Graveyard excavation work at Dalzell Est

A programme of improvement work will begin late in July at the Dalzell Estate, Motherwell.

The estate’s graveyard was formerly the churchyard of the pre-Reformation church of St Patrick.

The church was demolished in the late 18th century when South Dalziel Parish Church was built and stone was reused to build the Hamilton of Dalzell Mausoleum, which is partially sited within the present graveyard.

Burials continued in the graveyard into the 20th century, however, the majority of memorials at the site are 19th century headstones and monuments. Importantly, there are also several excellent examples of earlier 17th and 18th century monuments. The Dalzell Estate is designated on Historic Environment Scotland’s Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes.

The project is part of the Heritage Lottery Fund and LEADER supported Clyde and Avon Valley Landscape Partnership (CAVLP), with support from the council. It will see the resetting of around twelve of the fallen and broken gravestones, and conservation work to six of the most significant 17th and 18th century monuments. The project aims to reflect the needs of a range of visitors while retaining the unique character of the cemetery.

Toby Nevitt, the council’s senior conservation officer, said:“We are delighted to work in partnership with CAVLP and the local community to conserve such an interesting and unique location. The conservation priorities for the project have been determined following almost a year of research and preparatory activity, aided by a dedicated group of community volunteers and historic graveyard experts. Factors considered included the current condition and heritage significance of each monument, as well feedback on local significance from community volunteers. It is hoped that by demonstrating the results of this project, further funding will be attracted to enable conservation work to the rest of the graveyard.”

The conservation work at Dalzell Estate is part of a wider CAVLP project to explore historic graveyards throughout the Clyde and Avon Valley.

Donna Marshall, CAVLP programme manager said:“A number of open days are being planned at these historic graveyards by Archaeology Scotland over the coming months.”