The Chapelyard site, situated halfway between St John’s Town of Dalry and Knowehead, looks to have had a fascinating and complex history – and it has remained formally un-investigated…until now!
The ‘Can You Dig It’ community archaeology project are looking for your help to investigate this multi-phase site that stretches from a possible medieval chapel through to the ruins of a post-medieval farming settlement. While nothing remains of the chapel now, we’re looking to test around the site for any surviving traces or medieval finds. At the same time, we’ll also survey the remains of adjacent farmstead ruins that appear to date from at least the 17th century right through to the 19th century.
The work is planned to take place over three days, the 9th, 10th and 11th of June. Volunteers are sought to join the team on any or all of the days on site. If you think this might be of interest, reserve your free place here:
Thursday 9th: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/test-pitting-and-survey-at-chapelyard-dalry-tickets-352502523537
Friday 10th: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/test-pitting-and-survey-at-chapelyard-dalry-tickets-352510427177
Saturday 11th: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/test-pitting-and-survey-at-chapelyard-dalry-tickets-352539604447
The site is a 5-10 minute drive from Dalry. Full details on venue, what to bring etc. will be provided to everyone that has reserved a place.
Claire Williamson, leading the Can You Dig It project, said:
“We’re so excited to kick off our summer events at Chapelyard. Walking around the site, it’s hard to believe that it’s not been recorded before now. People from the local area brought it to our attention because of medieval finds found there, which alongside the name could point to a very interesting spot. But it doesn’t stop there. You stumble upon something new with every step – stone cairns, footings of early farmsteads, possible kiln sites and upstanding stone ruins with initials carved into them. With multiple phases all in one small area, we can’t wait to get stuck in!”
The ‘Can You Dig It’ community archaeology project forms part of the Galloway Glens Scheme and is jointly funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic Environment Scotland.
Jan Hogarth, Galloway Glens Education & Community Engagement Officer, added:
“The clue is in the name. This fascinating site hidden in the beautiful landscape around Dalry is, as yet, undiscovered by archaeologists. Is it the site of an old Chapel? and if so, how far back does it go? What clues are hiding just under the ground that might help us reimagine the past? Join our Can You Dig It team for a historical adventure in the great outdoors and let’s see what we can find.”
