Newbridge chariot, Iron Age chariot burial near Huly Hill, Edinburgh, Scotland
Newbridge chariot is an Iron Age burial site west of Edinburgh, Scotland, featuring preserved iron tires and metal fittings around each wheel. The vehicle was excavated from a pit specifically sized to match the chariot's exact dimensions.
Discovery in 2000-2001 marked the first Iron Age chariot burial found in Britain outside Yorkshire, dating to the 5th century BC. This find significantly altered understanding of Iron Age practices across Scotland.
The burial method reflects Continental European customs rather than Yorkshire traditions, where chariots were typically disassembled before interment. This distinction reveals connections to foreign burial practices in this region.
The site sits about 14 kilometers west of Edinburgh city center near the Edinburgh Interchange development area. Visitors should check ahead since this is an archaeological site with limited or seasonal access.
The wheels were extracted in soil blocks, allowing detailed laboratory analysis and conservation by National Museum of Scotland specialists. This extraction method preserved fine details of the wood and metal construction that might otherwise have been lost.
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