coldingham priory dba 3537 · flint spearhead (her nt96nw 20) were found near the town in 1920....

on behalf of The Friends of Coldingham Priory

Glebe Field Coldingham

Scottish Borders

archaeological desk-based assessment

report 3537 September 2014

Contents 1. Summary 1 2. Project background 2 3. Landuse, topography and geology 3 4. Site walk‐over survey 3 5. Historical and archaeological development 3 6. The potential archaeological resource 8 7. Sources 8 Appendix 1: Historic Environment Record 10 Appendix 2: Coldingham Priory documents 15

Figures Figure 1: Site location and Historic Environment Record Figure 2: Site as existing Figure 3: Extract from Bleau’s Merce or Shirrefdome of Berwick, 1654 Figure 4: Extract from Armstrong’s Map of the County of Berwick, 1771 Figure 5: Extract from Ordnance Survey map, 1858 Figure 6: Extract from Ordnance Survey map, 1899 Figure 7: Extract from Ordnance Survey map, 1908 Figure 8: The northern part of the site, looking north‐east Figure 9: The southern part of the site, looking south‐east

© Archaeological Services Durham University 2014 Green Lane Durham DH1 3LA tel 0191 334 1121 fax 0191 334 1126 [email protected] www.dur.ac.uk/archaeological.services

Glebe Field· Coldingham· Scottish Borders· desk-based assessment· report 3537· September 2014

Archaeological Services Durham University 1

1. Summary The project The project 1.1 This report presents the results of a desk‐based assessment conducted on Glebe

Field, close to Coldingham Priory, as part of ongoing research by the Friends of Coldingham Priory.

1.2 Additional current research involves a geophysical survey. This work is presented in

a separate report. 1.3 The works were commissioned by the Friends of Coldingham Priory and conducted

by Archaeological Services Durham University.

The archaeological resource 1.4 There is no direct evidence for prehistoric or Roman activity within the study area,

and a possible prehistoric enclosure found by geophysical survey in 1998 may in fact be medieval. However, the presence of activity in the surrounding vicinity indicates that an as yet unidentified resource has the potential to exist.

1.5 Several early medieval ditches survive immediately to the west of the study area and

are likely to extend into Glebe Field. Several cist burials have been found to the east of the northern end of Glebe Field around St Michael’s Knowe and have the potential to be early medieval in date. These suggest a focus of burial around St Michael’s Knowe, which could be indicative of the presence of an early medieval church or monastery.

1.6 Later medieval burials associated with Coldingham Priory appear to have extended

towards St Michael’s Knowe, and it is possible that activity relating to the later medieval priory also extended into Glebe Field. This may have impacted upon the survival of any potential early medieval archaeology.

1.7 There is a growing body of evidence for early medieval occupation of Coldingham in

the St Michael’s Knowe area. This includes cist burials and radiocarbon dating of ditches. St Michael’s Knowe would benefit from further investigations using geophysical survey techniques to establish the extent and nature of this activity, although it is likely that archaeological excavation would be required to prove whether any potential remains are associated with the early medieval monastery of St Æbba.



2. Project background Location (Figures 1 & 2) 2.1 The study area comprised the Glebe Field in Coldingham, near Eyemouth, Scottish

Borders (NGR centre: NT 9054 6600). The field lies to the east of the Scheduled Monument of Coldingham Priory, which includes the conventual remains of a Benedictine priory and an area which may have been occupied by outlying monastic buildings to the east of the church and cloister. It was anticipated that remains associated with the earlier, Anglian, monastery might also be present within Glebe Field.

2.2 The study area covered approximately 1.6ha. To the north is Chariot Road and

housing, to the east is a caravan and camping ground, and to the south is St Andrew’s Burn with an arable field beyond.

Objective 2.3 The principal objectives of the assessment were:

to determine the potential for the presence of the early medieval monastery at Coldingham

to contribute to ongoing research by the Friends of Coldingham Priory 2.4 Additional research comprises a geophysical survey for the study area. This work is

presented in a separate report (Archaeological Services 2014).

Methods statement 2.5 The assessment was undertaken following discussions with the Friends of

Coldingham Priory and Dr Chris Bowles (Archaeology Officer for Scottish Borders Council and advisor to the Friends), and in accordance with a methods statement prepared by Archaeological Services Durham University (ref DH 14.44) and national standards and guidance.

Dates 2.6 The field visit took place on 18th August 2014. This report was prepared for

September 2014.

Personnel 2.7 Research and report preparation was conducted by Jamie Armstrong, with graphics

by Janine Watson. The Project Manager was Duncan Hale.

OASIS 2.8 Archaeological Services Durham University is registered with the Online AccesS to

the Index of archaeological investigationS project (OASIS). The OASIS ID number for this project is archaeol3‐189793.

Acknowledgements 2.9 Archaeological Services is grateful to the Friends of Coldingham Priory, particularly

Anne Dall and David Campbell (Secretary and Treasurer, respectively), and to the landowner and Scottish Borders Council for their support.



3. Landuse, topography and geology 3.1 The study area comprised one field, recently cut for hay. 3.2 The northern half of the field is predominantly level with a mean elevation of

approximately 57m OD, while the southern half slopes gently down to the south, to St Andrew’s Burn at approximately 51m OD.

3.3 The underlying solid geology of the area comprises Early Devonian andesite and

basalt of the Eyemouth Volcanic Formation, which are generally overlain by Devensian till except in the south where a band of alluvium flanks the burn.

4. Site walk‐over survey (Figures 8 & 9) 4.1 A walk‐over survey was conducted, to help ascertain the potential of the proposed

development area to contain any archaeological resource. Topography, earthworks, areas of modern overburden, modern services, boundaries, buildings and other upstanding remains were recorded where present. A pro forma recording sheet was completed.

4.2 The field is currently used for hay and is generally bounded by hedges and wire

fences, with stone walls to the west and south‐west around the Manse. It has only been ploughed occasionally in recent decades (farmer, pers.comm.). Telegraph poles were present in the north‐west, central and south‐eastern parts of the field.

4.3 No earthworks or ridge and furrow were noted on the ground. Ploughing has the

potential to impact upon any surviving archaeological resource.

5. Historical and archaeological development 5.1 The main focus of this assessment is to discuss the potential for the early medieval

monastery at Coldingham to be located to the east of the former Coldingham Priory. Therefore the presence of archaeology from other periods is only summarised.

The prehistoric and Roman periods (up to 5th century AD) 5.2 The earliest evidence of activity dates to the prehistoric period. A stone axe and a

flint spearhead (HER NT96NW 20) were found near the town in 1920. Several cropmarks of presumed prehistoric settlements have been found around Coldingham, including at Temple Hall, Applincross and Scavieburn Bridge (HER NT86NE 38; NT96NW56, 140 & 142). Two cists have been found, one at Bee Edge (HER NT86NE28), and the other to the east of Applin Cross (HER NT96NW 7). Roman coins have also been found amongst early Northumbrian coinage (HER NT96NW 28). A geophysical survey of the Scoutscroft Holiday Centre in 1998 found evidence for a possible prehistoric enclosure in the study area (Glendinning 1998), although subsequent excavations immediately to the west in Abbey Yards Field indicate that it is possible that this is a medieval feature (below, paragraph 5.18).

5.3 There is evidence that the surrounding area was exploited in prehistory. A resource

relating to this exploitation may therefore survive within the study area.



The early medieval period (5th century to 1066) 5.4 Precisely when the Anglian monastery at Coldingham was established is not known.

In his Ecclesisatical History, Bede recounts how in 660AD Etheldreda, wife of King Ecgfrith, entered the convent at Urbs Coludi under St Æbba who, as sister to Kings Oswald and Oswui, was Ecgfrith’s aunt (Sherley‐Price 1955, 233). This suggests that the monastery had already been founded. Its location is unclear too: Alcock argues that, as the monastery is referred to in Anglo‐Saxon as Olodesbyrig and Colodaesburg, which would refer to forts, and in Latin by Bede as Urbs Coludi and Coludi Urbs, or the town/fort of Colud, the monastery was probably located within an existing fortification (Alcock et al 1986, 256). Such a location is not unlikely at this time (e.g. York and Chester‐le‐Street). However, it is possible that there was a fortification called Colodaesburg with the monastery located nearby, as was the case with Lindisfarne and Bamburgh.

5.5 It is unclear whether Coldingham monastery was a new or an established

foundation, although the presence of two royal ladies would doubtless have brought wealth and influence to the monastery. It was visited by Cuthbert, as recorded by both Bede in his Vita Sancti Cuthberti and the anonymous author of another Vitae (Colgrave 1969, 81 & 189). Bede’s account gives us the only contemporary description of the monastery’s location: “…[Cuthbert] went down to the sea, which flows beneath [the monastery]….” (Ibid. 189): this gives the impression of a monastery standing near a cliff edge. However, Bede did not visit the monastery himself and was instead relying on other accounts, so it is possible that he misunderstood its location and assumed the sea was closer than in reality.

5.6 It is also from Bede that the only contemporary description of the monastery is

given. Bede indicates that it was a double house with both male and female inmates, and it is said to have had “lofty walls”, with “cells… built for prayer and study”, dormitories, public and private rooms and other unnamed buildings (Sherley‐Price, 250‐1). However, as Bede did not visit Coldingham himself, he is again relying on another’s account, albeit one who had been an inmate. The context for Bede’s description is actually a cautionary tale about proper behaviour in monasteries, and so the narrative is focused on the moral of God’s punishment of Coldingham with fire, rather than an accurate description of the monastery. Bede may be describing what he is familiar with (i.e. Jarrow and Monkwearmouth) and assuming that Coldingham had a similar collection of buildings. Nevertheless, monasteries of the time lacked the regular layout of post‐Conquest monasteries, comprising small cells grouped around churches with other associated buildings close by, such as have been found at Hartlepool (Aston 2000, 45; Daniels 1999, 106). Coldingham is likely to have had a similar arrangement.

5.7 The monastery burned down some time after the death of St Æbba (683AD),

although it is not known exactly when this occurred. It certainly must have been before the death of Bede at the very latest, and probably long before that: Bede’s story of the destruction of Coldingham suggests the fire followed soon after St Æbba’s death, as an expression of God’s wrath (Sherley‐Price, 250‐1). Bede indicates that the monastery was not completely deserted, and there is a later story that, during a Viking raid in 870, the nuns of Coldingham (led by the suspiciously named Abbess Æbba) disfigured themselves to avoid rape, instead being burned alive in the convent. However, this is probably apocryphal as it is a story that only surfaces in the 14th century and bears striking similarities with a Viking raid on Ely, which also took



place in 870. Given the view that Bede (and presumably many of his contemporaries, including Cuthbert, who is reputed to have refused to allow women in his churches to avoid a repeat of the events of Coldingham (Carr 1834, 237)) held about God’s judgement on Coldingham it seems likely that the site was abandoned.

The later medieval period (1066 to 1540) 5.8 Coldingham Priory was re‐established in early 12th century after King Edgar granted

Coldinghamshire to Durham Priory. As the grant was made before Edgar had been crowned, this was part of a political manoeuvre to win the support of Cuthbert’s community, who were an import political force in the region. The grant recovered many lands which had previously belonged to the community in the time of Cuthbert (Lomas 2005, 18 & 23). It was also important in re‐establishing the heritage of Cuthbert in the area. It was common to rebuild previous or existing monasteries (e.g. Durham, Tynemouth, Jarrow and Monkwearmouth) and so a likely site for the Anglo‐Saxon monastery is beneath or near the later medieval priory. However, given the circumstances surrounding the demise of the earlier monastery it may be that the new priory was placed on a fresh site, in respect of Cuthbert’s reputed misogyny and to avoid any divine wrath. Lomas also suggests that, if a new site was chosen, it may have been done to protect Cuthbert’s cult from the threat of another local saint. It may also have been a response to the establishment of houses under the newer monastic orders (Lomas 2005, 25 & 27).

5.9 In the 12th century an oratory was established on Kirk Hill and gave its name to the

place; this was later rebuilt as a chapel by the monks of Coldingham (Stronach 2005, 417). The priory remained in the hands of Durham until 1478 when it was taken over by Scots, mainly as a result of the Anglo‐Scottish wars (Dobson 1967, 1). A list of documents from Durham Priory concerning Coldingham Priory is provided in Appendix 2. These documents all date to the late 11th century onwards and concern the later medieval priory, making no mention of the Anglo‐Saxon monastery.

The post‐medieval period (1541 to 1899) 5.10 As stated above, the exact location of the Anglo‐Saxon monastery is a matter of

debate. None of the pre‐1850s maps consulted for this report make any mention of the previous location of St Æbba’s monastery at St Abb’s Head, although many mark camps and forts (e.g. Thomson 1821). The earliest map of the area is Waghenaur’s 1583 chart of the coast, which marks St Abbs Head (“S. Abbenhoet”), and also appears to show Coldingham. Bleau’s 1654 map (Figure 3) shows a chapel on St Abb’s Head (“Ebbeshead”); this is presumably the chapel at Kirk Hill. Armstrong’s 1771 map (Figure 4) also marks the ruins of St Abb’s Kirk and marks a burgh around it. It also depicts Rampart Hall; later maps mark the promontory on which it stands as “Rampart”, but it seems strange to use a topographical feature to name a landmark. Alcock suggests its name is appropriate due to the presence of a large earthwork at the southern end of the promontory (1986, 265). Armstrong also provides an early plan of Coldingham itself, marking the Abbey church but giving no further detail as to any activity in the Glebe Field.

5.11 A quite detailed 1782 map by Ainslie of the lands of Northfield (not reproduced)

provides some interesting facts. Ainslie marks “Rampart Hall” as “Romford Hall ruins”, and places it on “Romford Point” along with a second ruin at the end of the promontory. This could be an indication that the use of the name “Rampart” is a typographical error which has been fossilised in early maps. Ainslie also marks St



Abb’s chapel in ruins and shows the area around Kirk Hill as “Ruins of the town of St Abbs”. There is no evidence of a settlement here from the 18th century onwards and so it is likely that this refers to a medieval settlement, possibly the Urbs Coludi Bede refers to.

5.12 Until the early 19th century it was assumed that the Anglo‐Saxon monastery was

located on the site of the later medieval priory in Coldingham itself. By the time of the 1st edition Ordnance Survey (1858), however, the promontory of Romford or Rampart Hall is named as “Rampart” and is marked being the location of the remains of St Abb’s nunnery, 3.45km north of Coldingham. This remains the case throughout all subsequent editions of the Ordnance Survey up to the present day, and probably also contributed to OGS Crawford locating Coludes Burh there (1934, 202). It is likely that the ruins of Rampart Hall were taken by the surveyors as being the monastic church, as Alcock confirms that this is probably a later secular hall (1986, 268). The Ordnance Survey map marks St Abb’s Kirk. In its presentation of the town of Coldingham (Figure 5) there is no evidence for any activity on the study area, which is shown to be originally slightly larger, extending to the south of the Manse. There is also no evidence of any development of St Michael’s Knowe.

5.14 In 1878 Robert Glen recorded the discovery of a sculptured cross shaft found at

God’s Mount on Coldingham Hill (HER NT96NW 8), probably modern day Gosmount, c.450m north‐west of the priory (Glen 1878, 569; Stronach 2005, 398). Cramp dates this as between the 8th and 10th centuries (Stronach 2005, 398). An Anglo‐Saxon strap‐end was found in the field immediately north of the priory (NT96NW 16; Stronach 2005, 398). In 1885 a cist burial was found in the churchyard (NT96NW 13). In 1887 several east‐west cist burials were found in the churchyard to the north and around St Michael’s Knowe, 250m north‐east of the priory church (Stronach 2005, 399; HER NT96NW 22). These cists have the potential to be early medieval in date, and their distance from the priory church is quite significant, suggesting another earlier focal point to the site. However, their precise location is unclear; while they are marked as being on the edge of the study area this is only a six‐figure grid reference, and it is possible that they were found in the same area as another group of burials (NT96NW 218: below, paragraph 5.17). The 1899 Ordnance Survey map (Figure 6) shows no significant alteration to either Glebe Field or St Michael’s Knowe. Glebe Field had achieved its present boundaries, with the area to the south of the Manse appropriated for other uses.

The modern period (1900 to present) 5.15 The 1908 Ordnance Survey map (Figure 7) also shows no significant alteration to

Glebe Field, although a house had been erected at the north‐east corner of St Michael’s Knowe. Later maps show that by the 1960s St Michael’s Knowe had largely developed its present boundaries, with almost all of the present properties constructed.

Previous archaeological work

5.16 Although there were extensive excavations on Coldingham Priory in the 1960s and 1970s, no early medieval remains were uncovered. Modern work to establish the location of St Æbba’s monastery has until recently focused on the St Abb’s Head and Kirk Hill sites. Alcock excavated trenches across St Abb’s Head (HER NT96NW 6; HER 959720) in 1980. One trench was across the ditch at the southern end of the Rampart Hall promontory, with the second inside the remains of the hall. Alcock



concluded that this was a later medieval secular site and that there was no evidence for the presence of the monastery (Alcock et al 1986, 268). A further trench was excavated across the ditch forming the western side of Kirk Hill (NT96NW 17). This established the presence of a timber palisade and also evidence for further timber structures in the form of rock‐cut post‐holes. Three samples for radiocarbon dating were submitted and returned dates of 570‐760 cal AD, 610‐880 cal AD and 615‐885 cal AD. These dates would conform with the period during which the monastery was in use. However, Alcock admits that the excavations found nothing to link the activity at Kirk Hill to the monastery (Ibid. 276‐7).

5.17 Archaeological monitoring in 1994 around St Michael’s Knowe (immediately north‐

east of the study area: HER NT96NW 218; 987331) established the presence of adult and child inhumations (Stronach 2005, 399). These are over 200m north‐east of the east end of the priory church, a considerable distance, which suggests they are not connected with priory. A geophysical survey was undertaken in the southern part of the present study area in 1998 (HER NT96NW 57; 142738). This found evidence for a possible penannular enclosure approximately 60m in diameter (Glendinning 1998, 1). A prehistoric date was suggested for this enclosure although there is presently no definitive dating evidence and it is therefore possible that it relates to medieval activity. A further geophysical survey was undertaken in Abbey Yards Field (immediately west of Glebe Field: HER NT96NW 246; 990441) in 1999, the results of which suggested the possible presence of a prehistoric enclosure (Johnson 1999).

5.18 Archaeological excavations in the northern end of Abbey Yards Field in 2000 (HER

NT96NW 11.3; 610836) found three co‐axial ditches, the earliest of which was radiocarbon dated to the 7th or early 8th century AD. The excavations also found a later medieval phase of inhumations and evidence of industrial activity (Stronach 2005). Archaeological monitoring in 2001 to the north of this on the south side of Fisher’s Brae (80m north‐west of the study area; HER NT96NW 160; 610151) found two undated east‐west ditches which predate the property boundaries. These are likely to be the continuation of the ditches found in 2000 (Stronach 2005). Further work on the Abbey Yards Field site in 2002 found several inhumations (HER 610810). On the strength of this evidence Stronach makes a case for the location of the early medieval monastery to be at Coldingham, centred on or near St Michael’s Knowe, with the site at Kirk Hill a nearby burgh (Stronach 2005, 417).

5.19 Geophysical surveys of Kirk Hill were undertaken in 2011 (HER 959725 & 959726).

This established the presence of archaeological features within the C‐shaped bank around the medieval church. These included a rectangular stone building to the west of the enclosure and another to the north. Further linear features were identified in the south of the area and possibly had structures constructed against them. As yet there is no indication as to whether this activity relates to an early monastery or a burgh.

The buildings 5.20 There are no buildings in Glebe Field. There are many listed buildings within the

village (Appendix 1). The Manse lies immediately west of the study area and is a Grade B listed building, meaning it is a regionally important building. Further to the west is Coldingham Priory church, a Grade A listed building, meaning it is a nationally important structure.



Scheduled Ancient Monuments and other Designated Heritage Assets 5.21 Coldingham Priory Church lies immediately west of the study area and is a Scheduled

Ancient Monument, the boundary of which extends as far as the western boundary of Glebe Field. Associated with this are the remains of the medieval monastery, much of which remains buried. The site lies to the east of the Coldingham Conservation Area.

6. The potential archaeological resource 6.1 There is no direct evidence for prehistoric or Roman activity within the study area. A

possible enclosure found by geophysical survey in 1998, and considered likely to be prehistoric, could be medieval, if it exists at all; the geophysical evidence for this enclosure is not compelling. However, the presence of activity in the surrounding vicinity indicates that an as yet unidentified resource has the potential to exist.

6.2 Several early medieval ditches were recorded immediately north‐west of the study

area, and a continuation of these has almost certainly been detected by the present geophysical surveys (Archaeological Services 2014). Several cist burials have been found to the east of the northern end of Glebe Field around St Michael’s Knowe and have the potential to be early medieval in date. These suggest a focus of burial around St Michael’s Knowe which could be indicative of the presence of an early medieval church or monastery.

6.3 Later medieval burials associated with Coldingham Priory appear to have extended

towards St Michael’s Knowe, and it is possible that activity relating to the later medieval priory also extended into Glebe Field. This may have impacted upon the survival of any potential early medieval archaeology.

6.4 There is a growing body of evidence for early medieval occupation of Coldingham in

the St Michael’s Knowe area. This includes cist burials and radiocarbon dating of ditches. St Michael’s Knowe would benefit from further investigations using geophysical survey techniques to establish the extent and nature of this activity, although it is likely that archaeological excavation would be required to prove whether any potential remains are associated with the early medieval monastery of St Æbba.

7. Sources Cartographic sources

Waghenaur 1583 Beschrijuinge van een deel vann Schottlandt van Bambourg tot Aberdein daer Edenburg de princepaele

Bleau 1654 Merce or Shirrefdome of Berwick Armstrong, 1771 Map of the County of Berwick Ainslie 1782 Plan of lands of Northfield including St Abbs Head

(http://www.scotlandsplaces.gov.uk/record/nrs/RHP43284/plan‐lands‐northfield‐including‐st‐abbs‐head‐property‐lord‐kames‐contents‐list/nrs#zoom=2&lat=3892&lon=2794&layers=B)

Thomson 1821 Berwick‐Shire Ordnance Survey 1st Edition, 6" Ordnance Survey 2nd Edition, 6"



Other sources Alcock, L, Alcock, EA, & Foster SM, 1986 Reconnaissance excavations on Early

Historic fortifications and other royal sites in Scotland, 1974–84: 1. Excavations near St Abb’s Head, Berwickshire, 1980. Proc Soc Antiq Scot, 116, 255‐579

Aston, M, 2000 (2nd ed) Monasteries in the Landscape. Stroud Archaeological Services 2014 Glebe Field, Coldingham, Scottish Borders: geophysical

surveys. Unpublished report 3533, Archaeological Services Durham University

Carr, AA, 1834 A History of Coldingham Priory. Edinburgh Colgrave, B, (Trans.), 1969 Two Lives of Cuthbert. Cambridge Crawford, OGS, 1934 ‘Coludes Burh’, Antiquity 8, 202–4 Daniels, R, 1999 The Anglo‐Saxon Monastery at Hartlepool, England, in J Hawkes and

S Mills (eds), Northumbria’s Golden Age 105‐112 Dobson, RB, 1967 The Last English Monks on Scottish Soil: The Severance of

Coldingham Priory from the Monastery of Durham 1461‐78. The Scot Hist Review 46, 1‐25

Glen R, 1878 Fragment of a sculptured cross‐shaft. Proc Soc Antiq Scot 12, 569 Glendinning, B, 1998, Geophyiscal Assessment of Proposed Extension to Scoutscroft

Holiday Centre, Coldingham. Unpublished report 423, CFA Johnson, P, 1999 Abbey Yards Field, Coldingham Priory. Unpublished report 707,

GUARD Lomas, R, 2005 St Cuthbert and the Border, c.1080‐1300 in CD Liddy and RH Britnell

(eds), North‐East England in the Later Middle Ages. Woodbridge Sherley‐Price, L, (Trans.) 1955 Bede: A History of the English Church and People.

London Stronach, S, 2005 The Anglian monastery and medieval priory of Coldingham: Urbs

Coludi revisited. Proc Soc Antiq Scot 135, 395‐422

Websites Canmore http://canmore.rcahms.gov.uk Durham University Library Special https://www.dur.ac.uk/library/asc/

Collections collection_information/catalogues/ Royal Scottish Geographical Society http://www.rsgs.org/ifa/home.html Historic Scotland http://data.historic‐scotland.gov.uk/ National Archives of Scotland http://www.nas.gov.uk/

National Library of Scotland http://www.nls.uk/ Scotland’s Places http://www.scotlandsplaces.gov.uk/



Appendix 1: Historic Environment Record The tables include sites recorded within the vicinity of the proposed development area (within an approximate radius of 1 km from the site).

Historic Environment Record (PRN = Public Record Number, SAM = Scheduled Ancient Monument)

PRN SAM Description Date NT86NE 25 Coldingham, St Andrew's Well Medieval NT86NE 28 Bee Edge cist Prehistoric NT86NE 35 Coldingham, Crosslaw Rotor Radar Station Modern NT86NE 35.01 Coldingham, Crosslaw Rotor Radar Station

Domestic Site Modern

NT86NE 38 Temple Hall cropmarks Prehistoric NT86NE 40 Coldingham, School Road, Coldingham Primary

School post‐med or modern

NT86NE 49 Temple Hall Post‐medieval NT86NE 49.01 Temple Hall, Gate Lodge Post‐medieval NT86NE 51 Coldingham, Bogangreen, Stable Block Post‐medieval NT86NE 51.01 Coldingham, Bogangreen, Walled Garden Post‐medieval NT96NW 7 Coldingham , cist Prehistoric NT96NW 8 Gosmount, Cross‐Shaft Early Medieval NT96NW 11 * Coldingham Church Medieval NT96NW 11.01 Coldingham Church coin hoard Medieval NT96NW 11.02 Coldingham Church, Manse Post‐medieval NT96NW 11.03 Coldingham Church, Abbey Yards Field Medieval NT96NW 11.04 Coldingham Church, Transept Arch Medieval NT96NW 11.05 Coldingham Church, Hearse House And Grave

Digger's Store Post‐medieval

NT96NW 11.06 Coldingham Church, Churchyard Medieval NT96NW 11.07 Coldingham Church, Churchyard gates and piers Post‐medieval NT96NW 13 Coldingham Churchyard cists Medieval? NT96NW 15 Coldingham Churchyard altar Medieval NT96NW 16 Coldingham Churchyard strap end Early medieval NT96NW 20 Coldingham hammer (stone), spearhead (flint) Prehistoric NT96NW 22 Coldingham cist Medieval? NT96NW 23 Coldingham boundary marker Medieval NT96NW 25 Coldingham, The Square, Market Cross Post‐medieval NT96NW 26 Coldingham Priory Medieval NT96NW 27 Coldingham, spindle whorl Medieval? NT96NW 28 Coldingham Roman coins Roman NT96NW 30 Applincross settlement Prehistoric NT96NW 34 Skat well Medieval NT96NW 37 Coldingham, General Medieval/Post‐

medieval NT96NW 40 Coldingham, The Bield burial ground Medieval/Post‐

medieval NT96NW 56 Applincross cropmarks Prehistoric NT96NW 57 Coldingham, Scoutscroft Holiday Centre Prehistoric NT96NW 59 Coldingham, St Abbs Road, Horse‐Gin House Post‐medieval NT96NW 61 Coldingham, Bridge Street, Abbey Cottage Post‐medieval NT96NW 62 Coldingham, School Road, Cross Cottage Post‐medieval NT96NW 63 Coldingham, School Road, Crosslea Post‐medieval NT96NW 64 Coldingham, Bogangreen Post‐medieval NT96NW 65 Coldingham, Bridge Street, Rowanlea Post‐medieval NT96NW 66 Coldingham, Bridge Street, Wayside Post‐medieval



PRN SAM Description Date NT96NW 67 Coldingham, Bridge Street, Post Office And Post

Office House Post‐medieval

NT96NW 68 Coldingham, Bridge Street Post‐medieval NT96NW 69 Coldingham, Paradise, Glencourt Post‐medieval NT96NW 70 Coldingham, School Road, United Presbyterian

Church Post‐medieval

NT96NW 70.01 Coldingham, School Road, Robertson Memorial Hall

Post‐medieval

NT96NW 71 Coldingham, High Street, Fern Neuk Post‐medieval NT96NW 72 Coldingham, High Street, Royal Bank Of Scotland Post‐medieval NT96NW 73 Coldingham, The Bow, Cottages Post‐medieval NT96NW 74 Coldingham, The Bow, Downside Cottage Post‐medieval NT96NW 75 Coldingham, The Bow, Holmknowe Post‐medieval NT96NW 76 Coldingham, School Road, Sunnybank Post‐medieval NT96NW 77 Coldingham, The Bow Post‐medieval NT96NW 78 Coldingham, Bridge Street, Melville Cottage Post‐medieval NT96NW 80 Coldingham, Edington House Post‐medieval NT96NW 81 Coldingham, Sunnyside Post‐medieval NT96NW 82 Coldingham, Burnlea Post‐medieval NT96NW 83 Coldingham, The Square, Crossgate Cottage Post‐medieval NT96NW 84 Coldingham, High Street, Ivy Bank Post‐medieval NT96NW 85 Coldingham, High Street, The Thorn Post‐medieval NT96NW 86 Coldingham, Fisher's Brae Post‐medieval NT96NW 87 Coldingham, Fisher's Brae, Garth Wood Post‐medieval NT96NW 88 Coldingham, Fisher's Brae, Cottage Post‐medieval NT96NW 89 Coldingham, Fisher's Brae, Balfron Post‐medieval NT96NW 90 Coldingham, Fisher's Brae, Hill View Post‐medieval NT96NW 91 Coldingham, Fisher's Brae, Teviot House Post‐medieval NT96NW 92 Coldingham, Bridge Street, Drill Hall Post‐medieval NT96NW 93 Coldingham, Bridge Street, The New Inn Post‐medieval NT96NW 94 Coldingham, The Square, Garage Post‐medieval NT96NW 95 Coldingham, The Square Post‐medieval NT96NW 96 Coldingham, School Road, Bromley House Post‐medieval NT96NW 97 Coldingham, School Road, Barrie House Post‐medieval NT96NW 98 Coldingham, School Road, The Anchor Inn Post‐medieval NT96NW 99 Coldingham, School Road Post‐medieval NT96NW 100 Coldingham, School Road, Helenville Post‐medieval NT96NW 101 Coldingham, High Street, The Lindens Post‐medieval NT96NW 102 Coldingham, High Street, Edina House Post‐medieval NT96NW 103 Coldingham, Christison's Brae, Rose Bank Post‐medieval NT96NW 104 Coldingham, Christison's Brae, Gracehurst Post‐medieval NT96NW 105 Coldingham, High Street, Beech House Post‐medieval NT96NW 106 Coldingham, 1 Bogan, Holmleigh Post‐medieval NT96NW 107 Coldingham, 1 Bogan, Holmleigh, cottage Post‐medieval NT96NW 108 Coldingham, 3 Bogan, cottage Post‐medieval NT96NW 109 Coldingham, 5 Bogan, cottage Post‐medieval NT96NW 110 Coldingham, 7 Bogan, cottage Post‐medieval NT96NW 111 Coldingham, 9 Bogan , cottage Post‐medieval NT96NW 112 Coldingham, 10 Bogan, cottage Post‐medieval NT96NW 113 Coldingham, 12 Bogan Post‐medieval NT96NW 114 Coldingham, 13 Bogan, cottage Post‐medieval NT96NW 115 Coldingham, 14 Bogan, cottage Post‐medieval NT96NW 116 Coldingham, Bogan Post‐medieval NT96NW 117 Coldingham, Strathblane Post‐medieval



PRN SAM Description Date NT96NW 118 Coldingham, Burn Hall Post‐medieval NT96NW 118.01 Coldingham, Burn Hall, Steading Post‐medieval NT96NW 119 Coldingham, High Street, House Post‐medieval NT96NW 120 Coldingham, High Street, House Post‐medieval NT96NW 121 Coldingham, Bridge Street, W. Dempster Butcher Post‐medieval NT96NW 122 Coldingham, Bridge Street, Glenlea Post‐medieval NT96NW 123 Coldingham, Dunscroft Post‐medieval NT96NW 124 Coldingham, High Street, Heatherlea Post‐medieval NT96NW 125 Coldingham, High Street, Douglas Cottage Post‐medieval NT96NW 126 Coldingham, High Street, Elderbank West Post‐medieval NT96NW 127 Coldingham, High Street, Elderbank East Post‐medieval NT96NW 128 Coldingham, Bridge Street, Kerylyn Post‐medieval NT96NW 129 Coldingham, Bridge Street, Garage Modern NT96NW 130 Coldingham, Bridge Street, House Post‐medieval NT96NW 131 Coldingham, Fisher's Brae, Arthur Lodge Post‐medieval NT96NW 132 Coldingham, High Street Post‐medieval NT96NW 133 Coldingham, Burnside Cottages Post‐medieval NT96NW 134 Coldingham, St Abbs Road, Burnbank Post‐medieval NT96NW 135 Coldingham, St Abbs Road, Town's Foot Post‐medieval NT96NW 136 Coldingham, St Abbs Road, Cottage Post‐medieval NT96NW 137 Coldingham, School Road, School House Post‐medieval NT96NW 138 Coldingham, School Road, Courtburn Post‐medieval NT96NW 140 Scavieburn Bridge, settlement Prehistoric NT96NW 142 Coldingham, cropmarks Prehistoric NT96NW 143 Coldingham Hill cross Early Medieval NT96NW 145 Coldingham, Kirk Hill, Urbs Coludi Early Medieval NT96NW 156 Coldingham, School Road, The Barn With Boundary

Wall Post‐medieval

NT96NW 157 Coldingham, School Road, Crossgate House Post‐medieval NT96NW 158 Coldingham, School Road, Workshop Post‐medieval NT96NW 159 Coldingham, Law House Post‐medieval NT96NW 159.01 Coldingham, Law House, Lodge Post‐medieval NT96NW 160 Coldingham, Fisher's Brae Post‐medieval NT96NW 161 Coldingham, Bridge Street, Bridge Over St

Andrew's Burn Post‐medieval

NT96NW 162 Coldingham, Eyemouth Road, Bonardub Post‐medieval NT96NW 163 Coldingham, War Memorial Modern NT96NW 164 Coldingham, The Bow, Burnside Post‐medieval NT96NW 165 Coldingham, 4 Bogan Post‐medieval NT96NW 166 Coldingham, 6 Bogan Post‐medieval NT96NW 167 Coldingham, 8 Bogan Post‐medieval NT96NW 168 Coldingham, 11 Bogan Post‐medieval NT96NW 169 Coldingham, 15 Bogan Post‐medieval NT96NW 170 Coldingham, Mutende Post‐medieval NT96NW 171 Coldingham, Bridge Street, Dalveny Post‐medieval NT96NW 172 Coldingham, High Street, House Post‐medieval NT96NW 173 Coldingham, High Street, House Post‐medieval NT96NW 174 Coldingham, The Square, House Post‐medieval NT96NW 175 Coldingham, The Square, French's Garage Post‐medieval NT96NW 176 Coldingham, Brookfield Post‐medieval NT96NW 177 Coldingham, Fisher's Brae, Viewfield Lodge Post‐medieval NT96NW 178 Coldingham, School Road, Giarcnna Post‐medieval NT96NW 179 Coldingham, School Road, Rose Cottage Post‐medieval NT96NW 180 Coldingham, School Road, Thornbank Cottage Post‐medieval



PRN SAM Description Date NT96NW 181 Coldingham, School Road, Thornycroft Post‐medieval NT96NW 182 Coldingham, School Road, Thornbank Post‐medieval NT96NW 188 Coldingham, Fisher's Brae, Kimberley Cottage Post‐medieval NT96NW 198 Coldingham, School Road, Store Post‐medieval

Listed buildings PRN Description Grade 62 Coldingham, Paradise, Glencourt Including Garden Walls C 190 Coldingham, Bridge Street, Post Office And Post Office House C 4059 Coldingham, Coldingham Priory (Church Of Scotland) Including Transept

Arch, Former Hearse House And Gravedigger's Store, Graveyard, Boundary Walls, Gatepiers And Gates

A

4094 Coldingham, School Road, Market Cross A 4095 Coldingham, The Bow, Benedict House (Former Parish Manse) Including

Ancillary Structure, Garden Walls And Gatepiers B

4096 Coldingham, School Road, Crossgate House Including Ancillary Structures And Boundary Walls

C

4097 Coldingham, School Road, The Barn Including Boundary Walls C 6578 Coldingham, Bogangreen House Including Stable Block, Walled Garden,

Boundary Walls, Quadrant Walls And Gatepiers B

43376 Coldingham, Bogan, Holmleigh C 46596 Coldingham, The Bow, Burnlea, Including Boundary Walls C 46597 Coldingham, Bridge Street, Abbey Cottage Including Boundary Walls And

Gate B

46598 Coldingham, Bridge Street, Bridge Spanning St Andrew's Burn C 46599 Coldingham, Bridge Street, The New Inn Including Courtyard Wall C 46600 Coldingham, Christison's Brae, Gracehurst C 46601 Coldingham, Coldingham Public Hall C 46602 Coldingham, Eyemouth Road, Bonardub Including Ancillary Structure And

Gatepiers C

46603 Coldingham, Fisher's Brae, Burnbank Including Boundary Walls, Railings And Gates

C

46604 Coldingham, Fisher's Brae, Hill View Including Garden Walls And Piers C 46605 Coldingham, Fisher's Brae, Teviot House C 46606 Coldingham, High Street, Fern Neuk Including Boundary Walls And Gate C 46607 Coldingham, Law House C 46608 Coldingham, Law House Lodge C 46609 Coldingham, School Road, The Anchor Inn C 46610 Coldingham, School Road, Barrie House Including Boundary Wall C 46611 Coldingham, School Road, Bromley House C 46612 Coldingham, School Road, Coldingham Primary School Including Boundary

Walls And Railings C

46613 Coldingham, School Road, Courtburn House Including Ancillary Structure, Boundary Walls, Gatepiers And Gates

C

46614 Coldingham, School Road, Robertson Memorial Hall Including Railings, Gatepiers And Gate

C

46615 Coldingham School Road, Sunnybank Including Ancillary Structure And Boundary Walls

B

46616 Coldingham, School Road, Woodbine Cottage, Ancillary Structure / Workshop C 46617 Coldingham, War Memorial Including Boundary Walls, Gatepiers And Gate C



Previous archaeological interventions Prn Description

142738 Abbey Yards Field geophysical survey558760 Resistance geophysical survey at Coldingham Priory558761 Metal detector survey at Coldingham Priory610151 Watching brief of Fishers Brae610810 Watching brief at Abbey Yards Ffield610835 Excavation of Abbey Yards Field610836 Excavation of Abbey Yards Field961589 Watching brief at Coldingham Priory961622 Watching brief at Coldingham Priory987330 Field visit of St Michael’s Knowe987331 Watching brief of St Michael’s Knowe



Appendix 2: Coldingham Priory documents Documents concerning Coldingham Priory held by Durham University Library Archives and Special Collections, taken from: https://www.dur.ac.uk/library/asc/collection_information/catalogues/

Document title ASC Reference code Additional Manuscripts 871‐884: Howlett Papers (1791‐1995) GB‐0033‐ADD

Muniments of the Dean and Chapter of Durham (11th ‐ 20th century)

GB‐0033‐DCD

Medieval seals in the Durham Cathedral Muniments (11th ‐ 18th centuries)

GB‐0033‐DCD

Durham Cathedral Muniments: Medieval Accounting Material (13th ‐ 16th century)

GB‐0033‐DCD

Durham Cathedral Muniments: Eboracensia (unfinished catalogue)

GB‐0033‐DCD‐Ebor

Durham Cathedral Muniments: Locelli (1087 – 1606) GB‐0033‐DCD‐Loc

Durham Cathedral Muniments: Miscellaneous Charters (1093 ‐19th century)

GB‐0033‐DCD‐Misc.Ch.

Durham Cathedral Muniments Registrum Papireum Diversarum Literarum (c.1400 with a few later additions)

GB‐0033‐DCD‐Reg‐Pap

Durham Cathedral Muniments Registrum Parvum II (1407‐1445) GB‐0033‐DCD‐Regp‐2

Durham Cathedral Muniments Registrum Parvum III (1446 –1481)

GB‐0033‐DCD‐Regp‐3

Durham Cathedral Muniments Register I (mid‐ 12th century to 1460)

GB‐0033‐DCD‐Regr‐1

Durham Cathedral Muniments Register II (1312‐1418 with occasional earlier and later items)


Durham Cathedral Muniments Register III (1401 ‐ 1444 with occasional earlier and later items)


Durham Cathedral Muniments Register IV (1444 ‐ 1496, with occasional earlier items)


Durham Cathedral Muniments repertories (1375‐1500) GB‐0033‐DCD‐Reps

Mickleton and Spearman Manuscripts (later 13th century to 18th century, mostly later 17th century)

GB‐0033‐MSP

Durham Cathedral Muniments: Papalia (1163‐1509) GB‐0033‐DCD‐PAP

Durham Cathedral Muniments: Pontificalia (ca.1109‐1595) GB‐0033‐DCD‐PONT

Surtees Society records (1834 – 2014) GB‐0033‐SUS

Durham University Records: Colleges (1575 – 2013) GB‐0033‐UND/F

Durham Cathedral Library Additional Manuscripts (c.1400 –2002)

GB‐0036‐ADD

NB: These documents are summarised in English from the original language (mainly Latin) on the website. Most have previously been published. See:

Carr, A A, 1836 A history of Coldingham priory Hunter, W K, 1858 History of the Priory of Coldingham Raine, J, 1841 The priory of Coldingham: The correspondence, inventories, account rolls, and law

proceedings (Surtees Society 12). Thomson, A,1908 Coldingham: parish and priory

NT96NW 8

NT96NW 11NT96NW 11.1 NT96NW 11.2

NT96NW 11.3NT96NW 160 NT96NW 218

NT96NW 246

NT96NW 40

NT96NW 22NT96NW 57

NT96NW 17

NT96NW 6

Glebe Field

Glebe FieldColdinghamScottish Borders

archaeological desk-based assessmentreport 3537

Figure 1: Site location and Historic EnvironmentRecord

on behalf of

The Friends ofColdingham Priory

66

Reproduction in whole or in part isprohibited without the prior permissionof The Friends of Coldingham Priory

90

0

scale 1:17 500 for A4 plot

800m

91 92

67

68

69

HER site eventNT96NW 22 NT96NW 57

Coldingham Law

Caravan Park

Glenadam

Brandling Cottage

Camping Site

St Michael's Knowe

Scoutscroft Caravan Park

Coldingham

Chariot House

Remains ofColdinghamPriory Church(Benedictine)

St Abb's Road

Fisher's Brae

Manse

Archer's Close

Barraca

Burnlea

EdingtonHouse

Sunnyside

New Inn

Brookfield

Abbot's Row

Man

se R

oad

MayfieldChaldon

rykin

BowheadCottage

Hall

Car Park

PO

Ivy BankThe Thorn

JohnWoodHouse

Hill View

Balfron

Garthw

ood

View

field Lod

ge

Arthur Lodge

Dunscroft

BurnsideCottage

Burn Hall

MillbyreRhovanion

Burnhall Steading

Burn BankMilton

Yester

Marrister

Me

ad

owV

iew

Ald

ers yde

Blythebank

Cresfie ld Scavieburn Bridge

Melrose Scoutscroft House

Seacross

hl ey

InglebyHouse

The Priory

The Bow

The Bow

High

St

Glebe Field


archaeological desk-basedassessmentreport 3537

Figure 2: Site as existing

on behalf of


0

scale 1:2500 for A4 plot

100m

903 904 905 906 907 908

658

659

660

661

662

Reproduction in whole or in part isprohibited without the prior permissionof The Friends of Coldingham Priory

approximate location ofGlebe Field



Figure 3: Extract from Bleau's Merceor Shirrefdome of Berwick, 1654

on behalf of


not to scale

approximate location ofGlebe Field



Figure 4: Extract from Armstrong'sMap of the County of Berwick, 1771

on behalf of


0

approximate scale 1:20 000 for A4 plot

1km

Glebe Field



Figure 5: Extract from OrdnanceSurvey map, 1858

on behalf of


0


100m

Glebe Field




on behalf of


0


100m


Archaeological Services Durham University

Figure 8: The northern part of the site, looking north‐east.

Figure 9: The southern part of the site, looking south‐east.