FOUR EXCAVATIONS IN KILKENNY CITY ( ): SITE REPORTS & SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

Transcription

1 FOUR EXCAVATIONS IN KILKENNY CITY ( ): SITE REPORTS & SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION PAUL STEVENS This publication has received support from the Heritage Council under the 2006 Publications Grant Scheme.

2 Contents 1 Introduction 2 Archaeological Results 3 Conclusions 4 References Appendix I: Catalogue of Finds Appendix II: Analysis of Faunal Remains by M. McQuade Appendix III: Analysis of Plant Remains by P. Johnson Appendix IV: Wood & Charcoal Identifications by I. Stuijts Figures Figure 1 Location Map Figure 2 J. Rocque s Map of Kilkenny, 1758 Figure 3 1st Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1841 Figure 4 Phased Site Plan of Area 1 Figure 5 Phased Site Plan of Area 2 Figure 6 Plan of Kiln C111 Figure 7 Sections: Postholes Figure 8 Sections: Pits and Wells Figure 9 Sections: Ditches and Gullies Figure 10 Clay Pipe Bowls Plates Plate 1 Area 1H under excavation, from north Plate 2 Area 1 under excavation from west Plate 3 Kiln C111, from east Plate 4 East bowl C338, from east Plate 5 Kiln C111, eastern bowl C54 from east Plate 6 Stone-lined pit C172 Plate 7 No 17 Friary Street Plate 8 Area 2J, excavation in progress, from west Plate 9 Well, C595. From south Plate 10 Cellar A, C594 from east Plate 11 Complete Gouda Pipes, with both stamp types, C84 Plate 12 Ring Brooch, after conservation (Find No. 311:1)

3 Non-Technical Summary Archaeological excavation of this site was undertaken in three phases, following and interspersed with archaeological monitoring of the proposed three-storey car park and apartment block development. The site had been subject to previous assessment (O Donovan 1997). Phase 1 (Area 1) was carried out in February 2001, following the discovery of archaeological material during monitoring of construction for a proposed basement car park (Area 1). Phase 2 constituted excavation of limited features, revealed in March 2001 during the installation of a tower crane pad (Area 2J). Phase 3 also related to excavation of a small cluster of features, conducted in June 2001 during monitoring of ground reduction for apartments, under a separate excavation licence (Ref: 01E 569) (Area 2E/H) (also included in this report). The results of these excavations showed archaeological features in isolated patches or clusters across the entire site. However, the main body was concentrated in the southeast corner of the site, within or below a cumulative garden soil (Area 1D-J). Medieval features included pits, linear gullies and postholes as well as a burnt alder, ash and willow wattle fence. Late medieval features included three stone-lined pits or water troughs, ditches and a very fine stone-lined corn-drying kiln with burnt malt and oat chaff and a burnt hazel, oak and ash wattle and daub cover. Post-medieval features included several linear gullies and boundary ditches, refuse pits, landscaping, tree-plantation and the walls of the Georgian terraced houses that survived until recently along the length of the street. The majority of the site was subject to early modern and modern truncation, which removed any trace of further archaeological remains. The nature of this truncation consisted of ground reduction to the west lowering the natural boulder clay by as much as 0.5m. Early modern buildings and cellars accounted for the majority of this truncation. The finds retrieved from this excavation were largely vernacular in nature but included a medieval bronze ring brooch, an early Bronze thimble, a Cromwellian cannonball, as well as glass, Irish, English and French pottery, Irish, English and Dutch clay tobacco pipes (including a cache of complete mid-nineteenth-century Gouda pipes). Paleoenvironmental evidence included animal bone, charcoal and wood remains and preserved malted oat and wheat. In conclusion, excavation produced archaeological evidence mainly concentrated toward the street frontage and representing the truncated remains of near continuous occupation evidence from the thirteenth to the twentieth century. No direct evidence of houses was revealed prior to the Georgian walls. The evidence suggests the remains of at least two medieval burgage plots were revealed fronting High Street. This is confirmed by the presence of a drying kiln so close to the present street frontage, and a series of stone lined pits orientated east-west. Documentary evidence suggests that this street was in use from at least the fourteenth century however it is likely the street was no more than an alley leading to Walkins Gate until houses were built on the street in the mid eighteenth century.

4 Four Kilkenny Excavations ( ) 1. Introduction This report details the results of archaeological monitoring and subsequent archaeological excavations of a site at the junction of Friary Street and Garden Row, Kilkenny City (Fig. 1. N.G.R /155700). The site is situated at the corner of Garden Row and Friary Street, extending east along the northern side of the street to No. 5 Friary Street and measured 78m east west by 30m north south. The site is located within the Area of Archaeological Potential for Kilkenny (R.M.P. ref.: 019:026) and is located close to the line of the city wall, within the 12 th Century Hightown of Kilkenny. The site was subject to previous archaeological assessment, which revealed a medieval/post-medieval garden soil and Georgian basements (O Donovan 1997). The proposed development is a large four-storey complex of mixed residential and commercial units, with basement car park. The site fronts Friary Street and is accessed from both Friary Street and Garden Row, and measures 72m in length (along Friary Street) and 29.5m in width. The proposed basement car park (Area 1) is located within the eastern half, measuring 35.5m in length and 28m in width. All licensed excavation was only undertaken following approval from Dúchas, The Heritage Service. Archaeological monitoring of all ground works for construction was undertaken intermittently by the author under licence (Ref. 97E 087ext.) between 24 th January 2001 and 3 rd December During the course of construction three separate phases of archaeological excavation were undertaken, also by the author under licence. These included resolution of features revealed; within the basement area (Area 1) in February 2001, the Tower Crane pad area (Area 2J) in March 2001, and the apartment and access road area (Area 2E/H) in June The latter was undertaken under separate licence (Ref. 01E 0569). The aim of archaeological monitoring and subsequent excavation was to protect and fully record any archaeological features, materials and artefacts revealed during construction. Archaeological monitoring and excavation revealed several isolated clusters and a large concentration of archaeological features lying within the footprint of the development dating back to the 13 th Century. The impact of this development on these fragmentary remains would have been complete. Therefore, full excavation of all features revealed in construction was undertaken to ensure full preservation by record of these features. The site is located on Friary Street, west of High Street in what is thought to be the early portion of the town. The line of the city wall ran north south from this gate parallel with Garden Row, which was originally a medieval sconce or internal road for defenders of the city to access the wall. Friary Street, formerly Walkin s Street was originally one of the main access roads into the medieval walled city. A city gate is marked on Rocque s Map of Kilkenny 1758 (Fig. 2). This was called Walkin s Gate and was located at the junction of Friary Street and Garden Row, but was demolished in 1788, when Walkin s Street was improved (Thomas P129). There is also an early reference (1305 AD) to a stone house 'situated near way which leads to Walkelyn's Bar' (Watters 1873). The way leading to 'Walkelyn's Bar' is very likely to be Walkin's Street (Friary Street). Archaeological testing at the site revealed no evidence of medieval deposits or structures but a garden layer and undated water-filled boundary ditch were revealed and may indicate the presence of medieval features. A post-medieval clay floor was also revealed associated with a row of houses in place along the street in or before the mid-seventeenth century. However, parts of the site were revealed to have been subject to modern truncation (O Donovan 1997). Further archaeological testing at No. 4 Friary Street revealed modern disturbance and recent brick and stone foundations. However, medieval pottery was discovered within a deep deposit and also a disturbed context (Breen 1998). Archaeological testing and monitoring of a site at Garden Row revealed post-medieval features including a north south drainage ditch and deep pits. These also produced medieval pottery (Reid 1998). Paul Stevens 1 Margaret Gowen & Co. Ltd

5 Four Kilkenny Excavations ( ) 2. Archaeological Results (Fig Plate 1-10) 2.1 Introduction The site measured 80m in length (east-west) by 30m north-south, from the junction of Garden Row and No. 17 Friary Street to No. 5 Friary Street. During excavation, the site was divided into AREA 1 and AREA 2 representing the general ground plan footprint of the development. Area 1 represented the proposed basement area and measured 28m in length by 18.5m in width. The remaining area to the west (Area 2) represented the proposed ground floor car park, apartment block and access roads, which also continued above ground onto the underground car park. Both Areas were then sub-divided into sub areas, aligned to the existing and former property boundary walls. Area 1 was divided into 1A-J (excluding I). Area 2 was labelled the same, so Area 2G represented No. 17 Friary Street, outside the remit of this work. Archaeological features were revealed in Areas 1C to 1J, 2A to 2C, 2E, 2F, 2H and 2J. In Area 1 features were stratigraphically sealed below early modern overburden, walls of several eighteenth century dwellings, and/or medieval garden soils. However, much of the site was subject to truncation and many stratigraphical relationships could be securely determined. Despite this, a number of cut features did produce artifactual dating evidence and could be assigned to various phases of prior activity. Therefore, features were dated and phased detailed (below) by their stratigraphical and artifactual order and phase, where ever possible. Those features not dateable by either means are listed as such. Excavation produced four phases of archaeological activity across the site (Fig. 4,5). These were as follows; Phase 1: Medieval represented features dated to the th Century were exposed across the site mainly fronting Friary Street. Phase 2: Late-medieval/post-medieval, represented features dated to the 16 th or 17 th century exposed across the site, Phase 3: Post medieval relates to features dated from 18 th Century Georgian houses depicted on Rocque s map of 1758 (Fig. 2), and later improvements of Phase 4: Early Modern, relates to activity dated to the 19th century or that after the Georgian remodelling of the street. Modern truncation was classified as all 20th century activity. 2.2 Methodology Archaeological excavation of this site was undertaken in a piecemeal fashion over the full year of 2001 as a result of construction, with only one major open area excavation in Area 1, undertaken in February 2001, for the resolution of the basement area. The remainder of the site (Area 2) was not subject to such severe impact and was investigated in small segments, during limited mechanical clearance as part of this development. Many of the features revealed in Area 2 were only partially excavated and recorded during construction of deep pile holes, beam trenches or limited clearance. Therefore, the isolated nature of the features in Area 2 is more a reflection of the construction operation than archaeological distribution. However, it was apparent that substantial levels of truncation occurred across the entire western and northern sections of the site. 2.3 Phase 0: Natural Natural on this site consisted of a coarse grade river gravels and cobbles, overlain by yellowyorange coarse-grained sandy boulder clay subsoil (005 in Area 1, except 410 in Area 1J, 555 in Area 2). Subsoil was partially truncated to the western and northern quarters of the area, it sloped gently naturally to the east. 2.4 Phase 1: Medieval (Fig. 4) A high concentration of medieval features dated to the 13 th or 14 th century cut natural 005/555 across the site. A total of twenty-one medieval features were recorded from within Area 1, where preservation was better. Area 2 contained no dateable medieval features. Features were spread across Area 1 with a notable concentration towards the front of the site in Area 1H. Features included a linear east-west ditch, inter-cutting domestic and garden rubbish pits, post-holes. Street Frontage (Area 1H): Linear & Pit Features Paul Stevens 2 Margaret Gowen & Co. Ltd

6 Four Kilkenny Excavations ( ) This area (Area 1H) represented the single most densely packed cluster of features dated to the medieval period and consisted of a number of pits (both inter-cutting and separate), a linear gully, post-hole arrangement and beam slot. The earliest features in this sequence were isolated pits (016 & 140), an irregular-shaped pit (029) and a gully (055-Fig. 9). A circular pit (016) was located closest to Friary Street in Area 1H. This pit measured 1.9m in diameter, 0.9m deep and contained a single charcoal-flecked stony silty clay fill, with local and Leinster Cooking ware and a possible whetstone (Find No 15:10). Charcoal and burnt straw produced a mixed species profile of hazel, wild cherry type, sloe, oak and willow, with ash the dominant species each in mostly good condition, and therefore represented wood derived from an indoor source or local (garden) scrub clearance (I. Stuijts: Appendix IV). A second pit feature (140) was located in the west of Area 1H and consisted of an oval pit, 1.4m in length, 0.85m in width and 0.17m in depth, containing a single stony charcoal flecked silty fill (153). This in turn was cut by both pit (139) to the north, and smaller oval pit (091. Fig 7) to the southeast. The former (139) was a larger oval pit, measuring 2.3m in length, 1.7m in width and 0.37m in depth and containing a silty fill (152) with four sherds of imported and local ware. The linear gully (056) was located north of pit 16 and was orientated east-west (parallel to Friary St). It measured c.5m in length, 1.35m in width and 0.4m in depth and contained a single stony silty clay fill (056) with eleven sherds of imported or local ware. It is unclear what the function of this short ditch is, but it respects the limit of Plot N o 8 and perpendicular garden hedgerow. The western end of this gully was partially cut by posthole (059-Fig. 7), filled by 060. An irregularly shaped truncated pit (029) was located to the north of Area 1H, and measured 1.4m in width and 0.67m in depth. It contained three fills: a primary silty fill (031), and two upper fills of stone, burnt clay daub and charcoal (030, 033). This charcoal contained four species: alder, ash, oak and willow, in bad condition and equally represented. The material was mixed with roundwood and wood chips suggestive of woodworking debris (I. Stuijts Appendix IV). This pit was truncated by a large oval pit (068) measuring 4.7m in length, 1.9 in width and 0.98m in depth containing a stony friable clay fill (69/194/206) with redeposited natural inclusions (208). This fill also produced two sherds of red earthenware (intrusive) and local medieval pottery. This pit was cut by a second oblong shaped pit (231), orientated northwest-southeast and measuring 2.2m in length, 1.5m in width and 0.35m in depth, filled with a sandy silt. To the east of Area 1H were two inter-cutting pits, the earliest of which, was a sub-rectangular pit (18), filled by a sandy clay fill (021) containing four sherds of local and Leinster Cooking ware. This pit was cut by a second truncated oval or circular pit (019-Fig. 8) measuring 2m in diameter and 0.71m in depth, filled by three charcoal flecked stony silt clay fills, containing local, Leinster ware and imported pottery plus several metal objects. Street Frontage (Area 1J): Pit Complex To the north of Area 1J against the northern baulk were two intercutting pits, the earliest of which, was a circular or oval pit (155), filled by two sandy clay silt fills (157/156) containing a sherd of local ware. This pit was cut by a second truncated oval or circular pit (129) measuring 1.4m in diameter and 0.52m in depth, filled by two charcoal flecked stony silt clay fills, containing local, and imported pottery plus several metal nails. Immediately east of this complex was an isolated circular pit (071-Fig. 9) truncated and running into the east baulk. This feature was filled by a silty clay fill with four sherds of local ware. Central Area (Area 1E/H): Pit Complex The central area of Area 1 was largely void of medieval features. However, a cluster was recorded to the south of Area 1E, the earliest of which was a large circular pit (337), 2.6m+ in diameter containing a singular charcoal flecked sandy clay fill (338) with two sherds of imported pot. This was cut by two small ephemeral features: a small slot (416-Fig. 7) filled by a clayey sand with some stone, and a post hole (414-Fig. 7) filled by a clayey silt with shell and charcoal (415). This in turn was cut by a smaller pit (336), partly extending into the baulk and measuring 1.38m in diameter filled by four primary stony charcoal-flecked sandy clay fills (444/443/330/335), the latter two containing twenty-one and six sherds respectively of local imported medieval pot. This series of inter-features possibly represented a continuation of pit complex 129/135 in Area 1J, straddling the baulk. Rear Area (Area 1C/1F): Isolated Pits Paul Stevens 3 Margaret Gowen & Co. Ltd

7 Four Kilkenny Excavations ( ) A second pit (324-Fig. 7) was located south of 501, within Area 1F. It was truncated, measured 0.62m in width and 0.3m in depth and contained two fills of sandy clay fills. 371 was a lower stony fill over 370 a charcoal flecked fill. This feature produced sixteen sherds of medieval local-type and imported medieval pot and six tile fragments. No medieval features survived to the rear of the site except an isolated oval pit (501-Fig. 8) was recorded in Area 1C, measuring 1.85m in length, 1.1m in width, 0.3m in depth containing one uniform fill of dark silty clay and a single sherd of local type ware pottery. 2.5 Phase 2: late-medieval/tudor (Fig. 4,5,6. Plate 3, 4) A total of seven later medieval or early post-medieval features were revealed in Area 1, with an associated thirty-three post or stake holes much of it dated by 17 th century pottery (North Devon or Tin Glazed Earthenwares or securely-dated clay pipe bowls). A uniform layer of garden soil preserved many medieval features, across the southeast area of the site. Five scattered features were also assigned to this phase within Area 2. Features in both areas consisted of linear gullies and ditches, post-holes, corn-drying kiln and rubbish pits, and stonelined troughs or tanning pits. A number of other undated features are also included here, but may in fact date to either Phase 1 or 2, although definitely sealed by Phase 3 activity. Street Frontage (Area 1H/J): Garden Soil & Corn Kiln A layer of cumulative dark silty clay garden soil (008) was recorded across Area 1J and part of Area 1H up to the western terminus of gully 056. Further west this layer was absent and possibly truncated. This layer contained charcoal flecking and pottery dating from the medieval period as well as sherds, clay pipe and an iron handle dating to the 17 th, 18 th and 19 th century. However, it is more likely this layer is a cumulative deposit, i.e. it represents more than one layer and is in fact a medieval garden soil in one or two disused plots, overlain by garden soil built up in later centuries and re-worked over time. The broad range of finds from this layer are more a reflection of either poor working conditions and high risk of intrusive finds or an inability to distinguish between early and later garden deposits in the same area. Therefore, features cutting this layer are dated by local finds within the layer or by intrinsic finds within the cut features themselves. Corn Drying Kiln (Fig. 6, Plate 3, 4) The most significant feature revealed on this site was that of a stone-lined corn-drying kiln (111), cutting the garden soil (008). Typically this stone lined feature should date to the medieval period, however, finds from this feature dated it to the 17 th century. The kiln was constructed within an oval pit (404/405), measuring 4.4m in length east west, 2m in width and 0.72m in depth. The sides within the central area were packed with re-deposited clay natural packing (163), containing slate, slag inclusions and numerous sherds of local medieval pottery and a single sherd of North Devon gravel tempered floor tile. This then created a figure-ofeight shape with two pits (54 west pit /388 east pit) and a narrow flue between them. This base of 388 contained a number of stake holes rammed into the soft sandy natural (Postholes: 066, , 241, 373, 375, 377, 379, 381). Both pits contained burnt evidence of a wicker lining (63/64 including stake holes 286, 288, 290, 356, 358, 360 Fig. 7), with sails of ash, oak and alder and rods of alder, hazel, ash, willow and elm. The charcoal indicated the wood had come from a managed forest, cut in the late summer, autumn or winter (Stuijts Appendix IV). The base of the flue was flag-lined and the sides of the eastern bowl 388 were lined with claybonded (527) squared limestone walls (111), which survived to three courses /0.66m in height and measured m in internal diameter, 0.5m in thickness, and 1.6m in diameter, 3.4m in length (including flue). The base of the kiln bowl (388) was originally unlined with a sandy silt deposit with charcoal inclusions (274), this was overlain by compact clay floor (065/070/273). This layer contained stone and the 40% charred remains. A second layer of charred plant remains ( ) represented the fire-damaged last contents of the kiln after it burned down completely. Following this the remains of the kiln was pushed into itself and backfilled with silty material (061, 062, 051, 048) containing both firewood, burnt daub and plant remains, representing the burnt remains of the collapsed wattle and daub copula. Analysis of plant remains from these fills indicated an oat crop, being prepared for brewing beer, plus other crops such as wheat and barley, along with some legumes (predominantly identified as peas) (Johnson Appendix III). Paul Stevens 4 Margaret Gowen & Co. Ltd

8 Four Kilkenny Excavations ( ) Street Frontage (Area 1J): Well, Pit & Linear Features In the vicinity of the kiln (Area 1J) were a number of possibly associated pit and linear features. Two undated features (277 and 322-Fig. 8) were located in the area around the kiln but were un-dated. Pit 277, contained posthole (537), filled with burnt clay (280/279), interspersed with charcoal and gravel rich silt (312/278). Possibly representing a fire pit for the kiln. A second circular pit feature (322) was located immediately south of the kiln (111), cut the garden soil (314=008) and filled by a single silty fill (317). Closest to the street was a well or deep pit feature (382-Fig. 8) measuring 1.4m in diameter and 2.8m in depth. This well was backfilled by two clay silts (383/399), one with charcoal-flecked with oyster shell (383), and then sealed with a burnt clay capping containing an undated clay pipe stem (398/397). To the west of Area 1J was a large pit (041-Fig. 8) partially within the southern baulk, against the street frontage and cutting garden soil (008). This sub-circular pit measured 2.1m in length (north-south) and 2m in width, 1.35m in depth, and contained a lower sandy, and upper fill (40) and burnt clay capping ( ) with medieval pot throughout. To the north of this feature was a posthole (101-Fig. 7), sealed by the garden soil containing a sherd of North Devon gravel-tempered ware. West of this feature was a small square pit (112-Fig. 9), measuring 1m in length, 0.12m in truncated depth, containing a single charcoal flecked stony fill (113) with a 3lb cannonball and a clay pipe stem. To the northwest of pit 041 in Area 1H was a deep unlined feature representing a well (085-Fig. 8). This feature cut 056 and 008 and measured 1.4m in diameter and 0.95m in depth. It contained two fills (086/087) with a burnt capping (087) similar to both 41 and 382. Street Frontage (Area 2H): Isolated Pits Three isolated pit features were revealed in Area 2H, in this phase. One feature (578) extended south of Area 2H into the baulk, and represented a small north-south linear ditch terminus or oval pit, containing sandy silty clay with brick and slate. Immediately north of 578 was a small post hole (582). West of this was a linear ditch terminus or oval pit (575), which also ran west into the baulk. The feature measured 1m in width and 0.3m in depth and contained grey brown silty clay with coal, medieval pottery and bone inclusions. Central Area (Area 1D/H): Linear Ditches & Pits Area 1H contained a number of linear features from this and the previous phase. One such feature was an east-west linear ditch (080-Fig. 9), parallel with 055 but extending further into Area 1J. This ditch measured 7.2m in length, 0.95m in width and 0.19m in depth. It was filled by a silty clay with twenty sherds of medieval pottery, slate and a single sherd of North Devon gravel tempered ware. Extending north from Area 1H to 1D was a long linear ditch (310), aligned northwest-southeast and containing a single silty clay fill (311) with a medieval bonze ring brooch and medieval pottery. However, this feature cut linear 080 and therefore postdated it. Area 1H also contained a number of unrelated undated pits: A circular pit (544) located in the west of the area cut pit 231 and contained two silty clay fills (543/542). This was cut by a smaller pit (91), which itself cut both 68 and 140. It measured 1.2m in length, 0.54m in width and 0.24m in depth and was also oval containing stony charcoal-flecked silty clay (105/104). A third undated isolated pit (150) was located in the northwest corner of Area 1H. This oval pit measured 1.24m in length, 1m in width and 0.18m in depth and contained a stony charcoal-flecked silty clay fill (151). Stone-Lined Pits Within the central area of Area 1, against the northern baulk dividing of Areas 1E/F with Areas 1H/J were two rectangular or square truncated stone-lined pits (245 and 403). Neither contained evidence of date or function, although both are sandwiched between features from a Phase 1 & 3: Both cut garden soil (008) and earlier medieval pits. The larger of the two (245- Fig. 8) straddling Area 1J/F cut 337, was rectangular in plan and measured 2.3m in external truncated length (north-south), 1.71m in width and 0.52m in depth. The base of the cut contained a single posthole with intact rooted wooden post (257/258. Fig. 7), this was sealed by a primary sandy fill (482) sealed with a cobbled floor (266). The sides were lined with mortared small sub-rounded stone (307), there was some evidence to suggest the walls were lime washed. The pit was then backfilled with lime-rich silt (246/255). To the west of this pit Paul Stevens 5 Margaret Gowen & Co. Ltd

9 Four Kilkenny Excavations ( ) straddling Areas 1H/E was a smaller, but more heavily truncated example (435). This rectangular pit was orientated east-west and measured 1.4m+ in truncated length, 1.24m in width and 0.28m in depth. Central Area (Area 1F): Isolated Pit To the north of the tanning pit (245) was an elongated pit (269), cutting otherwise an undated circular pit (296). Pit 269 was orientated north-south and measuring 1.05m+ in exposed length, 0.94m in width and 0.3m in depth. This feature was filled by a sandy clay containing two sherds of post-medieval pottery, including Tin Glazed earthenware. Rear Wall (Area 2A/C) Isolated Features: Pits Two isolated features were located to the rear of Area 2: An irregular pit or spread feature (610) was located at the northwest corner of the site (Area 1A), truncated to the north and west. This feature was oval and extended north for a truncated length of 2.3m+, and 2.3m in width and contained a sandy clay fill (612) overlain by a lens of mortar and stone (611). To the west (in Area 2C) was a well or deep pit (639), measuring 0.8m in diameter and 1.1m in depth. This feature was filled by silty clay with orange brick. 2.6 Phase 3: post-medieval/georgian (Fig. 4, 5. Plate 4) The street appears to have been widened and moved back from its medieval alignment in the 18 th century. The construction of new houses fronting Friary Street sealed earlier medieval and post-medieval garden/yard features such as the pits, kilns and hedges of Phase 1 & 2. A terrace of Georgian town houses (of which only No. 17 survives toady) was built around 1750 at the west end of the street, although it seems much of the streetscape recorded on Rocque s map (Fig. 2) survived into later centuries. A total of nineteen post-medieval features were revealed in Area 1, dated by Rocque or by 18 th century pottery (Bristol Staffordshire Slipwares/Glazed Red Earthenwares or securely-dated clay pipe bowls or metal objects), with an associated fifteen posts or stakes which dated to after 1700 re-plantations (Stuijts Appendix IV). Only 6+ feature could be dated to this phase within Area 2. Features dated to this phase consisted of stone walled buildings and cellars, a wicker structure, a fence/hedge lines, stone lined tanning pit, square refuse pits, linear gullies and ditches, posts and stake alignments and rubbish pits. Street Frontage (Area 2J): Pits The earliest activity dated to this phase was a large sub-rectangular pit (560-Fig. 8), located in Area 2J, extending into the southern baulk and therefore dating to early in this phase (pre- 1750). The pit measured 4.25m+ in length, 2.2m in width and 0.76m in depth and contained two sandy silt fills with brick (561, 562). An undated pit (556-Fig. 8) in Area 2J, west of 560 may also date to this phase. Street Frontage (Area 2G/H/J): Georgian Houses & Cellars A terrace of houses fronting Walkin (Friary) Street is marked on Rocque s map of 1758 (Fig. 2). The houses constructed in this phase extended across the length of the street and in Area 2 sealed features 560, 575, 578 & 582. The original dwellings within the terrace shown on Rocque measured 6.5m in depth and 5.9m in width. Within this terrace N o. 17 Friary Street, to the immediate north of the site and outside this development, represented the up-standing remains of a Georgian dwelling, dated 1750 (J. Jordan pers comm). The remains of an adjacent house to the east was evidenced by an up-standing chimney stack and brick fireplace (582) on the eastern wall of No. 17 (Plate 7). The sub-surface remains of a second brick fireplace (588) for a dwelling (No. 14) were also revealed in Area 2H, located 12.5m to the east of 582. This latter fireplace and a third brick fireplace (590) were conjoined by a stretch of limestone wall (589), probably representing the rear wall of a terrace dwelling, measuring 9m in length. This wall turned north (591) for a truncated length of 5m, forming the west wall of a rear extension to the dwelling. This rear extension is also shown on J. Rocque s map (Fig. 2). Wall 591 also formed the west wall of a cellar (Cellar A. Plate 10), which measured 4m in internal length and 1.3m+ in excavated width. The west (591) and north (598) walls of this cellar were limestone, the southern wall was brick (594), which adjoined fireplace 590. The cellar was backfilled with brick and stone rubble (594). The northern wall of Cellar A (598) appeared to continue to the Paul Stevens 6 Margaret Gowen & Co. Ltd

10 Four Kilkenny Excavations ( ) west although this was truncated and difficult to determine. An undated north-south wall trench (563-Fig. 8) in Area 2J may also represent the west wall of a dwelling on Plot No. 11. Street Frontage (Area 1H/J) Wicker Structure & Stake Alignments The southwest wall of a burnt timber rectangular structure (038/034-Fig. 8) cut both /46 and 068, and consisted of a linear slot trench aligned northwest-southeast measuring 4.5m in length, 0.5m in width and 0.62m in depth. This was filled by three charcoal rich backfills (033, 035, 036, 037), packing stones (032) and up to ten stakes (067, 210, 211, 545) of mostly alder, ash and oak, 5.5cm in diameter. Although, only the uprights (rods) survived in situ analysis of the charcoal produced evidence for cut ash and willow sails, mixed with holly and hawthorn representative of either an overgrown wicker panel or intrusive firewood (Stuijts Appendix IV). This linear ran parallel to a second shorter linear feature (544), and posthole (547), both also cutting 231. Which may form part of a rectangular structure aligned northwest-southeast and measuring 4m in length, 3.2m in width, with the eastern corner marked by 547, or other nearby undated post holes (116 or 119). Either way the wicker structure was truncated to the northwest, and the north. To the west of linear 074 was an unusual cluster of twelve oak posts (154, 176, 178, 180,185, 186, 188, 190, 212, 215, 217, & 219) aligned roughly east-west, but not forming an regular pattern and measuring 1.4m in length 0.7m, in width. Four of these stakes were analysed; one post & two planks. All were converted, of very fast growth, rotten and had insect channels. The fact that most timbers were quite young and had not formed much heartwood undoubtedly made them more easily accessible to degrading processes and insects. Usually oak is resistant to animal attack, indicating young trees from parklands or coppice woodlands (Stuijts Appendix IV) likely to post-date A similar though smaller alignment was also observed in Area 1J, cutting 018 and 080, this consisted of three oak posts (549, 550 & 551) aligned north-south over a distance of 0.8m. Street Frontage (Area 1H/J): Linear Alignments In Area 1J a southwest-northeast linear feature (321) cut 382 and extended into the eastern baulk, measuring 2.25m+ in length, 1.3m in width and 0.22m in depth. It contained seven stake holes (341, 343, 345, 345, 347, 349, 351, 353 Fig. 7), which were sealed by silty clay fill (320) and metalled surface of sub-rounded limestone cobbles (293), overlain by a silty clay (292) and localised charcoal deposit (125) of hazel, ash and willow. Almost all cut after the growth season and in bad condition or rotten, representing parts of a demolished structure or fence (Stuijts Appendix IV). This deposit also contained a key stylistically dated to after the 18 th century (125:). Parallel with this feature to the north was a similar though undated linear (120-Fig. 7). A linear gully or property boundary ditch (047-Fig. 8) extended into the site from Friary Street, running north-south into Area 1H. This feature was located within Plot N o 9, but may have represented an earlier sub-division or different plot altogether. The ditch did not continue into the site measured 2.9m+ in length, 1.9m in width and 0.51m in depth and contained two fills sandy clay (046) with a mid-17 th century copper alloy topless thimble, and a clay fill (045) with an undated clay pipe stem inclusion. This feature was re-cut once and this smaller re-cut measured 0.7m in width and contained a primary loam (043) and silty clay fill (044), containing sherds of Staffordshire 18 th century Slipware, Glazed Red earthenware and intrusive glass. Parallel to this linear but continuing further north was a second north-south ditch or gully (074- Fig. 9), aligned on the 20 th Century property boundary and likely representing a re-cut or original property marker dividing Plot N o s 6 & 7. This ditch continued into the eastern baulk and measured 7.5m in length, 0.68m+ in width and 0.5m in depth, and contained two stony clay sand fills (076/075) containing a single undated clay pipe stem. Central Area (2E/F): Well & Pits The rear gardens of the Georgian terrace of houses were subject to heavy truncation in Area 2, only two features survived; a well and a pit. The well (595. Plate 9) was circular and lined with mortared limestone blocks brought to courses, measuring 1.04m in internal diameter 1.9m in external diameter and could only be safely excavated to a depth of 1.3m. The well was backfilled by a silty clay rubble. To the west was a heavily truncated pit feature (624), part of a complex of undated pits (626) filled by (626) to the east and pit (621) filled by (620). Pit 624 was circular in plan, measured over 4m in diameter and 0.6m in depth, and contained (623) silty clay with brick and medieval pottery. Paul Stevens 7 Margaret Gowen & Co. Ltd

11 Four Kilkenny Excavations ( ) Central Area (Area 1D/E/F/H): Pits & Cellars Further into Area 1 were a number of features loosely ascribed to this phase, and dated architecturally or artefactually. The largest features in the centre of the site were two large stone-lined cellars (Cellar B & C), located to the east of Plot N o 8 and within Plot N o 6 & 7 respectively. Cellar B (646) was only partially excavated and consisted of three limestone mortared walls lining a rectangular structure measuring 1.9m in internal width and 1m in excavated depth. It is possible this structure is the cellar and foundations for a rear extension shown on Rocque s (Fig. 2), or alternatively a stairwell for a Georgian building running to the rear of the plot on the 1 st edition Ordnance Survey maps (Fig. 3). The latter Cellar C (081) was rectangular in plan measuring 1.4-6m in internal width, 5.4m in internal length, 0.75m in height and consisted of three surviving skin walls (081, 082 & 440), 0.39m in thickness and made of lime-mortared sub-rounded limestone cobbled. This feature is also shown as roofless on the 1872 Ordnance Survey map (Fig. 3) and absent from subsequent maps. Immediately southeast of this was a large truncated undated circular pit extending into the baulk 647, measuring 2m+ in diameter. Tanning Pit (Plate 6) To the west was a small oval pit (267) in Area 1H, which cut linear 310 and contained a sandy clay fill (268) with a single sherd of Bristol/Staffordshire slipware. This was cut by a square stone-lined pits (172-Fig. 8) under the northern baulk between Areas 1H & 1E. This was the largest of the stone-lined pits and measured 2.05m in length (northwest-southeast), 1.75m in width and 0.91m in depth, and contained no lining for the floor, but had a compact clay floor (252/254). The sides of the walls were stained a foul smelling green and sealed behind a mortared cobble wall (326) lime-washed (253/327). Inside the pit against the south wall was a single upright oak plank (291), of medium growth, thus dated to before the introduction of fast growing sessile oak in the 1730s (Stuijts Appendix IV, Ryan 1997). The pit was backfilled with three silty lime-rich fills (247/250). To the north of this site in Area 1E was an isolated oblong pit (333-Fig. 8) measuring 2.1m in length, 1.3m in width and 0.2m in depth, filled by stony gravelly silt with medieval pottery and brick fragments. East of this in Area 1D was a posthole cluster (298/367/300) of which the former was dated by clay pipes stems and red earthenware, and were two oval pits (134/136-Fig. 7) both filled by silty clay fills (135 & 137/138) the latter containing a single sherd of Red earthenware. Northeast of these pits in Area 1F was a complex of inter-cutting square pits that may or may not date to this phase but appear to predate the Georgian walls to the rear of this site. The earliest of these was a large square or rectangular pit (497-Fig. 8) measuring 3.65m+/<4m in length, 1.8m in truncated width and 1.5m in depth filled by a silty clay (498) containing Tin-glazed earthenware. This was truncated by a second square pit (522), measuring 2.6m+ in width and 1.7m in depth and filled by sandy clays (514/515/516/517/518/519/520) containing Glazed Red Earthen ware. Rear Area (Area 2C): Pits To the rear of the site, in the northwest corner (Area 2C) were two unrelated sub-rectangular refuse pits. The larger pit (627) was aligned north-south, measured 7.5m in length and 3.5m+ in width and 0.8m+ in excavated depth, containing a silty fill (628) friable silt with Red Earthenware pottery and bone. To the east of this in plot 13 was a smaller second pit (634), measuring 5.5m in length, 5m+ in width and 0.8m+ in excavated depth. This pit contained (633) an organic clay fill with brick, revealed in Test trench 5 (O Donovan 1997), originally thought to represent a medieval boundary ditch. Both pits terminated at the northern boundary of the site, shown on Rocque 1758 (Fig. 2), but possibly representing an earlier property division. Rear Area (Area 2C): Boundary Wall Both pits (634 & 627) were cut by a wall trench (635) for a property wall (637), filled by (636) containing redeposited natural, rubble and clay. The wall extended east-west for 20m in length, and is that shown on Rocque s map (Fig. 2). The eastern return was visible as a raggle only. The western return south (638), formed the west wall of a long building range in Area 2C/F, recorded on Rocque s map and extending north from the street front for the entire length of the plot, c.30m (Fig. 2). The west wall was bonded to 637 and survived for a length of 7.5m before being truncated to the south. However, it is in line with, and may be the Paul Stevens 8 Margaret Gowen & Co. Ltd

12 Four Kilkenny Excavations ( ) continuation of, wall 591 (see above). The eastern wall of this range (632) was also bonded to 638, but was a longer stretch of wall 14m in length built within a wall trench (630, filled by 631), cutting pits 621, 624 & 627. This parallel wall adjoined an east-west wall (622) to its south, which continued both east and west of the range and may have formed the northern gable of the adjoining property, also shown on Rocque (Fig. 2). This wall was recorded over a length of 4m, cutting Phase 4: Early Modern (Fig. 4, 5) This phase represents activity dated from the nineteenth century, both from the increasingly complex map (fig. 3) and historical sources available and artifactual evidence. A total of eight features are assigned to this phase from Area 1 and five from Area 2. Features from this phase consist of walls, square refuse pits, linear ditches and post-holes and small ephemeral pits. Central Area (Area 2G/H): Extension The Georgian dwelling on plot No. 14 (588, 589) was extended during the late eighteenth or early nineteenth century, by a depth of 4.7m and 6.4m in width. This is evidenced by the remains of the northeast corner of a limestone wall (566-Fig. 8), and truncated wall trench (580) filled by 581. The line of this rear extension continued into the neighbouring plots (598), and is also seen in No 17 Friary Street. Gardens (Area 2A/B/D): Walls & Pits The rear garden plot of No 17 was less truncated than elsewhere and the wall of a garden shed (617) survived for a length of 7m east-west, the length of the plot. To the south of this was a spread related to this wall (618) and (619). To the rear of the wall was a small square refuse pit (613), measuring 2m in length and 1.7m in width, filled by a sticky clay with brick (614). To the east in the neighbouring plot (in Area 2B) was a very truncated tree bowl, an oval feature (607), measuring 2.1m in length and filled by a rooty silty (608). This was mirrored elsewhere in 264, 172, 174 and possibly 269. East of this tree bowl was a circular pit (605), possibly dated to this or the later period. It was filled by three fills (606), a silt with brick and coal, a clay and an upper mottled friable silt. The northern limit of the garden in Areas 2A and B was defined by a limestone wall (644) within a trench (643), cutting pit 610. Mid-way along the north-south wall 632 was an adjoining east-west wall (629) continuing east of the north-south building range in Area 2C/F. Central Area (Area 1H/E/F): Pits & linear During this phase Cellar B (081) went out of use between 1830 and It is shown as an unroofed structure on the 1872 Ordnance Survey map; but absent from the 1901 edition. During demolition the east wall collapsed into the cellar and the structure was backfilled with brick rubble, cobbles and boulders (084). The fill contained 18 th & 19 th century pottery including stoneware, creamware, Transfer printed ware and porcelain and 59 fragments of clay tobacco pipes. This cache included 25 complete Dutch bowls dated to (Ducco 1977, Norton & Slater pers comm), with two distinct stamps on the heel, one of a warrior (with sword and shield) and one of a milk-maid, both types also had the crest of Gouda. Further north in Area 1E was a long linear ditch or gully ( Fig. 9) aligned east-west crossing Plot N o 8 and terminating at or slightly east of the plot. This feature contains a single stony charcoal-flecked clay silt fill ( ) with a sherd of mocha ware (dated ) as well as medieval and post-medieval pottery and nails. This gully is re-cut ( ) on a very slightly more parallel alignment to the Street. This latter ditch also cut undated post-hole (548), measures 7.8m + in length, 0.66m in width and 0.3m in depth and contained a similar silty fill ( ). The eastern terminus of this ditch was irregular with an extended northern rounded tip, suggesting a further re-cut. This terminus also had a number of post/stake holes associated with this ditch including four around (451, 452, 453 & 455). A further cluster of stake/post holes were located mid-way along the ditch (479, 523, 524, 525-Fig. 7). However, there are also three post-holes, which to the immediate north which may or may not be contemporary (481, 477, 323-Fig. 7). One (481) is cut by a stake hole (479) and one (477) contains eight sherds of medieval pottery. One small pit in Area 1D (464) also dates to this phase, although it is part of a small cluster of similar pits in the vicinity (300, 389, 466, 437-Fig. 7). The pit contains a silty clay fill ( ) with window glass dated to the 19 th century. A second small pit or possible tree bowl, cut 310 Paul Stevens 9 Margaret Gowen & Co. Ltd

13 Four Kilkenny Excavations ( ) within Area 1H (418), and measured 0.68m square and 0-82m in depth. This contained a sandy silt clay fill (419). This may relate to other similar undated landscaping features (246, 174, 122- Fig. 7). This pit 464 and the linear 396 are both cut by a very large square pit (386) measuring 4m square and 1.32m+ in depth, and filled with clay and brick rubble ( ) containing medieval, 17 th, 18 th, & 19 th century pottery, clay pipe and metal. This pit was revealed in test trench 2 (O Donovan 1997). To the east of linear 396 in Area 1C was a cluster of similar but undated inter-cutting pits with builders rubble, probably dated to this phase. Initially, a 2m+ in diameter circular pit (490) containing four clayey fills (486, 487, 488, 489) was cut by a larger truncated oval pit (492) to the east, which was filled by a lime mortar and rubble fill (491). This in turn was partially cut by a small circular pit (509), filled by silty clay rubble (507 & 508), the former containing 18 th /19 th century pottery, lime mortar and brick rubble. 509 was then cut by a sub-rectangular pit (511), filled by a lime-rich stony silty clay (510) containing 18 th /19 th century pottery. And finally 511 was cut by a long rectangular pit, extending into the northern baulk measuring 3.65m in length, 1.8m in width, 0.28m in depth, filled by stony clay rubble (483) and cinders (484). Rear Area (Area 1C): Walls To the north of these were the surviving walls of an L-shaped building within Area 1C. This building(s) consists of an east-west limestone wall 645, 6m+ in length, 0.5m in thickness and 0.3m in surviving height, turning due south for a length of 6.3m into the southern baulk. This structure is probably that represented on 1 st edition Ordnance Survey map (Fig. 3), extending from the northern property boundary south for an approximate length of 16.5m to meet the backs of buildings fronting Walkin s Street (Friary St.). Rear Area (Area 2C): Pit To the rear of the site was an isolated circular pit (641), measuring 0.5m in depth and containing a clay lining and sooty silt backfill rich in iron-slag (642). 2.8 Phase 5: Modern/Recent Modern on this site represented twentieth century activity and truncation. Features included concrete slabs, drainage pipes, limestone walls, and ground reduction. This removed or truncated a large section of the middle and the north of the site and the upper levels of most of the earlier surviving archaeological features and layers. Many linear features were used to delimit areas and formed baulks to these areas. A number of buildings were dated cartographically to the beginning of the century in the phase. In Area 1C a square building delimited by a southern and western wall, 14m east-west by 11m north-south defining Area 1C (513, 521), cut features 503-Fig. 9, and an earlier wall 645. This itself, was cut by two concrete slab features. Further east in Area 2B/E was a large building of limestone walls, measuring 11m in length east-west, 9.5m in width post-dating the 1923, (599, 603, 609 & 606) within a cut (604) truncating pit 605 and well 595. This building was extended 5m to the west. To the south of this was a limestone wall (585) abutting No. 17 Friary Street, 10m east-west, and 4.5m north-south. Much of the modern activity of the early twentieth century continued the house pattern of the previous two phases. Ceramic drain pipes (012, 558) were inserted in alleyways between buildings, cutting earlier features (39, 231, 310, 418, 544, 559). A line of concrete with a plastic drain within ( ) was installed along the line of the rear walls of buildings. This formed a natural baulk to the site, however cut or truncated a number of features (81-84, 245, 172, 310, 129, 335, 337, and 598, 566-Fig. 8). Late twentieth century isolated features were also observed: an ESB, electricity pole hole (238/240) was inserted through kiln 111, post hole 259 cut pits 129 & 245, linear slot 100 cut 55, 264 (Fig. 7), and 80. Demolition of the houses for the corporation car park in Friary Street and subsequent overburden (001), hardcore and tarmac (002) were removed as part of this development Archaeological assessment of the site in 1997 (O Donovan 1997) was also revealed as backfilled cuttings: Trench 2 (384) cutting pit 386 and Trench 6 (583/584), cutting wall Conclusions Archaeological monitoring of construction produced a comprehensive record of this site and led to a large archaeological excavation in one section of the site, which has produced important Paul Stevens 10 Margaret Gowen & Co. Ltd

14 Four Kilkenny Excavations ( ) evidence on both medieval, later medieval and post-medieval settlement in Kilkenny. Archaeological evidence shows the street can be dated back to the 13 th or 14 th century, confirming historical references to the street in the fourteenth century. No medieval houses were revealed, however these appeared to have been located closer to High Street. Therefore, medieval and post-medieval settlement evidence was largely gardens and yards up until the realignment of the street to its present position in the mid-eighteenth century (which remained largely unchanged until the mid-twentieth century). Significantly, a seventeenth century stone-lined corn drying kiln was also revealed in this excavation. The kiln was obviously burnt down during its last use and revealed the surviving carbonised contents of the kiln, as well as its wattle and daub covering. This revealed evidence of multi-functional use and produced malted oats as well as wheat and barley. The wattle was constructed of ash and oak uprights (sails) and hazel and willow rods. A second burnt square or rectangular timber structure was also revealed, also from this period, and found to be constructed of hazel, alder, oak and ash taken from managed forests nearby. Wood chips also found in this structure perhaps suggest woodworking in the area. Unusually, elm and apple-type were found in this and other structures, presumably from hedges and ditches in the yards and gardens. Finds included a medieval bronze ring brooch, a medieval iron key and a seventeenth century 3 lb iron cannonball. Plus several copper, iron and lead artefacts, medieval and post-medieval pottery (from Kilkenny, Leinster, England and France), animal bone, clay pipe (including a hoard of Dutch clay pipes), and burnt daub fragments. Paul Stevens Paul Stevens 11 Margaret Gowen & Co. Ltd

15 Four Kilkenny Excavations ( ) 4. References Breen, C. (1998) No. 4 Friary Street, Kilkenny in I. Bennett (ed) Excavations 1997, 100. Bradley, J. (1995) Walled Towns of Ireland, 40. Bradley, J. (2000) Historic Towns Atlas of Kilkenny. Duco, D. (1977) Merken van Goudse Pijpenmakers, De Tijdrtroom. O Donovan, E, (1997) Archaeological assessment at Friary Street/Garden Row, Kilkenny City, unpublished report for Margaret Gowen & Co. Ltd. O Donovan, E. (1998) Friary Street/Garden Row, Kilkenny in I. Bennett (ed) Excavations 1997, 100. Reid, C. (1998) Friary Street, Kilkenny in I. Bennett (ed) Excavations 1997, 100. Stevens, P. (2001) Preliminary Summary of Results of Archaeological Excavations Friary Street/Garden Row, Kilkenny unpublished report for Margaret Gowen & Co. Ltd. Thomas, A. (1992) The Walled Towns of Ireland. Watters, P. (1873) An account of the fortifications and defences of Kilkenny Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquarians of Ireland. XII Paul Stevens 12 Margaret Gowen & Co. Ltd

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27 Four Kilkenny Excavations ( ) Paul Stevens 24 Margaret Gowen & Co. Ltd