Newhailes House Estate, Tea House 2009

Newhailes House Estate, Tea House – Architectural
Fragment Recovery III Corporate Challenge
June 2008
A National Trust for Scotland Report

Produced by
Buildings Archaeologist and Heritage Consultant
Traprain House
Luggate Burn
Whittingehame
East Lothian
EH41 4QA
T : 01620 861643 E : info@bajr.org

Newhailes House Estate, Tea House, May 2009
Table of Contents
1.0 SUMMARY 2
2.0 INTRODUCTION 2
3.0 OBJECTIVES 5
4.0 METHODOLOGY 5
5.0 RESULTS 8
5.1 The Recovery (Fig. 2) 8

5.2 The recovered architectural elements (Fig. 3) 9
5.3 The wider landscape (Fig. 4) 3
5.4 Phasing of collapse 5
6.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 9
7.0 NEWHAILES TEA HOUSE : NOTES : TOM ADDYMAN 13
7.1 Introduction 13
7.2 Short-term storage 13
7.3 Condition notes 13
7.4 Conservation assessment 13
7.5 Summary quantification 13
7.6 Reconstruction – a paper exercise 14
7.7 The physical rebuilding of the building – a consideration 14
7.8 Other notes 14
7.9 Significance 14
8.0 THANKS 15
ILLUSTRATIONS
Figure 1: Location plan, showing Newhailes House and the location of the Tea House.
Figure 3: Tea House Plan with zones of recovery and stone numbers.
Figure 3: Tea House Plan with zones of recovery and stone numbers.
Figure 4: Tea House elevation showing locations of architectural elements and surviving features.
Figure 5: (top) 1755 Gen. Roy map showing Newhailes Estate.

(middle) 1798 Bauchop map of Newhailes Estate.
(left) 1854 First Edition OS map showing area of Tea House - the pools are no longer evident.
Figure 6: Tea House elevation showing locations of architectural elements and surviving features.
Figure 7: Reconstruction of Tea House with canal to front.
Appendix 1: Architectural Fragment List

Appendix 2: Photo List
Appendix 3: Artefact List
Appendix 4: The Groups
DES Entry
Page 1
1.0 SUMMARY
1.1 An archaeological Corporate Challenge was organised for the recovery,

recording and removal to a secure location of fallen architectural stones
revealed in the area of the Newhailes Tea House and to investigate the
water feature to the front of the structure, and the relationship of these
features. The work was undertaken in May 2009 following on from
previous projects in 2007 and 2008.
1.2 The participants were 5 teams of 6 individuals from the Bank of Scotland
accompanied by Gavin Kennerley and additional staff from the National
Trust for Scotland.
1.3 The work enabled the recovery of c.70 architectural fragments ranging
from complete moulded elements to fragments of both ashlar blocks and
rubble from the walling. Roofing slates and floor tiles were also recovered
A number of smaller finds of 18th-20th century date were recovered from
the sieved base material in the burn.
1.4 The resulting collection allowed for the addition of architectural features to
the existing conjectural reconstruction drawing; as well as an
understanding of the phases of collapse. The rear of the Tea House and
the tunnel beneath were completed cleared of fragments and a substantial
amount of recent debris was removed from the ‘canal’ to the front of the
structure – which also included several large architectural fragments. The
sides of the ‘canal’ were examined with two test trenches on the west side,
and a further brick feature, potentially representing the southern end of the
‘canal’ was also investigated. Timber and plasterwork was recovered from
the river, which may represent internal fixtures and features relating to the
Tea House.
2.0 INTRODUCTION
2.1 Site location and description
The mid 18th-century Tea House is located at the extreme north of the
designed landscape at NT 3253 7293 (Fig. 1).
The Tea House (Fig. 2) forms the final incident within the water gardens
at Newhailes. Its principal, S elevation was conceived as an eyecatcher at
the end of a long, canalised stretch of the Brunstane Burn.
The structure consists of a small rectangular pavilion, now largely ruined,

over an arched, rusticated bridge level through which flows the burn just
before it leaves the Newhailes policies.
The basement level is flanked by wing walls of polished ashlar; these had
originally been surmounted by balustrades. The wing walls were largely
buried by flood silts and fallen masonry, and the balustrades are now all
fallen.
Page 2
The area to the south (the principal elevation of the Tea House) within the
burn and the flanking slopes were investigated and a stone pile of
architectural fragments within the woodland to the east was further
excavated.
The area to the rear (north) of the Tea House was also cleared of
architectural fragments and the two flanking walls exposed to the east and
west.
The canal/pool to the south was further cleared of a build-up of soil and
debris, to reveal the original depth of the pool and also the slope of the
flanking embankments.
A solid base level was uncovered to the southwest of the Tea House,
providing an accurate depth of the southern ‘canal’ or pool, and the traces
of mortar were recorded at the top of the slopes, relating to a brick
alignment, creating a formal edge to the water feature.
The structure itself and associated architectural fragments is under threat

from various agents, since the collapse of the half of the Tea House in the
late 1960s due to a tree fall. Vandalism, water damage and removal of
architectural fragments for rockeries were all contributing to a steady loss
of the buildings fabric of the building. This final phase of work at the Tea
House has now all but completed the recovery of architectural fragments
from the area, with the potential that some smaller fragments are still to be
found.
Page 3
North Sea
Inverness
Aberdeen
Glasgow Edinburgh
100 km
Brunstane Burn
Tea House Path
Tea House
TP1
TP2
Lady’s Walk
Shell
Grotto TP3
Location of test trenches 10 m
0 100m
This map is based on an Ordnance Survey digital map reproduced with the permission of HM Stationery Office © Crown Copyright NTS licence No. 100023880.
Figure 1: Location Plan

3.0 OBJECTIVES
3.1 To recover the architectural fragments to the south and north of the Tea House and
the watercourse in an controlled manner, to aid understanding and if considered
appropriate, to allow for the potential reconstruction / replacement of these features
into the existing structure and as a minimum to ensure the safety of the architectural
fragments from damage and theft.
3.2 To investigate the rear of the Tea House and the course of the river.
3.3 To investigate the nature of the debris that filled the canal and embankment slope
and the character and form of the canal itself.
3.4 To investigate the southern end of the canal, and the interface with the preceding
section of Water Garden.
4.0 METHODOLOGY
4.1 The volunteers on the Corporate Challenge were organised into five teams of
six over a period of five days, under the supervision of Gavin Kennerley and
additional staff of the National Trust for Scotland. After a brief team talk on
the landscape and history of the Newhailes Estate and the Designed
Landscape each team was taken to the Tea House.
4.2 The teams were divided between excavating areas of the burn, collecting
finds from the water and excavating small test trenches down the eastern
slope of the canal edge. Using ropes, softwood levers and planks, the
architectural fragments were removed, numbered and located on a sketch
plan (Fig. 2) before being loaded onto a tractor-driven trailer, and packed
with sacking and softwood batons. The architectural fragments were
transported to the yard of the Flower Garden and placed in a holding area
behind secure fencing.
Identify Recover Record
Transport Careful handling Store
Page 5
Newhailes House Estate, Tea House, June 2008
Figure 2. Original Reconstruction (2002) based on Winton

House palladian bridge (below).
5.0 RESULTS
5.1 The Recovery (Fig. 3)
Through recording the approximate location of the findspots of the stone

fragments, it became clear that there were three main phases to the collapse
of the Tea House and the eventual positions of the architectural fragments
(see 5.4). By zoning the recovery areas, and numbering their recovery in
order it was to a large extent possible to reconstruct the sequence of events.
The stonework within the burn was often badly affected by water soaking
into the fabric, causing the stone to become unstable, crumbling at the
slightest touch and in many cases being coated in a mineral crust leaching
from the water. Care was taken where possible to minimise the damage, but
due to the nature of the degradation, some stones suffered some superficial
breaks.
The stonework in the wooded area to the eastwas in much better condition in
terms of fabric integrity; however, the stones were still damaged, prior to
deposition at this location.
It was clear that most of the principal elevation was present, and each
removal of an architectural fragment was followed by a further ‘layer’
beneath, which resulted in c. 70 recovered fragments, varying in size from a
significant section of bullnosed step with the remains of an iron boot scraper
to a fragment of a carved rossette.
The entire area beneath the bridge was cleared, of architectural elements,
where it became clear they could not have fallen from the initial collapse.
The following images show the gradual clearance progressing around the
Tea House.
2007 – South burn 2007 – North burn 2007 beneath the Tea House
2009 Final clearance beneath

2009 – South burn 2009 – North burn
the Tea House
Page 8
Riverbed to north 300 - 301 - 302 - 303 - 304 - 305 - 306 - 307
I 276 - 281 - 284 - 285 - 287 - 288 - 289 - 290 - 293- 294 - 295 - 296 -
297 - 298 - 315 - 316 - 317 - 318 - 319 - 320 - 321 - 394 -
395 - 396 - 397 - 398 - 399 - 400 - 401 -402 - 403 - 404 -
322 - 323 - 324 - 325 - 326 - 327 - 328 - 329
330 - 365 - 366 - 367 - 368 - 369 - 370 - 371
372 - 373 - 374 - 375 - 376 - 377 - 378 - 379
405 - 406 - 407 - 408 - 409 - 410 380 - 381 - 382 - 383 - 384 - 385 - 386 - 387
388 - 389 - 390 - 391 - 392- 393
line of tunnel H Rockpile in woods

Tea House
299 - 338 - 430 - 436 - 437 - 438 - 439 - 440

282 - 283 - 286 - 413 - 415 - 416 - 417 441 - 442 - 443
418 - 421 - 425 - 426 - 428 - 429
337 - 411 - 412 - 414 - 419 - 420

422 - 423 - 424 - 427
B K
N o t h i n g r ecovered during this phase
A
J Additional small fragments
recovered from riverbed to south
E 339 - 340 - 341 - 342 - 343
344 - 345 -
D 347 - 348 - 349 - 350 - 351 - 352 - 353
C 354 - 355 - 356 - 357 - 358 - 359 - 360

361 - 362 - 363 -
G
F 280 - 364 - 443
Trench 90 050 - 083 - 084 - 090 - 091 - 094

095 - 099 - 100 - 109 - 110 - 115
(excavation 2002) 141 - 142 - 150 - 151 - 152 - 153
154 - 155 - 156 - 163 - 164 - 178 277 - 278 - 279 - 291 - 292 -
179 - 190 - 198 - 206 - 207 - 208 308 - 309 - 310 - 311 - 312 -
211 - 212 - 213 - 214 - 216 - 230 313 - 314 - 331 - 332 - 333 -
N o t h i n g r ecovered during this phase 431 - 432 - 434 - 435 334 - 335 - 336 - 444 - 445 -
446 - 447 - 448 - 449 - 450 -
451 - 452 - 453 - 454 - 455 -
456 - 457 - 458 - 459 - 460 - Figure 3. Tea House Plan of with zones of recovery
561 - 462 - 463 - 464 and stone numbers (bold numbers are from 2009 season)
0 1 5
metres
5.2 The recovered architectural elements (Fig. 4)
Based upon the architecture at similar pavilions at Stowe and Wilton for
example and the surviving mouldings on the Tea House itself, it was
possible to ascribe even the smallest architectural detail to a specific part of
the principal elevation. Figure 3 shows a reconstruction drawing with each
element located on to the elevation. The following a list describes the
various elements that were recovered:
1. Pediment (raking 10. String course cornice

cornice) 11. Balustrade coping
2. Pediment cornice 12. Half baluster
3. Modillions 13. Baluster
4. Pulvinated frieze 14. Balustrade plinth
5. Architrave 15. Bullnosed step risers
6. Ionic capitals 16. Unknown moulding
7. Engaged columns 17. Rosette
8. Ashlar masonry 18. Terracotta tiles
9. Engaged column
jambs
Each architectural element has been given a unique number, with all but five
fragments being attributed to a specific architectural feature. This
investigation has allowed expansion on the previous 2002 excavation and
the previous Corporate Challenges in 20071 and 20082, and allowed the
reconstruction to be enhanced with further detail. Several key elements
were recovered during this exercise which added significantly to our
understanding, such as: a single rosette, and more significantly the step into
the building, found at a distance of some 10m from its original location
(suggesting more ‘active’ demolition of the building) The central scrolled
keystone was also recovered in the more recent debris to the south of the
structure, and several recognisable internal fixtures were recovered,
including window surround (still bearing traces of paint) and plaster cornice
work. The number of terracotta tiles recovered also point to the floor rather
the fireplace being tiled – however, it is clear also that a sprung floor may
also have been inserted at a later date. The roofing material was also
confirmed by the presence of numerous slates.
No window glass or lead cames (suggested by

the illustration on the right) were recovered,
which may suggest the removal of the
window before the final collapse/demolition
of the building.
1
Newhailes House Estate, Tea House – Architectural Fragment Recovery Corporate Challenge.
November 2007, A National Trust for Scotland Report
2
Newhailes House Estate, Tea House – Architectural Fragment Recovery Corporate Challenge.
June 2008, A National Trust for Scotland Report
Page 9
5.3 The wider landscape (Fig. 5 & 6)
In addition to the architectural recovery, the nature of the setting of the

monument was examined, with significant observations being made.
Following on from the previous

season’s initial map based
inspection of three rectangular
ponds which lay to the south of
the Tea House, which continued
a series of rectangular water
works and complex hydrology
that had been examined to the
south. The Roy map of c. 1755
(Fig. 6) clearly shows three
rectangular pools leading from
the Shell Grotto area down
towards the Tea House. The photograph to the left shows these slope on
either side and it is clear that the burn now flows through a nearly
completely re-filled water feature. When this pool was complete and filled
with water (which would have required a dam and sluice system to the north
of the Tea House to bring the level of water to the required depth) the view
of the Tea House would have been enhanced by a mirror image of the
elevation reflected in the pool.
It has been suggested that punting was carried

out on this pool, which would have required
considerably more depth of water than
presently exists, or could exist even with the
pool cleared to its original size (T. Addyman
pers. comm.). As yet, the construction, extent
and form of this pool are unclear and further
work is required to examine this feature - the
1854 Ordnance Survey 1st edition map (Fig. 6)
no longer shows a pool that may be marked on
Beauchop 1798 estate plan and the single
surviving known image of the Tea House dated
1892 (right) shows the banks of the burn
reaching down to the arch itself.
This image also shows the burn curving to the right beyond the arch. The
view beneath the arch suggests the possibility of being able to observe the
course of the burn from a location where one would be at the level of the
water itself. If this is the case then it does seem to support the concept that
the intention was to give the impression of a river that continued far beyond
the Tea House. This would help to explain the offsetting of the outlet arch
in the estate wall behind the Tea House, which allows the Brunstane burn to
flow out of the policies, as the design seems to attempt to give the illusion
that there is greater depth to the landscape than the reality.
Page 3
The following photographs show the view under the arch, where it is not
possible to see the exit through the boundary wall. Beyond of the Tea House
there is only a further 6 m before the Newhailes estate ends; given the plain
nature of the rear of the structure it is possible that this side was never meant
to be viewed by visitors. It is more than likely that this northern side
contained the sluice system that would be required to raise and contain the
water level in the pool to the South of the Tea House.
View to north under arch with exit from estate through boundary wall (above) offset to right.
Finally, the large number of terracotta tiles that were recovered from the
burn clearly indicates that the interior of the Tea House was (at least during
its final phase) floored with tiles rather than a sprung wooden floor. The
deployment of the floor tiles in the burn could not have been the result of the
collapse due to the tree fall in the 1960s, the location of the tiles and other
elements such as the fireplace grate result in part from the deliberate
clearance after the collapse.
5.4 Examination of the southern zone
During the 2009 season of works, the area to the south was also further
investigated, and certain features noted, which may point to areas of further
study and work. (Fig. 5)
The slopes of the canal bank beside the Tea

House were examined with two narrow
(0.5m wide) test pits (TP1 and TP2, that
both revealed a thin (circa 20-30mm) layer
of mortar on the edge of the slope. (see left)
The mortar was circa 0.50m wide and it
was possible to discern the pattern of bricks
on the surface, which suggests at least one
course resting on the mortar surface.
Although it was difficult to accurately plot
the alignment of the potential side wall, it
did seem to taper slightly to the south
which may represent a use of optical
illusion to give the canal greater length
when viewed from the Tea House.
Page 4
Pediment Apex
Window Vousoir
Tea House
elevation
Unknown Moulding Course 0 1 5

metres
Pediment with Modillions
Architrave
Pulvinated Frieze
Volute and Ionic Capital
String Course Cornice
Half-Baluster
Bullnosed Stair Tread with bootscraper Engaged Column Jamb
Balustrade plinth
Baluster
Balustrade coping
and string course
0 1 5
metres
Engaged Column Figure 4 Tea House elevation showing locations of
Architectural Elements and surviving features.
Further to the south, it was noted that the path leading to the Tea House
sloped markedly from south to north (Fig. 5). From the point where the path
began to slope down to the north, a discernable path leads up to the
northwest and as the path turns back to the south, a stone bench was located
(admittedly this feature was already known). Due to the use of garden
features and eyecatchers, it was suggested that those seated at this point must
have been looking to the east at some sort of feature. Therefore, an area to
the east of the current waterway was examined, and a brick feature located
within Test Pit 3. The feature is built of bricks that measure 235 mm x
64mm x 83mm (9 ¼ “ x 2 ½ “ x 3 ¼ “ ) and are hand-made, most probably
locally.) The feature was only partly excavated to check significance and
seven courses were exposed, though more extend into the unexcavated
subsoil.
TP3 showing 7 courses of exposed TP3 showing exposed brickwork curving to the
brickwork. southeast. (outlined in red)
It is clear this forms a retaining wall for a large feature, which may relate to
the water-gardens to the south.
5.5 Phasing of collapse
The lack of interior fittings and window glass from the recovery site perhaps
shows that by the time the tree collapsed into the Tea House the structure
was already in a dilapidated state. The large number of slates recovered
however shows that the roof was still largely intact.
The initial impact of the tree would have caused structural damage to the top
right-hand of the principal elevation and may have brought down several
elements of the pediment, architrave and perhaps the right-hand column.
The mixing of the floor tiles with large architectural fragments can only
have been achieved through deliberate clearing out of the interior of the
structure, which may also have included knocking down further parts of the
Tea House, presumably to make the area safe. The flanking balustrades (at
Page 5
least on the left of the main structure) would not have been so affected by
the initial tree strike and must also have been pushed over on to the sloping
banks and into the burn. The location of the columns and other larger
architectural fragments within the trees immediately to the east shows
further human intervention. Three key pieces of evidence were recovered
within the architectural fragments on the right-hand bank, which consisted of
two 1p pieces dated 1975 and 1978 and a Golden Wonder crisp packet from
the same period. This suggests that some 10-15 years after the initial
damage the entire area was cleared by persons unknown. It is possible of
course that the balustrades were pushed over at an even later date as the
balusters and balustrade coping was found in the top layer of collapse.
The 2008 season of work was able to continue the understanding of the
recent decades of general entropy that has affected the area. It became clear
while removing the soil build-up from directly in front of the Tea House that
the entire makeup was laid down within a very short space of time, with
Tennants cans of c. 1980 date recovered from the base layers, showing a
swift deposition of c. 1.2m of laminated layers of fine silt, sands and coal-
grit over only a mater of 15-20 years.
Laminated layers within the centre of the burn.
In the 2009 season however, further larger structural fragments were

recovered from this layer, including the near complete bullnosed step which
included a boot-scraper and the central scrolled keystone from the central
window aperture. It would be impossible for these to have been either
accidentally pushed into this location, or be the work of vandals, as the
weight of the doorstep alone precludes this possibility.
Page 6
10 m
Brunstane Burn
boundary wall
Tea House
Path
TP1
TP2
projected lines of brick lined bank
TP3
approximate location of stone bench
Path
Figure 5 Additional investigations within 2009 project area.

5.6 Base of Canal
The base of the ‘canal’ was encountered in 2008, and consisted of a hard
packed layer of gravel, overlain by a c. 0.20m layer of dark organic matter,
that shows neglect in clearing the pool for some years prior to the 1960s
collapse and subsequent blocking of the burn in the 1970s with rubble from
the Tea House.
During the 2009 investigations, the base level was again encountered at the
southwest corner of the entrance to the Tea House tunnel, at a depth of c.
0.25m beneath the current streambed. It seemed to consist of solid rock,
though it was not possible to determine whether this as laid foundation for
the structure itself, or natural bedrock.
5.7 North Burn area
The area to the north of the Tea House was also subjected to further
investigation, after the 2007/2008 collection of loose architectural fragments
and the removal of soil build up against the two flanking walls that extended
some 2.5 metres at right angles from the bridge structure which were not tied
in to the main structure, which may suggest that they were added at a later
date. It became clear that the arched opening through the boundary wall did
have some form of blocking, evidenced by structural holes in the masonry,
and the discovery of two rows of metal rods, attached to the walls that would
have stretched across the opening.
In 2009, further architectural fragments were removed where it seems they

were used as a form of revetment against the boundary wall on the west
bank. The whole north area is now clear of any further architectural
artefacts.
5.8 Wood and Plaster
In addition to the typical assemblage now expected from the river, including
a variety of shells, ceramics and metal artefacts of various dates and
uncertain origin, there were two assemblages – Plaster and wood, that, based
on their position within the collapse material and the type of material that
would too easily have disintegrated if carried from elsewhere.
The wood fell into the following categories.
Window (or aperture) surround with a light green paint, possible lining
board with tongue and groove joint, and a possible floorboard. Batons were
also recovered which would have been used for fixing wall panels and /or
lath; the laths were broad, thin and handmade, representing mid to late 18th
century forms. The recovered plasterwork shows the distinct impressions of
lath, and it is reasonable to assume the interior was plastered lath
Page 8
Only one sample of plaster (illustrated below) was recovered, due to the
fragile nature of the material which crumbled on touch, due to immersion in
water. It may give a further clue to the interior decoration of the Tea House.
6.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summarising the three seasons of work at the Tea House it is possible to

offer a near definitive history of the site and reconstruct with some
confidence, both the Tea House itself and the immediately surrounding
landscape.
This programme’s main focus was to record the location and form of
architectural fragments from collapsed masonry of the Newhailes Estate Tea
House, to recover the fragments, and to keep them safe. In all over 464 such
items were recovered and located (Fig 3.) with a conjectural elevation of the
location of each moulding and architectural element in the vertical plane has
been produced (Fig. 4) and the sequence of ruination, collapse and
subsequent clearance has now been interpreted.
It is clear that enough architectural elements remain of the Tea House to

allow for a full external reconstruction to be created, which could potentially
lead to an informed programme of works to recreate the form of the building
as well as the setting in which it once lay. The building is of immense
architectural and historical importance and this initial recovery project could
be seen as a first step to ensuring the eventual preservation of this building
which, in some ways, epitomises the Scottish Enlightenment.
In 2008 the most significant move was the investigation and clearance to the
south of the Tea House. The extent and slope of the embankment was
uncovered on the east, in addition the base level of the canal was also
uncovered and shown to be a flat and solid gravel surface.
Clearing a section of the slope to the east made it possible to see the
reflection of the Tea House as would once have been intended, (Fig. 7).
With the conclusive evidence that the entire pool has been filled with debris
only over the past few decades, it is obvious that further removal of a small
Page 9
section perhaps 30m from the base of the Tea House, would once again
allow the visitor to view the area as envisaged in the 18th century, without
compromising either the integrity of the landscape or the biodiversity of the
surrounding landscape.
In 2009, further investigation at the top of slope on the east side of the canal
with two narrow test trenches provided conclusive evidence that the sides of
the canal were formalised with a brick revetment. The spread of mortar
showed the clear imprint of bricks, and it may be postulated that the low
walls were coped with sandstone slabs, which were also uncovered in earlier
investigations by the NTS Newhailes archaeologist Abigail Daly in 2002, in
the area around the waterfall to the south [Discovery and Excavation in
Scotland Vol 3. 2003 p39].
A small intrusive trench in an area directly to the south of the canal (see Fig.
5) also uncovered a brick wall feature that may relate to the water gardens,
as a functional element of the previous stretch of water management and
control. Further work in this area would be advantageous to continue
uncovering this previously unknown feature.
Investigation to the rear of the Tea House highlighted the potential for a
raised water level to the south of the structure within the canal, and in 2008
clear evidence for a ‘barrier’ was located in the arched opening through the
boundary wall. It was unclear however whether the metal ‘rods’ formed
part of a ‘sluice’ system, or had another function. The flanking walls that
form revetment for the banks to the north are evidence for a formalised
system of erosion protection.
Most artefacts recovered from the burn, are difficult to attribute to a

particular location or period of activity, and range from bottles (both for
alcoholic and medicinal contents) to roadwork furniture (lamps etc) and
exotic shells (presumably from the Shell grotto). Therefore they are of
limited use in study of the Tea House.
There is great opportunity to sensitively and easily restore the illusion of the
Tea House, without the need for full restoration in the near future, while still
leaving the possibility open. The visitor experience would be enhanced, and
a degree of protection afforded to the structure. The clearing of the banks
could be undertaken with a mechanical excavator with no damage to
archaeological or structural deposits, though it should be carried out with
supervision. The Tea House itself should be secured from further damaging
entry, with the possibility of a non-intrusive but effective deterrent fence.
To conclude, this three year investigation began as a simple architectural

fragment recovery, but quickly became so much more, by allowing for a
fuller understanding of the Tea House, both internally and externally, and its
setting within the immediate landscape. The project has also provided
answers to question about that designed landscape by recording the slopes,
and finding evidence for both the top revetment wall and the base level of
the pool/canal itself. The completion of this area has now opened up the
Page 10
Tea House
Tea House Pool
Further rectangular ‘pools’
Tea House
Further rectangular ‘pools’
Figure 6.
(top) c. 1750s Gen. Roy map showing Newhailes

Estate and the clear image of 4 ‘ponds’ or ‘canals’
leading to the Tea House
Tea (middle) Bauchop 1798 map now shows no pool to the
House south of the Tea House, but the water gardens are
clearly mapped.
(left)1854 First Edition OS map showing area of Tea
House - the pools are no longer evident.
7.0 NEWHAILES TEA HOUSE : Notes : Tom Addyman
7.1 Introduction
These notes were put together in response to previous Corporate Challenge work at the Tea House (August-
October 2007) undertaken by David Connolly for the National Trust for Scotland. This involved a public
archaeology corporate challenge event during which a considerable number of worked stones from collapsed parts
of the building were recovered from where they fell within the burn, upon the burn banks, and from adjacent piled
materials relating to the clearance of the ruin.
Previously archaeological evaluation had been undertaken at the Tea House by Addyman Associates, in May
2001; further building recording (of the principal frontage) and recovery of some fallen carved stones (the western
balustrade) was undertaken as part of an NTS Thistle Camp organised and run by Addyman Associates in July
2002.
The cumulative recovery of so many carved stones now raises a number of issues that require consideration and
also permits some better understanding of the possible options and opportunities that may now be available.
7.2 Short-term storage
The stones are currently stored upon an area of concrete hard-standing surrounded by Herris fencing within the
walled compound adjoining the Flower Garden. Considerable care was taken in the extracting from site, transport
and delivery of the stones to the storage area (suitable padding; use of timber supports, etc). Many of the more
significant stones are laid upon the hard-standing, laid upon softwood batons.
It is recommended that this storage should be up-graded. One possibility to further reduce the risk of damaging
impacts, chipping, abrasion of the stones (with the concrete), may be to lay a sand bed of, say, 3” depth. This has
the advantages of cushioning the ground generally, and also permitting the easier laying-out/support of stones for
their re-arrangement and recording. This has the further advantage of being inexpensive. A further option is
pallets which could allow easier movement using a forklift.
7.3 Condition notes
The stones vary both in their individual condition, and in the environment they had resided in for almost half a
century. In terms of the latter it is clear some stones have simply been laid upon the existing surface of the bank
above the burn (E side), and had become partly soil-covered, over-grown and some with growths of moss, etc;
others were long buried in mud/silt accumulations on the sides of the burn; while others still lay within the existing
burn course – partly exposed, partly submerged and partly buried.
Upon their recovery it was clear that many of the stones had physical damage, primarily spalling or more
substantial fracturing – as might be expected from such a collapse. Other stones have clearly been partly crushed –
the fabric having powdered away following physical impacts. Further stones have lamination to the surface –
these appear to have been those where there was direct flow of water.
Many stones have residues on the surface – mud, silt, some iron staining, etc. The Newhailes burn is also known
to be somewhat polluted by road water run-off containing colliery and car-related pollutants. The extent to which
the latter (including water-borne salts) may affect the geological properties of the stone remains to be assessed.
7.4 Conservation assessment
It is deemed essential that the collection of stones be assessed as soon as possible by a qualified stone conservator.
That this is considered urgent relates firstly to the exposure of long-buried/long-submerged stones to the air, and
secondly to the possible effects of drying-out. In either case there may be the risk that exposure or drying might
change the structure or properties of the stones – and thus affect the possible courses for their conservation,
removal of staining, consolidation, etc.
It is may also possible that such a high quality fine-grained crystalline sandstone was employed as to be relatively
robust in its properties and ability to withstand these various conditions.
Thus an immediate conservation assessment would provide the necessary expertise to know what should be done
next – should the stones be kept under shelter and allowed to dry out naturally; should they be cleaned as a matter
of urgency, should they kept damp, or doused with distilled water, etc. ?
7.5 Summary quantification
Page 13
Of the some 393 stones recovered from the Tea House that have been catalogued (about 37 from the 2002 works,
the remainder from 2007) 350 or more have dressed surfaces. Of these some 190 or more retain recognizable
architectural detailing and/or moulding.
It is estimated that approximately 80-85% of the fallen elements of the Tea House frontage have now been
recovered. However a considerably higher percentage of certain individual elements are represented in certain
areas – the pediment, the engaged columns.
The majority of the remaining stones must clearly still be on site where they fell and will be similarly recoverable.
7.6 Reconstruction – a paper exercise
There are already more than enough stones to enable a visual reconstruction of the former appearance of the Tea
House façade. The details of the façade are partly understood from a single surviving drawing and, far more
significantly, by direct analogy to the details of the existing Palladian bridges at Wilton and elsewhere, Newhailes
being a close copy of one of their terminal pavilions.
7.7 The physical rebuilding of the building – a consideration
Assuming the recovered stones are in physically stable condition it would be entirely possible to reconstruct the
majority of the recovered the fallen elements of the Tea House - that is to say a general reconstruction of the Tea
House.
In many ways this should be uncontroversial. There has long been a wider debate regarding the policy grounds at
Newhailes – whether there should be general or selective reinstatement of the 18th-century landscape or whether it
should be preserved in its current semi-wilderness state (that is itself partly the product of 19th-century ‘softening’
of many of the more formal earlier elements). However a restoration of the Tea House could be regarded as a case
apart from this wider debate. The structure was essentially complete to the 1960s; its ruined state is simply the
result of an unfortunate tree-fall. Its ruination is thus accidental, relatively recent, and generally not related to the
earlier ‘softening’ of the formal landscape.
There are more or less compelling reasons why the Tea House should be reconstructed. Foremost amongst these is
that the building is of such pre-eminent, indeed national, architectural importance (see significance section). This
importance is embodied by a complete building far more effectively than as a shattered ruin and a collection of
fragments.
Short of long-term curation of perhaps 400 worked stones (a considerable liability), the best permanent solution for
the ‘collection,’ perhaps even in stone conservation terms, is for them to be physically reassembled in their original
positions.
A particular issue is how should a rebuilt structure be finished – roofed or un-roofed? Closed or open?
Consolidated as bare masonry or refurbished? A wider philosophical consideration and exploration of
management and budgetary factors is clearly now required.
7.8 Other notes
There still remain a number of outstanding questions about the Tea House. Immediately downstream, behind the
building, the burn sides are revetted; here can be seen sections of dressed masonry, now much clogged with fallen
debris and burn silt. The nature of this area needs to be better understood. It is probable that there had been some
sluice or small weir arrangement designed to back the burn water up within the Tea House culvert and for a
considerable distance up-stream. The Bauchop plan of Newhailes of 1798 shows a long and narrow body of water
within a canalised section of the burn. This body of water was doubtless intended to be still-surfaced, part of the
purpose of which was to reflect the principal frontage of the Tea House.
7.9 Significance
It is hard to over-state the significance of this small building, in spite of its ruinous condition.
- An element of a wider landscape. The building forms an integral part and key element of a complex and
long-evolved garden design that is itself of national importance, universally recognised. Although with late 17th-
century origins, the primary importance of the wider estate policies are their development under the Dalrymple
family, particularly from the early 18th century to the beginning of the 19th.
- Architectural. An immensely sophisticated and satisfying piece of Palladian design in its own right, the
teahouse is a direct contemporary architectural borrowing from the internationally acclaimed Palladian bridge at
Wilton House, Wiltshire, of 1736-7 (by the ‘Architect Earl’ - Henry Herbert, 9th Earl of Pembroke, and Roger
Page 14
Morris); the bridge was also imitated at Stowe (c.1742) and Prior Park (1756) and elsewhere. Newhailes, which
joins this august group, represents a near precise copy of one of the pavilions that flank the bridge colonnade –
thus it is a prestigious structure at the very forefront of contemporary fashion. The Wilton bridge was inspired by
Palladio's rejected design for a triumphal bridge over the Rialto in Venice.
- Historical. Though very few records for this building survive, a case has been made that may directly
link the structure to some of Britain’s key exponents of architectural taste, Palladianism in particular, in the second
quarter of the 18th century – the 3rd Duke of Argyll; Roger Morris and William Adam. It is possible, if not likely,
that this building can be linked to the progress of the new 3rd Duke (already well-known as an architectural patron
as Lord Ilay), on route from London to Inveraray. The party, of which Morris was a member, sojourned for a time
at Brunstane House, an Argyll property whose lands were contiguous with those of Newhailes. There is every
reason to suppose the Dalrymples, who were close associates of the Argyll faction, obtained the teahouse design at
that time. It has long been suggested that William Adam had been involved in work on Newhailes House; it is
possible that he may have supervised the construction of the Tea House. His association with Morris was strong -
he worked as Morris’ Superintendent Architect at the new Inveraray Castle.
- Cultural. The Tea House is a key Scottish example of a building that exemplifies the early-mid 18th
century neo-Augustan ideal. Referring back to the first Augustan age (Emperor Augustus, 27BC – 14AD), a time
of peace and security following a period of civil strife, celebrated by Horace and Virgil.
The early 18th-century Augustans welcomed a second golden age after the troubles of the 17th century - writers,
artists, architects, gardeners and a host of others sought to relive and make anew the glories of Rome in the time of
its first emperor.3 The Tea House is perfectly understood in this context. It is a building intended for quiet
contemplation; its inscription, nos humilem, a reference to a line from Horace (for myself, I will sacrifice a humble
lamb …), emphasised this to the educated visitor. The poet is affecting humility, in contrast to the pomp and
ceremony of high office – a sentiment very much in tune with the character of the Dalrymples’ rural retreat.4 In
eighteenth century Britain, Palladian architecture, heroic couplets and the Augustan garden were products of
retrospect.
Note: to paraphrase James Simpson (pers. Comm..)

Architecturally the Tea House has a fabulous sense of repose, of stability, with nothing unduly
decorative; it is solid, self-confident no-nonsense classicism.
8.0 Thanks
To Gavin and all those at the Bank of Scotland, with special appreciation to Paul
Chandler and Jim Scott from Newhailes Estate without which this would not have
been possible. The project allowed for the continued understanding of one of the
most important buildings of Scotland’s Enlightenment and has contributed to a
possible future for this building and beyond
It cannot be stressed enough that this entire project would not have been possible
without the hard work of the HBOS volunteers and the support of the Newhailes
Staff.
David Connolly
June 2009
3
notes partly derived from the website, gardenvisit.com
4
notes on the inscription partly derived from the 2004 NTS guidebook, p.52; this is in turn derived
from thesis research by Scott Cooper.
Page 15
Figure 7 Tea House elevation showing recreated canal/pond with reflection.

Appendix 1 Architectural Fragment Register
Architectural
Fragment TYPE CONDITION Zone
Number
1 Voussoir Complete 2002 Excavation Trench 90
2 Balustrade string course Complete 2003 Excavation Trench 90
3 Balustrade plinth Fragmentary 2004 Excavation Trench 90
4 Pulvinated Frieze Partial 2005 Excavation Trench 90
5 String Cornice Complete 2006 Excavation Trench 90
6 2007 Excavation Trench 90
7 Balustrade plinth (end) Complete 2008 Excavation Trench 90
10 Fragmentary Fragmentary 2011 Excavation Trench 90
11 3/4 baluster base Fragmentary 2012 Excavation Trench 90
12 Balustrade plinth Fragmentary 2013 Excavation Trench 90
13 Baluster base Fragmentary 2014 Excavation Trench 90
14 Balustrade coping Fragmentary 2015 Excavation Trench 90
15 Ashlar Fragmentary 2016 Excavation Trench 90
16 Terracotta Tile Fragmentary 2017 Excavation Trench 90
17 String Cornice Fragmentary 2018 Excavation Trench 90
18 Balustrade coping Fragmentary 2019 Excavation Trench 90
19 Baluster coping or cornice course Fragmentary 2020 Excavation Trench 90
20 3/4 baluster (half of complete) - Fragmentary 2021 Excavation Trench 90
part 1 of single baluster.
21 quarter of complete mid section - Fragmentary 2022 Excavation Trench 90
part 2 of single baluster.
22 3/4 baluster base - part 3 of single Fragmentary 2023 Excavation Trench 90
baluster.
24 Balustrade coping Complete 2025 Excavation Trench 90
25 Baluster mid-section (see frag. Fragmentary 2026 Excavation Trench 90
26)
26 Baluster base (see Frag. 25) Fragmentary 2027 Excavation Trench 90
28 3/4 baluster base (see 37) Fragmentary 2029 Excavation Trench 90
29 Baluster mid section Fragmentary 2030 Excavation Trench 90
30 Baluster 1/4 - mid section. Fragmentary 2031 Excavation Trench 90
31 Baluster mid section 2032 Excavation Trench 90
32 Balustrade coping (see 33) Fragmentary 2033 Excavation Trench 90
33 Balustrade coping (see 32) Fragmentary 2034 Excavation Trench 90
36 Window Vousoir Complete 2037 Excavation Trench 90
37 3/4 mid section baluster (1/4) (see Fragmentary 2038 Excavation Trench 90
28)
38 Architrave Partial D
39 Architrave fragmentary F
40 Moulding - Unknown Location Fragmentary A
41 Architrave A
42 Window Vousoir Complete G
43 F
44 A
Page 17
Architectural
Number
45 Window Vousoir Complete G
46 String Cornice Complete B
47 G
48 Pediment Fragmentary G
49 Baluster Fragmentary G
50 Ashlar Complete C
51 Baluster Fragmentary D
52 D
53 D
54 Architrave Partial E
55 Pediment Partial D
56 MISSING NUMBER MISSING MISSING NUMBER
NUMBER
57 Ashlar Partial D
58 D
59 Ashlar Fragmentary G
60 G
61 G
62 Pulvinated Frieze Fragmentary G
63 Baluster Fragmentary I
64 Terracotta Tile Complete I
65 Terracotta Tile Complete I
67 I
68 I
69 Unidentified Moulding I
70 Architrave Fragmentary I
71 Balustrade Cope Fragmentary H
72 Ballustrade Plinth Fragmentary H
73 Moulding - Unknown Location Partial H
74 H
75 H
76 H
77 Engaged Column Shaft Partial H
78 Architrave Partial H
79 H
81 I
82 modillion Fragmentary I
83 Balustrade Cope Complete F
84 Engaged Column Jamb Complete F
85 D
86 D
87 Pediment Fragmentary D
88 F
89 F
90 Capital Fragmentary C
91 C
92 Balustrade Cope Complete D
93 G
94 Pediment Partial C
95 Pediment Complete C
Page 18
Architectural
Number
96 Pediment Fragmentary G
97 modillion Fragmentary D
98 D
99 Architrave Partial C
100 Ballustrade Plinth Partial C
101 Pulvinated Frieze Partial D
102 Pediment G
104 D
105
109 C
110 C
111 Ashlar Complete G
112 G
113
114 G
115 Ashlar Partial C
116 Baluster Complete G
117 Pulvinated Frieze Fragmentary G
118 A
119 Ballustrade Plinth Complete D
120 B
121 Ashlar Partial B
122 B
123 B
124 B
125 Baluster Fragmentary B
126 Engaged Column Jamb Complete B
127 Ashlar Complete D
133 D
134 D
135 Fragmentary D
136 Ashlar Complete B
137 B
139 Pediment Partial G
141 Pediment C
142 VOLUTE Fragmentary C
143 D
144 D
145 D
146 Capital Fragmentary D
147 D
Page 19
Architectural
Number
148 D
149 D
150 Baluster Partial C
151 Door or Window Moulding(?) Fragmentary C
152 C
153 Architrave Partial C
154 Baluster Fragmentary C
155 Cornice String C
156 Architrave Fragmentary C
157 Baluster Fragmentary B
158 Fragmentary B
159 B
160 B
161 Window Vousoir Complete B
162
163 C
164 C
165 B
166 Unidentified Moulding E
167 Engaged Column Shaft Partial E
168 Pediment Partial B
169 Engaged Column Shaft Partial E
170 Window Vousoir Complete A
171 Fragmentary E
172 Pediment Partial B
173 B
174 Engaged Column Jamb Complete E
175 B
177 Capital Partial B
178 Volute Fragmentary C
179 C
180 Engaged Column Jamb Complete D
181 Pulvinated Frieze Fragmentary D
182 Pediment Fragmentary B
183 Balustrade Cope Complete H
184 Ashlar Partial D
185 Unidentified Moulding B
187 Pulvinated Frieze Fragmentary B
188 Pulvinated Frieze Fragmentary B
189 D
190 C
191 Ashlar Partial D
192 Ashlar Complete E
193 Ashlar Complete E
194 Ashlar Partial E
196 E
198 Ashlar Complete G
199 Ashlar Partial F
Page 20
Architectural
Number
200 Ashlar Complete H
201 B
202 Unidentified Moulding B
203 Window Vousoir Fragmentary B
204 Ashlar Fragmentary B
205 Capital Partial D
206 C
207 Ashlar Fragmentary C
208 Ashlar Fragmentary C
209 Pulvinated Frieze Partial A
210 D
211 C
212 C
213 C
215 Baluster Fragmentary F
216 Architrave C
218 Volute Partial D
219 Pulvinated Frieze Fragmentary D
222 Baluster Fragmentary H
223 Engaged Column Shaft Complete D
224 D
228 F
231 Balustrade Cope Complete H
235 Engaged Column Shaft Fragmentary H
236 Window Vousoir Complete H
239 Capital Partial H
240 H
241 Pediment Complete H
242 Pediment Complete H
243 Architrave Partial Additional Fragments from south
in River
244 Ashlar Fragmentary J
245 Ballustrade Plinth Partial J
246 Architrave Fragmentary J
247 Pediment Fragmentary J
248 Baluster Fragmentary J
250 Modillion Fragmentary J
Page 21
Architectural
Number
251 J
252 J
254 Architrave J
255 Cornice String J
257 Unidentified Moulding J
260 Unidentified Moulding Fragmentary J
261 Window Vousoir J
262 Chimney Flue Lining Fragmentary J
263 Volute Fragmentary J
264 Unidentified Moulding J
265 Terracotta Tile Complete J
268 Terracotta Tile Partial J
Recovered in 2008 season
Architectural
Number
280 Engaged Column Jamb Complete G
281 Ashlar Partial I
282 Capital Fragmentary B
283 String Course Cornice Complete B
284 Balustrade plinth Complete I
285 Unidentified Moulding I
287 Ashlar Complete I
291 Architrave Partial F
292 Window Vousoir Complete F
293 Pulvinated Frieze Partial I
296 Architrave Partial I
297 Architectural Fragment I
298 Window Vousoir Partial I
Page 22
Architectural
Number
299 Architrave Fragmentary D
300 Balustrade plinth Partial H
301 Column base Fragmentary H
302 Unidentified Moulding Fragmentary H
303 Ashlar Fragmentary H
307 Step (bullnosed) Fragmentary H
308 Architectural Fragment Partial F
310 Architectural Fragment Fragmentary F
311 Ashlar Complete F
312 Capital Fragmentary F
320 Architectural Fragment Fragmentary I
327 Ashlar Partial H
337 Modillion Fragmentary A
338 Column base Fragmentary D
339 Step (bullnosed) Fragmentary K
340 Ashlar Fragmentary K
341 Ashlar Partial K
342 Ashlar Complete K
344 Step (bullnosed) ? Partial K
345 Ashlar Partial K
347 Balustrade coping Complete E
349 Balustrade coping Partial E
Page 23
Architectural
Number
354 Column base Fragmentary E
355 Baluster Partial E
360 Column shaft Fragmentary E
362 Balustrade coping Partial E
364 Baluster Partial G
365 Pulvinated Frieze Partial H
366 Unidentified Moulding Partial H
368 Balustrade coping Partial H
372 Balustrade coping Partial H
374 Window Vousoir Complete H
375 Balustrade coping Complete H
377 Engaged Column Jamb Complete H
378 Column base Fragmentary H
379 Step (bullnosed) ? Fragmentary H
380 Architrave Fragmentary H
381 Step (bullnosed) ? Partial H
384 Unidentified Moulding Partial H
(chamfered)
386 Engaged Column Jamb Complete H
387 Pediment Partial H
389 Engaged Column Jamb Partial H
393 Column base Partial H
Recovered in 2009 season
Architectural
Number
394 Ashlar Fragmentary I
395 Balustrade plinth Partial I
396 Balustrade plinth Partial I
397 Architrave Partial I
Page 24

400 Unidentified Moulding Partial I
402 Mortared bricks Partial I
403 Step (bullnosed) ? Partial I
404 Pediment Fragmentary I
406 Unidentified Moulding Partial I
407 Baluster Partial I
409 Step (bullnosed) ? Fragmentary I
410 Unidentified Moulding Fragmentary I
411 String Course Cornice Fragmentary A
412 Pediment (and Modillion) Fragmentary A
413 Pediment Fragmentary B
414 Capital Fragmentary A
415 Unidentified Moulding Fragmentary B
416 Baluster Partial B
419 Baluster Partial A
430 Balustrade coping Partial D
431 Volute Fragmentary C
436 Baluster Partial D
437 Balustrade coping Partial D
439 String Course Cornice Fragmentary D
443 Rosette Partial G
444 Balustrade plinth Partial F
445 Unidentified Moulding Fragmentary F
446 Window Vousoir Partial F
447 Window Scolled Keystone Complete F
448 Architrave Partial F
449 Abacus Partial F
450 Balustrade coping Complete F
451 Step (bullnosed) with Bootscraper Partial F
452 Step (bullnosed) Partial F
Page 25
454 Baluster Partial F

457 F
464 String Course Cornice Fragmentary F
Appendix 2 Photo Register
Photo Record List – Newhailes Tea House

Photo Direction
Digital Description Date
ID from
1 NTH09_001 General View of initial cleaning to northwest of Tea house N 06/05/2009
with estate boundary wall and arched exit
3 NTH09_003 General View of northwest arch of Tea house E 06/05/2009

5 NTH09_005 Late 18th/Early19th century Pipe 06/05/2009
NTH09_006 th 06/05/2009
6 Late 18 /Early19th century Pipe
7 NTH09_007 Day 1 Group 06/05/2009
8 NTH09_008 View under arch showing architectural fragment collection NW 07/05/2009
9 NTH09_009 Day 2 group 07/05/2009
10 NTH09_010 Day 2 group 07/05/2009
11 NTH09_011 Day 2 group 07/05/2009
12 NTH09_012 Cleaning of burn to front (southeast) of Tea House 08/05/2009
13 NTH09_013 Excitement at the find of a stone rosette 08/05/2009
16 NTH09_016 Cobbles and bricks used to create a temporary revetment to 08/05/2009

the west bank of the ‘pool’ beside the Tea House footing
17 NTH09_017 Cobbles and bricks used to create a temporary revetment to 08/05/2009
the west bank of the ‘pool’ beside the Tea House footing
18 NTH09_018 Test Pit 1 showing mortar spread forming base of brick NE 08/05/2009
construction (now gone)
19 NTH09_019 Test Pit 1 showing mortar spread forming base of brick NE 08/05/2009
construction (now gone)
20 NTH09_020 Test Pit 2 showing mortar spread in section forming base of NE 08/05/2009
brick construction (now gone)
Page 26
Photo Record List – Newhailes Tea House

Photo Direction
Digital Description Date
ID from
21 NTH09_021 Test Pit 2 showing mortar spread in section forming base of NE 08/05/2009
brick construction (now gone)
22 NTH09_022 Test Pit 1 showing mortar with traces of brick pattern Vert 08/05/2009
23 NTH09_023 Group Shot Day 3 08/05/2009
26 NTH09_026 Base of pool beside Teahouse to the southeast at the south Vert 10/05/2009
corner
27 NTH09_027 Base of pool beside Teahouse to the southeast at the south Vert 10/05/2009
corner
28 NTH09_028 General Work shots to south of Tea House 10/05/2009
39 NTH09_039 Group Shot day 4 10/05/2009
40 NTH09_040 Removal of step with iron foot scraper 11/05/2009
44 NTH09_040 Brick Feature in Test Pit 3 to south of Tea House Pool on NE 11/05/2009
the east bank
45 NTH09_040 Brick Feature in Test Pit 3 to south of Tea House Pool on NE 11/05/2009
the east bank
46 NTH09_040 Brick Feature in Test Pit 3 to south of Tea House Pool on NW 11/05/2009
the east bank showing top 6 courses
47 NTH09_040 Brick Feature in Test Pit 3 to south of Tea House Pool on NW 11/05/2009
the east bank in context with Tea House
Page 27
Appendix 3 Artefact List
Artefact Record List - NTH09 – Tea House

BAG Context Description
822 Tea House Burn 9 Pottery Sherds - Red Earthenware
823 Tea House Burn 35 Pottery Sherds - Red Earthenware
824 Tea House Burn 3 Pottery Sherds - Glazed Red earthenware
825 Tea House Burn 3 Pottery Sherds - Stoneware
826 Tea House Burn 26 Pottery Sherds – Cream/Whiteware
827 Tea House Burn 35 Pottery Sherds – Decorated-patterned Cream/Whiteware
828 Tea House Burn 2 Pottery Sherds – Greenglaze
829 Tea House Burn 1 Fragment white tile
830 Tea House Burn 10 fragments flat glass
th
831 Tea House Burn 5 fragments 18/19 century bottle glass
th
th
th
834 Tea House Burn 5 complete 20 century bottles (various)
th
835 Tea House Burn 7 complete 20 century bottles and jars (various)
836 Tea House Burn 4 Fe/Pb stone Clamps (partial)
837 Tea House Burn 4 Fe/Pb stone Clamps (partial)
838 Tea House Burn One rustic door strap hinge, with frag wood
839 Tea House Burn One door lock (recent)
840 Tea House Burn 12 Fe Obj
841 Tea House Burn Fe Large Obj
842 Tea House Burn 21 Oyster Shells (likely used as fillers in construction levels)
843 Tea House Burn 16 animal bones (various)
844 Tea House Burn 1 fox(?) skull
845 Tea House Burn
1 Tennents Beer Can (c. 1979) Marie in White Dress
http://www.cannyscot.com/4th%20Lovelies.htm
th
846 Tea House Burn Clay pipe (poss late 18 century)
847 Tea House Burn White metal inkwell lid.
848 Tea House Burn Figurine fragment (boy or girl with large brimmed hat)
849 Tea House Burn Marble (children toy)
850 Tea House Burn Coin - Napoleon III – 10 centimes - 1853
851 Tea House Burn Coin – Aluminium – unknown (European)
852 Tea House Burn Crab Claw
853 Tea House Burn Melted glass (from shell grotto ?)
854 Tea House Burn 2 Shells (from shell grotto ?)
855 Tea House Burn Horn Knife Handle (with fe tang)
Page 28
Artefact Record List - NTH09 – Tea House

BAG Context Description
856 Tea House Burn Tar brush
857 Tea House Burn Ball and Claw stove leg (cast Iron)
858 Tea House Burn Hand Brush
859 Tea House Burn Painted window surround (x2)
860
861
862
863
864
Appendix 4 The Bank of Scotland Corporate Challenge groups
The Teams:
What a difference.!?
Page 29
Discovery and Excavation Scotland
LOCAL AUTHORITY: East Lothian

Site Name: Newhailes Tea House
Parish: Inveresk
Name of Contributor(s): David Connolly (Connolly Heritage Consultancy)
Type of Site or Find: 18th-century Tea House
NGR (2 letters, 6 or 8 figures): NT 3253 7293
Report:
An archaeological removal and recording exercise was undertaken around the

Newhailes Tea House. 464 architectural fragments were recovered in total,
catalogued and stored with the assistance of volunteers from the Bank of Scotland as
part of a Corporate Challenge. The resulting collection allowed for the complete
architectural understanding of the principal elevation of the structure and quantified
the remaining recovery issues. The canal to the south of the Tea House was partially
cleared of recent debris and the original side slope exposed including the mortar
foundation spread for a brick revetment wall. A further brick walled structure was
uncovered to the south of the Tea House canal.
Additional artefacts were recovered from the river.
The principal elevation is now fully understood and the shape and form of the canal is
known. The importance of the structure within the Scottish Enlightenment is
confirmed.
Sponsor(s): HS, Society, Institution, Developer, etc. (where appropriate):

The National Trust for Scotland
Address(es) of Main Contributor(s):
Connolly Heritage Consultancy

Traprain House
Luggate Burn
Whittingehame
East Lothian
EH41 4QA
Page 30

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Newhailes House Estate, Tea House – Architectural

Fragment Recovery III Corporate Challenge

A National Trust for Scotland Report

Buildings Archaeologist and Heritage Consultant

T : 01620 861643 E : info@bajr.org

5.1 The Recovery (Fig. 2) 8

6.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 9

7.0 NEWHAILES TEA HOUSE : NOTES : TOM ADDYMAN 13

Figure 5: (top) 1755 Gen. Roy map showing Newhailes Estate.

Figure 7: Reconstruction of Tea House with canal to front.

Appendix 1: Architectural Fragment List

1.1 An archaeological Corporate Challenge was organised for the recovery,

2.1 Site location and description

The structure consists of a small rectangular pavilion, now largely ruined,

The structure itself and associated architectural fragments is under threat

Tea House Path

Location of test trenches 10 m

Figure 1: Location Plan

Identify Recover Record

Transport Careful handling Store

Figure 2. Original Reconstruction (2002) based on Winton

5.1 The Recovery (Fig. 3)

Through recording the approximate location of the findspots of the stone

2009 Final clearance beneath

line of tunnel H Rockpile in woods

299 - 338 - 430 - 436 - 437 - 438 - 439 - 440

337 - 411 - 412 - 414 - 419 - 420

D 347 - 348 - 349 - 350 - 351 - 352 - 353

C 354 - 355 - 356 - 357 - 358 - 359 - 360

Trench 90 050 - 083 - 084 - 090 - 091 - 094

5.2 The recovered architectural elements (Fig. 4)

1. Pediment (raking 10. String course cornice

No window glass or lead cames (suggested by

5.3 The wider landscape (Fig. 5 & 6)

In addition to the architectural recovery, the nature of the setting of the

Following on from the previous

It has been suggested that punting was carried

5.4 Examination of the southern zone

The slopes of the canal bank beside the Tea

Unknown Moulding Course 0 1 5

Pediment with Modillions

Volute and Ionic Capital

String Course Cornice

Bullnosed Stair Tread with bootscraper Engaged Column Jamb

5.5 Phasing of collapse

Laminated layers within the centre of the burn.

In the 2009 season however, further larger structural fragments were

projected lines of brick lined bank

Figure 5 Additional investigations within 2009 project area.

5.6 Base of Canal

5.7 North Burn area

In 2009, further architectural fragments were removed where it seems they

5.8 Wood and Plaster

The wood fell into the following categories.

6.0 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summarising the three seasons of work at the Tea House it is possible to

It is clear that enough architectural elements remain of the Tea House to

Most artefacts recovered from the burn, are difficult to attribute to a

To conclude, this three year investigation began as a simple architectural

Further rectangular ‘pools’

Further rectangular ‘pools’

(top) c. 1750s Gen. Roy map showing Newhailes

7.0 NEWHAILES TEA HOUSE : Notes : Tom Addyman