Skip to main content
Shiprow
E47
E47

Shiprow

E47
View Objects
DescriptionExcavation by Aberdeen City Council Archaeological Unit in 1999 prior to the redevelopment of the ABC cinema, revealed a 12th-century industrial area and a 1st- 2nd century AD hearth or pit. The shallow oval pit was filled with layers of clay and burnt twigs was excavated at the site. Samples of the burnt heather gave a radiocarbon date of 2-128 AD, unusual as very little Iron Age and Roman material has been found in Aberdeen. It is possible that Aberdeen is the location of the place known to the Romans as Devana, but this is difficult to confirm archaeologically unless an inscription is found. A Roman temporary marching camp (constructed between 82-211 AD) at Normandykes, Peterculter, and a small number of scattered finds, are virtually the only archaeological evidence of activity of that period. A large 12th-century pit, containing an oven or kiln, was also uncovered during this excavation. The spade which had been used to dig it, had left marks on the side of the pit. The oven survived as layers of clay on the bottom and sides of the pit, forming an area which had been intensively burnt. Layers of burnt material from the last firing of the kiln were still present, as was evidence of previous firings, which had been covered up when the oven had been repaired. The kiln or oven was probably too large for a domestic oven, but may have been part of a small industrial complex, possibly associated with metalworking.
Location InfoNational Grid Reference: NJ 9435 0623
Easting: 394350.210193089, Northing: 806236.731835849
Postcode: AB11 5BW
NotesCameron, A. (2000e) 'Shiprow, Aberdeen (Aberdeen parish), Iron Age feature; 12th-century industrial area', Discovery Excav Scot, vol. 1, 2000. Page(s): 7Reference Numbers
  • NJ90NW0889
  • 173326
  • NJ90NW1222