Centuries old mystery of Paisley Abbey medieval tunnel is revealed
We already knew Scotland's finest and best-preserved medieval tunnel lies buried beneath Paisley town centre, but the centuries-old mystery of where it ended had never been solved... until now.
A team of experts spent the summer excavating at Paisley’s Abbey Drain – and painstakingly uncovered a well-preserved 14th-century stone archway marking the exact point the drain and its contents once flowed into the River Cart.
They found the tunnel – believed to be around 100m long – ends around 3m from the banks of the present-day river, which would have been wider and shallower at the time the drain was built.
And while the find is now being covered up again, the discovery could help lead to a more permanent visitor attraction opening up access to the drain in the future.
The eight-week Abbey Drain Big Dig was co-ordinated by Renfrewshire Council and led by Guard Archaeology Ltd, funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and Renfrewshire Local History Forum.
More than 6,500 people visited the dig over the eight weeks, which also saw a strong community element, with volunteers from the local history forum taking part, and a series of events and seminars for residents and visitors.
Dig leader Bob Will of Guard Archaeology has described the condition of what the team found as ‘incredible’.
He said: “We found more than I was expecting and it is really exciting.
“We found the end of the drain and what was the boundary wall of the monastery. The river was wider and shallower in those days – much more than in the last couple of hundred years, as the walls now surrounding it are artificial.
“The main parts of the drain date back to the mid-14th-century and are incredibly well preserved. It goes as least as far as the road in front of Renfrewshire House.
“Often these types of drains are in rural areas not urban ones where there will have been pressure on the land above it – but considering the amount of buildings on that site over the centuries, the condition of the drain is quite incredible.”
The Abbey Drain has lain hidden for centuries until it was unexpectedly rediscovered in the 19th century, and in recent years, it has been periodically opened up for visitors.
There will be an opportunity for the public to put their names forward for a ballot to go inside it during this year’s Doors Open Day in September.
And Bob believes the finds of the past few weeks could help the development of a more permanent attraction opening up a greater degree of public access to the drain.
He said: “What we have uncovered has helped us see what could be done with any future excavation. We now know much more about the medieval ground levels and have a good idea where some of the monastery buildings were.
“Ideally there would be more permanent access to the drain at some point in the future and what we’ve uncovered here makes that much more feasible.”
Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson added: “Paisley is already on the map as a key visitor destination within Scotland and we are already delivering on ambitious plans to use our unique heritage to drive new footfall to the town centre.
“We would be keen to explore any opportunities to build on that by opening up more permanent access to the Abbey Drain at some point in the future – and the findings of the Big Dig mean we now know more than ever about this incredible feature beneath the town centre.
“The Big Dig was a really great community project which has created a lot of interest in Paisley town centre and its history over the past couple of months.
“We would like to thank our funders for helping make it happen, and all who have been involved in the projects – particularly the local volunteers who came out in all weathers to take part.”
Over the course of the Big Dig, the following community benefits were delivered:
• 120 Primary school children from across Renfrewshire visited the Big Dig to learn about their local heritage and archaeology.
• 1,200 hours of volunteer time, and 18 new members for Renfrewshire Local History Forum.
• 12 archaeology students gained vocational training as part of their degree, and four Masters students from UWS produced video content.
Latest Local News
Renfrewshire volunteers supporting their community
Golf course and bowling greens reopen as lockdown measures ease
Stream4Scotland adds new names to 10 hours stream in aid of Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy and ViseUp
Make Music Day calls on Scottish musicians to perform Auld Lang Syne
Dobbies encourages kids to get gardening
National Theatre of Scotland launches PLAY DATES a new online interactive programme for children and families
Charity calls on talented Scots to take part in virtual fundraising event
Dobbies supports Virtual Chelsea Flower Show
Scottish Book Trust launch online celebrations for Bookbug Week
Scotland Hosts International Prayer Meeting via Zoom
Celebrate World Whisky Day with Johnnie Walker
itison announce plans to launch first socially distanced Drive In
Over 10,000 food packs donated in 24 hours
Art company launches online Art Exhibition on behalf of Beatson Cancer Charity
itison launches Social Bite fundraiser
Dobbies podcast explores gardening for beginners
SF At Home brings you studio tours, workshops and exhibitions
Stay off the tracks. Stay home. Stay safe.
Pupils can take part in fun online version of Olympic Games
Cancellation of events in Renfrewshire
Members of the public are asked to help identify archive photography
Enormous Ailsa Craig onion originated at Culzean Castle
Launch of Ren TV
VE Day extravaganza for care homes across the UK
Virtual running challenge launched in aid of NHS Charities Together
TRNSMT 2021 Line Up Announced
A new online quiz service has launched to help people host their own pub quizzes from home
Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival 2020 Cancelled
Dobbies supports National Gardening Week
Scientific breakthrough creates buzz for Scottish Bee Company
Sponsored Links
Popular Events
The Drive-In Cinema: Paisley
Watch blockbuster classics this summer when The Drive-In Cinema comes to St Mirren Park, Paisley in July!The Drive-In Cinema: Inverclyde
Watch blockbuster classics this summer when The Drive-In Cinema comes to Knapps Loch, Kilmacolm in July!Renfrewshire Leisure Walking Challenge
Are you up for a Walking Challenge in your local community during your daily exercise? Renfrewshire Leisure are challenging you and your household to walk 48 miles in 4 weeks!Paisley Comic Con - RESCHEDULED DATE
Paisley Comic Con is an all ages event, full of fun activities and comic book dealers and attractions! Don't miss it when it returns on Saturday 17th October to the Lagoon Leisure Centre!Barshaw Gala Day - CANCELLED
It should be a great day for all the family when Barshaw Park hosts its annual gala day on Saturday 20th June 2020!Popular Venues
Advertise With Us
Looking to reach new customers? We offer a variety of advertising options with prices starting from just £30 per month!
