Gravestones thought to date back to the 13th Century are to be put on public display in Dundee after years in storage.
The eight important gravestones were found during the 19th Century renovations of the East Church in the City Churches complex in Dundee’s City Square but Christina Donald, curator of early history, explained they are associated with a much older building.
“They are probably from the 13th Century but that’s just assumed at the moment,” she said. “A couple of them have texts on them. One says “Philip Taylor,” and the other says “Matilda, daughter of Tom.”
Now thanks to £21,000 funding from the Heritage Lottery the team will be able to properly photograph and scan the stones for the first time.
Today, as part of Doors Open Days, members of the public can observe the archeologists at work at an open day in the ground floor of the Steeple.
There will also be another opportunity to see the team on September 21 at the Collections Unit.
People can observe the scanning and learn more about the process and see the museum’s collection store, revealing the work behind the scenes.
Workshops will also be held to teach archaeological drawing and recording and the public will be asked to vote for which stone they want to see permanently displayed at the McManus.
Once the scanning is complete, the stones will be accessible via a dedicated website and a display in the museum.
Christina said: “This all started a few years ago when we did collection focus projects where we would focus on small sections.
“It seemed like a good opportunity to work with a small number of objects pretty intensely.
“The grant allows us to get the stones out of storage and hire the archaeologists who will be doing the scanning. It’s exciting.
“We just moved the stones last week from one of the museum’s stores.
“One of them weighed one and a half tonnes.”
Christina said they were keen for the public to get involved.
“A lot of research will be user generated,” she said.
“It will range from people submitting photos of similar stones they have seen across the country to looking at what life was like for women in the 13th Century.”
At the conclusion of the project there will be a study day led by experts in medieval gravestones to put the stones into context.
Lord Provost Bob Duncan, chairman of Leisure and Culture Dundee which operates in partnership with Dundee City Council, said: “We welcome this opportunity to shine a spotlight on these rare survivals from 800 years ago and to bring these pieces of Dundee’s medieval culture and heritage back into the building they were originally associated with.”
Colin McLean, head of Heritage Lottery Fund Scotland, added: “This is an interesting project so we are delighted to give it our support.
“By delving into this history, volunteers, families and school children will expand their knowledge and learn new skills.
“The project will also provide a unique record of the area for others to learn, enjoy and be inspired by.”