Amisfield Walled Garden, Pineapple House - East Lothian

Peter Potter Lost Landscapes Programme

Amisfield Preservation Trust

Central Glasshouse Investigation, Amisfield Walled

Garden, Haddington, East Lothian

September 2011 & April 2012

Amisfield Walled Garden, Haddington East Lothian

Data Structure Report

National Grid Reference (NGR): NT 55505 67739 Prepared by: David Connolly, Stuart Dinning,

Doug Rocks-MacQueen and Maggie Struckmeier,

Illustration by: David Connolly Date of Fieldwork: September 2011 and April 2012 Date of Report: June 2012

Cover image: view to excavation from northeast gate Below: view of northeast corner pavilion, Amisfield Walled Garden.

Abstract

This report represents the results of the investigation of the ruins

of a Glasshouse within the 18th century Walled Garden at Amisfield

in East Lothian.

This was a joint project as part of the Peter Potter Lost Landscapes

project with support from the Amisfield Preservation Trust. It

included the involvement of over 180 people ranging through local

school classes, and groups from Tynepark Centre, North Berwick

Day Centre, Dad’s Work and local volunteers as well as Students

from Edinburgh University.

The excavation uncovered the central Glasshouse on the north wall

(south facing) and revealed the stonework from the 1783 building

containing both a tile hypocaust system and later cast iron pipe

heating system with raised beds and walkways related to the

original use as a Pineapple House (Vinery Pinery) built by the

Wemyss Estate.

The Walled Garden also has four corner pavilions, of which the

north east Pavilion was subjected to building record as part of a

training day.

Geophysical work carried out by the Edinburgh Archaeological

Field The project was made possible by Peter Potter Gallery,

Haddinton as part of their Lost Landscapes Programme.

Contents

1. INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 1

1.1. Background ........................................................................................................................ 1

1.2. Location ............................................................................................................................. 1

2. Historical Background .......................................................................................................... 3

2.1. Overview ............................................................................................................................ 3

3 Methodology ....................................................................................................................... 6

3.1 Geophysical Survey ............................................................................................................ 6

3.2 Excavation .......................................................................................................................... 7

4 RESULTS .............................................................................................................................. 8

4.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 8

4.2 Geophysical Survey ............................................................................................................ 8

4.3 Excavation ........................................................................................................................ 10

4.3 Finds Assemblage ............................................................................................................ 14

5 INTERPRETATION AND DISCUSSION ................................................................................... 18

5.1 Interpretation and Discussion ......................................................................................... 18

5.2 Notes on Pineapple cultivation........................................................................................ 21

6 FURTHER WORK ................................................................................................................ 25

6.1 Dissemination .................................................................................................................. 25

6.2 Fieldwork ......................................................................................................................... 25

7 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS .................................................................................................. 25

8 BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES ............................................................................................. 30

APPENDIX 1.............................................................................................................................. 31

Context Register ......................................................................................................................... 31

APPENDIX 2.............................................................................................................................. 34

Finds Register ............................................................................................................................. 34

APPENDIX 3.............................................................................................................................. 36

Photographic Register ................................................................................................................. 36

APPENDIX 4: Discovery and Excavation Scotland Entry ……………………………………..………………………44

100 km

Glasgow Edinburgh

Aberdeen

Inverness

North Sea

Figure 1: Location Plan

Amisfield Walled Garden, Haddington

0 500m

0 5km

elevation

elevation

excavation

AmisfieldWalled Garden

Central Glasshouse, Amisfield Walled Garden, Haddington East Lothian

1

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background

1.1.1. East Lothian has a rich history of architectural heritage and agricultural innovation. These elements come together in the remarkable structures of the 18th century known as walled gardens, of which Amisfield is one of the apogees of this form.

1.1.2. The Peter Potter Gallery Lost Landscape Project utilised local heritage assets with artistic

interpretation and community involvement – this approach meshed with one of the general aims and objectives of the Amisfield Preservation Trust, to engage local groups and promote the remarkable structure and the grounds.

1.1.3. This project, was confined to excavation, survey and record of the structures built against

the north wall of the walled garden. And the recording of a single corner pavilion as a training exercise for further works.

1.1.4. The project was undertaken as part of the Haddington based Peter Potter Gallery’s year

long programme; Lost Landscapes. Organisation was shared with the gallery staff to provide opportunities for local schools and other groups such as Dad’s Work, North Bwerwick Day Centre, Tynepark Centre and both local volunteers and Edinburgh University students to become involved in an archaeological project.

1.1.5. Support was also provided by members of the Amisfield Preservation Trust, who also

carried out guiding tours and historical talks.

1.2. Location

1.2.1. Amisfield Park, to the east of Haddington, East Lothian (Figure 1), once formed the policies

of Amisfield House, a Palladian mansion designed by Isaac Ware for Francis Charteris, 7th

Earl of Wemyss in the 1750s.

1.2.2. The walled garden is located at NT 53314 74192 and the excavation was carried out within

the confines of the central greenhouse extending south from the north wall of the walled

garden.

1.2.3. Elevations were recorded to the rear of the glasshouses and of the principal elevation of

the northeast corner pavilion.


missing greenhouse

Figure 2: Geophysical results withgreenhouse from 1906 postcard shownas a low resistance (white) which does suggest no foundations or walls remain.


3

2. Historical Background

2.1. Overview

2.1.1. Amisfield walled garden lies within the confines of Amisfield Park, an estate of approximately 85 hectares lying on the east side of the Royal Burgh of Haddington. The present north boundary of the estate is defined by the river Tyne although historically the park extended to the north as far as the A1 London to Edinburgh road.

2.1.2. The former Amisfield House, built in the 1750s and the earlier New Mills House stood

almost centrally within this area. The walled garden was built in the late 18th century on the east side of the park in 1783, close to the east boundary and Abbey Bridge Road, and replaced a smaller kitchen garden close to the river on the north.

2.1.3. The Walled Garden is A-listed and is one of the largest walled gardens in Scotland, covering

3.24 hectares (8 acres) it is enclosed by 4.9m high stone walls. At each corner is a large circular pavilion, each opening onto the garden with a Roman Doric colonnaded portico.

Plate 1: Early 20th century photograph dating to 1906 showing glasshouses to right and additional structures to left. The northwest pavilion is visible to the rear of the image.

2.1.4. The size of the garden, compared to a relatively modest estate, is exceptional. From the mid-18th century until 1969 the estate was a property of the earl of Wemyss, whose principal seat is now Gosford House.


4

2.1.5. In 1783 the Francis Charteris, later the 7th Earl of Wemyss was beginning construction of his new garden and making alterations to his house but while the walled garden was still being constructed, he bought land at Gosford near Aberlady. He had previously inherited his maternal grandfather's surname and wealth including the estate of Amisfield near Haddington.

2.1.6. Shortly after the walled garden at Amisfield was complete, the Earl and his family had moved out to Gosford. From then on Amisfield house lived in partly by other family members and later in 19th century was rented out.

2.1.7. Account books from estate papers held at Gosford show that the Earl consulted widely on how to lay out and plant up the garden. And a number of eminent gardeners were paid for their advice. Mr Wilson, the gardener to the Countess of Glasgow gave most regular advice, and was paid for designs for a range of hot houses along the north wall, which are the ones currently under investigation.

2.1.8. These account books also tell us what was being bought for the hot houses, including mats for ‘melon beds’, ‘celery brushes’, and pine plants (pineapples) at a staggering £30 per plant over £2,000 in today’s money!

2.1.9. During the 20th century estates at Amisfield declined from a loss in the value of tenanted

land and forestry, and losses of manpower and requisitioning during two world wars, increased costs of maintaining buildings and landscape. In 1928 the house was demolished and in 1931 a large part of the park was laid out as a golf course.

Plate 2: 1940s photograph of the walled garden under the plough showing the three glasshouses and a central chimney.


5

2.1.10. The garden was ploughed up during the Second World War and the ground was used to grow grain and vegetables. The Wemyss family sold the entire estate to Haddington Town Council in 1969 and in the 1980s the Council planted the walled garden as a tree nursery The glasshouses along the north wall had been demolished and only now are they once again being uncovered, revealing the technology and layout of these lost Pineapple Houses.

Plate 3: 2nd edition Ordnance Survey map, 25” to mile (to scale), 1893 showing the location of the Glasshouses and rear buildings on the north wall.


6

3 Methodology

3.1 Geophysical Survey

3.1.1 The TR/CIA area ground resistance measuring equipment was used. The equipment

operates in the “twin” configuration in which two probes are mounted on a portable

frame 0.5m apart. They comprise one current input and one potential measurement

probe. Two remote probes, one for current input and one for potential measurement

complete the two circuits. They are inserted about 1.0m apart and are positioned so that

no reading is taken with the portable frame nearer than 15m to them. All readings are

taken at 1.0m intervals in lanes 1.0m wide totalling 400 measurements in each 20x20

grid.

3.1.2 The processor unit mounted on the frame generates the 137Hz signal current that flows

through the ground and the potential drop is detected by the measurement probes; the

computer in the unit converts this voltage reading to a ground resistance value in ohms.

The resistance value is indicated on a display and retained in a data store for later

processing. The data are downloaded via a RS232 interface to a computer running the

program “resistivity” The data is saved as text files and uploaded to the Sussex University

developed freeware program “Snuffler” The print out is in extended greyscale with black

and white limits based on highest and lowest ohms readings recorded.

3.1.3 It is normal practice to print high resistance values as black and low resistance as white

within a gradient based on processed resistance values. Data can be further processed by

clipping to improve overall contrast and by despiking to reduce abnormally high values.

Data is also interpolated between adjacent 1.0m squares to give a smoother gradation

based on 0.25m squares.

3.1.4 A total of four 20 by 20m survey squares were undertaken at the site (Figure 2), there

were no locations where it was not possible to carry out the survey.


7

3.2 Excavation

3.2.1 The field work was directed by David Connolly during September 2011 and April 2012

3.2.2 Local volunteers, schoolchildren from three East Lothian schools, Adult learning students from Midlothian, University of Edinburgh Archaeology students, a group from ‘Dad’s Work’ and the Edinburgh Archaeology Field Society were all present during the excavation and survey. In total over 215 people were involved on a number of tasks including, geophysics, architectural recording and excavation. Training was provided where possible and several site tours were conducted, with feedback provided to the Peter Potter Gallery.

3.2.3 All excavation was undertaken by hand and according to standard CHC procedures. A number of trenches were placed in the project area (Figure 3). The trenches were excavated down to basal structures of the glasshouse.

3.2.4 A full record was maintained throughout the project, including photographic, drawn and written records. Digital media was used for the geophysical survey, carried out by the Edinburgh Archaeological Field Society.

3.2.5 The excavated areas have been left open, with the intension of conservation and potential rebuild, however, all walls and surfaces have been covered with terram semi permeable membrane and secured against erosion or weathering.


8

4 RESULTS

4.1 Introduction

4.1.1 The archaeological excavation and surveys were undertaken between 3rd and 12th

September 2011 in addition to a single day on the 27th April 2012, with reasonably dry

weather conditions on both occasions.

4.1.2 The following should be read in conjunction with the data presented in Appendices 1 to

5. The excavation comprised of a single excavation area, though divided into separate

internal excavation areas and artefacts were retrieved from these trenches.

4.1.3 In addition, a short additional section (5.2) has been written, regarding the cultivation of

pineapples in general during the 18th century, to place the original function of the

glasshouse site into its chronological context.

4.2 Geophysical Survey

4.2.1 Results indicated possible low resistance anomalies which could represent the site of

some form of garden structure but equally could be due to varying root depth of different

tree species or to geology. The linear low resistance roughly forming the NE part of a

rectangle is possible evidence of a man-made structure and could be the site of a

foundation cut for a narrow walls, although there were no high resistances suggesting

remains of brick or stone wall foundations. ( see Figure 2)

4.2.2 It is possible that a greenhouse was located over the area noted but the perspective of

the photograph suggests that it was located farther to the East, closer to the conservatory

lean-to greenhouse, which might just coincide with linear low resistance. OS 6” maps,

editions for 1893 and 1906 shows two roofed buildings in the survey area which may be

other greenhouses or huts, the east most one possibly coinciding with the geophysical

anomaly.

Figure 3. South facing elevation and boundary wall (east facing)

East West

0 5m

0 5m

Rubble Rubble

Unexc

ava

ted

Unexcavated Unexcavated

001

001

004

005 006

008 009

003

003

002

002

007

012

011

013 014

015 033 048

016 019 021 022024

025023 027026

036

028 030

031

017 018 017

020 032

018

010

041042

044

040

010

034 035 045

046

047

049

039

043

038

037

029


10

4.3 Excavation

4.2.1 Trenches were opened across the length of the central glasshouse, at both the east and

west elevations and three separate internal locations (see Figure 3). Clearance of

overgrowth was carried out by volunteers from the Amisfield Preservation trust prior to

trenches being established.

4.2.2 Initial removal of topsoil [017] and [043] represents a later burial of the site long after

the glasshouse itself has been demolished as few items were recovered from this upper

context, though two drinks cans of 1980s date were recovered from this level.

4.2.3 Beneath this level the signs of a deliberate demolition and dismantling were shown in

the mixed rubble and brick layer that underlay the topsoil. To the west this was

designated as [018] most clearly seen in the western lower passage area.

Plate 4: Demolition layer in lower passage


11

4.2.4 A single skin brick wall [016] [042] with corner buttresses were uncovered and this

proved to be the bounding wall for planting beds, where pineapples would be grown.

Further evidence was related to the lower fills of the interior of the western bed, where

the organic matter contained frequent bark fragments that relate to tanning bark

material used in the process of pineapple horticulture. ( see section 5.2.9 ).

4.2.5 Beneath both the rubble in the lower passage and the interior of the planting beds a

stone slab floor was exposed ( [014] and [019] to the west and [041] to the east )

4.2.6 Both sides of the central glasshouse were mirror images of each other divided by the

stone central spine [026]. Both sides had external steps [012] and [046] to the upper

platforms [015] and [045] which also lead down steps [038] and [047] to the lower

passage running along the south side of the glasshouse.

4.2.7 There are signs of alteration of the heating system from the original (?) tiled hypocaust –

[025] and [036] which ran from the central spine and through the wall [001] – potentially

through the now blocked ‘holes’ *008+ and *009+. The tiled flue runs down ether side of

the central spine and turns into the lower passage where it would have run along the

edge before exiting beneath the external stairs and through [001]. This was recognised

beneath the badly damaged section of the eastern side of the glasshouse – [037] where

a channel ran directly beneath stairs [046] and through the wall. It is likely that this

originally led into intra-mural flues and up to vents on the wallhead which have been

previously reported (K. Rycroft pers comm) .

Plate 5: Central spine and both tiled hypocaust and cast iron pipe heating systems

running from main garden wall


12

4.2.8 The entire flue system was filled with a sooty deposit, and the central wall flue holes are

badly scorched, which may give some clue to why they were abandoned and replaced

with a cast iron pipe system. Again, this is a mirror image – with pipes [034] and [035]

penetrating the wall, running down the spine wall, turning into the lower passage and

again turning to terminate in a loop at the internal stairs. This would suggest an inlow of

steam and returning outflow. All pipes have a stopcock valve to regulate temperature

and steam flow, much like a modern radiator.

Plate 6: Note the stop valves on the pipes and the scorching on the wall to the left.

4.2.9 The cast iron pipes are set above the floor level by circa 45cm and held on plinths, partly

constructed of brick and tiles from the earlier flue system. The scars of the cast iron

supports are clearly visible and match these artefacts discovered in the demolition

debris. Given that these types of pipes are only possible after 1840s, this give a late date

for the conversion, some 60 years plus after the original construction.

4.2.10 The other major alteration seems to be in water management. With the original ‘built in’

cisterns [024] and [028] created by inserting vertical slabs into cut channels in the floor

slabs and waterproofing / sealing with pitch. These are respected by the tiled flue but

with the insertion of the cast iron pipe system with the supporting plinths it is clear that

they are no longer in use, given that the plinths [023] and [027] overlie the feature.

Measuring 1 m wide x 0.7 m deep x 0.9 m high they would have held up to 140 gallons of

water in each tank. However, this must not have been sufficient for purpose and by


13

inserting an L shaped wall into the corner of the planting beds ( walls [021] and [031] )

the capacity increases to 1200 gallons per tank.

Plate 7: One of the earlier tanks (seen as cut check on slab floor with rear slab still in

situ) and larger tank behind, lined with cement.

4.2.11 The stratigraphic chronology of the Central glasshouse is simple in terms of phasing, with

a known construction date of 1784-86 an internal rebuild in the second half of the 19th

century and then gradual decline until final demolition in the mid 20th century. However,

the exposed features are of at least regional importance, allowing a rare glimpse into the

construction and technology of a Glasshouse specifically designed for the cultivation of

pineapples. Although it is clear that it’s later life may have been just as a glasshouse, the

excavation has provided ample evidence for use and layout, allowing the potential for an

informed rebuild.


14

4.3 Finds Assemblage

4.3.1 In general the assemblage of finds collected was to be expected from a garden structure

constructed of glass. With large quantity of flowerpots recovered from the lower levels

of excavation, in addition to glass panes, which ranged from earlier 18th century spun

glass, to 20th century plate glass. 3 distinct forms were recorded, ranging from thin 1.4

mm; 1.8- 2.4mm (spun glass) and 2.8-4mm (later plate glass.)

Plate 8: Spun glass fragments (above) various ceramic flower pots.


15

4.3.2 In addition to the above

material, the excavation

also recovered fixings for

the stonework in the

form of iron clamps with

lead fill and also a

surviving value wheel

from the cast-iron pipes

of the later heating

system.

Plate 9: Iron clamps for holding the lower courses of cut masonry (above) and a steam

valve wheel (below)


16

4.3.3 Personal items were also recovered

including three are of particular

note. The first is a Livery button,

worn by servants and decorated with

the armorial crests of the two

families. In this case it is Carmichael

(A dexter hand and arm in pale

armed and holding a broken spear

Proper.) and Macdonald (A hand in

armour holding a cross crosslet

fitchée Gules). Although it has been

impossible to locate the name of the

family and the date, it is likely from

the 18th century when the Wemyss

would have invited to view the

Walled garden and pineapple house. Plate 10: Livery Button

4.3.4 The other item is a clay pipe, several fragments of which were recovered, but one stands

out with the decoration of a stags head – which can be dated to the mid 19th century,

and would have undoubtedly belonged to one of the gardeners using the glasshouse.

Plate 11: mid 19th century stag head decoration clay pipe.


17

4.3.5 The final find of note is a black glass bottle that is dated circa 1850-1870 based on style

of manufacture. This bottle was found in the lower demolition deposits and is

remarkable in preservation, given that it must have been sitting within the structure for

nearly a century before deposition. The handmade bottle was used for beer and will

have come from a local Haddington Brewery.

Plate 11: Handmade beer bottle


18

5 INTERPRETATION AND DISCUSSION

5.1 Interpretation and Discussion

5.1.1 In the Peter McGowen Associates document of 2006, they highlight a section of records

from 1785

“Mason work continued through 1785, 1786 (CB4 1 February 1786) and 1787 (CB4 27

January 1787); James Burn, wright Haddington, was paid for ‘work done at Amisfield

House pavilions, temples in the new garden …’ (CB4 27 January 1785). The fine drawings

of Pinery, Vinery and Peach Houses held at Gosford House may be the work of one Jacob

Owen who on 2 February 1785 was referred to as ‘Jacob Owen, draughtsman to Mr

Wilson of Wilsington £5’(CB4 21 October 1784, 26 April 1785). This was followed on 26

April ‘… paid Mr Wilson gardiner to Lady Glasgow for plans of hothouse and vinery £5-5-

0’ *cross ref to above 21 October 1784, and 2 February 1785]; the plans are not dated or

signed but inscribed ‘P W.W.’ – possibly meaning ‘Presented by W.W.’? (detailed as

Appendix 2.4) If the hothouses were built as per the designs, the three peach houses

together with the grape house were in total 51.84m in length, and extended 4.32-4.4m

out from the rear wall; the grape house itself was 12.9m long. The pinery (for

pineapples) was 26.01m long and 5.52m wide. The garden wall shown to the rear of the

hothouses is shown as 5.81m high (and 0.75m thick), with S-shaped flues built to the

front of this wall.”1

5.1.2 The Amisfield excavation and recording took place over a 10 day period during Scottish

Archaeology Month in September. Each day was dedicated to a series of events and

drop in sessions where engagement with the archaeology and historic buildings was

encouraged. In addition to the excavation work, volunteers from the Amisfield

Preservation Trust and the digging team would conduct tours of the walled garden,

placing it both in its national historical context but also as part of the local account of

the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. A further day was added in April 2012.

5.1.3 Work concentrated on the central footings of the glasshouses, located on the south

facing north wall. The excavation was supervised by 2 professional archaeologists

assisted by University of Edinburgh students. In total, over 80 adults, 100 children and

1 Peter McGowan Associates Landscape Architects and Heritage Management Consultants

Amisfield Walled Garden. Historic Survey and Development Plan, June 2006


19

12 students took part in the work, with scores of visitors turning up to view the

astounding historic building and its wider landscape as well as the excavations and

gardens themselves.

5.1.4. The remarkable preservation of the site foundations and layout allowed an

unprecedented view into changing technologies from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well

as provide insights into the use of the glass houses in the 20th century – taking us inside

the now iconic Amisfield image of the ploughman within the garden and the glasshouses

behind.

5.1.5. The main stone foundations were of a local tuffa material - well cut and set – similar to

the well coursed and cut blocks of the north wall itself, which rises over 5m above

current ground surface. The three other walls surround the garden are of mixed

random rubble in contrast.

5.1.6. The interior brick structures were carefully exposed by the volunteers to provide a

ground plan for what has now been confirmed as a Pinery Vinery – a rare Pineapple

House dating to the 1780s. Previous historical research had pointed to this structure

being present, but now the physical evidence has been exposed and recorded.

5.1.7. The exterior stone footings had angled ‘notches’ cut into the stone approximately every

1.25m along the length of the building, to allow the external planting of vines that could

then be trained within the glasshouse, across the sloping roof and then down onto the

back wall.

5.1.8. The rear of the glasshouse was raised circa 1 metre above the ground surface as a solid

walkway, in front of which were a series of brick planting beds that would have held the

pineapple plants. There ws a further slab floored access passage to the front of the

glasshouse accessed by steps at either end (east and west). The most interesting part of

the construction was the technological steps taken from the original tile hypocaust

system which was blocked with wood charcoal to the more efficient cast iron pipe

system.

5.1.9. Additional material evidence allowed us to understand the heating system from the

wood bark (waste from the tanning process at the nearby leatherworks in Haddington)

used to provide a warm base for the pineapple plant, to the boiler systems to the rear

(and external) of the walled garden.

5.1.10. A variety of glass panes were recovered that showed a progression of use/replacement

from the 18th century spun glass through to modern plate glass.


20

5.1.11. The recording of the north wall and the northeast corner pavilion will allow the entire

site to be recorded in detail, providing further information regarding the construction,

use and renovations that have marked the 230 years of development.

5.1.12. The project inspired and informed and led to follow-up visits to schools with the

intention of returning to the glasshouse in 2012 as well as continuing the recording of

the walls and buildings. Further research will be carried out from the Wemyss records

at Gosford House and a detailed examination of historic horticultural practices will

inform further the continuing story of Amisfield Walled Garden.


21

5.2 Notes on Pineapple cultivation

5.2.1. The first crop of pineapples in Britain was achieved by a Dutch grower called Henry

Telende in Richmond, England between 1714 and 1716. to the estate owner, Matthew

Decker commissioned a painting in 1720 to celebrate this feat and the pineapple takes

pride of place as the sole object of admiration.

5.2.2. This then expands into a pineapple mania in a rush to develop the ability to grow

pineapples. Notable Georgian gentlemen like the poets William Cowper, Alexander Pope

and the architect Lord Burlington are all engaged in this horticultural arms race.

5.2.3. During this period, several inventions were developed or refined such as the use of

angled glazing, furnace-heated greenhouses called hothouses or stoves and Amisfield

shows signs of the later 18th century creativity and design.

5.2.4. Orangeries, which were used in the first attempts to grow the fruit did not provide

enough heat and light for the tropical pineapple. Heating in glasshouses during the mid

17th century was provided by furnaces placed within the structure, but fumes often

damaged or killed the plants.

5.2.5. The next innovation were hot-air flues were then devised, which dissipated heat slowly

through winding flues built within the width of walls and in our case, along tiled

hypocaust flues ( features [025] and [036] ) heated from furnaces to the rear of the

building that required constant stoking with coal.

5.2.6. This was dangerous however as many of the structures burned down when the

accumulation of soot within the flues caught fire – this was noticeable when the caps of

the surviving tiled flues were raised and the interior was noted to be filled full of black

sooty material.


22

5.2.7. The later flue system, with cast iron pipes can only date to post 1845, when the first

pipes were cast vertically and by the turn of the century, all pipe was manufactured in

this way. This would provide an even heat and be easily controlled by the valve stops, of

which one wheel was recovered.

5.2.8. Henry Telende’s method of pineapple cultivation was published in Richard Bradley’s A

General Treatise of Husbandry and Gardening in 1721. Where he outlined the process by

which he would first bring on what he called ‘succession plants’, in large cold frames

called tan pits. The fruiting plants would subsequently be moved into the stove or

hothouse to benefit from the additional heat provided by the hot-air flues.

Plate 12: Illustration of hothouse and pinery-vinery from Loudon’s An Encyclopedia of

Gardening

5.2.9. The tan pits were lined with pebbles at the bottom followed by a layer of manure and

then topped with a layer of tanners’ bark into which the pots were set

5.2.10. Tanners’ bark (oak bark soaked in water and used in leather tanning) fermented slowly,

steadily producing a constant temperature of 25ºC-30ºC for two to three months and a

further two if stirred. Manure alone was inferior, in that it heated violently at first but

cooled more quickly. Fortunately the nearby Haddington tanneries would have supplied

an inexhaustible quantity of this material.

5.2.11. Stable bottom heat is essential for pineapple cultivation and tanners’ bark provided the

first reliable source. It became one of the most fundamental resources for hothouse

gardeners and remained in use until the end of the 19th century.


23

5.2.12. James Justice, the principal clerk at the Court of Sessions at Edinburgh in the first half of

the 18th century, was also a talented if eccentric amateur gardener. On his estate at

Crichton in Midlothian he developed an incredibly efficient glasshouse in which he

combined both the tanning bark pits for ‘succession’ and fruiting plants under one roof.

Plate 13: James Justice’s design published in The Scots Gardiners’ Director in 1754.

5.2.13. In a letter to Philip Miller and other members of the Royal Society in 1728, he proudly

announces: ‘I have eight of the Ananas in fine fruit’. The letter makes Justice the first

documented gardener to have grown pineapples successfully in Scotland, which may be

one of the reasons why he was appointed fellow of The Royal Society in 1730.

5.2.14. James Scott and his brother Henry, were notable gardeners from Chiswick in England

who specialised in pineapples. It is on record that their skills were particular valued by

James Justice, and they supplied him with a pineapple stove and pineapple plants

shipped from Chiswick for his experiments in cultivation.


24

5.2.15. In addition to the cultivation of this wonderful plant you could also show off your wealth by

then displaying the fruit in the centre of a well-laid dessert table arranged on a specially

made stand by one of the great ceramic manufacturers of the time- Spode.

5.2.16. The pineapple stand shown with the pineapple in situ is made from bone china and is in

Flower Embossed shape. It was made in about 1813 and is marked Spode in red. The

'embossed flower' decoration is actually part of the mould from which the object is made

and is left as the pure white of the bone china looking striking against the fashionable apple

green colour of the period. This was one part of a whole dessert services that could

comprise hundreds of pieces so other items were probably made in this design and a whole

spread would have looked magnificent whether in use or on show.

5.2.17. The pineapple would still have had a woody stem attached to it when picked and this

slotted through the central hole of the stand so it did not topple over. Slices from another

pineapple or other fruits were

laid around the edge to serve to

guests. There are stories of

when the catering was provided

by an outside firm for a grand

occasion (rather than in-house)

such was the expense of the

pineapple at this time that the

whole fruit was rescued and

carried off to be used as the

uneaten centrepiece for another

occasion at another location.

Plate 14 : The pineapple stand shown in Flower

Embossed shape. It was made in about 1813 and is

marked Spode


25

6 FURTHER WORK

6.1 Dissemination

6.1.1 The results of this work will be synthesised and submitted to East Lothian Council, the

Peter Potter Gallery and the Amisfield Preservation Trust. In addition, précis will be

submitted to DES and a press release will be written to further highlight this hidden

gem.

6.2 Fieldwork

6.2.1 Further excavation work will continue on the two flanking glasshouses and architectural

recording will be carried out on the four corner pavilions. The walled garden itself

should not be seen in isolation however, and further documentary research on both the

gardening and building works within the garden and the wider landscape will be carried

out. Further community engagement will definitely allow many more people to feel

they have taken an active part in the archaeology of the site and hopefully be

encouraged to take part in more of the activities within the Amisfield Walled Garden.

7 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

7.1 The authors would like to thank the Peter Potter Gallery and Amisfield Preservation

Trust for the assistance and support, the Edinburgh Archaeological Field Society with

their geophysical expertise; the advice of the East Lothian Council's archaeological team;

Coralie Mills, with her Dendrochronology Workshop and the nearly 200 volunteers of all

ages who helped make this possible including children and staff from Yester, Direlton

and St Marys Primary Schools, groups from Dad’s Work, Tynepark Centre and North

Berwick Day Centre.

7.2. In addition, special thanks go to Doug Rocks-Macqueen, Stuart Dinning and Alex Westra

for their support, additional research and further dissemination of this project. This

would not have been possible without them.


26

Some of the 200 + Group Visits and volunteers

Yester Primary School

St Marys Primary School


27

Direlton Primary School

Tynepark Centre


28

North Berwick Day Centre

Dad’s Work


29

Drop in and Dig volunteers

David Connolly, Maggie Struckmeier, Stuart Dinning, Alex Westra and Doug Rocks-Macqueen (sitting)


30

8 BIBLIOGRAPHIC REFERENCES

Amisfield Preservation Trust (2011), Amisfield Park; Discovering a Hidden Landscape

Bott V. (2011), The Scott Brothers of Chiswick. Available

http://nurserygardeners.com/?p=343 (Accessed: 2nd June 2012)

Forbes W Robertson EARLY SCOTTISH GARDENERS 1650-1750, p152;

Justice J, The Scots Gardiners’ Director, 1754

Lausen-Higgens J. (2010), A Taste for the Exotic: Pineapple cultivation in Britain. Available

at: http://www.buildingconservation.com/articles/pineapples/pineapples.htm (Accessed:

2nd June 2012)

Loudon J.C., An Encyclopedia of Gardening, Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown & Green, London,

1827

Minay P, ‘James Justice (16981763): 18th-century Scots Horticulturalist and Botanist – I’,

Garden History, Vol 1, No 2, 1973

Spode History (2011 ) Spode and Pineapples. Available at:

http://spodehistory.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Pineapple (Accessed: 2nd June 2012)

http://nurserygardeners.com/?p=343

http://www.buildingconservation.com/articles/pineapples/pineapples.htm

http://spodehistory.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Pineapple


31

APPENDIX 1

Context Register

Context Feature Type Description Location 001 Structural Main wall, ashlar built from local stone., well jointed

with cream mortar with fake joint cut horizontal on each block. Stands 4.9-5m high

North elevation

002 Opening Doorway between central block and western glasshouse, through north wall, leads from ancillery buildings behind

North elevation

003 Opening Doorway between central block and eastern glasshouse, through north wall, leads from ancillary buildings behind

North elevation

004 Structural Coping stone slabs of sandstone on main North wall. North elevation

005 Structural Putlog holes for western glasshouse rafter beams. North elevation

006 Structural Putlog holes for central glasshouse rafter beams. North elevation

007 Structural Putlog holes for eastern glasshouse rafter beams. North elevation

008 Blocking Blocking of furnace hole into central glasshouse - signs of intense scorching around.

North elevation

009 Blocking Blocking of furnace hole into central glasshouse - signs of intense scorching around.

North elevation

010 Structural Southern lower plinth course of central glasshouse - two courses high, formed from large well cut blocks of local stone. - check on interior for glasshouse frame. Several angled cuts are spaced along external elevation for training vine into the glasshouse.

West half of Central Glasshouse

011 Structural Western lower plinth course of central glasshouse - two courses high, formed from large well cut blocks of local stone. - check on interior for glasshouse frame.

South of Central Glasshouse

012 Structural Set of three steps up to northwest corner of central glasshouse checks in upper stone show position of door


013 Structural Tile/brick plinth (constructed from earlier fragments of hypocaust ) for cast iron pipe


014 Structural Stone slab floor of finegrained sandstone in lower passage


015 Structural Stone slab floor of finegrained sandstone on upper platform passage -


016 Structural Brick wall surround for plant bed (original) West half of Central Glasshouse

017 Deposit Upper topsoil layer West half of Central Glasshouse


32

Context Feature Type Description Location 018 Deposit Lower organic rich layer ( contains tanning bark ) West half of

Central Glasshouse

019 Structural Stone slab floor of finegrained sanstone at base of plant bed


020 Deposit Rubble and cement filling later tank to west West half of Central Glasshouse

021 Structural secondary brick wall to create western tank West half of Central Glasshouse

022 Structural Brick wall surround for plant bed (original) West half of Central Glasshouse



024 Structural Base of original stone slab cistern, with traces of pitch waterproofing


025 Structural Tiled hypocaust set on slab floor running from central spine done to south and runs west before it is removed.


026 Structural Central stone spine of ashlar cut local stone, running north-south. Divides east and west sections.

Centre divide of Central Glasshouse


East half of Central Glasshouse

028 Structural Base of original stone slab cistern, with traces of pitch waterproofing


029 Structural Spaced brick buttresses along back of planting beds East half of Central Glasshouse

030 Structural Brick wall surround for plant bed (original) west East half of Central Glasshouse

031 Structural secondary brick wall to create western tank East half of Central Glasshouse

032 Deposit Rubble and cement filling later tank to east East half of Central Glasshouse

033 Structural Angled section from flue entrance through rear wall to west up to platform


034 Structural Two 4" cast iron pipes overlying hypocaust tiles and resting on plinths and cast iron brackets



33

Context Feature Type Description Location 035 Structural Two 4" cast iron pipes overlying hypocaust tiles and

resting on plinths and cast iron brackets East half of Central Glasshouse

036 Structural Tiled hypocaust set on slab floor running from central spine done to south and runs east before it is removed.


037 Structural Hole under steps [046] East half of Central Glasshouse

038 Structural Steps from upper platform down to lower passage East half of Central Glasshouse

039 Structural Western lower plinth course of central glasshouse - two courses high, formed from large well cut blocks of local stone. - check on interior for glasshouse frame.




041 Structural Stone slab floor of finegrained sandstone in lower passage


042 Structural Brick wall surround for plant bed (original) east East half of Central Glasshouse

043 Deposit Upper topsoil layer East half of Central Glasshouse

044 Deposit Lower demolition debris, mortar and brick East half of Central Glasshouse

045 Structural Stone slab floor of finegrained sandstone on upper platform passage - slabs are removed with mortar foundation exposed


046 Structural Surviving set of three steps up to northwest corner of central glasshouse


047 Structural Steps from upper platform down to lower passage West half of Central Glasshouse

048 Structural Angled section from flue entrance through rear wall to east up to platform


049 Structural Tile/brick plinth (constructed from earlier fragments of hypocaust ) for cast iron pipe single bracket fitting shows pipe 180 degree return.



34

APPENDIX 2

Finds Register

BAG Context Type Description Date 1 017/018 Ceramic Selection of terracotta flower pots 5.5kg.

Four sample pieces retained Sept 2011

2 017/018 Ceramic 8 x shards of undecorated creamware - 2 x bases 1 x rim

Sept 2011

3 017/018 Ceramic 2 x Shards stoneware Sept 2011

4 017/018 Ceramic 11 x blue & white 10 x other decorated Sept 2011

5 017/018 Ceramic 6 x Redware shards Sept 2011

6 017/018 Ceramic Pantile 410g - 1 retained Sept 2011

7 017/018 Stone Roofing slate 1090g - 1 x pierced retained Sept 2011

8 028 Stone Pitch painted stonework from earlier water cistern

Sept 2011

9 017/018 Stone Anthracite 1220g - 1 piece retained Sept 2011

10 017/018 Slag 108g Sept 2011

11 017/018 Wood Tanning bark 10g Sept 2011

12 017/018 Wood Fragment of window frame Sept 2011

13 017/018 Metal 3 x Fe clamps. One with lead Sept 2011

14 017/018 Metal Pulley wheel and spike with lead setting for wall mount

Sept 2011

15 017/018 Metal Iron socketed artefact. Handle missing, possibly small hoe

Sept 2011

16 017/018 Metal Sheet of lead Sept 2011

17 017 Metal 2 x soft drinks cans Sept 2011

18 017/018 Metal Cast iron pipe fragments 3.5kg - 1 piece retained

Sept 2011

19 017/018 Shell Oyster shells 80g Sept 2011

20 017/018 Glass Bottle Glass various 19th & 20th century 530g

Sept 2011

21 017/018 Glass 18th century greenhouse spun glass 230g - 5 retained

Sept 2011

22 017/018 Glass Early 19th century greenhouse spun glass 760g - 6 retained

Sept 2011

23 017/018 Glass Early 20th century greenhouse plate glass 1085g - 3 retained

Sept 2011

24 017/018 Stone Sharpening stone Sept 2011

25 017/018 Ceramic 19th century clay pipe bowl with moulded stag head decoration

Sept 2011

26 017/018 Ceramic 19th century 2 x pipe bowls, 5 x pipe stems Sept 2011

27 018 Metal Embossed livery button. Sept 2011

28 017/018 Metal Various fittings including 2 sections of door hinge, chain, bolts and hooped end rod

Sept 2011

29 017/018 Bone Various including butchered cow and sheep Sept 2011

30 044 Ceramic Selection of terracotta flower pots 1300g. 3 sample pieces retained

April 2012

31 044 Ceramic 4 x shards undecorated creamware. Includes 1 x teapot knob

April 2012


35

BAG Context Type Description Date 32 044 Ceramic 2 x Blue & white shards April 2012

33 044 Ceramic 1 x shard stoneware April 2012

34 044 Slag 1 piece April 2012

35 044 Glass 2 x shards 18th century greenhouse glass April 2012

36 044 Glass 1 base and 1 rim/neck 18th/early 19th century bottle glass

April 2012

37 044 Glass 1 complete black glass beer bottle 19th century

April 2012

38 044 Metal 3 x fittings including 1 trunk handle, 1 downpipe clamp, 1 Fe unknown

April 2012

39 044 Metal 1 x Brass steam pipe valve wheel April 2012


36

APPENDIX 3

Photographic Register

No. File Name Direction to Description Date

September 2011

01 A11_1_01 West

Central glass house with north wall [001] to

rear. Pre excavation Sept 2011

02 A11_1_02 West

Central glass house with north wall [001] to

rear. Pre excavation Sept 2011

03 A11_1_03 North-west

Central glass house west end with north

wall [001] to rear. Pre excavation Sept 2011


Central glass house East end with north

wall [001] to rear. Pre excavation Sept 2011

O5 A11_1_05 South-east

View from central glasshouse along central

axis to the south wall Sept 2011

06 A11_1_06 West Working shot Sept 2011

07 A11_1_07 Vertical

Removal of topsoil backfill [017] showing

corner of brick planting bed [016] Sept 2011

08 A11_1_08

North-East

View from central glasshouse over the

south wall with the castellated eye-catcher

doocot in the southern field.

Sept 2011

09 A11_1_09

North-west

Brick rubble and demolition debris in lower

passageway to west of planting bed wall

[016] and plinth [013] appearing to right..

Sept 2011


Section of north wall [001] from west to

east. Part of composite 13 images Sept 2011























37

















23 A11_1_23 North North-east corner pavilion Sept 2011

24 A11_1_24 North North-east corner pavilion Sept 2011

25 A11_1_25

North-East

Section of western planting bed showing

topsoil backfill [017] and lower organic and

bark rich [018].

Sept 2011

26 A11_1_26

North-East

Detail of section of western planting bed

showing topsoil backfill [017] and lower

organic and bark rich [018].

Sept 2011

27 A11_1_27

North-west

View of excavated planting bed with slab

base [019] and brick buttresses [029]

Upper platform [015] to rear.

Sept 2011

28 A11_1_28

North-west

View of excavated planting bed with slab

base [019] and brick buttresses [029]

Upper platform [015] to rear planting bed

wall [016] and lower passage with slab

floor [014] and front wall [010]

Sept 2011

29 A11_1_29

South-west

Later water cistern formed by brick walls

[031] and planting bed [030] filled with

rubble [032]

Sept 2011

30 A11_1_30

North-west

View over earlier [028] water cistern and

later cistern [031] Plinth [027] and

hypocaust [036] on the left.

Sept 2011

31 A11_1_31 South-west

Side elevation of the stairs [047] with brick

wall of the western planting bed [016]. Sept 2011

32 A11_1_32

North- west

End of excavation of the western section of

the central glasshouse, with buttressed

corner of the planting bed [016]. Stairs

[047] and later pipework plints [013] and

[049] Lower passage slabs [014] exposed.

The external stairs [012] also visible to top

left.

Sept 2011


38


33 A11_1_33

North- west




[047] and later pipework plinths [013] and



left. ( note also vine root groove in front

wall [010]

Sept 2011

34 A11_1_34

North- west


the central glasshouse Stairs [047] and

later pipework plinth [049] Lower passage

slabs [014] exposed. The external stairs

[012] also visible to top left.

Sept 2011

35 A11_1_35

North- west

Plinth [023] with two pipe supports in situ

located over earlier tiled heating system

[025] extending up to boiler behind north

wall. Note plinth overlies earlier water

cistern [024]

Sept 2011

36 A11_1_36

North- west





cistern [024]

Sept 2011

.37 A11_1_37

North- west





cistern [024]

Sept 2011

38 A11_1_38

North- west





cistern [024] – Note central stone wall

‘spine’ *026+ with lock into front wall *010+.

Sept 2011

39 A11_1_39

North- west

Detail of pipework [034] and [035] entering

the central glasshouse via cut hole in Wall

[001]

Sept 2011

40 A11_1_40

North- east



[001] with curving flue ramp [048] to west.

Sept 2011


39


41 A11_1_41

North



[001] with curving flue ramp [048] to west.

Note valves on pipe, that connect to small

find /39\ - Brass steam pipe valve wheel

Sept 2011

42 A11_1_42

South-east

View over Later water cistern formed by

wall [021] and planting bed wall [022],

filled with demolition rubble [020] intact

tiled hypocaust system [025] runs down

the west side of the central spine wall

[026]. Pipes [034] visible set over earlier

heating system.

Sept 2011

43 A11_1_43

South-west

Earlier water cistern [028] with overlying

pipe plinth [027] and slab wall

incorporated into planting bed wall [030]

Sept 2011

44 A11_1_44

Vertical

View of lower passage slabs [014] with

planting bed [016] to the left and fron

stone wall [010] to right. Note the rebate

for the wooden glasshouse super structure.

Sept 2011

45 A11_1_45

North- west

Rubble filling lower passage of the western

section of the central glasshouse, with

buttressed corner of the planting bed

[016]. Stairs [047] and later pipework

plinths [013] and [049]. After removal of

topsoil fill [017]

Sept 2011

46 A11_1_46

North- west







left. ( note also vine root groove in front

wall [010]

Sept 2011

47 A11_1_47

North- west







left.

Sept 2011

April 2012


40


51 A12_1_01 North- west Completed excavation of east section

of central glasshouse, with stairs [038]

planting bed brick wall [042] and plinth

[040] sitting over slabs [041]. East wall

[039] is badly damaged, but the

internal rebate for the glasshouse

superstructure is clearly visible. The

Damaged stairs [046] are at top right

and the upper platform [045] is top left

– though with upper slabs missing.

April 2012

52 A12_1_02 North- west Excavation of east section of central

glasshouse, with stairs [038] planting

bed brick wall [042] and plinth

[040]appearing . East wall [039] is

badly damaged, but the internal rebate

for the glasshouse superstructure is

clearly visible. The Damaged stairs

[046] are at top right and the upper

platform [045] is top left – though with

upper slabs missing.

April 2012





44

APPENDIX 4: Discovery and Excavation in Scotland Report

LOCAL AUTHORITY: East Lothian

PROJECT TITLE/SITE NAME: Amisfield Walled Garden

PROJECT CODE: AWG11

PARISH: HADDINGTON

NAME OF CONTRIBUTOR: David Connolly

NAME OF ORGANISATION: Connolly Heritage Consultancy

TYPE(S) OF PROJECT: Evaluation Trench Building Record

NMRS NO(S): NT57SW 68

SITE/MONUMENT TYPE(S): 18th- 19th century Vinery/Pinery Glass House

SIGNIFICANT FINDS: A single Livery Button of probable late 18th century date.

NGR (2 letters, 8 or 10 figures) NT 53314 74192

START DATE (this season) September 2011

END DATE (this season) September 2011

PREVIOUS WORK (incl. DES ref.) N/A

MAIN (NARRATIVE) DESCRIPTION:

(May include information

from other fields)

An archaeological investigation as part of the Peter Potter Lost Landscapes project and

the Amisfield Preservation Trust with involvement of over 180 people ranging from

local school classes, and groups from Tynepark Centre, North Berwick Day Centre,

Dad’s Work and local volunteers as well as Students from Edinburgh University.

The excavation uncovered the central Glasshouse on the north wall (south facing) and

revealed the stonework from the 1783 building was intact and contained both a tile

hypocaust system and later cast iron pipe heating system with raised beds and

walkways related to the original use as a Pineapple House (Vinery Pinery) built by the

Wemyss Estate. The Walled Garden (the largest true Walled Garden in Scotland) also

has four corner pavilions, of which the north east Pavilion was subjected to building

record as part of a training day. The garden has an area of 8 acres (3.24 hectares)

completely enclosed by 16 foot (5m) high walls of dressed Garvald Freestone on the

north wall and rough masonry on the other three elevations. Further work is required

to complete the investigation of this and the two flanking glasshouses. Geophysical

work carried out by the Edinburgh Archaeological Field Society revealed the

foundations of another later glasshouse to the south of the excavation area.

PROPOSED FUTURE WORK: Further excavation and building recording of all pavilions and walls

CAPTION(S) FOR ILLUSTRS: --

SPONSOR OR FUNDING BODY: Peter Potter Gallery, Connolly Heritage Consultancy, Amisfield Preservation

Trust

ADDRESS OF CONTRIBUTOR: Old SChoolhouse, Luggate Burn, East Lothian, EH41 4QA

EMAIL ADDRESS: [email protected]

ARCHIVE LOCATION RCAHMS , Connolly Heritage Consultancy

Date post:	18-Apr-2015
Category:	Documents
Upload:	david-connolly
View:	1,485 times
Download:	1 times

Amisfield Walled Garden, Pineapple House - East Lothian

Documents