7.5.2 Monastic Sites

Monasteries and friaries are among the more intensively studied medieval institutions in Perth and Kinross – a pattern that is common across Scotland (Gilchrist 2020). Twelve religious houses are believed to have existed in the region. These encompassed five houses of Augustinian canons, a community of Augustinian canonesses, a Carthusian monastery, a Cistercian monastery, a female Cistercian community and three friaries. A large proportion of these sites have been at least partly excavated. Indeed, recent excavations at Perth Whitefriars have located virtually the entire friary layout and the southern limit of the complex (MPK3515; D. Hall 2020b and forthcoming). Meanwhile, archaeological investigation at Elcho Priory in the late 20th century significantly furthered our understanding of Scottish female religious houses (MPK3482; Reid and Lye 1988). However, more research could still be undertaken.

Significant sites which have had little archaeological intervention include the former Augustinian priory on Loch Tay (MPK400), located on a heavily wooded island. In Perth, the Franciscan friary (MPK3427) is largely covered by a later cemetery, while St Leonard’s Priory (MPK3521) may lie under the tracks approaching Perth railway station. Finally the Charterhouse (MPK3394) probably occupied the site of the present King James VI Hospital and a sizeable area to the south. The Charterhouse’s role as a royal burial site has attracted considerable attention as James I, Joan Beaufort and Margaret Tudor were all interred there. Yet the site is also of great interest as the only Carthusian monastery established in medieval Scotland.

Further investigation would be desirable at some of the partially excavated sites, such as the major Cistercian centre at Coupar Angus Abbey (MPK5328) or the Dominican friary (MPK3517) in Perth. Greater study of the setting of Elcho Priory might also be worthwhile, as the area holds considerable potential for enhancing our understanding of how a women’s Cistercian house altered the surrounding landscape. Given the extensive written records associated with many of the monastic sites in Perth and Kinross, interdisciplinary approaches are likely to prove informative. The religious houses offer a valuable documented interface between local populations and international religious networks. For example, donations recorded in the Perth Charterhouse papers reveal much about the devotional preferences of benefactors, and the variety of churches, chapels and revenues linked to the Carthusians (L Dean pers comm). Recent doctoral research on Coupar Angus Abbey has similarly highlighted the benefits of interdisciplinary approaches (Hodgson 2016).

Monastic sites in Perth were clearly influenced by wider European traditions regarding the layout of religious houses. However, a greater understanding of local variations of the standard plan would be desirable. More consideration of how earlier religious occupation of a site may have shaped later medieval usage would also be of interest. The relationship between 12th- and 13th-century monasteries and earlier religious activity has been touched on through the recent Culdee Archaeology Project, considerably improving our understanding of the evolution of St Serf’s Priory at Lochleven (MPK3030; O’Grady 2017). Yet related considerations may be applicable to other sites. While some of the new monastic foundations of the 12th and 13th century were on ‘greenfield’ sites, many were established in places with existing religious associations – a past which has often been obscured by the more substantial buildings and extensive records of later institutions.

Further study of the numerous finds from the region’s monastic sites and their environs would be helpful. In particular, the possibilities of items discovered by metal-detecting should not be overlooked. For example, a significant broken silver crucifix, probably dating from the 12th or 13th century and perhaps belonging to a member of St Serf’s Priory, was recovered near Lochleven (Perth Museum 2015.103; Gilchrist 2020, 115–7; Hall 2021, 485–6). Even small finds with limited context can often help flesh out the nature of medieval practices and beliefs.

Many questions also remain about the ending of medieval monastic life in Perth and Kinross. Traditionally, the 15th and early 16th centuries have been presented as a period of monastic decline, a time when religious houses became increasingly ‘corrupt’ and communal life was eroded. Yet this version of events has increasingly been challenged (Dilworth 1995; Rhodes 2019). The archaeological record could bring important new perspectives to this debate. Similarly, scholarly discussions about the impact of the Reformation, and the extent of iconoclasm and demolition which accompanied religious change, would also benefit from more careful consideration of the material evidence (Spicer 2003). Perth’s pivotal role in sparking the religious crisis of 1559, and the widespread Protestant activism in the area, makes this topic of particular regional importance. The extent of occupation of monastic sites after the Reformation, and especially the degree to which domestic and industrial buildings continued in use also deserves more research. Both documentary and archaeological evidence could shed light on this question; the records of the Perth Charterhouse and James VI Hospital are of particular value (L Dean pers comm).

Medieval monasteries were of course important economic centres, playing significant roles in agriculture, trade and industry. These activities shaped both the sites of the actual religious houses and their wider estates. Field surveys and documentary research has identified many likely monastic granges, mills, quarries and other industrial sites (D Hall 2006a). Most have never been excavated, although there are a few with standing remains, such as the overgrown ruins at the former Cistercian grange at Campsie Linn (MPK3671; D Hall 2006a, 101). As granges often continued as farms into modern times, several have been significantly affected by ploughing and later development. However, there are many former granges, mills and other industrial properties where archaeological investigation would be desirable. Cropmark evidence suggests that the Augustinian grange at Cambusmichael (MPK5404) or the Cistercian grange at Coupar Grange (MPK6123) might prove interesting sites for excavation. Local residents also occasionally uncover probable medieval artefacts near these sites, like the stone bowl or font found in a garden at Coupar Grange (D Hall 2006a, 103). Such isolated items can be overlooked, despite having the potential to tell us about medieval activities associated with these places (Hall 2010).

Research Priorities

Research Questions