Building stones in Edinburgh from the Gullane Formation - Revision history

Islasimmons: /* Craigleith */

2015-11-17T10:21:41Z

Craigleith

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	Hull (1872) records that the sandstone at Craigleith Quarry, occurred in beds varying from a few inches to 12 feet (4 m), interrupted with shales and showing a vertical depth of about 250 feet (76 m). Anderson, writing in 1938, noted that at one time the quarry face at Craigleith was said to have been 110 m deep of which the bottom 104 m was solid rock. The top 6 m of 'fakes (siltstones) and sandstone bands' and top 15 m of solid rock were apparently not used for building purposes.		Hull (1872) records that the sandstone at Craigleith Quarry, occurred in beds varying from a few inches to 12 feet (4 m), interrupted with shales and showing a vertical depth of about 250 feet (76 m). Anderson, writing in 1938, noted that at one time the quarry face at Craigleith was said to have been 110 m deep of which the bottom 104 m was solid rock. The top 6 m of 'fakes (siltstones) and sandstone bands' and top 15 m of solid rock were apparently not used for building purposes.

	The first records of the use of Craigleith stone are in the Accounts of the Masters of Works. In January 1615, quarriers were paid at the quarry which was then known as Innerleith or Enderleith, for producing 200 double arch stones '''~~for~~ Edinburgh Castle''' (9). The stone was taken to the Castle in the King's own carts during this period of activity which lasted until 1619, but sometimes independent carriers were used. Thomas Young, the local farmer, was paid £17-6-8d Scots for damage to his ground and spoiling of his grass on various occasions up to September 1615 and again in 1616. Craigleith supplied stone of all kinds for the Castle and some for '''Holyrood Palace''' (146) in 1616. Besides ashlar, double arch, 'great lintels' and coping stones, a great stone Tor working the Kingis armes on' was won for the Castle in September 1616. Quarriers, who worked at Craigleith in this early phase of its operation, had to pay a toll or 'gaitmair' for their passage between the quarry and the High Street which was refunded to them.		The first records of the use of Craigleith stone are in the Accounts of the Masters of Works. In January 1615, quarriers were paid at the quarry which was then known as Innerleith or Enderleith, for producing 200 double arch stones for '''Edinburgh Castle''' (9). The stone was taken to the Castle in the King's own carts during this period of activity which lasted until 1619, but sometimes independent carriers were used. Thomas Young, the local farmer, was paid £17-6-8d Scots for damage to his ground and spoiling of his grass on various occasions up to September 1615 and again in 1616. Craigleith supplied stone of all kinds for the Castle and some for '''Holyrood Palace''' (146) in 1616. Besides ashlar, double arch, 'great lintels' and coping stones, a great stone Tor working the Kingis armes on' was won for the Castle in September 1616. Quarriers, who worked at Craigleith in this early phase of its operation, had to pay a toll or 'gaitmair' for their passage between the quarry and the High Street which was refunded to them.

	The quarry produced both liver rock and common rock. From time to time, huge blocks of sandstone were excavated. For example, in 1791 stones were won for the six pillars at the main entrance of the '''Old College''' (28) (1789-1828), University of Edinburgh, South Bridge. Each pillar measures 6.8 m (22 feet) in height and 0.98 m (3 feet 3 inches) diameter at the base. Sixteen horses were required to haul each stone, placed on a special carriage. Considerable doubt was expressed as to whether the old North Bridge would stand up to each load, since each pillar weighed nine tons. In 1823, probably the biggest ever block was excavated. It measured 41.5m (136 feet) by 6.1 m (20 feet) and its calculated weight was quoted as 1500 tons (1524 tonnes). It was conveyed in large blocks to the Calton Hill and forms the architrave of the unfinished '''National Monument''' (140) (see below). The remainder was sent by sea to Buckingham Palace.		The quarry produced both liver rock and common rock. From time to time, huge blocks of sandstone were excavated. For example, in 1791 stones were won for the six pillars at the main entrance of the '''Old College''' (28) (1789-1828), University of Edinburgh, South Bridge. Each pillar measures 6.8 m (22 feet) in height and 0.98 m (3 feet 3 inches) diameter at the base. Sixteen horses were required to haul each stone, placed on a special carriage. Considerable doubt was expressed as to whether the old North Bridge would stand up to each load, since each pillar weighed nine tons. In 1823, probably the biggest ever block was excavated. It measured 41.5m (136 feet) by 6.1 m (20 feet) and its calculated weight was quoted as 1500 tons (1524 tonnes). It was conveyed in large blocks to the Calton Hill and forms the architrave of the unfinished '''National Monument''' (140) (see below). The remainder was sent by sea to Buckingham Palace.

Scotfot at 18:23, 1 May 2015

2015-05-01T18:23:24Z

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			'''From: McMillan, A.A., Gillanders, R.J. and Fairhurst, J.A. 1999 Building stones of Edinburgh. Edinburgh: Edinburgh Geological Society.'''
			[[File:BuildingStonesOfEdinburghLocationMap1.jpg\|300px\|thumbnail\|Edinburgh's buildings - location map, inset (Central Edinburgh.]]
			[[File:BuildingStonesOfEdinburghLocationMapGeneral.jpg\|300px\|thumbnail\|Edinburgh's buildings - location map.]]
	== Craigleith ==		== Craigleith ==
	The Craigleith Sandstone, within the Gullane Formation, attains a maximum thickness of 107 m and comprises a highly siliceous, close-textured, fine-grained, grey sandstone. As well as having been worked at Craigleith Quarry, it was also worked at Craigcrook, Maidencraig and Granton (Sea and Land) quarries. The principal Ravelston quarry, situated between Craigcrook and Maidencraig quarries, also worked Cratgleith Sandstone. Stone from Barnton Park was marketed as 'Craigleith' but this quarry is possibly situated at a higher horizon. Numerous ancient quarries worked this sandstone in the New Town, for example those in Bearford's Parks, Upper Quarry Holes and possibly Broughton.		The Craigleith Sandstone, within the Gullane Formation, attains a maximum thickness of 107 m and comprises a highly siliceous, close-textured, fine-grained, grey sandstone. As well as having been worked at Craigleith Quarry, it was also worked at Craigcrook, Maidencraig and Granton (Sea and Land) quarries. The principal Ravelston quarry, situated between Craigcrook and Maidencraig quarries, also worked Cratgleith Sandstone. Stone from Barnton Park was marketed as 'Craigleith' but this quarry is possibly situated at a higher horizon. Numerous ancient quarries worked this sandstone in the New Town, for example those in Bearford's Parks, Upper Quarry Holes and possibly Broughton.

Scotfot at 07:40, 1 May 2015

2015-05-01T07:40:30Z

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	The earliest surviving record of quarrying is found in the Town Council Records for the years 1511-2. Before the Reformation, the land belonged to the collegiate church of St Giles and the quarrying was let on behalf of the clerical official or prebender, one John Rynde, to Robert Cunningham, quarrier. Cunningham was allowed the first year rent-free, as he was required to clear the quarry. Later he had to pay £3 Scots annual rent and 'yearly a cow's grass' as well as providing stone for the Kirk and Town's works. In the 1530s, Ravelston provided many loads of stone which were carried to '''Holyrood''' (146) for use in the construction of the Palace. The contemporary Accounts of the Masters of Works frequently mention payments for workmen 'putting down stones' for supplying ashlar, sill and lintel, great dressed stones for jambs of windows, flat stones, newels and pillar capitals. There were payments too, to blacksmiths who sharpened the quarrymen's picks. Finally Ravelston produced three great stones 'for sering of waiter to the kichingis and twa gutteris to the samyn'.		The earliest surviving record of quarrying is found in the Town Council Records for the years 1511-2. Before the Reformation, the land belonged to the collegiate church of St Giles and the quarrying was let on behalf of the clerical official or prebender, one John Rynde, to Robert Cunningham, quarrier. Cunningham was allowed the first year rent-free, as he was required to clear the quarry. Later he had to pay £3 Scots annual rent and 'yearly a cow's grass' as well as providing stone for the Kirk and Town's works. In the 1530s, Ravelston provided many loads of stone which were carried to '''Holyrood''' (146) for use in the construction of the Palace. The contemporary Accounts of the Masters of Works frequently mention payments for workmen 'putting down stones' for supplying ashlar, sill and lintel, great dressed stones for jambs of windows, flat stones, newels and pillar capitals. There were payments too, to blacksmiths who sharpened the quarrymen's picks. Finally Ravelston produced three great stones 'for sering of waiter to the kichingis and twa gutteris to the samyn'.

	Ravelston quarries produced stones for the gutters of the roof of '''St Giles Kirk''' (18) in 1590.' The King's Master Mason, William Wallace, spent two days at Ravelston quarries in July 1625 at the winning of 'nine great stones for the king's badges' for the great hall in Stirling Castle. By that time, the quarries were in the hands of the Foulis family. Three years later, the accounts of the Treasurer of Heriot's Hospital record the supply of double jambs and pillars at the commencement of building of the Hospital in Lauriston. In July 1632, the Town Council began to take stone from Ravelston for '''Parliament House''' (21), appointing John Ronald, who had been quarrying at the Burgh Muir, and who was to be the chief quarrier of fine stone, to go out to Ravelston. Ronald was discharged temporarily by the Town Council in June 1635 when he objected to additional workers being sent from Society Quarry to Ravelston, perhaps in an attempt to step up production there. Transport costs were an important item in the building of Parliament House. Both sledges and carts were used. A double ashlar cost 10/- Scots at the quarry in December 1632 and 15/- Scots for carriage. Only one double ashlar could be carried in a cart and a single one on a sledge for which 10/- Scots carriage was charged.' To the south and east, old quarry roads can still be seen in the woods. The Parliament House was refaced with ashlar from Craigleith in 1807-10. By 1795, the quarries were owned by Mr Alexander Keith of Ravelston.' It seems that the Ravelston quarries did not survive the decline in building activity after the great boom of the mid-1820s because in 1845 it is recorded that they had been out of use for twenty years.' By then, however, one of the quarries in the vicinity had been drained and a tenant was being sought. It was reputed that the quarry flooded overnight about the year 1820; the quarrymen having tapped a subterranean spring. In 1960, the quarry was drained and subsequently filled although there is still a considerable amount of sandstone exposed, particularly in the old part of the quarry immediately to the east.		Ravelston quarries produced stones for the gutters of the roof of '''St Giles Kirk''' (18) in 1590. The King's Master Mason, William Wallace, spent two days at Ravelston quarries in July 1625 at the winning of 'nine great stones for the king's badges' for the great hall in Stirling Castle. By that time, the quarries were in the hands of the Foulis family. Three years later, the accounts of the Treasurer of Heriot's Hospital record the supply of double jambs and pillars at the commencement of building of the Hospital in Lauriston. In July 1632, the Town Council began to take stone from Ravelston for '''Parliament House''' (21), appointing John Ronald, who had been quarrying at the Burgh Muir, and who was to be the chief quarrier of fine stone, to go out to Ravelston. Ronald was discharged temporarily by the Town Council in June 1635 when he objected to additional workers being sent from Society Quarry to Ravelston, perhaps in an attempt to step up production there. Transport costs were an important item in the building of Parliament House. Both sledges and carts were used. A double ashlar cost 10/- Scots at the quarry in December 1632 and 15/- Scots for carriage. Only one double ashlar could be carried in a cart and a single one on a sledge for which 10/- Scots carriage was charged.' To the south and east, old quarry roads can still be seen in the woods. The Parliament House was refaced with ashlar from Craigleith in 1807-10. By 1795, the quarries were owned by Mr Alexander Keith of Ravelston.' It seems that the Ravelston quarries did not survive the decline in building activity after the great boom of the mid-1820s because in 1845 it is recorded that they had been out of use for twenty years. By then, however, one of the quarries in the vicinity had been drained and a tenant was being sought. It was reputed that the quarry flooded overnight about the year 1820; the quarrymen having tapped a subterranean spring. In 1960, the quarry was drained and subsequently filled although there is still a considerable amount of sandstone exposed, particularly in the old part of the quarry immediately to the east.

	Although building stone was quarried at Ravelston for hundreds of years there are few good examples of its use in central Edinburgh; the best being the older work on the north side of '''George Heriot's School''' (33) which faces the Castle. Building began in 1628 with the construction of the north-west tower. There, the polished ashlar is grey and shows little sign of weathering. The mason's marks cut in the early 17th century can still be clearly seen. The front of the building, on the north side, was faced with Ravelston stone. Rubble from Craigmillar was used to face the other three sides. These were re-faced with Craigleith ashlar in 1833 after the entrance was transferred to the south side in 1828. It has been observed that the 'work is so skilfully executed that the alteration can be detected only by contrasting the cold hue of the Craigleith stone then used with the golden colour of the original stone quarried at Ravelston'.		Although building stone was quarried at Ravelston for hundreds of years there are few good examples of its use in central Edinburgh; the best being the older work on the north side of '''George Heriot's School''' (33) which faces the Castle. Building began in 1628 with the construction of the north-west tower. There, the polished ashlar is grey and shows little sign of weathering. The mason's marks cut in the early 17th century can still be clearly seen. The front of the building, on the north side, was faced with Ravelston stone. Rubble from Craigmillar was used to face the other three sides. These were re-faced with Craigleith ashlar in 1833 after the entrance was transferred to the south side in 1828. It has been observed that the 'work is so skilfully executed that the alteration can be detected only by contrasting the cold hue of the Craigleith stone then used with the golden colour of the original stone quarried at Ravelston'.
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	By then, the quarry had expanded to 8 acres (3.2 hectares) and was 24m (80 feet) deep and 'only second in extent to the great quarry of Craigleith'. It formed a headland with the north and west sides exposed to the waves. Although the supply of stone was nearly exhausted and a new quarry site nearby was being considered, work continued despite fears that the sea might break through. Between 3 and 4 am on the stormy morning of Friday 26th October 1855, near the high tide, a section of the west side of the quarry, 61 m (200 feet) long by 24 m (80 feet), collapsed allowing the sea to rush in, filling the quarry basin in 10 minutes. Fortunately because the collapse happened in the hours of darkness, none of the quarry's workforce of 50 to 60 men was present, but the foreman, Robert Muir, had a lucky escape as his house collapsed over 'the fatal precipice that yawned beneath'. One of the children had kept the family awake so that, when the front of the house began to topple, they were able to make a rapid escape by the back window. Almost all of the Muir family's belongings went into the sea along with a pumping engine and other valuable equipment. Much effort was unsuccessfully expended during 1856 to try to recover the quarry plant. Enough stone had been accumulated on the landward side of the quarry to satisfy immediate needs at the breakwater. Work on moving this stone had a tragic consequence when on 28th December 1855, a chain broke killing one of the workmen in the quarry.		By then, the quarry had expanded to 8 acres (3.2 hectares) and was 24m (80 feet) deep and 'only second in extent to the great quarry of Craigleith'. It formed a headland with the north and west sides exposed to the waves. Although the supply of stone was nearly exhausted and a new quarry site nearby was being considered, work continued despite fears that the sea might break through. Between 3 and 4 am on the stormy morning of Friday 26th October 1855, near the high tide, a section of the west side of the quarry, 61 m (200 feet) long by 24 m (80 feet), collapsed allowing the sea to rush in, filling the quarry basin in 10 minutes. Fortunately because the collapse happened in the hours of darkness, none of the quarry's workforce of 50 to 60 men was present, but the foreman, Robert Muir, had a lucky escape as his house collapsed over 'the fatal precipice that yawned beneath'. One of the children had kept the family awake so that, when the front of the house began to topple, they were able to make a rapid escape by the back window. Almost all of the Muir family's belongings went into the sea along with a pumping engine and other valuable equipment. Much effort was unsuccessfully expended during 1856 to try to recover the quarry plant. Enough stone had been accumulated on the landward side of the quarry to satisfy immediate needs at the breakwater. Work on moving this stone had a tragic consequence when on 28th December 1855, a chain broke killing one of the workmen in the quarry.

	Quarrying on a modest scale continued during the latter part of the 19th century and into the 20th century. A quarry called Pennywell Parks, inland of Granton Point, was operational in 1895. It employed 18 men in 1900, but by 1904, it was not regularly used. Latterly, quarrying activity in the area is recorded only in 1925 when 12 men were employed in a quarry in the Royston area.' According to Craig, Granton stone was 'once extensively used for building' and possessed a good weathering property.'		Quarrying on a modest scale continued during the latter part of the 19th century and into the 20th century. A quarry called Pennywell Parks, inland of Granton Point, was operational in 1895. It employed 18 men in 1900, but by 1904, it was not regularly used. Latterly, quarrying activity in the area is recorded only in 1925 when 12 men were employed in a quarry in the Royston area.' According to Craig, Granton stone was 'once extensively used for building' and possessed a good weathering property.

	== Bearford's Quarries ==		== Bearford's Quarries ==
	These sandstone quarries were situated in Bearford's Parks which lay on the north side of the Nor Loch (site of today's Princes Street Gardens) and worked the Craigleith Sandstone. Bearford's Parks occupied ground stretching from near the West End of Princes Street to the present position of the Balmoral Hotel. Before the Reformation this land was part of the endowment of the Abbey of Holyrood.		These sandstone quarries were situated in Bearford's Parks which lay on the north side of the Nor Loch (site of today's Princes Street Gardens) and worked the Craigleith Sandstone. Bearford's Parks occupied ground stretching from near the West End of Princes Street to the present position of the Balmoral Hotel. Before the Reformation this land was part of the endowment of the Abbey of Holyrood.

	The earliest mention of the quarries was in 1462, when stones were obtained to build '''Trinity College Church''' (133) at the instigation of Mary of Guelders, widow of James II of Scotland. The church was erected on the north side of what is now Waverley Station and, to judge from old engravings, it must have been a very imposing edifice.' It was considered to be, with the exception of Holyrood Abbey, the finest ecclesiastical building in Edinburgh at the time. When the North British Railway Company acquired the land, the church was destined for demolition and, despite strong objections, it was agreed in 1848 to raze the building. Many of the stones were preserved and numbered with a view to re-erection at some suitable location. The stones lay on the southern slopes of the Calton Hill for about 30 years, before a decision was taken to rebuild the church in Jeffrey Street. Unfortunately many of the stones had disappeared and only the apse and adjoining part of the choir of the original building could be completed and incorporated in the new church which was finally opened in 1877.'' This new church was partly demolished in 1964. Examination of the present structure in Chalmers Close will reveal that the stones are not in numerical order and some of the numbers are inverted! The building was closed in 1977 but had previously been used as a reading room annex to the Central Library, George IV Bridge.		The earliest mention of the quarries was in 1462, when stones were obtained to build '''Trinity College Church''' (133) at the instigation of Mary of Guelders, widow of James II of Scotland. The church was erected on the north side of what is now Waverley Station and, to judge from old engravings, it must have been a very imposing edifice.' It was considered to be, with the exception of Holyrood Abbey, the finest ecclesiastical building in Edinburgh at the time. When the North British Railway Company acquired the land, the church was destined for demolition and, despite strong objections, it was agreed in 1848 to raze the building. Many of the stones were preserved and numbered with a view to re-erection at some suitable location. The stones lay on the southern slopes of the Calton Hill for about 30 years, before a decision was taken to rebuild the church in Jeffrey Street. Unfortunately many of the stones had disappeared and only the apse and adjoining part of the choir of the original building could be completed and incorporated in the new church which was finally opened in 1877. This new church was partly demolished in 1964. Examination of the present structure in Chalmers Close will reveal that the stones are not in numerical order and some of the numbers are inverted! The building was closed in 1977 but had previously been used as a reading room annex to the Central Library, George IV Bridge.

	At the beginning of the 18th century, Robert Hepburn of the Bearford estate (just west of Haddington, East Lothian), acquired 30 acres of green fields which lay between the Nor Loch (the site of today's East Princes Street Gardens) and a road called 'Lang Gait' or 'Lang Dykes'. The road, so-named because it was enclosed by two drystane dykes, was probably in line with the present Rose Street. The fields, stretching the whole length of the loch, became known as Lochbank or the Bearford's Parks, corrupted to Barefoots Parks. Hepburn appears to have been a difficult person. In December 1701 he got into trouble with the Town Council over 'encroachments' upon the Nor Loch. He was accused of throwing the rubbish from his quarry into the loch 'upon the other side of the North Loch, near the head thereof, opposite the Castle'. This indicates that quarrying had then extended some way westwards along the loch's north side. In 1717 the Town Council bought the Parks from Hepburn.		At the beginning of the 18th century, Robert Hepburn of the Bearford estate (just west of Haddington, East Lothian), acquired 30 acres of green fields which lay between the Nor Loch (the site of today's East Princes Street Gardens) and a road called 'Lang Gait' or 'Lang Dykes'. The road, so-named because it was enclosed by two drystane dykes, was probably in line with the present Rose Street. The fields, stretching the whole length of the loch, became known as Lochbank or the Bearford's Parks, corrupted to Barefoots Parks. Hepburn appears to have been a difficult person. In December 1701 he got into trouble with the Town Council over 'encroachments' upon the Nor Loch. He was accused of throwing the rubbish from his quarry into the loch 'upon the other side of the North Loch, near the head thereof, opposite the Castle'. This indicates that quarrying had then extended some way westwards along the loch's north side. In 1717 the Town Council bought the Parks from Hepburn.

Scotfot at 07:37, 1 May 2015

2015-05-01T07:37:37Z

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Scotfot: /* Craigleith */

2015-04-30T22:27:46Z

Craigleith

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:27, 30 April 2015
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	== Craigleith ==		== Craigleith ==
	The Craigleith Sandstone, within the ~~Cullane~~ Formation ~~(Figure 3.4)~~, attains a maximum thickness of ~~107m~~ and comprises a highly siliceous, close-textured, fine-grained, grey sandstone. As well as having been worked at Craigleith Quarry ~~(Figures 3.5 to 3.6; Plate 1)~~, it was also worked at Craigcrook, Maidencraig and Granton (Sea and Land) quarries. The principal Ravelston quarry, situated between Craigcrook and Maidencraig quarries, also worked Cratgleith Sandstone. Stone from Barnton Park was marketed as `Craigleith' but this quarry is possibly situated at a higher horizon. Numerous ancient quarries worked this sandstone in the New Town, for example those in Bearford's Parks, Upper Quarry Holes and possibly Broughton.		The Craigleith Sandstone, within the Gullane Formation, attains a maximum thickness of 107 m and comprises a highly siliceous, close-textured, fine-grained, grey sandstone. As well as having been worked at Craigleith Quarry, it was also worked at Craigcrook, Maidencraig and Granton (Sea and Land) quarries. The principal Ravelston quarry, situated between Craigcrook and Maidencraig quarries, also worked Cratgleith Sandstone. Stone from Barnton Park was marketed as `Craigleith' but this quarry is possibly situated at a higher horizon. Numerous ancient quarries worked this sandstone in the New Town, for example those in Bearford's Parks, Upper Quarry Holes and possibly Broughton.

	The Craigleith Sandstone was most extensively worked at Craigleith, 2 miles (3 km) west of the city centre, where a highly siliceous fine-grained sandstone was worked. Two types of stone were worked at Craigleith Quarry. The very hard, fine-grained, cream-coloured, compact sandstone, known as 'liver rock', was used for the fronts of the best houses and public buildings, where it could be given a very smooth surface and was also worked into delicate mouldings and other kinds of architectural decoration. The easily worked 'common' or Teak' rock (thinly bedded, greyish-white, silty sandstone) could also sometimes be used for the best building work. More often it was utilised in rubble work, foundations, stair steps, plats and paving. The stone characteristically has fine wispy cross-lamination, sometimes carbonaceous, with occasional brown clay ironstone concretions. The stone was described as 'well nigh imperishable' and was used extensively not only in Edinburgh but also in London, the United States and in Europe. George Smith concluded in 1835, `Craigleith stands pre-eminently, not only as to extent, by constantly yielding an abundant supply of every variety of sizes at all times, but as to beauty of colour, and, above all, the durability of the stone'.		The Craigleith Sandstone was most extensively worked at Craigleith, 2 miles (3 km) west of the city centre, where a highly siliceous fine-grained sandstone was worked. Two types of stone were worked at Craigleith Quarry. The very hard, fine-grained, cream-coloured, compact sandstone, known as 'liver rock', was used for the fronts of the best houses and public buildings, where it could be given a very smooth surface and was also worked into delicate mouldings and other kinds of architectural decoration. The easily worked 'common' or Teak' rock (thinly bedded, greyish-white, silty sandstone) could also sometimes be used for the best building work. More often it was utilised in rubble work, foundations, stair steps, plats and paving. The stone characteristically has fine wispy cross-lamination, sometimes carbonaceous, with occasional brown clay ironstone concretions. The stone was described as 'well nigh imperishable' and was used extensively not only in Edinburgh but also in London, the United States and in Europe. George Smith concluded in 1835, `Craigleith stands pre-eminently, not only as to extent, by constantly yielding an abundant supply of every variety of sizes at all times, but as to beauty of colour, and, above all, the durability of the stone'.

	Hull (1872) records that the sandstone at Craigleith Quarry, occurred in beds varying from a few inches to 12 feet (4m), interrupted with shales and showing a vertical depth of about 250 feet (~~76m~~). Anderson, writing in 1938, noted that at one time the quarry face at Craigleith was said to have been ~~110m~~ deep of which the bottom ~~104m~~ was solid rock. The top 6m of 'fakes (siltstones) and sandstone bands' and top ~~15m~~ of solid rock were apparently not used for building purposes.		Hull (1872) records that the sandstone at Craigleith Quarry, occurred in beds varying from a few inches to 12 feet (4 m), interrupted with shales and showing a vertical depth of about 250 feet (76 m). Anderson, writing in 1938, noted that at one time the quarry face at Craigleith was said to have been 110 m deep of which the bottom 104 m was solid rock. The top 6 m of 'fakes (siltstones) and sandstone bands' and top 15 m of solid rock were apparently not used for building purposes.

	The first records of the use of Craigleith stone are in the Accounts of the Masters of Works. In January 1615, quarriers were paid at the quarry which was then known as Innerleith or Enderleith, for producing 200 double arch stones '''for Edinburgh Castle''' (9). The stone was taken to the Castle in the King's own carts during this period of activity which lasted until 1619, but sometimes independent carriers were used. Thomas Young, the local farmer, was paid £17-6-8d Scots for damage to his ground and spoiling of his grass on various occasions up to September 1615 and again in 1616. Craigleith supplied stone of all kinds for the Castle and some for '''Holyrood Palace''' (146) in 1616. Besides ashlar, double arch, 'great lintels' and coping stones, a great stone Tor working the Kingis armes on' was won for the Castle in September 1616. Quarriers, who worked at Craigleith in this early phase of its operation, had to pay a toll or `gaitmair for their passage between the quarry and the High Street which was refunded to them.		The first records of the use of Craigleith stone are in the Accounts of the Masters of Works. In January 1615, quarriers were paid at the quarry which was then known as Innerleith or Enderleith, for producing 200 double arch stones '''for Edinburgh Castle''' (9). The stone was taken to the Castle in the King's own carts during this period of activity which lasted until 1619, but sometimes independent carriers were used. Thomas Young, the local farmer, was paid £17-6-8d Scots for damage to his ground and spoiling of his grass on various occasions up to September 1615 and again in 1616. Craigleith supplied stone of all kinds for the Castle and some for '''Holyrood Palace''' (146) in 1616. Besides ashlar, double arch, 'great lintels' and coping stones, a great stone Tor working the Kingis armes on' was won for the Castle in September 1616. Quarriers, who worked at Craigleith in this early phase of its operation, had to pay a toll or `gaitmair for their passage between the quarry and the High Street which was refunded to them.

Scotfot at 22:26, 30 April 2015

2015-04-30T22:26:06Z

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Scotfot: /* Upper Quarry Holes (London Road Quarries) and Lower (Nether) Quarry Holes */

2015-04-30T22:16:35Z

Upper Quarry Holes (London Road Quarries) and Lower (Nether) Quarry Holes

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	East of the Bearford's Parks, the Cra0eith Sandstone was quarried from the earliest times in Upper Quarry Holes (London Road quarries) between the eastern end of Calton Hill and the northern end of Easter Road. To the north of these workings lay the Lower or Nether Quarry Holes (which probably worked the stratigraphically higher Ravelston Sandstone). Traces of the quarries of Upper Quarry Holes can be seen in the Royal Terrace Gardens, where there are mounds to which excavations from the construction of the houses in '''Royal Terrace''', begun in 1821, may have contributed.		East of the Bearford's Parks, the Cra0eith Sandstone was quarried from the earliest times in Upper Quarry Holes (London Road quarries) between the eastern end of Calton Hill and the northern end of Easter Road. To the north of these workings lay the Lower or Nether Quarry Holes (which probably worked the stratigraphically higher Ravelston Sandstone). Traces of the quarries of Upper Quarry Holes can be seen in the Royal Terrace Gardens, where there are mounds to which excavations from the construction of the houses in '''Royal Terrace''', begun in 1821, may have contributed.

	Situated in a lowly position outside the city walls, the Quarry Holes became a favourite location for duels and remained so until the mid 18th century. The quarries had often provided a convenient place for private discussion as was the case in 1557 when the earls of Arran and Huntly, with certain others of high rank, met to consider the activities of Mary of Guise, the Queen Regent, mother of Mary, Queen of Scots.'		Situated in a lowly position outside the city walls, the Quarry Holes became a favourite location for duels and remained so until the mid 18th century. The quarries had often provided a convenient place for private discussion as was the case in 1557 when the earls of Arran and Huntly, with certain others of high rank, met to consider the activities of Mary of Guise, the Queen Regent, mother of Mary, Queen of Scots.

	During the civil war between the supporters of the boy-king James VI and those of his mother Mary Queen of Scots, a skirmish took place in June 1571, midway between Hawkhill and the Upper Quarry Holes. This day became known as 'Black Saturday' or Drury's Peace'. The Earl of Morton, one of the King's men, held Leith and marched to Hawkhill, provoking the Earl of Huntly and his men, who supported the Queen, to march from the Castle to meet him. Morton halted at the Quarry Holes and the English Ambassador, Sir William Drury, who had been with Morton on the previous night, went to the Quarry Holes and suggested to Huntly that a peaceful settlement was possible. Unfortunately, a fight broke out which was blamed on Drury who had to be protected from the Scottish mob.' Many years later, in 1650, guns were placed in the Quarry Holes, in an attempt to stem Oliver Cromwell's advance on Edinburgh.'		During the civil war between the supporters of the boy-king James VI and those of his mother Mary Queen of Scots, a skirmish took place in June 1571, midway between Hawkhill and the Upper Quarry Holes. This day became known as 'Black Saturday' or Drury's Peace. The Earl of Morton, one of the King's men, held Leith and marched to Hawkhill, provoking the Earl of Huntly and his men, who supported the Queen, to march from the Castle to meet him. Morton halted at the Quarry Holes and the English Ambassador, Sir William Drury, who had been with Morton on the previous night, went to the Quarry Holes and suggested to Huntly that a peaceful settlement was possible. Unfortunately, a fight broke out which was blamed on Drury who had to be protected from the Scottish mob. Many years later, in 1650, guns were placed in the Quarry Holes, in an attempt to stem Oliver Cromwell's advance on Edinburgh.'

	Towards the mid 17th century the land and quarries became the responsibility of Trinity Hospital. By 1700 they had become dangerous and several people had fallen into them with fatal results. The Treasurer of the Hospital was ordered to fill up the hollow ground in 1677.'2 However, he clearly failed to do so because it is recorded that an Englishman, Lt. Byron was drowned at the Nether Quarry Holes in 1691.~~'2'~~ Further records indicate that the holes were left open until well into the 18th century. Robert Irvine was arrested and tried in the Broughton Tolbooth for a murder committed in April 1717. He was found guilty and condemned to be hanged on a piece of ground called 'the Green-side' in the vicinity of the quarries, after which his body was to be interred in the 'Quarry-hole near to the Tup Well'.' In 1736, James Colquhoun, merchant, and William Adam, architect, petitioned the Town Council to be allowed to quarry stone at the Nether Quarry Holes to build on two of their feus nearby.~~'''~~ It seems that the quarries were not filled in until 1766 when the City Treasurer was authorised `to pay the Town's proportion of filling up the quarry at Nether Quarryholes'.'2 On the Calton Hill, William Jameson asked permission in 1761 to rent the quarry there for a few years.' The Town Council agreed to his working on the south side near to where he was building at the back of the Canongate. Daniel Murray and others got into trouble the same year for taking stone from the Calton Hill without permission from the Town Council.~~''`'~~ Quarrying was still in progress as late as 1765 when a building for the Methodists near the head of Leith Street used Calton Hill stone.' It is not certain when these quarries finally closed.		Towards the mid 17th century the land and quarries became the responsibility of Trinity Hospital. By 1700 they had become dangerous and several people had fallen into them with fatal results. The Treasurer of the Hospital was ordered to fill up the hollow ground in 1677. However, he clearly failed to do so because it is recorded that an Englishman, Lt. Byron was drowned at the Nether Quarry Holes in 1691. Further records indicate that the holes were left open until well into the 18th century. Robert Irvine was arrested and tried in the Broughton Tolbooth for a murder committed in April 1717. He was found guilty and condemned to be hanged on a piece of ground called 'the Green-side' in the vicinity of the quarries, after which his body was to be interred in the 'Quarry-hole near to the Tup Well'. In 1736, James Colquhoun, merchant, and William Adam, architect, petitioned the Town Council to be allowed to quarry stone at the Nether Quarry Holes to build on two of their feus nearby. It seems that the quarries were not filled in until 1766 when the City Treasurer was authorised `to pay the Town's proportion of filling up the quarry at Nether Quarryholes. On the Calton Hill, William Jameson asked permission in 1761 to rent the quarry there for a few years.' The Town Council agreed to his working on the south side near to where he was building at the back of the Canongate. Daniel Murray and others got into trouble the same year for taking stone from the Calton Hill without permission from the Town Council. Quarrying was still in progress as late as 1765 when a building for the Methodists near the head of Leith Street used Calton Hill stone.' It is not certain when these quarries finally closed.

	The same sandstone was also quarried less than 400m (1/4 mile) to the east at Abbeyhill. Robert Milne, master mason, was ordered to fence his quarry next to the highway there in March 1692.1		The same sandstone was also quarried less than 400m (1/4 mile) to the east at Abbeyhill. Robert Milne, master mason, was ordered to fence his quarry next to the highway there in March 1692.

	== Quarries in the West End of the New Town ==		== Quarries in the West End of the New Town ==

Scotfot: /* Quarries in the West End of the New Town */

2015-04-30T22:14:57Z

Quarries in the West End of the New Town

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:14, 30 April 2015
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	Some quarries have been opened in strange places. In 1691, Henry Nisbet, one of the Nisbets of Dean, was allowed by the Kirk Session of St Cuthbert's Church to build a vault in the churchyard. Nisbet also sought permission to open a quarry there to provide the necessary stone. This was granted on condition that the quarry was filled in after completion of the building and that he paid a gratuity to the poor. Eventually a donation of £39 10/- Scots was extracted from Nisbet who was not only reprimanded for failing to fill in his quarry but was also reproved by the Kirk Session for drinking during divine service!		Some quarries have been opened in strange places. In 1691, Henry Nisbet, one of the Nisbets of Dean, was allowed by the Kirk Session of St Cuthbert's Church to build a vault in the churchyard. Nisbet also sought permission to open a quarry there to provide the necessary stone. This was granted on condition that the quarry was filled in after completion of the building and that he paid a gratuity to the poor. Eventually a donation of £39 10/- Scots was extracted from Nisbet who was not only reprimanded for failing to fill in his quarry but was also reproved by the Kirk Session for drinking during divine service!

	In the late 17th century, a quarry was dug near the Bakers' House which belonged to the Incorporation of Bakers on the south side of the Water of Leith, near the site of the present-day Miller Row at the Dean Bridge. The quarrying began to damage the road, so that it was 'impossible for ather man or horse to pass therby without the hazard of ther lyff'.13' Frances Lowrie, a baillie of Portsburgh had to tidy rubbish dumped on the highway to the Water of Leith and level it up before he was to be allowed to quarry wall stones there.~~13'~~ In 1687 John Byers of Coats was in dispute over ~~L400~~ Scots damages due to him by the Town Council and Incorporation of Bakers for their encroachment on his land in quarrying and building.' Not far away stone from the quarry at Drumsheugh only cost 2d cartage 'to neighbours and burgesses' but others paid 6d in October 1700.'		In the late 17th century, a quarry was dug near the Bakers' House which belonged to the Incorporation of Bakers on the south side of the Water of Leith, near the site of the present-day Miller Row at the Dean Bridge. The quarrying began to damage the road, so that it was 'impossible for ather man or horse to pass therby without the hazard of ther lyff'.13' Frances Lowrie, a baillie of Portsburgh had to tidy rubbish dumped on the highway to the Water of Leith and level it up before he was to be allowed to quarry wall stones there. In 1687 John Byers of Coats was in dispute over £400 Scots damages due to him by the Town Council and Incorporation of Bakers for their encroachment on his land in quarrying and building. Not far away stone from the quarry at Drumsheugh only cost 2d cartage 'to neighbours and burgesses' but others paid 6d in October 1700.

	In November 1800, William Mutter was paid for damage caused to the land he was farming by quarrying on the lands of Coates near the West End of Princes Street.' This quarry is probably the one near Rothesay Place on Kirkwood's 1817 map.13f' Quarries in this area were still visible when the first Ordnance Survey map was published in 1853, although they were rapidly disappearing under new housing development.'		In November 1800, William Mutter was paid for damage caused to the land he was farming by quarrying on the lands of Coates near the West End of Princes Street.' This quarry is probably the one near Rothesay Place on Kirkwood's 1817 map.13f' Quarries in this area were still visible when the first Ordnance Survey map was published in 1853, although they were rapidly disappearing under new housing development.'

Scotfot: /* Quarries in the West End of the New Town */

2015-04-30T22:13:59Z

Quarries in the West End of the New Town

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:13, 30 April 2015
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	Around the West End of the New Town Craigleith Sandstone has been extensively quarried though no trace remains of this activity. Some of the earliest work there began in 1616 when 'the new Erie querrell be vest Sanct Cuthbertis' supplied stone for work on the Palace Block in '''Edinburgh Castle''' (9) and the Chapel in the south range of '''Holyrood Palace''' (146). The Accounts of the Royal Master of Works refer to payments then for sharpening quarriers' tools and for water scoops, suggesting that this quarry was prone to flooding.		Around the West End of the New Town Craigleith Sandstone has been extensively quarried though no trace remains of this activity. Some of the earliest work there began in 1616 when 'the new Erie querrell be vest Sanct Cuthbertis' supplied stone for work on the Palace Block in '''Edinburgh Castle''' (9) and the Chapel in the south range of '''Holyrood Palace''' (146). The Accounts of the Royal Master of Works refer to payments then for sharpening quarriers' tools and for water scoops, suggesting that this quarry was prone to flooding.

	Some quarries have been opened in strange places. In 1691, Henry Nisbet, one of the Nisbets of Dean, was allowed by the Kirk Session of St Cuthbert's Church to build a vault in the churchyard. Nisbet also sought permission to open a quarry there to provide the necessary stone. This was granted on condition that the quarry was filled in after completion of the building and that he paid a gratuity to the poor. Eventually a donation of £39 10/- Scots was extracted from Nisbet who was not only reprimanded for failing to fill in his quarry but was also reproved by the Kirk Session for drinking during divine service!'3		Some quarries have been opened in strange places. In 1691, Henry Nisbet, one of the Nisbets of Dean, was allowed by the Kirk Session of St Cuthbert's Church to build a vault in the churchyard. Nisbet also sought permission to open a quarry there to provide the necessary stone. This was granted on condition that the quarry was filled in after completion of the building and that he paid a gratuity to the poor. Eventually a donation of £39 10/- Scots was extracted from Nisbet who was not only reprimanded for failing to fill in his quarry but was also reproved by the Kirk Session for drinking during divine service!

	In the late 17th century, a quarry was dug near the Bakers' House which belonged to the Incorporation of Bakers on the south side of the Water of Leith, near the site of the present-day Miller Row at the Dean Bridge. The quarrying began to damage the road, so that it was 'impossible for ather man or horse to pass therby without the hazard of ther lyff'.13' Frances Lowrie, a baillie of Portsburgh had to tidy rubbish dumped on the highway to the Water of Leith and level it up before he was to be allowed to quarry wall stones there.13' In 1687 John Byers of Coats was in dispute over L400 Scots damages due to him by the Town Council and Incorporation of Bakers for their encroachment on his land in quarrying and building.' Not far away stone from the quarry at Drumsheugh only cost 2d cartage 'to neighbours and burgesses' but others paid 6d in October 1700.'		In the late 17th century, a quarry was dug near the Bakers' House which belonged to the Incorporation of Bakers on the south side of the Water of Leith, near the site of the present-day Miller Row at the Dean Bridge. The quarrying began to damage the road, so that it was 'impossible for ather man or horse to pass therby without the hazard of ther lyff'.13' Frances Lowrie, a baillie of Portsburgh had to tidy rubbish dumped on the highway to the Water of Leith and level it up before he was to be allowed to quarry wall stones there.13' In 1687 John Byers of Coats was in dispute over L400 Scots damages due to him by the Town Council and Incorporation of Bakers for their encroachment on his land in quarrying and building.' Not far away stone from the quarry at Drumsheugh only cost 2d cartage 'to neighbours and burgesses' but others paid 6d in October 1700.'

Scotfot: Created page with "== Craigleith == The Craigleith Sandstone, within the Cullane Formation (Figure 3.4), attains a maximum thickness of 107m and comprises a highly siliceous, close-textured, fin..."

2015-04-30T18:07:09Z

Created page with "== Craigleith == The Craigleith Sandstone, within the Cullane Formation (Figure 3.4), attains a maximum thickness of 107m and comprises a highly siliceous, close-textured, fin..."

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