Lost North Lanarkshire community rediscovered by archaeologists

Glasgow Times

17-07-2025

The forgotten community of New Orbiston, established in North Lanarkshire in 1825 and abandoned just three years later, is now the focus of an investigation led by Archaeology Scotland.
Supported by volunteers, community groups, and school pupils, the project aims to uncover and preserve the remains of the short-lived settlement, which was inspired by the co-operative ideals of Robert Owen's New Lanark.
Dr Edward Steward on site with volunteers (Image: Archaeology Scotland)
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Keiran Manchip, project officer at Archaeology Scotland, said: "We are really happy with our excavation at the Manufactory site of the Orbiston Community (1825-28).
"This site has offered us an exciting glimpse into the material culture and architecture of a Utopian community which set out to make a better, fairer, and more equal society."
The community was founded by Abram Combe and Archibald Hamilton of Dalzell with support from Owen.
By 1826, around 250 people had settled in the community, living in a large accommodation block known as Liberty Hall.
Its goal was to build a society based on co-operation, but internal disagreements, financial problems, and Mr Combe's declining health led to its collapse by 1828.
Archaeology Scotland has been surveying the sites associated with the community, including the Manufactory and Holm Forge, both long hidden in the undergrowth.
These sites, which have never been examined before, will be added to the National Monuments Record for future generations.
A small-scale evaluation dig took place in July at the Manufactory to assess the survival of any remaining structures and to begin piecing together the story of New Orbiston.
The excavation revealed interior wall faces of the main building and details of construction techniques used in a small annex on the northern side.
Archaeology Scotland believes this project holds valuable lessons for contemporary society and hopes to continue its work at the site in the future.
The dig site (Image: Archaeology Scotland)
Wall profiles showing the construction methods and phasing of the site (Image: Archaeology Scotland) A medieval green glass ceramic cup and a post-medieval pottery sherd found at the site (Image: Archaeology Scotland) Mr Manchip said: "This movement formed during a time of economic and social challenges that mirror challenges we face today, such as technological advances which bring changes to our working lives.
"By exploring the archaeology of this community, we can better understand how workers tried to challenge these developments.
"This lost story has been uncovered through a programme of surveys and excavations by our team and we'd like to say a massive thank you to the volunteers from across Lanarkshire and the Our Space group and Phoenix Futures for getting involved and creating such a fun environment on-site."