An archaeological excavation was carried out at Crarae Gardens on an area of land adjacent to the site of Killevin Church. The name Killevin indicates an early church foundation, and an early Christian cross had previously been discovered on the site. The excavation identified two large ditches, which are thought to represent two phases of a vallum surrounding an early Christian monastic settlement. Associated post-holes comprising a possible structure were also identified. Radiocarbon dates obtained from the inner ditch and associated features produced 7th- to 9th-century AD dates, providing further evidence that the documented medieval church of Killevin may have been founded on an early Christian monastic settlement.
Killevin graveyard (NGR: NR 986 973) is situated immediately adjacent to Crarae Gardens on the northern shores of Loch Fyne, mid-way between Lochgilphead and Inveraray (Fig 1). Crarae Gardens came into the ownership of the National Tust for Scotland (NTS) in 2002 and grants were subsequently obtained from the Heritage Lottery Fund and from Argyll and Bute Council to carry out a programme of improvements. In addition to improving access and interpretation of the site, it was proposed that a new yard area should be built to house facilities for the gardeners.
Excavations of a Monastic Settlement and Medieval Church Site at Killevin, Crarae Gardens, Mid Argyll
KIRBY, MAGNUS and ALEXANDER, DEREK
Scottish Archaeological Journal 31.1–2 (2009): 61–105
Abstract
An archaeological excavation was carried out at Crarae Gardens on an area of land adjacent to the site of Killevin Church. The name Killevin indicates an early church foundation, and an early Christian cross had previously been discovered on the site. The excavation identified two large ditches, which are thought to represent two phases of a vallum surrounding an early Christian monastic settlement. Associated post-holes comprising a possible structure were also identified. Radiocarbon dates obtained from the inner ditch and associated features produced 7th- to 9th-century AD dates, providing further evidence that the documented medieval church of Killevin may have been founded on an early Christian monastic settlement.
Killevin graveyard (NGR: NR 986 973) is situated immediately adjacent to Crarae Gardens on the northern shores of Loch Fyne, mid-way between Lochgilphead and Inveraray (Fig 1). Crarae Gardens came into the ownership of the National Tust for Scotland (NTS) in 2002 and grants were subsequently obtained from the Heritage Lottery Fund and from Argyll and Bute Council to carry out a programme of improvements. In addition to improving access and interpretation of the site, it was proposed that a new yard area should be built to house facilities for the gardeners.
Click here to read this article from the Scottish Archaeological Journal
Subscribe to Medievalverse
Related Posts