Early Medieval Carved Stone Fragment
Following on from the discovery of a fragment of carved stone from the banks of the Black Cart river, reported on these pages in February, a further fragment of early medieval carved stone has been identified during refurbishment work undertaken on a property in Rutherglen. The fragment, which was identified by David Swan of Archaeological Heritage Services Ltd, had been re-used to partially infill a fireplace. Archaeological Heritage Services Ltd had been appointed by the developer to undertake monitoring works in response to a condition placed on planning consent on the advice of WoSAS.
Stone fragment in situ. Image copyright Archaeological Heritage Services Ltd.
The stone measures approximately 25cm by 30cm (the images reproduced on this page are somewhat misleading, in that the stone appears smaller than it really is). It appears to have been used as part of an initial phase of infill, to narrow the original opening, presumably to accomodate a smaller cast-iron fireback. This opening has itself subsequently been blocked and finished with cement render. There is also evidence that the carved stone itself was at one time hidden below lath and plaster. On the more detailed image below, it is possible to discern a wooden peg, which has been inserted into the face of the stone. This dook was presumably inserted to support the lath, as similar pegs are present elsewhere in the wall. This suggests that the fragment was not placed in the wall for the purpose of ornamentation
Detail of stone fragment. Image copyright Archaeological Heritage Services Ltd.
Rutherglen was erected as a Royal Burgh in the reign of David I (1124 - 1153), though no original charter of erection survives. The parish church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was assigned to Paisley Abbey some time before 1189. Indeed, Rutherglen does not appear on record before the 12th century, though it is possible that the Burgh may have been sited in this location to formalise an existing Royal centre of the Strathclyde British. The fragment of carved stone found during recent works would certainly appear to date to before the 12th century, meaning that it may represent an important piece of physical evidence for this pre-Burghal centre.