Context and Results

Context: A programme of geophysical survey at Bothwell Castle has been undertaken as part of wider archaeological investigations of the site with the aim of answering outstanding research questions

Results: See Notes.

Notes: Gradiometer survey was undertaken over the Outer Park area and over all available areas within the Properties in Care (PIC) boundary. Resistance survey was carried out over all available areas within the PIC boundary and within four sample blocks in the outer park. GPR survey was undertaken within the Inner Courtyard and flat areas to the north of the Castle.

Although the gradiometer survey was severely affected by magnetic disturbance due to modern paths, fences etc., the gradiometer data from the PIC area to the north of the Castle suggests areas of possible ‘settlement’. The resistance survey has detected a wealth of anomalies across the site. The outer park area is dominated by extensive drainage with numerous alignments and phases of drainage having been detected. Within the PIC area the resistance data suggest the potential for extensive buried remains associated with the Outer Courtyard of the Castle. Although anomalies possibly indicating the extent of the South Range within the Inner Courtyard have been detected, interpretation is cautious due to numerous drains within the area. The GPR survey within the Inner Courtyard is dominated by responses from drains although anomalies potentially associated with the South Range, complimenting the resistance survey results, have also been detected. Although the GPR survey to the north of the Castle is dominated by responses from modern paths, several anomalies and areas of increased response have been detected which correlate well with the resistance survey thereby supporting interpretation of the potential for extensive buried archaeological remains in the area.