The grave of what appears to be a medieval knight or nobleman has been found in Edinburgh, Scotland during the demolition of a parking lot.

The medieval knight's grave as well as evidence of what appears to be an old monastery was found when demolition began for a new university building.

Archaeologists were called in to excavate the site and discovered an elaborate sandstone slab, with carvings of a Calvary Cross and ornate sword.

Researchers say they already knew the history of the area which had previously been the site of two high schools, one from the 18th century and another from the 16th century, as well as the location of the Blackfriars Monastery from the 13th century.

The medieval knight's grave, however, confirms the exact location of the monastery.

The Blackfriars Monastery was founded in 1230 by former King of Scotland Alexander II and had been destroyed during the Protestant Reformation in 1558.

"This find has the potential to be one of the most significant and exciting archaeological discoveries in the city for many years, providing us with yet more clues as to what life was like in Medieval Edinburgh," said Richard Lewis, the City of Edinburgh's council culture convener.

An analysis of the medieval knight's skeleton and teeth will be carried out to learn about his life, including where he was from, as well as how he died.

Lewis also added, "We hope to find out more about the person buried in the tomb once we remove the headstone, but our archaeologists have already dated the gravestone to the 13th century."

The parking lot where the medieval knight was found was being cleared to build a new Edinburgh Centre for Carbon Innovation.

The find comes just a month after a skeleton found in another parking lot in England was confirmed to be King Richard III, who was killed in battle in 1485.