her son] with a view to research it and we gave them permission. We were delighted and we're just waiting to see what the results are."
The AOC team think part of the main structure uncovered in trench one is "no earlier than the 16th century" and that there are only around 10 excavated examples of this type of building previously discovered in the area. "We think it's post-medieval but we're taking samples [to test] and it may be the earliest gable hearth way we've ever found. The exciting thing we've found is that there are two separate buildings here."
On its website, YHT mentions some of the few details known about Thurster Tower: "By 1541, we know that Thurster Tower was held by Elizabeth Innes. We have no picture or description of it, but it is likely to have been a tower-house, similar to Ackergill.
"In the next 50 years there were many battles and skirmishes around, and for the possession of, the Tower. There is no mention of it in historical sources after 1604. It was probably pulled down soon afterwards, with its stones going to make nearby buildings and dykes."
The Trust hopes to fund another dig at the site and awaits lab analysis of materials taken away by the AOC team. It points out that the main objective of the work is to help teach archaeological skills and offer the local community an opportunity to "search for and research their own history". If you are interested in getting involved check the YHT website and Facebook page.
You can also email the Trust at: heritage@yarrowsheritagetrust.co.uk
