EHG3260 - Archaeological Survey and Excavation at Cromarty East Church

Archaeological excavation and recording work was carried out at Cromarty East Church by Highland Archaeology Services Ltd from 2008 to 2009 on behalf of the Scottish Redundant Churches Trust (SRCT) during repair and conservation works. The fabric of the building was photographed, excavations of external drains and soakaways within the churchyard were observed, and a large part of the floor area was cleared and mapped. A small trial trench was also excavated within the western wing of the church. These works revealed changes to the wall fabric, including a blocked-up doorway in the north wall; densely packed intercutting burials within the church, and a split 14th c. gravestone laid to form an altar kerb. The church is clearly pre-Reformation in origin but it is difficult to establish how much medieval fabric survives in the present building. No pre- 14th c. evidence was found. <1>