7.2.8 Assembly Places

Perth and Kinross has some of Scotland’s most important medieval assembly sites. Scone was the traditional place where Scottish kings were inaugurated, and there is evidence for royal assemblies here as early as the 10th century (Anderson 1973, 251; see also early medieval chapter of PKARF). The low oval mound known as the Moothill (MPK3308) has long been recognised as a focal point for medieval ceremonial gatherings. Geophysical survey and limited excavation work in the 2000s significantly enhanced our understanding of this feature. Radiocarbon dates from the ditch around the Moothill suggests that the mound was constructed, or at least raised in height, in the 10th or 11th century (O’Grady 2018, 142–3). Meanwhile, a series of hexagonal stake-holes indicated that a fence was constructed around the Moothill in the 14th or 15th century – arguably a sign of increasing efforts to control access to the mound (O’Grady 2018, 143). The interventions at Scone also identified the foundations of the abbey church which stood to the south of the mound and may have helped to define the outdoor gathering place. Further archaeological investigation at Scone should be a priority, if a suitable opportunity arises.

During the 13th and 14th centuries Scone was a frequent meeting place for the Scottish Parliament (MacDonald 2011, 30). However, from the late 14th century onwards it was increasingly replaced by Perth as a parliamentary venue. Indeed, during the early 15th century Perth was the commonest location for the Scottish Parliament. The parliaments in Perth often met at the burgh’s Dominican friary (MacDonald 2011, 30). Although research has already been undertaken regarding the Dominican site, further exploration of its governmental and ceremonial uses, and of the way in which parliamentary gatherings affected the wider burgh of Perth, would be of considerable interest.

There is also evidence of a significant number of local courts and assembly places in Perth and Kinross. In particular, there are a number of mounds which appear to have formed the focal point for the administration of justice. Many of these mounds probably had early medieval or prehistoric origins. Yet in some places they continued in use into the 17th century. For example, the mound at Stayt of Crieff (MPK838) was supposedly the site of the court of the Earls of Strathearn and their stewards as late as 1665. While some research has been undertaken regarding the sites of outdoor courts, further interdisciplinary research involving field work, place-name evidence, and written sources would be desirable (O’Grady 2008 [SET1]). By the 15th and 16th centuries courts and public gatherings were increasingly moving to indoor venues. Further research into the buildings used would be helpful. It is likely that written sources will play a key role in identifying the locations of late medieval courts.

Purpose built civic spaces became more common in Scotland towards the end of the Middle Ages, leading to the construction of tolbooths or town halls. Research into the history of Perth’s tolbooth should be a priority. There is written evidence for a tolbooth at Perth in the 15th century, but little is known about its medieval appearance (Records of the Parliaments of Scotland 1445/1). The medieval tolbooth at Perth may have been demolished in the late 17th century when the burgh council ordered the construction of a new ‘Council House, Clerks’ Chamber, and Pack House’ (Fittis 1885, 272–3).

Research Priorities

Research Questions