Biggar Urban Archaeology

The town of Biggar can trace its history back to the 12th century when, under the patronage of King David I and his grandson Malcolm IV, much of Scotland was settled by immigrants from England.

The new people were Norman and Flemish descendants of people who had successfully engaged in the Battle of Hastings. The typical mediaeval layout of an early town can still be traced, with the motte castle, church site and high street and with tenement lands leading off the main street at right angles.  The early town layout can still be recognised but none of its buildings survive, apart from the motte and the church, which was built in 1547.

The first man of note to be mentioned was one Baldwin the Fleming who became the first Sherriff of Lanarkshire, based in Biggar. His name appears in many late 12th century documents. Although the early town layout survives in plan, apart from the motte and the church which was built in 1547, nothing else may be seen.

The Project is an ongoing opportunistic attempt to find early evidence of Biggar. So far results have been disappointing – no mediaeval archaeology having been found.