06. DUNDEE LAW IN LANDSCAPE AND LIVES

Dundee Law is a key landmark and is a part of Dundee’s distinctive skyline. The word Law simply means Hill. It rises to a height of 174 metres, providing a spectacular panoramic view over Dundee, the Sidlaw Hills and beyond. It’s a site that tells us much about the history of this area. We’ll take a look at the objects in this case, which contains materials found on the Law. During the Bronze Age, 4,000 years ago, the Law may have had ritualistic significance. Accounts from the 19th Century tell us that many small stone-built graves containing human bones were found, near the summit. Have a look at the graphic panel in the left hand case. During the Iron Age, 2,000 years later, there was a timber-laced hill fort –a stone wall braced with timber. The fort was destroyed by a fire hot enough to melt stone - look at object number 6 to see what this looks like. We don’t have much evidence to prove that this was a permanent settlement, though we do know that metalworking took place here. Look at object number 5, the samples of vitrified stone and slag found on the Law. Slag is the residue from smelting iron. Now, look at the stone lamp, object number 2. This was discovered during construction of the War Memorial, between 1923 and 1925. The lamp is Romano British, and dates from approximately 1,900 years ago. Additional pottery was discovered and it’s believed that pottery may have been used by native people as diplomatic gifts. The Law was purchased as a public park in 1878. Today, it’s an area for recreation, and also includes the impressive Dundee War memorial. When you’re ready, please turn to your right and look up at the large animal display.

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The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery and Museum

The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery and Museum is situated in the centre of Dundee. The Museum and Art Gallery originally known as the Albert Institute was opened in 1867 as a memorial to Prince Albert. In 2005 The McManus closed for a major refurbishment, reopening again on the 28th February 2010. We celebrated our 150th Anniversay in 2017 with a year of celebration. In 2020 we were awarded Visitor Attraction of the Year by Visit Scotland. The McManus has 8 galleries, which are laid out on 2 floors. Visitors can embark on a journey through 400 million years, and witness how a small settlement developed into the City of Dundee as it is today. From exhibits relating to the life of early man in the area, stunning paintings and decorative art through to artefacts from industries past and present, the City's collections, many of which are recognised as being of national significance, give an insight into Dundee and its people.

 

  • The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery and Museum
  • Dundee United Kingdom
  • www.mcmanus.co.uk