Site Report

WoSASPIN 12080
NS46SE 2.05 4849 6388 to 4858 6388
An archaeological watching brief was carried out while test cores were taken as part of a structural survey of the sewer. Six cores were taken, four through the walls and two through the floor of the medieval sewer. The cores were drilled through typical stones within the masonry. Cores were taken from the different styles of building construction along the length of the sewer.
The two cores through the floor went into clay below the floor slab. The full depth was not required so archaeological disturbance was kept to a minimum.
Sponsor: Gavin Walker & Associates for Paisley Museum.
B Will, 1996b.

This is a main drain for the Abbey cloister, opening into the Cart. It is a uniquely well-preserved stretch of medieval drain, with early portions dating to the late fourteenth century with masons' marks. The structure is of high quality and sections of the drain are still blocked by silts. Excavation of part of these revealed a rich artefactual assemblage.
Entered WoSAS (CS) 29/10/2008

A limited archaeological excavation was carried out by GUARD on the site of major medieval drain at Paisley Abbey. The project was funded by Renfrewshire Council and was supported by Renfrewshire Local History Forum who provided both funds and eager volunteers. Previous work on the drain had concentrated on the archaeological deposits and artefacts recovered from inside the drain so this was the first excavation to investigate the deposits surrounding the drain. Although deep demolition layers and recent levelling deposits were identified over most of the trench there were areas of undisturbed archaeological deposits especially in the deeper sections of the trench. The remains of masonry wall and stone foundation were uncovered to the north-west of the trench that may be contemporary with the drain and could therefore be part of the monastic precinct Part of the top of the roof and north exterior wall of the drain were also exposed two distinct sections of stonework suggest that the drain may have been built in two phases or was possibly repaired certainly investigations within the drain itself had demonstrated different phases of building. In addition to the medieval structures and deposits relating to the drain there were also more recent structures and walls from the buildings and tenements that occupied the site in the 19th and early 20th century.
Draft DES Entry from GUARD Project 2773, 'Paisley Abbey Drain Excavation: Data Structure Report', (2009), for full details see WoSAS Event 4248
Entered WoSAS (MO'H) 20/01/2010

Drain Scheduled
Entered WoSAS (MO'H) 16/08/2010