Marker believed to date from the 12th or 13th Century Medieval stone unearthed at ancient burial ground

A rare Medieval burial marker has been discovered at a Dundee graveyard, making it the oldest monument at the cemetery.

The stone, thought to be from the 12th or 13th Century, was found on Sunday in the north-west corner of the Howff.

Before the discovery the oldest monument in the 500-year-old cemetery dated back to 1577.

The stone was an accidental find, uncovered while Dundee Howff Conservation Group volunteers were carrying out digital map of the graveyard along with archaeologist Dr Oliver O’Grady from OJT Heritage.

Now local conservationists are hoping that the find will help cement the Howff’s “hidden gem” status as part of Scotland’s Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology 2017.

The site is currently among 28 nominees in the running to be crowned one of the half dozen of Scotland’s most spectacular hidden gems as part of Dig It! 2017, the year-long celebration of archaeology.

Simon Goulding, chairman of the conservation group, said: “When we set out to produce the most detailed map of the site since 1832, we never expected to make such a discovery.”

The discovery was made when Dr O’Grady spotted a moss covered stone which appeared to be medieval.

He said: “It is a type known as a copedstone and studying it should help uncover more about the Howff’s hidden medieval past, so I’m

we never expected to make such a discovery

really pleased for the group.”

“The stone is currently in a poor condition, so I am now supporting the group to find the best way to conserve and present the stone for future generations to enjoy.”

“Scotland in Six – Hidden Gems” voting is taking place on the Dig It! 2017 Facebook page, with one “like” equalling one vote.

Picture: Dougie Nicolson. The stone is the oldest monument discovered at the Howff in Dundee.