Investigation of a hidden room, Parliament House, Edinburgh

In 2000, workmen removed the back panel of a cupboard within the Scottish Law Courts, Parliament House revealing a room that had been blocked up and forgotten since the end of the 19th century. The void was strewn with artefacts, including clothes, furniture, crockery and toys, encased in thick dust, cobwebs and fly pupae cases. AOC Archaeology Group was called to attend to collect and record the artefacts. The artefacts have since undergone a programme of conservation and analysis by experts in historic textiles, glass and pottery. Historical research has confirmed that the void was once used as cells for holding prisoners prior to and after their appearances in the courts on the levels above.

The collection of artefacts gives a rare insight into the lives of Victorian prisoners; allowing the study of their lives through their own belongings and their actual surroundings instead of through the idealistic eyes of wardens, chaplains and policy makers. The results of the analysis of the artefacts will be published in the near future, making the information available to public.

AOC Project Manager: Ronan Toolis
AOC Historical Archaeologist: Victoria Oleksy
Client: Scottish Court Service