Alternative Names Cumberland House; Victoria Lodging House; 45 Guestrow
Site type HOUSE (16TH CENTURY), SUNDIAL(S)
Canmore ID 20175
Site Number NJ90NW 52
NGR NJ 94198 06385
Council ABERDEEN, CITY OF
Parish ABERDEEN
Former Region GRAMPIAN
Former District CITY OF ABERDEEN
Former County ABERDEENSHIRE

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Archaeological Notes

NJ90NW 52 94198 06385.

(NJ 9419 0638) Provost Skene's House (NAT)
OS 25" map, (1955).

During repair work to central heating pies, part of the stone floor of the old kitchen was uplifted within the 17th-century part of this house. No archaeological deposits were found, but a stone incised with the letters 'THHR' was discovered. It had been part of the floor and after being recorded, was replaced.
Sponsor: City of Aberdeen District Council.
A Cameron 1991.

Architectural Notes

This site has only been partially upgraded for SCRAN. For full information, please consult the Architecture Catalogues for Aberdeen.
January 1998

Originating in the 16th century (built 1545) as a plain, three-storeyed block with a forestair, this building was twice extended in length before being acquired in 1669 by George Skene, to whom its present form is principally due. Painted gallery of 1626; plasterwork of 1676; restored 1951-3. The bedroom and panelling in the Georgian drawing room are noteworthy. Was also a Victorian working house.
(Additional newspaper references cited by AAS).
J G Dunbar 1966; E Meldrum 1961; NMRS, MS/712/83.

NMRS REFERENCE:
Aberdeen, Broad Street, Provost Skene's House.

Built c.1545.
Street originally Guest Row.
Provost Skene's House also known as Cumberland House.

1688 (Coat of Arms over Door dated 1688). The west wing of this house is older. Area 1580. Good painted panelling, staircase and plaster ceiling.

NMRS REFERENCE:
Archway originally located in Union Terrace Gardens.

EXTERNAL REFERENCE:
Aberdeen Public Library, Reference Department:
Plans of plaster ceilings at no.45 Guestrow, measured and drawn by J. Scott Lawson. - 2 sheets
Slides of Cumberland House, Guestrow; Victoria Lodging House, Guestrow; Ancient gateway, Guestrow; Court in Guestrow.

Non-Guardianship Sites Plan Collection, DC28896- DC28926, 1929 & 1933.

Aberdeen Public Library
"Munro's Old Landmarks" - description
"Aberdeen in bygone Days" - slides - reference Dept.

S.N.P.G
"Memorials of the family of Skene" 1887 Spalding Club - print

Bogdan and Bryce, N and I B D (1991) 'Castles, manors and 'town houses' survey', Discovery Excav Scot
Page(s): 24

Cameron, A (1991a) 'Provost Skene's House kitchen (Aberdeen parish): inscribed stone', Discovery Excav Scot
Page(s): 24

Corporation of the City of Aberdeen (1953) Provost Skene's House, Aberdeen
Held at RCAHMS D.5.13.ABH.P