Thomshill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Thomshill |
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 Location in Moray
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| Alternative name(s) | The Foths |
| Type | Quingenary fort (possible) |
| Location | |
| Coordinates | 57°35′59″N 3°19′21″W / 57.5996°N 3.3224°W |
| Site notes | |
| Condition | Cropmarks |
| Excavation dates | 1982–1990 |
Thomshill, located 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) south of Elgin in Moray, Scotland, is the site of an excavated rectilinear enclosure that has been interpreted as a possible Roman military camp or fort. The enclosure covers an area of approximately 3.25 hectares (8.0 acres) and is situated at a height of 72 metres (236 ft) above ordnance datum.
Alongside similar sites at Boyndie, Balnageith, Easter Galcantray and Tarradale, the possibility that Thomshill represents a Roman fort has been seen as evidence that the Roman Army under Agricola occupied Moray after the Battle of Mons Graupius in AD84.
Discovery and excavation
In 1834 the New Statistical Account of Scotland described "rectangular trenches, or, as some may say, a Roman castra at The Foths" within the parish of Birnie. In 1871 the Ordnance Survey recorded "the remains of rectangular trenches, said to be a Roman camp, but almost erased by cultivation" in the district. By 1971 no visible trace remained.
Ground observation and aerial photography during the 1980s revealed cropmarks suggesting three sides of a rectilinear ditched enclosure, situated on an eroded spur overlooking a dry river valley dominated by two nearby distilleries. Trial excavations took place in September 1982; and over subsequent excavations between 1985 and 1990 a total of 44 trenches were cut across the lines of the ditch, the interior of the enclosure and notable surrounding features.
Excavation showed the site's enclosing ditch to be V-shaped, with a well-defined sump or cleaning slot along the base. Clear evidence of a turf revetment was found on the inner edge of the ditch. which was up to 5 metres (16 ft) wide. The corners of the enclosure were rounded and a series of post-holes were found close to the inner edge of the southern side of the enclosure. Two small ditches that predated the main enclosure were also found on the site, and were taken to represent an unknown earlier phase of occupation.
