School of History, Classics & Archaeology

Archaeological building recording at Penicuik House

Students taking two new courses in Archaeology have paid a visit to Penicuik House to learn archaeological building recording. (Published 27 October 2015)

On the courses Archaeology of Architecture (undergraduate) and Space, Place and Time (postgraduate), taught by Dr Tanja Romankiewicz, students learn how to study 3-dimensional structures and spaces and to interpret these archaeologically – in theory and practice.

Archaeology students at Penicuik House
Archaeology students at Penicuik House learning archaeological building recording.

Armed with drawing boards, measuring tapes, pencils (and rubbers) the students drew and photographed the internal walls of this consolidated ruin to learn how to create an accurate scaled record, but also how to “read” a wall archaeologically, and how to analyse the changes made to its fabric, from the 18th century original construction to modern conservation work.

For their coursework they can choose a theoretical or practical essay – the latter projects are undertaken in collaboration with the National Trust of Scotland at their sites of Newhailes, House of the Binns, Bennet House and the Georgian House. 

With thanks

The building recording training was kindly supported and facilitated by the Penicuik Estate Ranger Service.  Addyman Archaeology kindly shared details of their original archaeological record.

Dr Romankiewicz's staff profile