Part One: Database and archive of material relating to the work of the house carpenter, including day books, invoices, attributable work and associated images.
The core of the database comes from collecting names using census records, trade directory entries, valuation rolls, estate papers and parish records. Where available, individual day books and business records are being analysed, recorded and digitally imaged. Where there is known attributable work, this is being recorded and digital images, together with constructional drawings, are being made. Regional trends and methods of working practice are being researched. By meeting with individuals, local history and heritage groups, additional oral and personal material together with small constructions like furniture are being recorded.
The resultant database will be presented as an interactive CD/DVD and made available to interested parties. Apart from the CD, hard and digital copy will be lodged with: the Northern Archive, Wick; the Highland Archive, Inverness; the Highland Folk Museum; and the National Museum of Scotland. Papers will be presented to the Regional Furniture Society and the Society of Antiquaries.
Start Date: 2001
Finish Date: December 2004, with the possibility of annual updates.
Part Two: A cottage at Rossal in the Parish of Rogart, Sutherland (NC696034): the standing remains and contents of a mid 19 century cottars cottage.
This is a traditional gable ended, stone-built cottage in Sutherland style. Built in 1852, the cottage remained occupied until 1935. Since then, it has been used as an occasional bothy and crofting store. During this time no services were ever connected and the occupants had clearly led a simple and frugal Highland life, their home showing little change to match what might be expected in the latter half of the 19th century. The evidence indicates that the constructional woodwork and furnishings were made by the same house carpenter(s), and local records would imply that these were from Rogart. Allowing for the damage caused by the loss of the gable end and use by wild animals and sheep, the fabric and effects within the cottage are in remarkably good condition. The furnishings include a box bed, a single bed, kists, a dresser, a number of chairs and small tables together with the trappings of daily life. In style and construction, these all date from the mid nineteenth century. There are the remains of what appear to be three other buildings in this ruined township of Rossal.
An initial study was completed in July 2002, and further survey work will be undertaken in the summer of 2004. In the interim, finds have been recorded and, where condition allowed, furniture has been conserved. The local heritage society, Minister and willing individuals are assisting in gathering additional historical material. There is a sense of urgency because the estate has expressed an intention to demolish the building.
Papers will be presented to the Society of Antiquaries and the Regional Furniture Society. A full report will be lodged with the NMRS, the Highland Archive, and the Highland Folk Museum. A shorter report will be given to Rogart Heritage Society.
Start Date: July 2002
Finish Date: Spring 2005
Project information submitted by Dave Hutchinson FSA Scot, independent historian, in June 2004.
For further information contact:
Dave Hutchinson, Clydesdale House, Main Street, Golspie, Sutherland, KW10 6RA
dave@djhutchinson.fsnet.co.uk
http://website.lineone.net/~dave.hutchinson
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