Excavations of a medieval cemetery at Holyrood Abbey, Edinburgh

Abstract

A small archaeological excavation was undertaken at Holyrood Abbey in the spring of 1995 when human remains were uncovered by construction work to the west of the Abbey church. These formed part of the medieval cemetery and can be dated to the 14th/'15th century. A ditch pre-dating the cemetery may represent an early boundary to the Abbey precinct. Building debris, including glass and window cames, is attributed to damage incurred during an attack by English forces in 1322. The project was initiated and funded by Historic Scotland.