Lesmahagow

a later addition is shown by the fact that part of the extension wall overlay the ditch containing the 13th and 14th century pottery (see above p. 80 and Appendix C).

The lowering of the floor level within this west range, and the construction of two substantial mortared cross-walls in the N section of the range, has destroyed most of the evidence for the function of this part of the range in its first period. It is likely that in the first period of occupation the west range was given over to accommodation for the lay brethren, living quarters being on the ground floor with the dormitory above. Both cross-walls contained doorways with well dressed and rebated jambs, while that in the N wall had a finely flagged threshold (fig. 15). That neither wall was primary was shown by the fact that neither was bonded to the original outer walls and also by the fact that the S wall had been built over the lead pipe. Further evidence for alteration to the west range came from the level containing the post holes which were interpreted as supports for scaffolding (see above p. 84). There was, however, no dating for this alteration.

The most N area of the range could not be examined as it underlay the public right-of-way. However it is clear, on the evidence of the Rev. White's description and the drawing of the old W tower, that the west range abutted the tower of the priory church (White 1773 and pi. 1). The drawing records the roof raggle and the presence of a fire-place at first floor level. The Rev. White also noted the beginning of an arch, not seen in the drawing, which he interpreted as part of a gateway serving as the main entrance to the priory, and which was situated at this N end of the west range. If this description is correct, and if the present church does rest on the older found­ations, then the gateway could be expected at the point where the right-of-way commences. If the gateway was so situated then the room next to it would have been that of the gate-keeper, or perhaps the cellarer, with storage rooms and kitchen beyond. The first floor, originally possibly a dormitory for lay-brethren might well have been converted in the period of commendatorship into accommodation for the commendator or for guests, hence the inclusion of a fire-place. Such alteration to a monastic complex in the late 15th or early 16th centuries in Scotland is not uncommon, for example Glen Luce Abbey (H.M.S.O. Guide). It is unfortunate that the fire-place does not survive as its architectural form might have helped to date this part of the building or its alteration. However it might be suggested that these alterations to the west range took place contem­poraneously with the insertion of the vaulted cellar in the south range.

Within the area of the west range, at the S limit of excavation, was the heavily burnt surface and the arc of isolated stones, the function of which was not clear (fig. 14). As the burnt area was an isolated feature it was considered to have been the site of a hearth and this whole area part of a kitchen which superseded the chamber at the W end of the refectory hall when the passageway was pushed through (see above p. 94). In the W wall of this 'kitchen' area was a doorway (fig. 14). It is unlikely that this doorway led to the outside world as this would be contrary to monastic prac­tice; it is suggested here, on the evidence of the cobbled area outside the wall which was noted in Area B (see above p. 80), that it led to a courtyard or garden within the compound.