Medieval Knight Found: Grave Site and Ancient Monastery Found in Edinburgh
A medieval knight has been found in grave site in Edinburgh, Scotland. The amazing find came under an old city car park, and could also include the foundations of an ancient monastery build on the site.
Archaeologists have found dozens of artifacts at the site, which is being excavated.
According to the Press Association, three buildings of historical significance have been previously located in the area including an 18th-century Old High School, a 16th-century Royal High School and a 13th-century Blackfriars Monastery.
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The monastery was destroyed during the Protestant Reformation in 1558, and the ruins of the monastery have been lost until now. However, archaeologists behind the dig believe they may now have found the ancient site.
In addition to the monastery, the archaeologists also have found a rock slab, which is decorated with a Calvary Cross and an ornate sword. Those signs, historians believe, are signs that location marks the grave of a knight or nobleman.
Ross Murray, of Headland Archaeology, who has studied at the University of Edinburgh's archaeology department, has said, "We obviously knew the history of the High School Yards site while we were studying here but I never imagined I would be back here to make such an incredible discovery. We used to take breaks between classes just a few feet away in the building's doorway and all that time the grave was lying under the car park," according to PA.
The University of Edinburgh's Edinburgh Centre of Carbon Innovation (ECCI) will later take over the site to create a low carbon green building.
ECCI director Andy Kerr has also told PA: "We always knew that the building retrofit might uncover historical artefacts, given the site's history, but this knight is an extraordinary and exciting find. We want our new building to play a key role in shaping Scotland's future, as these historical buildings on this site did in their time."
Richard Lewis, culture convener for the City of Edinburgh Council has also said, "This find has the potential to be one of the most significant and exciting archaeological discoveries in the city for many years, providing us with yet more clues as to what life was like in medieval Edinburgh," according to PA.
