The Kilkenny Archaeological Project (KKAP) Report for the Irish National Strategic Archaeological Research (INSTAR) Programme 2008
C Cóóiillíínn Ó ÓD Drriisscceeooiill,, JJoohhnn B Brraaddlleeyy,, R Riicchhaarrdd JJeennnniinnggss,, L Leeaahh M MccC Cuulllloouugghh,, JJoohhnn H Heeaallyy
H Heerriittaaggee C Coouunncciill ggrraanntt rreeffeerreennccee:: 1166667777 D Deecceem mbbeerr 22000088
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The Kilkenny Archaeological Project Abbey Business Centre Abbey Street Kilkenny City P: 056 7752200 E:
[email protected] Website: kkap.ie
Project funded by:
Project supported by:
Project archaeological consultants:
© The Kilkenny Archaeological Project and An Chomhairle Oidhreachta/ The Heritage Council 2008 All rights reserved. Produced by The Kilkenny Archaeological Project for the Heritage Council Irish National Strategic Archaeological Research (INSTAR) Programme 2008.
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Contents LIST OF FIGURES...................................................................................................................................................... I LIST OF TABLES ...................................................................................................................................................... V PROJECT TEAM 2008 ............................................................................................................................................. VI Principal Investigator .......................................................................................................................................... vi Associate Investigators ....................................................................................................................................... vi ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ........................................................................................................................................VII EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ........................................................................................................................................VIII 1. INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................................................. 1 THE AIMS AND ETHOS OF THE KILKENNY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT ........................................................................................2 METHODOLOGY.............................................................................................................................................................2 2. THE KILKENNY URBAN ARCHAEOLOGY DATABASE ............................................................................................. 5 INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE OF ACCOMPANYING DIGITAL DATA....................................................................................................5 3. A HISTORY OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION IN KILKENNY CITY .............................................................. 10 EARLIEST ANTIQUARIANS ...............................................................................................................................................10 JAMES GRAVES, JOHN PRIM AND THE KILKENNY ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY 1845-1910 ..........................................................11 Topographical studies ........................................................................................................................................17 Ecclesiastical foundations ..................................................................................................................................19 Funerary monuments .........................................................................................................................................19 Secular architecture ...........................................................................................................................................19 Town walls .........................................................................................................................................................19 Kilkenny Castle ...................................................................................................................................................19 THE HISTORY OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION IN THE CITY 1910-2006 ...........................................................................21 Topographical studies ........................................................................................................................................21 Secular architecture ...........................................................................................................................................22 Ecclesiastical foundations ..................................................................................................................................22 Funerary Monuments .........................................................................................................................................23 Town Walls .........................................................................................................................................................24 Artefacts .............................................................................................................................................................24 Archaeological excavation publications .............................................................................................................25 4. AN ASSESSMENT OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS IN KILKENNY CITY 1968-2006.................................. 27 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................................................27 RATE OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION .......................................................................................................................28
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TYPES OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION ......................................................................................................................29 GEOGRAPHICAL SPREAD ................................................................................................................................................30 SITE GRADING .............................................................................................................................................................30 PUBLICATION OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS ...........................................................................................................47 FINAL REPORTS ............................................................................................................................................................47 SITE-TYPES..................................................................................................................................................................47 ARTEFACTS .................................................................................................................................................................49 HUMAN SKELETAL REMAINS ...........................................................................................................................................63 ARCHAEOBOTANICAL MATERIAL ......................................................................................................................................68 5. THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE CITY: AN OVERVIEW ............................................................................................ 71 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................................................71 GEOLOGICAL AND GLACIAL .............................................................................................................................................71 PREHISTORIC KILKENNY .................................................................................................................................................73 EARLY MEDIEVAL KILKENNY (C.400-1169 AD).................................................................................................................80 Background ........................................................................................................................................................80 Early Medieval archaeological discoveries .........................................................................................................81 MEDIEVAL KILKENNY (1169-C.1550 AD) ........................................................................................................................88 Background ........................................................................................................................................................88 Medieval archaeological discoveries ................................................................................................................110 POST-MEDIEVAL (C.1550-1900 AD) ...........................................................................................................................118 Background ......................................................................................................................................................118 Post-medieval (c.1550-1900) archaeological discoveries ................................................................................152 6. AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH FRAMEWORK FOR THE KILKENNY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT ................. 156 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
The construction of Kilkenny chronologies and typologies .....................................................................156 The archaeology of urban crafts and industries .....................................................................................157 The archaeology of houses, properties, streets and bridges ..................................................................158 The archaeology of the Cathedral, churches, abbeys, priories and cemeteries ......................................158 The archaeology of defence ....................................................................................................................159 Environmental archaeology ....................................................................................................................159
7. TOWARDS A PUBLIC DISSEMINATION STRATEGY AND CONCLUSIONS ........................................................... 160 PUBLICATION MODES AND MODELS ...............................................................................................................................160 A PROPOSED PUBLICATION METHODOLOGY .....................................................................................................................162 CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................................................165 BIBLIOGRAPHY ................................................................................................................................................... 166 PRIMARY SOURCES.....................................................................................................................................................166 SECONDARY SOURCES .................................................................................................................................................167 APPENDICES....................................................................................................................................................... 177 Appendix I – Summary catalogue of archaeological investigations in Kilkenny City 1968-2006 .....................178 Appendix 2: Archaeological bibliography of Kilkenny City by subject ..............................................................221 ii
Appendix 3: Historically Recorded Artefacts from Kilkenny city .......................................................................235
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List of figures FIGURE 1: KILKENNY CITY, SITE LOCATION MAP (ORDNANCE SURVEY OF IRELAND) --------------------------------------------------------------- 1 FIGURE 2: SUMMARY DIAGRAM SHOWING KEY COMPONENTS OF THE KILKENNY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT’S 2008 PHASE----------------- 3 FIGURE 3: COLLABORATIVE STRUCTURE OF THE KILKENNY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT ---------------------------------------------------------- 4 FIGURE 4: KILKENNY URBAN ARCHAEOLOGY DATABASE SCREEN-SHOT --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7 FIGURE 5: SCREEN-SHOT OF ARCREADER GIS VIEWER --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8 FIGURE 6: EXAMPLE OF GIS MAP OF KILKENNY SHOWING ARCHAEOLOGICAL CUTTINGS WITH KKAP ENTITY NUMBERS ----------------------- 9 FIGURE 7: BISHOP DAVID ROTHE, (1573-1650) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 10 FIGURE 8: JAMES GRAVES (1815-1886) DEVOTED HIS LIFE TOWARDS THE PRESERVATION OF THE ANTIQUITIES OF HIS NATIVE COUNTRY. 12 FIGURE 9: PLAN OF THE BASE OF THE EARLY TWELFTH CENTURY ROUND TOWER AT ST. CANICE’S CATHEDRAL (GRAVES AND PRIM 1857, 115). THE DRAWING WAS EXECUTED DURING THE INVESTIGATIONS THERE BY JAMES GRAVES, JOHN PRIM IN 1847 AND SHOWS THE SKELETONS OF A FEMALE AND JUVENILE WITHIN A WOODEN COFFIN AND TWO ADULTS. ----------------------------------------------- 12 FIGURE 10: THESE BEAUTIFULLY ILLUSTRATED FRAGMENTS OF RICHARD DE LEDREDE’S FAMOUS STAINED GLASS WINDOW IN THE EAST WALL OF THE CHANCEL OF THE CATHEDRAL WERE RECOVERED BY JAMES GRAVES DURING EXCAVATION WORKS IN 1845 (GRAVES AND PRIM 1857, 73). THE WINDOW HAD BEEN DESTROYED BY THE CROMWELLIAN ARMY IN 1650 BUT PART OF IT WAS SUBSEQUENTLY RESET ACCORDING TO BASSETT (1884, 45) IN THE ‘OVALS’ ABOVE THE CATHEDRAL’S WEST DOOR IN THE LATE 1750S BY BISHOP POCOCKE. THE ILLUSTRATED FRAGMENTS ARE PRESENTLY IN THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF IRELAND. --------------------------------- 13 FIGURE 11: THE DOWER HOUSE OF KILKENNY CASTLE, NOW KNOWN AS ‘BUTLER HOUSE’, WAS HOME TO THE MUSEUM OF THE KILKENNY ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY FROM 1853-1900. IT WAS RESTORED BY KILKENNY DESIGN IN 1972 AND IS CURRENTLY RUN AS AN HOTEL BY THE KILKENNY CIVIC TRUST. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14 FIGURE 12: MEDIEVAL FLOOR-TILES FROM ST. CANICE’S CATHEDRAL (GRAVES AND PRIM 1851, 76 ---------------------------------------- 18 TH TH FIGURE 13: THESE TWO STREET-SCENES OF KILKENNY FROM THE 18 AND 19 CENTURIES SHOW IN VIVID DETAIL THE CITY’S RENAISSANCE MANSIONS. THE DRAWINGS ON THE LEFT SHOWS HIGH STREET, KILKENNY C.1845 WITH THE SHEE HOUSE (1580), NOW ‘PARIS TEXAS, ON THE RIGHT AND FURTHER RENAISSANCE MANSIONS ON THE LEFT (NOW ‘PAUL’S’) (JRSAI JN.I, 1849-51). THE DRAWING ON THE RIGHT IS REPRODUCED BY ROBERTSON OF THE MARKET CROSS IN HIGH STREET (JRSAI 1852-3). THE PICTURE IS SKETCHED FROM APPROXIMATELY ‘SUPERMAC’S’ AND SHOWS BEHIND THE CROSS, THE LANGTON HOUSE (1609) AND THE ‘BUTTER SLIP’, WHICH WAS ORIGINALLY A PASSAGE THROUGH THE HOUSE COMPLEX. OTHER RENAISSANCE HOUSES ARE SHOWN ON THE EAST SIDE OF THE HIGH STREET. MOST OF THE LANGTON HOUSE STILL SURVIVES, AS DOES THE ‘BUTTER SLIP’. --------------------------------- 20 FIGURE 14: TITLE PAGE OF LANIGAN AND TYLER’S KILKENNY: ITS ARCHITECTURE AND HISTORY (1977). THIS HAS PROVED TO BE A VALUABLE ACCOUNT OF THE ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE OF THE CITY. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 21 FIGURE 15: A GEOPHYSICAL SURVEY WHICH WAS CARRIED OUT AT SAINT CANICE’S CATHEDRAL WAS PUBLISHED IN THE 2004 OLD KILKENNY REVIEW (Ó DRISCEOIL 2004). THIS SHOWS THE RESULTS OF THE RESISTIVITY SURVEY TO THE SOUTH-EAST OF THE ROUND TOWER, WHICH SUCCEEDED IN IDENTIFYING A PREVIOUSLY UNDOCUMENTED BUILDING, POSSIBLY A CHURCH. ----------------------- 22 TH TH FIGURE 16: THIS LATE 13 -EARLY 14 CENTURY EFFIGY OF HELEN DE ARMAYL FROM ST. MARY’S CHURCH IS ONE OF THE MANY FUNERARY SCULPTURES FROM KILKENNY INCLUDED IN JOHN HUNT’S IRISH MEDIEVAL FIGURE SCULPTURE (1974) (PHOTO: C. O DRISCEOIL). THE CITY CONTAINS THE LARGEST NUMBER OF MEDIEVAL BURIAL MONUMENTS IN IRELAND. ---------------------------- 23 FIGURE 17: MAP OF THE TOWN WALLS OF KILKENNY CITY FROM BRADLEY (1975) ----------------------------------------------------------- 24 TH FIGURE 18: DOG-TOOTH ORNAMENT ON A 13 CENTURY WOODEN BEAM, POSSIBLY ORIGINALLY FROM KILKENNY CASTLE, NOW IN THE COLLECTION OF THE ROTHE HOUSE MUSEUM (HARBISON 1973) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 25 FIGURE 19: PLAN AND PROFILE OF THE EASTERN PIER OF THE C.1765 JOHN’S BRIDGE (DOYLE 2003) --------------------------------------- 26
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FIGURE 20: ARCHAEOLOGICAL EXCAVATIONS UNDERWAY AT HIGHHAYES, MACDONAGH RAILWAY STATION 2006. THESE INVESTIGATIONS UNCOVERED A PREVIOUSLY UNDOCUMENTED ARTISAN’S QUARTER OF THE MEDIEVAL CITY, INCLUDING A POTTERY PRODUCTION CENTRE AND A BAKER’S YARD --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27 FIGURE 21: RATE OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS IN KILKENNY CITY PER ANNUM ------------------------------------------------------ 28 FIGURE 22: BAR CHART SHOWING TOTAL NUMBER OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL LICENCES ISSUED FOR KILKENNY, CORK, GALWAY AND LIMERICK TO 2006. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 29 FIGURE 23: CATEGORIES OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION UNDERTAKEN IN KILKENNY CITY 1968-2006 ------------------------------- 29 FIGURE 24: NUMBER OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES PER AREA OF KILKENNY CITY------------------------------------------------ 30 FIGURE 25: SIGNIFICANCE GRADING OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS FOR KILKENNY CITY (GRADING AFTER DOYLE ET.AL. 2001, SECTION 3.2). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 31 FIGURE 26: QUANTITY OF SITES AT FINAL PUBLICATION STAGE PER SIGNIFICANCE CATEGORY -------------------------------------------------- 47 FIGURE 27: QUANTITY OF GRADE 1-5 SITES AT FINAL REPORT STAGE --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 48 FIGURE 28: GRAPH SHOWING THE FREQUENCY OF SITE-TYPES ENCOUNTERED IN GRADE 1-3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS IN KILKENNY CITY 1968-2006. NOTE THAT MORE THAN ONE SITE-TYPE CAN BE REPRESENTED AT AN INDIVIDUAL SITE. A FULL BREAKDOWN ON A SITE-BY-SITE BASIS IS AVAILABLE IN THE KKUAD. -------------------------------------------------------------------- 48 FIGURE 29: PERCENTAGES OF FINDS/SAMPLES WHERE SPECIALIST REPORTS HAVE BEEN CARRIED OUT. A SUBSTANTIAL QUANTITY - 88% - OF THE EXCAVATED MATERIAL HAS ALREADY BEEN SUBJECTED TO SPECIALIST ANALYSIS. --------------------------------------------------- 50 FIGURE 30: DISTRIBUTION OF SITES WITH EVIDENCE FOR MEDIEVAL POTTERY. THE LARGER THE RED DOT, THE LARGER THE RELATIVE QUANTITY EXCAVATED. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 51 FIGURE 31: A HUGE VARIETY OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL FINDS HAS BEEN RECOVERED FROM KILKENNY SINCE 1968. THESE RANGE FROM THE CONVENTIONAL CERAMICS, COINS, ETC. TO UNUSUAL ITEMS SUCH AS THESE COG-WHEELS FROM MILL ISLAND, GREEN’S BRIDGE (KKAP-175). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 52 FIGURE 32: INFANT BURIALS FROM THE PREVIOUSLY UNDOCUMENTED BURIAL GROUND ADJACENT TO THE KILKENNY UNION WORKHOUSE (O MEARA 2006). SOME 846 SKELETONS WERE EXCAVATED FROM 61SUB-RECTANGULAR BURIAL PITS. (PHOTO: BRENDA O MEARA). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 63 FIGURE 33: DISTRIBUTION OF SITES WITH EVIDENCE FOR HUMAN REMAINS.-------------------------------------------------------------------- 67 FIGURE 34: DISTRIBUTION OF SITES WITH EVIDENCE FOR ARCHAEOBOTANICAL MATERIAL. ---------------------------------------------------- 70 FIGURE 35: TOTAL NUMBER OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL PERIODS REPRESENTED BY ALL GRADE 1-3 INVESTIGATION SITES BETWEEN 1968-2006. PLEASE NOTE THE USE OF POST-MEDIEVAL IN THIS CONTEXT REFERS TO ANY SITE THAT POST-DATES C.1550. ------------------------ 71 FIGURE 36: MAP OF KILKENNY CITY SHOWING THE RECONSTRUCTED EXTENT OF THE ORIGINAL FLOOD-PLAINS OF THE RIVERS NORE AND BREAGAGH ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 72 FIGURE 37: POLISHED STONE AXEHEAD RECOVERED DURING THE MONITORING OF DREDGING FROM THE RIVER NORE (KKAP-191) ------ 73 FIGURE 38: MAP OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES 1968-2006 WITH EVIDENCE FOR PREHISTORIC ARCHAEOLOGY ------------- 76 FIGURE 39: DETAILED MAP OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES 1968-2006 WITH EVIDENCE FOR PREHISTORIC ARCHAEOLOGY -- 77 FIGURE 40: DETAILED MAP OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES 1968-2006 WITH EVIDENCE FOR PREHISTORIC ARCHAEOLOGY -- 78 FIGURE 41: DETAILED MAP OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES 1968-2006 WITH EVIDENCE FOR PREHISTORIC ARCHAEOLOGY -- 79 FIGURE 42: TEST-EXCAVATIONS IN 2006 AT THE DEANERY ORCHARD, ST. CANICE’S CATHEDRAL (KKAP-218) PROVIDED IMPORTANT EVIDENCE REGARDING THE EARLY MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE SITE. A SECTION OF THE MONASTIC ENCLOSURE DITCH WAS UNCOVERED (BOTTOM LEFT) AS WELL AS FINDS OF ANTLER TINES AND HACK-SILVER (BOTTOM RIGHT) FROM THE SITE. ------------- 84 FIGURE 43: MAP OF GRADE 1-3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES WITH EVIDENCE FOR EARLY MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY---------- 85 FIGURE 44: DETAILED MAP OF GRADE 1-3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES WITH EVIDENCE FOR EARLY MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 86
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FIGURE 45: DETAILED MAP OF GRADE 1-3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES WITH EVIDENCE FOR EARLY MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 87 FIGURE 46: MAP OF MEDIEVAL KILKENNY (BRADLEY 1990) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 90 FIGURE 47: MAP OF GRADE 1-3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES WITH EVIDENCE FOR MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY --------------- 101 FIGURE 48: DETAILED MAP OF GRADE 1-3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES WITH EVIDENCE FOR MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY ---- 102 FIGURE 49: DETAILED MAP OF GRADE 1-3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES WITH EVIDENCE FOR MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY ---- 103 FIGURE 50: DETAILED MAP OF GRADE 1-3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES WITH EVIDENCE FOR MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY ---- 104 FIGURE 51: DETAILED MAP OF GRADE 1-3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES WITH EVIDENCE FOR MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY ---- 105 FIGURE 52: DETAILED MAP OF GRADE 1-3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES WITH EVIDENCE FOR MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY ---- 106 FIGURE 53: DETAILED MAP OF GRADE 1-3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES WITH EVIDENCE FOR MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY ---- 107 FIGURE 54: DETAILED MAP OF GRADE 1-3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES WITH EVIDENCE FOR MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY ---- 108 FIGURE 55 DETAILED MAP OF GRADE 1-3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES WITH EVIDENCE FOR MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY ----- 109 FIGURE 56: EXCAVATION OF A POST-AND-WATTLE BURGAGE FENCE AT BRENNAN’S YARD, IRISHTOWN (KKAP-004). ------------------- 110 FIGURE 57: THE DOMINICAN ‘BLACK ABBEY’, FOUNDED 1225, HAS BEEN THE FOCUS OF A SERIES OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS THAT HAVE REVEALED MUCH DETAIL ABOUT THIS IMPORTANT ECCLESIASTICAL SITE. BELOW IS A PLAN AND ELEVATION OF THE EAST CHANCEL WALL OF THE CHURCH, WHICH WAS KNOCKED C.1788. THE EXCAVATION REVEALED BURIALS AND A TILED PAVEMENT OUTSIDE ITS NORTH WALL. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 112 FIGURE 58: SECTION THROUGH THE TOWN DITCH AT CLEERE’S FACTORY, ORMONDE ROAD (KKAP-091). THE EXCAVATION DEMONSTRATED THAT THE INNER EDGE OF THE DITCH WAS REVETTED IN STONE. ----------------------------------------------------- 113 FIGURE 59: KILKENNY CASTLE WAS THE SCENE BETWEEN 1990-1999 FOR A SERIES OF MAJOR EXCAVATIONS AND BUILDING SURVEYS THAT REVEALED MUCH IMPORTANT NEW INFORMATION ON THE SITE’S DEVELOPMENT (PHOTO: C. O DRISCEOIL). TODAY IT IS KILKENNY’S MOST VISITED TOURIST ATTRACTION.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 115 FIGURE 60: REVETMENT BASEPLATE FROM BRENNAN’S YARD, IRISHTOWN (KKAP-004). THE TIMBER WAS DATED BY DENDROCHRONOLOGY TO 1177 AND MAY HAVE ORIGINATED FROM A BUILDING AT ST. CANICE’S. --------------------------------- 116 FIGURE 61: THIS IS ONE OF FIFTEEN GRAVESLAB FRAGMENTS THAT WERE UNCOVERED FROM BENEATH JOHN’S BRIDGE DURING EXCAVATIONS IN 2002-3 (DOYLE AND O’MEARA 2004; KKAP-137). -------------------------------------------------------------- 117 FIGURE 62: THE LATE TUDOR ROTHE HOUSE ON PARLIAMENT STREET IS RENOWNED AS THE FINEST SURVIVING IRISH EXAMPLE OF A MERCHANT’S TOWNHOUSE OF THE PERIOD. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 119 FIGURE 63: PETTY’S DOWN SURVEY DEPICTION OF KILKENNY C.1655 IS THE EARLIEST MAP AVAILABLE FOR THE CITY. IT SHOWS THE LAND OWNERSHIP AROUND THE CITY WHICH WAS TO BE FORFEITED TO THE CROMWELLIANS AS WELL AS THE CASTLE, TOWN WALLS, BRIDGES, STREETS AND MAIN ECCLESIASTICAL SITES. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 121 FIGURE 64: THE ‘SURVEY OF THE CITY OF KILKENNY’ BY JOHN ROCQUE (1758) REPRESENTS THE EARLIEST NEAR-ACCURATE DEPICTION OF THE CITY IN PLAN-FORM. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 124 FIGURE 65: THE 1840 1-1056 SCALE MANUSCRIPT ORDNANCE SURVEY MAP OF KILKENNY SHOWS THE CITY IN DETAIL ----------------- 125 FIGURE 66: MAP OF GRADE 1-3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES WITH EVIDENCE FOR POST-MEDIEVAL (C.1550-1900) ARCHAEOLOGY ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 142 FIGURE 67: DETAILED MAP OF GRADE 1-3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES WITH EVIDENCE FOR POST-MEDIEVAL (C.1550-1900) ARCHAEOLOGY ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 143 FIGURE 68: DETAILED MAP OF GRADE 1-3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES WITH EVIDENCE FOR POST-MEDIEVAL (C.1550-1900) ARCHAEOLOGY ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 144 FIGURE 69: DETAILED MAP OF GRADE 1-3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES WITH EVIDENCE FOR POST-MEDIEVAL (C.1550-1900) ARCHAEOLOGY ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 145
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FIGURE 70: DETAILED MAP OF GRADE 1-3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES WITH EVIDENCE FOR POST-MEDIEVAL (C.1550-1900) ARCHAEOLOGY ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 146 FIGURE 71: DETAILED MAP OF GRADE 1-3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES WITH EVIDENCE FOR POST-MEDIEVAL (C.1550-1900) ARCHAEOLOGY ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 147 FIGURE 72: DETAILED MAP OF GRADE 1-3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES WITH EVIDENCE FOR POST-MEDIEVAL (C.1550-1900) ARCHAEOLOGY ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 148 FIGURE 73: DETAILED MAP OF GRADE 1-3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES WITH EVIDENCE FOR POST-MEDIEVAL (C.1550-1900) ARCHAEOLOGY ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 149 FIGURE 74: DETAILED MAP OF GRADE 1-3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES WITH EVIDENCE FOR POST-MEDIEVAL (C.1550-1900) ARCHAEOLOGY ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 150 FIGURE 75: DETAILED MAP OF GRADE 1-3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES WITH EVIDENCE FOR POST-MEDIEVAL (C.1550-1900) ARCHAEOLOGY ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 151 FIGURE 76: A RECONSTRUCTION DRAWING OF THE MILL MACHINERY AT MILL ISLAND, GREEN’S BRIDGE (KKAP-175). THE EXCAVATION OF THE WATER-MILL OCCURRED IN 2001 AND 2002 AS PART OF THE RIVER NORE FLOOD RELIEF SCHEME AND REPRESENTS ONE OF THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE INDUSTRIAL ARCHAEOLOGY PROJECTS EVER UNDERTAKEN IN IRELAND -------------------------------------- 153 FIGURE 77: SCREENSHOT FROM THE LINCOLN ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESEARCH ASSESSMENT GIS DATABASE--------------------------------- 161 FIGURE 78: KILKENNY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT ALL AREAS OF INVESTIGATION 1968-2006 --------------------------------------------- 208 FIGURE 79: KILKENNY ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT MAP SHOWING LOCATION OF ALL ARCHAEOLOGICAL CUTTINGS ------------------------ 209 FIGURE 80: DETAILED MAP OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 210 FIGURE 81: DETAILED MAP OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 211 FIGURE 82: DETAILED MAP OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 212 FIGURE 83: DETAILED MAP OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 213 FIGURE 84: DETAILED MAP OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 214 FIGURE 85: DETAILED MAP OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 215 FIGURE 86: DETAILED MAP OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 216 FIGURE 87: DETAILED MAP OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 217 FIGURE 88: DETAILED MAP OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 218 FIGURE 89: MAP OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES SOUTH-EAST OF THE CITY CENTRE -------------------------------------------- 219 FIGURE 90: MAP OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES SOUTH-EAST OF THE CITY CENTRE -------------------------------------------- 220
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List of tables TABLE 1: ARCHAEOLOGICAL FINDS FROM KILKENNY CITY WHICH WERE DONATED TO AND/OR REPORTED TO THE KILKENNY ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY/ROYAL SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES 1849-1910 .......................................................................17 TABLE 2: KKAP GRADE 1-3 SITES ........................................................................................................................................42 TABLE 3: PUBLISHED ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS ..........................................................................................................46 TABLE 4: CUMULATIVE LIST OF QUANTITIES OF ARTEFACTS, ANIMAL BONES AND HUMAN REMAINS RECOVERED FROM GRADE 1-3 KILKENNY CITY INVESTIGATIONS 1968-2006. THE TABLE ALSO INCLUDES FINAL TALLIES ON THE QUANTITIES OF ARTEFACTS THAT REQUIRE ANALYSIS. .............................................................................................................................................................. 50 TABLE 5 TABLE OF GRADE 1-3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS IN KILKENNY CITY 1968-2006 WITH CUMULATIVE FINDS-TOTALS AND TOTALS FOR FINDS REQUIRING ANALYSIS. A DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF THE DIFFERENT FINDS CATEGORIES FOR EACH SITE INVESTIGATION IS PRESENTED WITHIN THE ‘KILKENNY URBAN ARCHAEOLOGY DATABASE’. ..................................................... 53 TABLE 6: TABLE OF CUMULATIVE TOTALS OF HUMAN REMAINS FROM ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS IN KILKENNY CITY 1968-2006. 63 TABLE 7: TABLE OF GRADE 1-3 KKAP SITES WHICH PRODUCED HUMAN SKELETAL MATERIAL ...........................................................66 TABLE 8: TABLE OF CUMULATIVE TOTALS OF PALAEOENVIRONMENTAL SAMPLES RECOVERED FROM ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS IN KILKENNY CITY 1968-2006. .....................................................................................................................................68 TABLE 9: TABLE OF PALAEOBOTANICAL MATERIAL FROM ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS IN KILKENNY 1968-2006 ........................69 TABLE 10: TABLE OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES 1968-2006 WITH EVIDENCE FOR PREHISTORIC ARCHAEOLOGY.................75 TABLE 11: TABLE OF GRADE 1-3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES WITH EVIDENCE FOR EARLY MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY ............83 TABLE 12: TABLE OF GRADE 1-3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES WITH EVIDENCE FOR MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY ...................100 TABLE 13: TABLE OF GRADE 1-3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION SITES 1968-2006 WITH EVIDENCE FOR POST-MEDIEVAL ARCHAEOLOGY .........................................................................................................................................................................141 TABLE 14: TRADES AND CRAFTS NOTED IN THE LIBER PRIMUS KILKENNIENSIS .............................................................................158 TABLE 15: TABLE OF PRINCIPAL PROPOSED WORK-UNITS TO BRING KKAP TO COMPLETION. ..........................................................165 TABLE 16: SUMMARY TABLE OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS CONDUCTED IN KILKENNY BETWEEN 1968-2006 .......................178 TABLE 17: TABLE OF ARTEFACTS FROM KILKENNY CITY RECORDED IN THE JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF ANTIQUARIES OF IRELAND (JRSAI), HISTORICAL NEWSPAPER ACCOUNTS (KM, KJ), THE CATALOGUE OF THE KILKENNY ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM (RH) AND THE TOPOGRAPHICAL FILES OF THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF IRELAND (NMI). .....................................................235
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Project Team 2008 Principal Investigator Cóilín Ó Drisceoil M.A., M.I.A.I., Director Kilkenny Archaeology Principal report author and project manager
Associate Investigators John Bradley, M.A., F.S.A., Senior Lecturer, Department of Modern History, National University of Ireland, Maynooth Report co-author and project manager Dr. Richard Jennings D.Phil., M.I.A.I., Kilkenny Archaeology Geographical Information System and database manager Leah McCullough, B.A., Kilkenny Archaeology Principal research assistant, Geographical Information System and database manager John Healy, B.A., Kilkenny Archaeology Research assistant
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Acknowledgements The Kilkenny Archaeological Project (KKAP) is funded by the Heritage Council‘s Irish National Strategic Archaeological Research Programme 2008 (ref. 16677). Mapping and aerial photography was provided to the project by Kilkenny Local Authorities. Isabel Bennett very kindly supplied unpublished information relating to excavations carried out in Kilkenny. At its inception the project benefited greatly from the advice given by Dr. Elizabeth Fitzpatrick Department of Archaeology, NUI Galway and Paul Walsh, Archaeological Survey of Ireland. Rachel Barrett and Ed Bourke of the sites and monuments archive of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government are thanked for their assistance in furnishing site reports. In particular KKAP wishes to place on record its sincere gratitude to the 76 individual archaeologists and 15 consultancies who consented to allow the results of their investigations to be included in the project. The staff of the planning section of Kilkenny Borough Council are thanked for facilitating access to the archaeological reports in their possession and we also wish to thank the following staff of Kilkenny County Council for their assistance: Dearbhala Ledwidge, heritage officer, Áine Doyle, conservation officer, Brendan Cunningham and Aoife Dowling, I.T. department. Ken McGuire, Event Ireland, designed the project‘s website – www.kkap.ie. Finally, we are also grateful to the librarian of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society, Charlie Cullen and the curator of the Rothe House museum, Emma Devine, for allowing access to their records.
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Executive Summary Kilkenny, with its wealth of surviving historic buildings and its long tradition of archaeological research, is widely regarded as Ireland’s premier medieval town. Like most other Irish towns, redevelopment within the historic centre over the past 30 years has produced an abundance of new archaeological data which greatly augments the earlier work carried out. There is however a dearth of awareness within both the archaeological and wider communities regarding these discoveries, chiefly as a consequence of the lack of public dissemination of their results. To address this challenge the Kilkenny Archaeological Project (KKAP) was instituted in 2008. To date KKAP has collated all of the 212 archaeological investigations which had taken place within the city between 1968-2006 onto a specifically designed database and integrated Geographical Information System (GIS) called the ‘Kilkenny Urban Archaeology Database’. Added to this were 217 archaeological recording ‘events’ which were obtained from the Urban Archaeology Survey, historically recorded findspots, newspaper accounts, and the artefact catalogues in the National Museum of Ireland and Rothe House museum. As structured the ‘Kilkenny Urban Archaeology Database’ is capable of being constantly updated, and is an invaluable tool for providing rapid and concise archaeological data as well as access to original documentary material such as site reports, journal publications and a host of primary records. The location for each recording ‘event’ (including each archaeological cutting) has been plotted in the GIS and it is now possible to produce with ease thematic maps which can be related to a range of queries. This report utilises the contents of the ‘Kilkenny Urban Archaeology Database’ to provide an assessment of Kilkenny’s unpublished modern (1968-2006) excavations. The main findings from this exercise may be summarised as follows. Thirty-eight years of archaeological excavation in Kilkenny has amassed the largest collection of archaeological material from any Irish inland town. Between 1968-2006 212 archaeological sites were investigated in the city in 277 individual recording ‘operations’. In terms of archaeological excavation licences issued, only Dublin and Cork have greater numbers. Four investigations are categorised, using the Heritage Council’s significance rating system, as Grade 1, 56 as Grade 2 and 55 as Grade 3. In sum therefore there are 115 investigations that can be considered, because of their relative importance, to be of worthy of publication. Of the 115 ‘significant’ sites just 10 have produced publications that contain adequate accounts of the sites’ archaeology. 73% of the 115 Grade 1-3 investigations are at what might be considered ‘final report’ stage, 88% of the c.45,000 excavated artefacts discovered during the investigations have been subjected to specialist analysis. Medieval pottery forms the largest constituent find-type recovered, with a wide range of other finds also represented. viii
Human skeletal remains have been excavated at 22 sites, leading to the recovery of some 1300 individuals. 81% of excavated skeletons have been subjected to specialist analysis. Fourteen archaeological investigations have produced archaeobotanical material including charred plant remains and wood/charcoal, all of which has been analysed. In chronological terms Kilkenny’s archaeological record ranges from the late Mesolithic to the 20th century AD, with the medieval (c.1169-1550?) and post-medieval (c.1550-1900) periods being particularly well represented. The report summarises the key discoveries from each archaeological period. The archaeology of trade, exploitation of natural resources, specialisation, technology, manufacturing, social differentiation, religious aspirations, death and burial are all included in Kilkenny’s archaeological dataset.
The final section of this report recommends a methodology to bring Kilkenny’s archaeological record to publication. It advocates the production of a synthesis and analysis of the material which is grounded in a research agenda. It is proposed that the publication will be structured as a ‘layered’ account in which the archives and specialist, technical and detailed structural reports are published and readily accessible digitally whilst the synthesis and scrutiny of the material is provided in the traditional print format.
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Aerial photograph of Kilkenny 1967 with St. Canice’s Cathedral in the foreground, St. Francis’ friary on the left. In the classic continental manner, the cathedral and the castle were linked by the great long High (and later Parliament) Street (CUCAP 1967).
x
Vertical aerial photograph of Kilkenny 2005 (Ordnance Survey Ireland).
xi
1. Introduction Kilkenny is a compact, walled riverside city whose surviving castle and cathedral, abbeys and churches, Town Walls, townhouses and streets all shape the only example of an Irish medieval city to remain wholly intact (Figure 1). This rich legacy is complimented by a long and important tradition of research and scholarship that has for over 150 years delved into the rich vein of documentary and archaeological material that the city has produced for over a thousand years. Like most other Irish towns, investigations arising from redevelopment within Kilkenny‘s historic centre over the past 30 years have produced an abundance of new archaeological data, all of which has a very important role to play in allowing the origin, development and ultimately the historic character of the city to be appreciated. However, the results of most of these discoveries have never been made public and without their benefit it is impossible to understand the total history of life in Kilkenny during the past millennium.
Figure 1: Kilkenny city, site location map (Ordnance Survey of Ireland)
1
In March 2008 the Kilkenny Archaeological Project (KKAP) received Irish National Strategic Archaeological Research programme (INSTAR) funding for its first phase and this has proved to be a highly successful data-gathering and assessment exercise. This report presents an overview of the results of these endeavours. It is divided into seven chapters which are followed by a series of appendices. Chapter 1 presents the aims and ethos behind the project as well as an outline of its methodology. Chapter 2 describes the structure and contents of the ‗Kilkenny Urban Archaeology Database‘ (KKUAD). Chapter 3 presents an overview of the history of archaeological investigation in Kilkenny from its earliest origins to the modern day. Chapter 4 outlines the key results of the study and includes a quantitative assessment of the city‘s archaeological record. Chapter 5 provides an overview of the key findings for each archaeological period. Chapter 6 presents the outline of a research strategy for the city and the final chapter presents a recommended methodology to bring the project to completion.
The aims and ethos of the Kilkenny Archaeological Project The three key research aims of the KKAP may be summarised as follows: 1. To transform Kilkenny‘s rich archaeological record into publicly accessible knowledge of the city‘s past. 2. To utilise the results of Kilkenny‘s archaeological investigations to address a series of critical research questions around the archaeology of the city. 3. To use the results of the archaeological investigations to trace the emergence and long-term development of Kilkenny within the context of European patterns of urbanisation.
In line with the overarching aims of the Heritage Council‘s INSTAR programme1 it was determined that the following would form the ethos behind KKAP: 1. Research will be the core tool that will guide the project‘s methodology and outcomes. 2. KKAP‘s goals will be achieved through the formulation of strategic partnerships in Irish archaeological research through increased cross-sectoral and multi-disciplinary collaborations at both national and local levels. 3. KKAP believes archaeology is for sharing and will ensure all its results are disseminated to the widest possible audience.
Methodology Three key stages characterised the 2008 phase of the KKAP (Figure 2). The first involved the gathering of the primary reports and publications for each archaeological recording ‗event‘ that has
1
http://www.heritagecouncil.ie/archaeology/index.html (accessed 5th November 2008).
2
occurred within the city. In tandem with this process a dedicated database and Geographical Information System – the ‗Kilkenny Urban Archaeology Database‘ (KKUAD) - was designed and subsequently utilised for inputting the archaeological dataset. Mapping for each archaeological area of investigation, cutting, findspot, historic building etc. was also completed during this first phase. The KKUAD is fully described below in Chapter 2.
Figure 2: Summary diagram showing key components of the Kilkenny Archaeological Project’s 2008 phase
A series of collaborative partnerships were formulated at an early stage in the project (Figure 3): 1. Kilkenny Local Authorities (Kilkenny Borough Council and Kilkenny County Council) are providing digital Ordnance Survey mapping and aerial photographic coverage for the city. 2. The Department of History National University of Ireland Maynooth is a partner through John Bradley, senior lecturer in archaeology. 3. The National Monuments Service of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government have provided access to their reports archive and it is envisaged will be end-users of the Kilkenny Urban Archaeology Database. 4. The Kilkenny Archaeological Society has provided KKAP with access to their archive and library at Rothe House, Kilkenny. 5. Seventy-six individual archaeologists and 15 consultancy firms have provided consent to include their investigation reports in the project. 6. A panel of 16 specialists has been formulated to provide analysis of archaeological finds and palaeo-environmental material. 3
Figure 3: Collaborative structure of the Kilkenny Archaeological Project
The second stage involved an assessment of Kilkenny‘s modern archaeological record with a view to quantifying the extent, nature and status of the investigations which had taken place within the city. During this stage the artefacts and palaeobotanical material produced by these investigations was also quantified with a view to assessing the amount of outstanding specialist analysis required. Stage 2 also saw the production of the Kilkenny archaeological bibliography and a project website – www.kkap.ie. The former includes all published accounts that relate to the archaeology of Kilkenny city: 125 individual entries are included and these are sorted by topic (Appendix 2). The website has been designed to be used as research portal for project participants as well as providing news and overviews of the project. Relevant project reports and other documents have also been uploaded. It is envisaged that the complete KKUAD dataset will be obtainable on the website in year 2 of the project.2 The third and final stage of the 2008 phase of KKAP involved the collation and synthesis of the results of stages 1 and 2 to allow for the drawing up of a publication/dissemination strategy, all of which is contained in this document.
2
Subject to the agreement of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. 4
2. The Kilkenny Urban Archaeology Database The Kilkenny Urban Archaeology Database (KKUAD) covers the present Kilkenny Borough Council area and its immediate environs and was modelled on similar schemes that had been completed for a number of historic towns in England (eg. Lincoln (Stocker 2008) and Canterbury3), and which arose from the recommendations in the English Heritage review of urban archaeological strategies (1996-7).4 KKUAD records information on a Microsoft Access database (Figure 4) and linked Geographical Information System (GIS) (ArcView 9.2) (Figure 5) about all known recording ‗events‘ in the city from 1845 as well as all of the modern archaeological investigations that have occurred there. KKUAD took its information from a variety of sources: published and unpublished archaeological reports, the Urban Archaeological Survey (Farrelly et.al. 1993), historic maps and newspapers, recorded findspots, and artefact catalogues in the National Museum of Ireland and Rothe House museum. As structured it is capable of being constantly updated, and it is invaluable for providing rapid and concise archaeological data as well as access to original documentary material such as site reports, journal publications and newspaper accounts. The database includes 429 individual entries, of which 212 relate to archaeological investigations in the modern era. 277 site investigation reports are contained in the dataset; these were written by 77 archaeologists. Information on the location of archaeological areas and cuttings was available for 96% of the excavation dataset and these were subsequently mapped onto the ArcView 9.2 Geographical Information System (Figures 5, 6). Likewise where the position of the historical entries was known these were also mapped. Included in the GIS are layers that depict historical mapping, the City Walls, aerial photography and shape files, which store geographic features such as points, lines and polygons and their attributes. Arc Map can be used to create thematic layers from the data, perform spatial analyses and create output maps. The GIS also allows the dataset to be interrogated geographically in relation to a wide range of queries.
Instructions for use of Accompanying Digital Data The digital data included in this report contains three elements: the The KKUAD database, an ArcReader file preserving a dynamic view of spatial elements of the database created in GIS (to be opened using the accompanying software program ArcReader), and an archive folder containing all site documentation gatherered together by the project.
3 4
http://www.canterbury.gov.uk/buildpage.php?id=3062 (accessed 20th October 2008) http://www.eng-h.gov.uk/ArchRev/rev96_7/urban.htm (accessed 20th October 2008)
5
Acessing the KKUAD Database To view the KKUAD relational database it is necessary to have Microsoft Access installed on your computer (Version 1997-2003). Access 2007 can be used to run the database although it might be necessary to convert the dataset into this newer format. An automatic prompt will appear when trying to open the database in Access 2007. Follow its instructions. Otherwise the database should open normally in Access 1997-2003 versions. When the database is opened successfully, a box will appear with options. Ensure that ‗Forms‘ is clicked under the ‗Object‘s menu and select ‗Kilkenny Urban Archaeological Database‘ to open the main viewing platform of the relational database. This comprises a ‗main form‘ which is spread out over four tab settings and contains many linked subforms (Figure 4). The four tabs are ‗Site information‘, ‗Digital links‘, ‗Finds and samples‘, and ‗Investigation description‘
Viewing spatial elements of the KKUAD Database To install ArcReader, open its folder and run the program. After it is installed click on the ArcReader file (the file format is an ESRI Published Map). The screen encountered will resemble the snapshot of the file shown in Figure 5. The series of layers in the table of contents on the left hand side of the page can be turned on and off by clicking on and off the tick boxes. Familiarise oneself with the program by reading the ‗Help‘ section. It is succinct and explains very well how to explore the data. The commands shown on the tool bar at the top of the page are also self explanatory. Hyperlinks are established for the Areas of Investigation layer which provides a link to the site data folders. Click on the hyperlink symbol to activate these links. The areas of investigation will become highlighted in blue. Next, click the relevant area of investigation with the hyperlink symbol.
6
The database is made up of one ―main form‖ spread over four tabs, and a series of linked ―sub-forms‖ (the boxes in black)
Switch from form view to table view
Use the sort, filter and find buttons to help navigate through records in the main form
UAS Number = Urban Archaeological Survey Number
Site significance rankings (1-5) derive from Heritage Council guidelines
Click on the four tab headings to move through the form
To scroll between records, click on any white box in the main form (but not those in the sub-forms) or use the records navigator at the bottom left of the page
Gives description of the selected element, in this case, Site code
Provides links to pdfs of original site reports, publications etc.
Other entries in the Kilkenny Urban Archaeological database related to the present entry
Report status gives an indication of what stage the writing up of the investigation reached. These are ranked in the following order: Published, Final report, Preliminary report and no report.
Figure 4: Kilkenny Urban Archaeology Database screen-shot
7
Figure 5: Screen-shot of ArcReader GIS viewer
8
Figure 6: Example of GIS map of Kilkenny showing archaeological cuttings with KKAP entity numbers
9
3. A History of Archaeological Investigation in Kilkenny City Earliest antiquarians Richard de Ledrede (c.1275-1360), Franciscan bishop of Ossory from 1317, may be considered the earliest chronicler of life in medieval Kilkenny (Phelan 1990). In his famous account of the trial of Dame Alice Kyteler, whom he prosecuted for witch-craft in 1324, Ledrede describes the city of Kilkenny at the time, its people and its surrounds. Contemporary with Ledrede the Franciscan friar John Clyn (d.1349) had in his Annals (1333-1349) recorded events such as the fall of the belfry of St. Canice‘s in 1332, the paving of the streets in 1334, the erection of the market cross in 1335, the building of the bell tower of St. Mary‘s 1343 and of course his famous description of the Black Death 1348-9 (Williams 2007).
Figure 7: Bishop David Rothe, (1573-1650)
10
However, David Rothe (1573-1650), bishop of Ossory 1618-1650 (Figure 7), can be considered the earliest author to have published what might be considered now as an account of the archaeology of Kilkenny city in his Hierographia Hiberniae, a history of Ireland (Phelan 1990). Only fragments survived the Cromwellian sack of Kilkenny in 1650 and those sections of Kilkenny interest - De Ossoriensi Dioecesi – were transcribed and published by Carrrigan (1905 iii, 3-9). The manuscript was written around 1615 and discusses the earliest history and topographical development of the town, its quarries, suburbs and Town Walls, and its most prominent ecclesiastical sites – St. Canice‘s Cathedral, the Bishop‘s Palace, St. Mary‘s church, St. Patrick‘s church and St. John‘s priory. Of particular interest was Rothe‘s argument that the function of the round towers as bell-houses may be postulated from their names in Irish – Cloig Teach (Carrigan 1905 iii, 6). This is now widely the considered correct, after literally centuries of debate! Between 1770-1784 Charles Vallancey published four volumes of historical and descriptive accounts of Ireland entitled Collectanea de Rebus Hibernicis. One of these was the ‗History and antiquities of the Irishtown and Kilkenny from original records and authentic documents‘ by Edward Ledwich(1781). This provides amongst detailed historical discussion and transcriptions of rentals and medieval charters, information on the early origins of the town, its ecclesiastical sites, funerary monuments, the diet, economy and dress of the medieval townsfolk and the architecture of its houses.
James Graves, John Prim and the Kilkenny Archaeological Society 1845-1910 The birth of systematic archaeological enquiry in Kilkenny can be traced to the formation by James Graves (1815-1886) (Figure 8) in April 1849 of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society, which was later to become the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland (Phelan 1994). The aim of the society was 'to preserve, examine and illustrate all ancient monuments and memorials of the arts, manners and customs of the past, as connected with the antiquities, language, literature and history of Ireland'. Graves was a close colleague of the ‗founding father‘ of Irish archaeology, George Petrie (1790 – 1866) as well as some of the leading Kilkenny antiquarians of the day including John O Donovan (1806-1861) and John G.A. Prim (1821-1875). Graves was treasurer at St. Canice‘s where he oversaw extensive restoration works to the cathedral. During the course of these works opportunities arose to carry out archaeological excavations on the site, including in 1845 at the east end of the chancel where they uncovered the buried remains of the pre Anglo-Norman cathedral of St. Canice (Graves and Prim 1857, 32). These could be considered the first archaeological excavations to have taken place in Kilkenny. At the same time fragments of Richard de Ledrede‘s famous stained glass window in the east wall of the chancel of the cathedral were also recovered (Graves and Prim 1857, 73) (Figure 10). In 1847 investigations took place at the base of the round tower where the footings of the structure were exposed and found to have overlain an earlier graveyard (Graves and Prim 1857, 115) (Figure 9).
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Figure 8: James Graves (1815-1886) devoted his life towards the preservation of the antiquities of his native country.
Figure 9: Plan of the base of the early twelfth century round tower at St. Canice’s cathedral (Graves and Prim 1857, 115). The drawing was executed during the investigations there by James Graves, John Prim in 1847 and shows the skeletons of a female and juvenile within a wooden coffin and two adults.
12
Figure 10: These beautifully illustrated fragments of Richard de Ledrede’s famous stained glass window in the east wall of the chancel of the cathedral were recovered by James Graves during excavation works in 1845 (Graves and Prim 1857, 73). The window had been destroyed by the Cromwellian army in 1650 but part of it was subsequently reset according to Bassett (1884, 45) in the ‘ovals’ above the cathedral’s west door in the late 1750s by Bishop Pococke. The illustrated fragments are presently in the National Museum of Ireland. 13
Graves was also instrumental in carrying out conservation works at St. Francis‘ friary as well as at a number of other important ecclesiastical sites in Ireland (KJ 7.3.1868, KJ 20.5.1868). In 1871 he appears to have been involved in what could be considered the first ‗archaeological monitoring‘ project in the city when he reported in the JRSAI on finds from a test-pit that was dug at John‘s bridge to investigate ground conditions in advance of the construction of a new crossing (Graves 1871). As well as carrying out archaeological investigations the Kilkenny Archaeological Society quickly became a repository for artefacts that had been discovered in the city and so there are numerous accounts of items such from the city being donated and/or reported to the institution (Table 1). Many of these were housed in the society‘s museum at the Tholsel (1849-1853), Butler House (1853-1900) (Figure 11) and Rothe House (1900-1910) before they were moved to Dublin in 1910 (Corlett 2007).5
Figure 11: The Dower house of Kilkenny castle, now known as ‘Butler House’, was home to the museum of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society from 1853-1900. It was restored by Kilkenny Design in 1972 and is currently run as an hotel by the Kilkenny Civic Trust.
It is not known exactly what was moved to the National Museum of Ireland, though it is clear that certain artefacts were left behind in Kilkenny. These are now in the Rothe House museum, Parliament street. 5
14
Table 1: Table of archaeological finds from Kilkenny City which were donated to and/or reported to the Kilkenny Archaeological Society/Royal Society of Antiquaries 1849-1910 Find(s)
Find Discovery Location
Reference(s)
‗Richly ornamented‘ pin
Drysdal‘s Lane
KM 8.9.1849
Confederation banner
Rothe House
KM 6.9.1851; Bassett 1884, 45-9
‗Richard de Sardelove‘ graveslab
Black Abbey
KM 13.9.1851, KM 17.9.1851, KM 12.11.1851
Graveslab
Black Abbey
KM 22.11.1851
Trade tokens
Kilkenny
Prim 1852
‗ancient hawk‘s bell, a gold ring, a number of bronze needles, and other interesting remains, discovered in 1847 in deepening the bed of the river Breagadh at Watergate‘
River Breagagh, Watergate
KM 21.5.1853
Skeleton
Model School
KM 17.9.1853
Pottery vessel with ‗bearded face‘
Model School, Talbot‘s Tower
KM 23.9.1854
Two skulls
Ormonde vault, St. Canice‘s cathedral
KM 4.10.1854
Graveslabs supporting pillars and arches in the house of Basil Grey (subsequently Thomas Power)
High Street
KM 23.9.1854
‗Breech-loading two pounder‘, coins, ‗bronze enamelled knife-haft‘
Talbot‘s tower
KJ 7.4.1855; KM 5.5.1855; Bassett 1884, 45-9
‗pin of 1698‘
Ormonde Vault, east transept, St. Canice‘s Cathedral
KM 7.7.1855
‗ancient tobacco pipe‘
St. Francis‘ Abbey
KM 5.7.1856
Five skeletons
John Street
KM 28.6.1856
Stained glass fragments
St. Canice‘s cathedral
Graves and Prim 1857, 73, Bassett 1884, 45-9
Horse trappings and buckles
River Bregagh
KM 6.11.1858
‗Money of necessity‘
St. Canice‘s cathedral
JRSAI 1860b
Floor tiles
St. Mary‘s church
JRSAI 1860a; KM 7.1.1860
‗Siege piece‘, cannon stamped with castle
St. Canice‘s cathedral
KM 12.5.1860
Pillar of oak removed in 1861, from the basement of the Old Parliament House
Parliament Street
Bassett 1884, 45
Dutch tobacco box, coins, tokens
Castle lawn, Kilkenny castle
Robertson 1862
15
Two skeletons
Patrick Street
KM 5.11.1862
17th-early 18th century silver seal of a ‗nobleman‘
‗Kilkenny‘
JRSAI 1864a
Finger-ring
Loughboy
JRSAI 1864b
Copper buckle
High Street
JRSAI 1864c; KM 13.7.1864
Key
In well beneath chancel arch, St. Canice’s Cathedral
KM 12.10.1864
‗Shortal memorial‘
Black Abbey
KM 25.6.1864
‗David Mercator‘ graveslab
Black Abbey
KM 22.10.1864
Floor tile
Black Abbey
JRSAI 1865
London groat Edward I
Black Abbey
JRSAI 1865
Two inscribed oak beams, one 1597 , the other 1763
St. Canice‘s Cathedral
KM 8.7.1865
A silver ‗pectoral cross‘ reliquary
Black Abbey
KM 8.7.1865
Shee house High-St. apex of gable with carved cross base
High Street
KM 21.10.1865
Shortal tomb
St. Canice‘s Cathedral
KM 31.5.1865
Skeleton found beneath Honorina Grace tomb
St. Canice‘s Cathedral
KM 8.7.1865
Grave in hermit‘s cell
St. Canice‘s Cathedral
KJ 14.4.1866
‗a large slab, with a richly ornamented cross on the top, was discovered. The inscription is effaced, but the date is supposed to be the 13th century‘
Black Abbey
KJ 21.4.1866
Graveslab
Black Abbey
KM 21.4.1866
Stone cup
St. Canice‘s Cathedral
KM 20.4.1867
Cromwellian token
Maudlin street
JRSAI 1869a
Floor tile
St. Francis‘ Abbey
JRSAI 1869b
‗Ancient guard ring‘
St. Canice‘s Cathedral
KM 23.10.1869
Trade tokens
Kilkenny
JRSAI 1870a
Lead cramp
St. Canice‘s Cathedral
JRSAI 1870b
Spindle-whorl
St. Canice‘s Cathedral
JRSAI 1871a
‗Old iron buckles‘, ‗animal bones‘, Elizabeth I coin, Philip and Mary coin, George II coin, worn coin. Drawing of arch of section of 1763 bridge.
John‘s bridge
Graves 1871
Human skulls
From beneath round tower St. Canice‘s Cathedral
Graves and Prim 1857, 115; Bassett 1884, 45-9; KM 8.6.1892
Blunderbuss barrel
Kilkenny Castle
KM 21.10.1871
Graveslabs built into fabric of John‘s Bridge
John‘s Bridge
KM 26.8.1871
Pair of shoe buckles
Upper Parade
JRSAI 1873
16
Skeleton with iron key
Rear St. Patrick‘s churchyard
KM 16.7.1873
Ciborium
Black Abbey
KJ 14.1.1874
Deer antlers and offcuts, tile kiln waste
Bishop‘s Palace, St. Canice‘s Cathedral
Graves 1875
Rothe monument
St. Mary‘s church
KM 5.8.1876, KM 9.8.1876
Capital, pillar base
Cloister St. John‘s abbey
JRSAI 1877
Key
Maudlin Street
JRSAI 1879
Bronze vessel (ewer)
Black Abbey
NMI 1881:227
Irish halfpenny of Charles II
St. Patrick‘s churchyard
JRSAI 1883
Clay pipe
Gutter Rothe House
KM 20.1.1883
Holy water stoup
St. Francis Abbey
Bassett 1884, 45-9
Chair from Parliament House
Parliament House
Bassett 1884, 45-9; Corlett 2007
‗ball ornament from a doorway at St. Canice‘s‘
St. Canice‘s Cathedral
Bassett 1884, 45
Carved painted capitals
‗Old‘ St. Canice‘s cathedral
NMI 1887:447, 449
Rear of Kyteler‘s Inn, Kieran Street
Baptisimal font
KM 27.7.1889
Oak ‗putlog‘
St. Francis‘ Abbey
KM 21.5.1890
Limestone holy water font
St. Canice‘s Cathedral
KM 215.1890
Statue fragment and moulding
St. Canice‘s Cathedral
NMI A1898:129, 130
Carved stone head found in yard of Rothe House 1966, possible formed part of contents of Kilkenny Archaeological Museum prior to its transfer to Dublin.
Yard of Rothe House
RH 72/23
Table 1: Archaeological finds from Kilkenny City which were donated to and/or reported to the Kilkenny Archaeological Society/Royal Society of Antiquaries 1849-1910 6
Topographical studies Studies of the topography of medieval Kilkenny formed the basis for a series of important publications in the latter half of the nineteenth century. Many of these followed on from the overview of the development of the city that Graves and Prim published in 1859 (Graves and Prim 1859) but John Hogan‘s detailed researches into the layout and topography of the medieval town have formed the basis for most subsequent studies (Hogan 1858-9, 1861, 1884). Hogan‘s work was complimented by Watter‘s (1872a) study of the ancient routeways into the city and in 1884 John Hogan published Kilkenny; the Ancient City of Ossory, the Seat of Its Kings, the See of Its This table is based on the following sources: JRSAI indexes, database of archaeological items in the Kilkenny Journal (to 1900), Kilkenny Moderator (to 1900) and Finn‘s Leinster Journal (in possession of C. O Drisceoil), NMI topographical files, Graves and Prim 1871, Bassett 1884, 45-9, Corlett 2007. Please note it was not possible to obtain from the National Museum of Ireland a full list of the artefacts from the city in their possession. 6
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Bishops and the Site of Its Cathedral which brought together his previous articles as well as additional material. The publication occurred in the following year of P.M. Egan‘s The Illustrated Guide to the City and County of Kilkenny (1885) and in 1893 of the History and antiquities of Kilkenny (city and county) by William Healy. Healy‘s book is of particular importance as it provided important transcripts of historical documents that were to be subsequently lost. In 1905 Canon William Carrigan published the four volumes of his History and Antiquities of the Diocese of Ossory, the third volume of which dealt with the city.
Figure 12: Medieval floor-tiles from St. Canice’s cathedral (Graves and Prim 1851, 76
18
Ecclesiastical foundations Graves and his colleagues‘ particular interest lay in the study of the city‘s medieval ecclesiastical foundations and in 1857 he along with Prim published the monumental study of St. Canice‘s Cathedral The History, Architecture and Antiquities of the Cathedral Church of St. Canice, Kilkenny (Graves and Prim 1857) (Figure 12). The architecture of St. John‘s was studied by Robertson (Robertson 1851) and it formed a particular interest for Egan (1885, 260-3 and Hogan (1884, 218) who also presented material on Kilkenny‘s other ecclesiastical sites. Carrigan (1905, iii, 90289) provided comprehensive accounts of the churches in the city parishes. Funerary monuments The study of the city‘s funerary monuments was a particular concern during the early years of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society and they appear in its transactions on a fairly regular basis (Prim 1849-51; Prim 1865; Egan 1895). Both Ledwich (1781) and Shee (1813) had previously documented many of the graveslabs at St. Canice‘s Cathedral but Graves and Prim‘s masterful and comprehensive account of the collection in their History, Architecture and Antiquities of the Cathedral Church of St. Canice, Kilkenny was a landmark in the study of medieval burial monuments (Graves and Prim 1875, 127-350). Secular architecture Kilkenny‘s impressive stock of standing medieval and post-medieval buildings was of some considerable interest to the early Kilkenny Archaeological Society and papers were published on its mid 16th - mid 17th century townhouses by Graves (1849-51) (Figure 13). Photographs of many of these buildings were donated in 1867 (JRSAI 1867). Fleming in 1908 published an important study of Kilkenny‘s ‗ancient merchant mansions‘ (Fleming 1908) and an architectural study of Kilkenny castle was published by Robertson in 1852 (Robertson 1852). Hogan documented the ‗three tholsels‘ of the city in 1880 (Hogan 1880). Town walls In the first issue of the Transactions of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society Prim (1849a) published an account of the Town Walls of Kilkenny. A note regarding the architectural recording of St. James‘ Gate was included in the 1861 journal (JRSAI 1861) and in 1872 Watters focussed on the re-fortification of the city‘s defences in the 16th-17th centuries (Watters 1872b). Kilkenny Castle Kilkenny castle was the subject of two notes by Robertson, one which dealt with the architecture of the building (Robertson 1852), the other on the discovery of a horizontal mill in the grounds (Robertson 1861).
19
Figure 13: These two street-scenes of Kilkenny from the 18th and 19th centuries show in vivid detail the city’s Renaissance mansions. The drawings on the left shows High street, Kilkenny c.1845 with the Shee house (1580), now ‘Paris Texas, on the right and further Renaissance mansions on the left (now ‘Paul’s’) (JRSAI jn.i, 1849-51). The drawing on the right is reproduced by Robertson of the Market Cross in High street (JRSAI 1852-3). The picture is sketched from approximately ‘Supermac’s’ and shows behind the cross, the Langton House (1609) and the ‘Butter Slip’, which was originally a passage through the house complex. Other Renaissance houses are shown on the east side of the High Street. Most of the Langton house still survives, as does the ‘Butter Slip’.
20
The history of archaeological investigation in the city 1910-2006 The removal to Dublin in the 1890s of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland and the Kilkenny museum in 1910 produced a major hiatus in archaeological research in Kilkenny city. So, between 1905 when Canon Carrigan‘s History and Antiquities of the Diocese of Ossory was published and 1946, when the Kilkenny Archaeological Society was reconstituted, the city barely figured in archaeological researches. The first journal of the new society was published in 1948 and given the title ‗The Old Kilkenny Review‘; it remains today the principal historical/archaeological periodical for the county. Topographical studies In the beginning articles concentrated on valuable street by street surveys of the city: High Street (Phelan and Lanigan 1953; Phelan 1954; 1960; 1961; 1968), Patrick Street (Walsh 1955), Irishtown (Gibbs and Phelan 1955), St. Canice‘s Place (Gibbs and Phelan 1956-7), John Street (Finn and Murphy 1962; Buggy (1974), Patrick Street (Kenealy 1963; 1964), Rose-Inn Street (DeLoughrey 1966), Maudlin Street (Wray 1969), the Parade (Kenealy 1970), Parliament Street (DeLoughrey 1976) and William Street (Phelan 1979). General overviews of the antiquities of St. Patrick‘s parish were undertaken by Kenealy (1986) and in 1990 Doyle published a wide ranging account of St. John‘s parish (Doyle 1990). The topographical development of the medieval and post-medieval city was the main subject of John Bradley‘s two key papers on the development of the city (Bradley 1990; 2002). The publication in 2000 of the monumental Kilkenny fascicule of the Irish Historic Towns Atlas (Bradley 2000a) presented a primary catalogue of topographical information that pertained to the city as well as mapping and historical/archaeological overviews.
Figure 14: Title page of Lanigan and Tyler’s Kilkenny: Its Architecture and History (1977). This has proved to be a valuable account of the architectural heritage of the city.
21
Secular architecture In 1977 An Taisce‘s Kilkenny Association published Kilkenny: its architecture and history (Lanigan and Tyler 1977), providing an indispensable snapshot of the city‘s built heritage prior to the major changes of the 1990s (Figure 14). In 2006 the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage was published by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (NIAH 2006). A website which is linked to the publication includes summary accounts of c.550 individual buildings in the city.7 Matters concerning Kilkenny‘s post-medieval townhouses have formed the subject for most of the publications on secular architecture. The Heraldic escutcheons on these buildings were detailed by Kenealy (1952) and Crotty (1978). A brief account of the city‘s alms houses was published by Birthistle (1964) and in 1967 the ‗Guide to Rothe House‘ was published, providing an overview of the development of this Late Tudor mansion (Lanigan 1967). Butler House received similar treatment in 1986 (Phelan 1986) and a campaign of restoration works at the Shee Alms House and Kytler‘s Inn led to two publications by O‘Cochlainn (1986, 1987) and a study of the Archer House (‗Hole-in-the Wall‘) in High Street had a similar impetus (Conway 2001). An architectural survey of the 18th century ‗New Building‘ was published by Murtagh (1998) and he also brought to attention the collection of predominantly 16th-18th century architectural fragments held by the Rothe House museum (Murtagh 2003). Ecclesiastical foundations Specific studies of Kilkenny‘s ecclesiastical sites include papers on St. Patrick‘s church (Lanigan 1983), St. Francis‘ Abbey (Smithwick 1988a), the Black Abbey (Clifford 1977), St. Canice‘s well (Smithwick 1988b) and St. Canice‘s Cathedral (Leask 1949; Barry 1985). In 2004 a geophysical survey of an area near the round tower and the interior of the cathedral was carried out and published (Figure 15) (Ó Drisceoil 2004).
Figure 15: A geophysical survey which was carried out at Saint Canice’s cathedral was published in the 2004 Old Kilkenny Review (Ó Drisceoil 2004). This shows the results of the resistivity survey to the south-east of the round tower, which succeeded in identifying a previously undocumented building, possibly a church.
7
www.buildingsofireland.ie (accessed 10th October 2008). 22
Funerary Monuments John Hunt‘s Irish Medieval Figure Sculpture included important accounts of funerary monuments in St. Canice‘s cathedral, St. Patrick‘s graveyard and St. Mary‘s (Hunt 1974) (Figure 16). Notes were published on burial monuments in the Black Abbey (Phelan 1975; Bradley 1983), St. Mary‘s (Phelan 1978; 1993), as well as some of the previously undocumented examples from around the city (Bradley 1980; 1981; Manning 1993; Ó Drisceoil 1995). Bradley‘s paper on Anglo-Norman sarcophagi included examples from Kilkenny (Bradley 1988). A catalogue and study of the pre-1600 tombs of St. Canice‘s was published in 1985 (Bradley 1985). A study of the O‘Kerin monumental sculptures were published by Phelan (1996) and Cockerham and Harris‘ analysis of the important collection of 16th century monuments from Kilkenny included many examples from St. Mary‘s and St. Canice‘s (Cockerham and Harris 2001). O‘Dwyer published a catalogue and account of the collection in St. Patrick‘s graveyard (O Dwyer n.d.) and the fine collection of monuments from beneath John‘s bridge were collated in Doyle and O‘Meara (2004).
Figure 16: This late 13th-early 14th century effigy of Helen de Armayl from St. Mary’s church is one of the many funerary sculptures from Kilkenny included in John Hunt’s Irish Medieval Figure Sculpture (1974) (photo: C. O Drisceoil). The city contains the largest number of medieval burial monuments in Ireland.
23
Town Walls The second issue of the ‗Old Kilkenny Review‘ included a paper on the Town Walls of Kilkenny (Kenealy 1948) and two papers issued on the same subject by John Bradley in 1975 and 1976 (Figure 17) provided more detailed accounts of the historical and archaeological evidence for the defences (Bradley 1975, 1976). The defences of Kilkenny were also included in Avril Thomas‘s study and gazetteer of Irish Town Walls (Thomas 1992). In 2005 the Heritage Council published the Kilkenny City Walls conservation plan, which as well as providing a detailed gazetteer for each section of the defences, also contains a strategy for their future conservation and presentation (Oxford Archaeology 2005).
Figure 17: Map of the Town Walls of Kilkenny city from Bradley (1975)
Artefacts Accounts of individual artefacts from the city are rare in the modern era. Harbison‘s study of the decorated wooden beams in the Rothe House museum collection (Harbison 1973) (Figure 18) and the collection of Romanesque architectural fragments at St. Canice‘s Cathedral (Harbison 1974) provide rare exceptions. A large collection of late 17th - early 18th century ceramics that were uncovered at Kilkenny castle in 1975 was published by Sweetman (1981). A study of a 13th-14th century copper-alloy ‗earscoop‘ which was found during excavations at MacDonagh station carried 24
in the 2006 Old Kilkenny Review (Devine 2006). Medieval floor-tiles from the city were included in Eames and Fanning‘s national study (Eames and Fanning 1988).
Figure 18: Dog-tooth ornament on a 13th century wooden beam, possibly originally from Kilkenny castle, now in the collection of the Rothe House museum (Harbison 1973).
Archaeological excavation publications The first publication to emerge regarding excavations in the city was a short note on the discovery of human remains probably associated with executions at Gallowshill (Prendergast 1970). In 1975 Claire Foley published an account of limited excavations on the south side of Kilkenny Castle where a substantial wall that is probably an outer bawn of the medieval castle, was uncovered (Foley 1975). 1992 saw two excavations from the city in print. The first of these was Claire Cotter‘s important excavations at Dean street, which uncovered evidence for 13th century reclamation and a bake-oven (Cotter 1992). John Bradley and Heather King reported on the outcomes of three test-excavations that were carried out within the city – at Pennefeather Lane, No.6 John‘s Quay and the parkland behind the former Kilkenny College buildings (Bradley and King 1992). An overview of the 19901993 findings from Ben Murtagh‘s excavations at Kilkenny Castle was published in 1993 (Murtagh 1993). The upsurge in developer-funded excavation in the past fifteen years is reflected somewhat in the series of publications that emerged between 2000-2006. These included Jacinta Kiely‘s excavation within the medieval burgage plot at No.26 Patrick street (Kiely 2000) and C. Ó Drisceoil‘s account of a 13th-14th century reclamation sequence and infant burial at Kieran‘s street (Ó Drisceoil 2005a). The archaeological investigations for the Kilkenny Flood Relief scheme led to the publication of an account of the archaeology of John‘s bridge (Figure 19) (Doyle 2003; Doyle and O‘Meara 2004) and the excavation of a riverside turret at College Park (Doyle 2005). 2006 saw the publication of a 25
preliminary account of the excavations at a previously undocumented workhouse burial ground on the Hebron Road (O‘Meara 2006) and accounts of the medieval findings from excavations by Paul Stevens at four sites in the city: Friary street, James‘ street, Evan‘s Home and Maudlin street (Stevens 2006). The following year the post-medieval archaeology was reported upon (Stevens 2007).
Figure 19: Plan and profile of the eastern pier of the c.1765 John’s Bridge (Doyle 2003)
26
4. An Assessment of Archaeological Investigations in Kilkenny City 1968-2006 Introduction This chapter provides an assessment of the suite of archaeological investigations undertaken in Kilkenny city between 1968-2006. It firstly focuses on quantifying and defining the dataset and then examines a series of themes such as the rate and types of investigation and their geographical spread within the city. The grading of the sites by their relative significance is then outlined and this is then followed by an overview of the publication and final report status of the investigations. Finally the corpus of excavated artefacts and archaeobotanical material is examined.
Figure 20: Archaeological excavations underway at Highhayes, MacDonagh railway station 2006. These investigations uncovered a previously undocumented artisan’s quarter of the medieval city, including a pottery production centre and a baker’s yard (photo: C. Ó Drisceoil).
27
Rate of archaeological investigation Between 1968-2006 212 archaeological sites were investigated in the city in 277 individual recording ‗operations‘ (Appendix 1). Just four of these took place prior to 1988 and 82% (176 investigations) occurred in the decade between 1996-2006 (Figure 21). This is a pattern that is mirrored throughout Ireland and can be largely explained by the combination of the integration of archaeology within the planning process at a time when the country experienced a huge upsurge in development during the years of the ‗Celtic Tiger‘. The peak occurs in 2002 and can be mainly attributed to the major archaeological works that were undertaken for the Kilkenny flood-relief scheme. When the number of archaeological licences8 that are issued in Kilkenny is compared with other cities outside Dublin (Galway, Cork, Waterford and Limerick) the result is of some interest (Figure 22). Kilkenny, by far the smallest of the cities, was the subject of 206 excavation licences, just 18 fewer that Cork. Whilst this is undoubtedly a reflection of the pro-active approach to archaeological mitigation taken for Kilkenny by the regulatory authorities, it may also echo to a certain extent the many smaller-scale developments that have taken place within the city, each of which require the issuing of a licence.
Figure 21: Rate of archaeological investigations in Kilkenny city per annum
Excavation for archaeological purposes must be carried out by suitably qualified archaeologists acting under licence, or in accordance with consents or directions, issued by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government. 8
28
Figure 22: Bar chart showing total number of archaeological licences issued for Kilkenny, Cork, Galway and Limerick to 2006.
Figure 23: Categories of archaeological investigation undertaken in Kilkenny city 1968-2006
Types of archaeological investigation The most-frequently utilised form of archaeological investigation in Kilkenny was test-excavation, which took place in just under half (49.4%) of the overall number of interventions (Figure 23). Fifty29
nine full-scale excavations have occurred in the city, representing 21.3% of the total. This figure is relatively low and again may be explained by the rather small-scale nature of many of the developments which allowed for the preservation in-situ of archaeological remains rather than their excavation or so-called ‗preservation by record‘.
Geographical spread The positioning of archaeological investigations within the city is quite broad with each area being represented (Figure 24). Not surprisingly it is the Hightown, the heart of the medieval walled town, that has experienced the most number of investigations (121). The rivers Nore and Breagagh formed the focus for a relatively large number of investigations, as a consequence of the Kilkenny FloodRelief scheme.
Figure 24: Number of archaeological investigation sites per area of Kilkenny city
Site grading The relative grading of each of the 212 investigations was based on the criteria used in Doyle et.al’s Unpublished Excavations in the Republic of Ireland 1930 – 1997 (2002, section 3.2): Category 1 of considerable significance: capable of demonstrating much of the development of a particular class of monument, landscape or town; or of considerable importance for major periods, classes of finds or environmental sequences; or of great significance methodologically (within either an international or national context); telling a full story in its own right. Worth publishing fully as a site on its own. Category 2 of moderate significance: contribution to the understanding of the type of monument, landscape and town, or to specialist studies, is significant, especially when considered in conjunction with results from other sites. Worth publishing 30
fully, possibly on its own as a journal paper, but probably in conjunction with other sites which together provide a fuller picture, or on a thematic basis. Category 3 of some significance: contribution to the understanding of the type of monument, landscape and town, or to specialist studies is only significant when considered in conjunction with results from other sites. Worth publishing some important aspects fully where they make a significant contribution, either in conjunction with other sites that together provide a fuller picture, or on a thematic basis. Category 4 of little overall significance: some points worth picking out in general synthesis of evidence. Not worth full publication; incorporate key results in synthetic or thematic overview, archive the rest in accessible form. Category 5 of no significance: not worth full publication; register negative results in SMR or GIS, archive any reports and records in accessible form.
Based on these standards there are 115 (54.2%) archaeological investigations that have produced results that can be considered to be of Grades 1-3 (Figure 25). Table 2 provides a list and summary description of these sites.
Figure 25: Significance grading of archaeological investigations for Kilkenny city (grading after Doyle et.al. 2001, section 3.2).
31
Table 2: KKAP Grade 1-3 sites Site Grade
Site Code
1
KKAP-004
1
1
Site Name
Year(s) of Investigation
Investigators
Summary
Rear of No.1 Irishtown
Ian W. Doyle
Late 12th century sole-plate house, reclamation revetments and dumps.
2002-2003
KKAP-137
NOR-11 John’s Bridge
Ian W. Doyle
Late Bronze Age fish-trap, late Medieval and 18th century bridge structures.
2001-2003
Highhayes, MacDonagh Railway Station
Emma Devine and Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
High Medieval artisan's suburb including pottery production centre.
2006
KKAP-160
Archaeological excavation, monitoring and architectural recording undertaken as part of the Kilkenny castle archaeological project 19901999. 12th-19th century castle phases recorded.
1990-1999
1
KKAP-149
Kilkenny Castle
2
KKAP-009
10-13 St. Kieran's Street
Hilary Opie
Medieval housing, reclamation.
1998
2
KKAP-010
10-13 St. Kieran’s Street
Ruairí Ó Baoill
Medieval housing, reclamation.
1997
2
KKAP-011
11 Patrick Street
Jacinta Kiely
Medieval pitting, burgage plots activity
2006
2
KKAP-012
11 Patrick Street
Jacinta Kiely Bruce Sutton
Medieval pitting, burgage plots activity
1999
2
KKAP-014
13 Blackmill Street
Niall Gregory
Black Abbey precinct wall, human burials, leadworking.
2000
Excavation of Vicar's Choral building of St. Canice's cathedral.
2004
15-16 Vicar Street
Emmet Stafford, Catherine McLoughlin
2
KKAP-022
Ben Murtagh
32
2
KKAP-023
15-16 Vicar's street
John Tierney
Testing of Vicar's choral building.
2003
2
KKAP-028
21 Abbey Street
Sarah McCutcheon
City wall, backlands activity.
1995
2
KKAP-029
21 Abbey Street
Claire Walsh
City wall, town ditch.
1995
2
KKAP-035
25 High Street
Martin Reid
Section of large battered defensive wall and ditch.
1997
2
KKAP-039
26-29 Patrick Street
Judith Carroll
12th-16th century pitting. Burgage alignments. Post-medieval housing.
plot
1998
2
KKAP-042
33 Patrick Street
John Tierney, Judith Carroll
Medieval and post-medieval housing, burgage walls and pitting.
1998
2
KKAP-056
63 High Street (rear of)
2
KKAP-060
68-69 John Street
Edmond O'Donovan
78m section of Town Wall, sections of town ditch, mural tower.
2
KKAP-065
91-93 High Street/St Mary’s Lane
Edmond O'Donovan
Shee House (c.1580) architectural survey.
KKAP-067
Abbey Street
Martin Reid
255 human burials, medieval precinct wall of Black Abbey and medieval structures beneath Black Freren Gate.
1996
2
2
KKAP-071
Abbey Street
Sylvia Desmond
Extensive wooden piling adjacent Town Wall, dendrochronologically dated to 1240s.
1998
2
KKAP-072
Abbey Street/Abbey square
Frank Ryan
Chancel Black Abbey, burials.
2000
2
KKAP-076
BRE-6 Banks of the river Breagagh Gardens Townland
Paul Stevens
Late Medieval timber structure, timber bridge foundations, medieval wall.
2000
Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
33
Medieval working.
reclamation,
infant
burial,
iron-
2002-2003 1996 2003:2005
2
KKAP-077
River Nore River Bank
2
KKAP-082
Bishop’s Palace
2
KKAP-086
Bridge House, 87-89 John Street Lower
2
KKAP-091
Cleere's Factory, Ormonde Road
2
KKAP-101
Dean’s Court, Irishtown
2
KKAP-102
Dukesmeadows Townlands
2
KKAP-108
Father Hayden Road
2
KKAP-110
Bishop’s Palace
Ian W. Doyle
Medieval circular masonry tower, late 13th century riverside post-and-wattle fences.
2003
Teresa Bolger, Ian Doyle
Architectural survey, medieval iron-working, 18th century addition to 'Bishop's Palace'.
2002
Edmond O'Donovan, Paul Stevens, Margaret Gowen
Town Wall, Tudor house, basements.
1995-1998
Town wall and ditch.
1992
Industrial complex of 18th century tanning pits, 19th century corn-drying kiln and Magdalen laundry, stone river revetments.
2002
Paul Stevens
Paul Stevens
Late Bronze Age fulacht fiadh comprising burnt mound which sealed four troughs.
2002
Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
Possible Early Medieval enclosure ditch.
2005
Brenda O’Meara
Medieval occupation boundaries, Town Wall.
2005-2006
1997,2001
John Channing
remains,
property
2
KKAP-111
Former Union Workhouse, Hebron Road
Brenda O’Meara
Early Bronze Age pit-cremation, 1840s workhouse burial ground containing 846 skeletons in 62 rectangular pits.
2
KKAP-113
Friary Street/Garden Row
Paul Stevens, Edmond O'Dovan
Medieval - post-medieval burgage plots. 18th century dwellings.
2
KKAP-126
NOR-1 Green's Bridge
Paul Stevens,Ian W. Doyle
16th century bridge, post-medieval mill.
34
2006
2001
2
KKAP-138
John's Bridge
David A. McCullough
Underwater excavation revealed timber bridge beneath John's bridge, 18th century bridgefragments and graveslabs.
2002
2001
2
KKAP-143
John’s Bridge
Niall Brady
Underwater excavation revealed construction history of John's bridge from 16th century. Numerous graveslabs.
2
KKAP-150
Kilkenny Castle
Claire Foley
1.8m wide stone outer, southern bawn wall of Kilkenny castle.
1973
2
KKAP-152
'Black Abbey'
R.O Floinn
Two coffin-burials inside chancel of Black Abbey, sealed beneath 16th century mortar floor.
1977 1997-1999
Patrick J. H. Neary
Battered medieval wall at Mill Lane, organic possible Early Medieval deposits at St. Canice's place and culverted mill-race at Parliament street.
1998
Paul Stevens
South-east to north-west section of town ditch, 6m wide x 1.45m deep. Early 13th century pottery at base.
Andrew Gittins
17th century outwork ditch 35m outside (west) of medieval town ditch.
1991
Possible 17th-18th centuy weir complex.
2001
2
KKAP-154
Kilkenny Main Drainage
2
KKAP-159
Maudlin Street
2
KKAP-170
New Street
2
KKAP-174
NOR-13 Ormond Mills and Weir Complex, Dukesmeadow
2
KKAP-175
NOR-2, NOR-4 The Mill Island and Green's Bridge Weir (Part of Green's Bridge Mills)
Paul Stevens
Paul Stevens and Brenda O’Meara
35
Industrial mill and weir complex including 17th century rectangular mill-building, mill-race and waterwheel pit. Late 17th century 'deflection dam' and wattle panelling. Extensive remodeling occurred after the 1763 flood.
2001-2002
2
KKAP-177
NOR-9 Bateman Quay
Paul Stevens
18th century stone jetty, private mooring, river wall.
2001
2
KKAP-179
NOR-16 Ormond Mills
Ian W. Doyle
Reclamation material, mill structures such as brick furnace bases, machine block settings.
2001
Intense backlands occupation material, possible Early Medieval burials and 17th century inhumations. Tudor house.
1998
2
KKAP-183
Patrick Street/Pudding Lane
John Tierney, Judith Carroll
2
KKAP-184
St Francis Abbey
Marcus O'hEochaidhe
Part of cloister and north transept of St. Francis' friary.
?
Heather A. King, John Bradley
Medieval occupation material, Town Wall of possible 17th century date and section of town ditch.
1990
2002-2004
Sinéad Phelan
4553 artefacts recovered during monitoring of dredging. 553 artefacts were recovered, 59% pottery, 28% glass, 7% metal, 5% clay pipe and 1% stone. 75% of the assemblage was of 18th20th century date, with 20% undateable. Medieval artefacts accounted for 2%, those of the 17th-18th century 3%. Two prehistoric artefacts were also recovered.
2001-2002
Ian W. Doyle
Monitoring of dredging works, 2000 artefacts including a small quantity of Mesolithic flint, a small amount of medieval pottery and metalwork, and large quantities of late medieval stone architectural fragments. A large assemblage of post-medieval pottery and glass was recovered.
2
2
2
KKAP-185
KKAP-193
KKAP-194
Pennyfeather Lane/Pudding Lane
River Nore dredging
River Nore dredging
36
Garden archaeology of medieval, early-mid 17th century and 18th century date. 2000 artefacts.
2005,2007
2
KKAP-195
Rothe House, Parliament street
Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
2
KKAP-196
Rothe House, Parliament street
Andrew Halpin
Floor-surfaces, oven blacksmith's forge.
1992,1993
Neil O'Flanagan
Drain associated with garderobe in third house, large medieval well preceding early 17th century structure. Clay floor and postholes to rear (west) of third house.
2002
Andrew Gittins
Possible Early Medieval enclosure ditch for St. Canice's cathedral, human burials, corn-drying kiln.
2
KKAP-197
Rothe House, Parliament Street
in
third
house
and
1991
2
KKAP-200
St Canice’s Orchard, Coach Road
2
KKAP-201
St. Canice's Place
Edmond O'Donovan
Levelling deposits for Tudor house of which standing remains were recorded.
1997
2
KKAP-210
St. Mary's Lane
Ken Hanley
Medieval burials and graveslab.
2000
2
KKAP-211
St. Mary's Lane
Ian W. Doyle
12 medieval burials.
2003 2006
Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
Early medieval enclosure ditch for St. Canice's cathedral, antler-working, corn-drying kiln. Medieval graveyard. 17th century yard and gardens. Detailed resistivity identified the cloister and a suite of buildings to the north of the Black Abbey church.
2004
Joanna Leigh
2004
Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
Resistivity survey adjacent the round tower and Ground Penetrating Radar within the chancel and crossing of the cathedral. External survey revealed remains of a building, possibly a church, to the south-east of the round tower.
2
KKAP-218
The Deanery Cathedral
2
KKAP-315
Black Abbey garden
2
KKAP-316
Orchard,
St. Canice’s Cathedral
St.
Canice's
37
Within the interior burial vaults and precathedral walls were noted.
3
KKAP-026
19 Vicar Street
Mary Henry
Medieval deposits beneath stone building and cobbles.
2000 1997
3
KKAP-027
20-25 Collier's Lane
Martin Reid
Horticultural horizon of probable medieval date beneath a stone building of possible 17th century date. Succeeded in the 20th century by a wallpaper manufacturing site.
KKAP-032
23 James’ Street
Paul Stevens
Human burial, medieval and post-medieval pitting and stone well. Possibly 17th century iron-working.
2000-2001
3
KKAP-037
26 Patrick Street
Jacinta Kiely
Foundations of a post-medieval building , pits and possible ditch, measuring 4.6m north-south by 0.9m by 0.7m deep.
1999
3 3
KKAP-043
33-34 High Street
John Tierney
Remnant 16th century building.
2001
3
KKAP-045
38 Parliament Street
Sheila Lane
Interior of Tudor house, mortar and brick layers.
2006
3
KKAP-046
39 Parliament Street
Paul Stevens
Build level of Tudor house, KKAP-045 and medieval deposits.
2000
3
KKAP-048
4 Rose Inn Street
Stone well.
2002
KKAP-050
44-48 St Kieran’s Street
Richard Clutterbuck, Claire Cotter
Medieval walls and 18th century quarry pits.
3 3
KKAP-059
71 High Street/St Kieran’s Street
Sheila Lane
Drystone well, reclamation deposits.
Simon Ó Faoláin
38
2003, 2006, 2008 2001
3
KKAP-064
8-10 James Street
John Channing
3
KKAP-068
Abbey Street
Rosanne Meenan
3
KKAP-069
Abbey Street
Paula King
3
KKAP-070
8 William Street
3
KKAP-078
Townparks/Gardens/Collegepark Townlands
Paul Stevens
3
KKAP-079
Bateman Quay
Jo Moran, Martin Reid
Two wells, rubbish pits/latrines and small-scale industrial activity was also noted. Three of the pits were of medieval date.
1992
Town wall, post-medieval housing.
1995
Town wall.
1997
6m wide medieval ditch, burgage alignments and deep horticultural soils.
1996-1997
Early modern foot-bridge.
2000
Paul Stevens
Series of post-medieval, parallel riverside walls and the truncated remains of a 'pleasure house'.
2002 2001-2002
3
KKAP-080
NOR-6 Bateman Quay
Paul Stevens
Excavation and full building survey of a semicircular riverside revetment wall and associated early modern Pleasure House.
3
KKAP-081
Bishop’s Palace Grounds
Dave Pollock
Garden archaeology assessment.
2005 2004
Kevin Lohan
Small excavation at the Black Abbey uncovered two substantial masonry walls, around which a number of floor levels separated by land reclamation deposits, had been added to raise the level of the ground surface. Fragment of Town Wall.
2003
3
KKAP-084
Black Abbey/River Breagagh
3
KKAP-085
Black Freren House, Abbey Street
3
KKAP-087
Bridge House, 87-89 John Street Lower
3
KKAP-092
Cleere's Factory, Ormonde Road
Rose M. Cleary Alan Hayden Edmond O'Donovan 39
Late medieval spine wall, front wall and cellar of house. Graveslab.
2002-2003 1996
3
KKAP-093
Coach Road
Patrick J. H. Neary
Possible Early Medieval embankment associated with KKAP-218, also human skeletal remains.
2006
KKAP-094
College Park
Heather A. King
13th century deposits cut through by construction level of 17th century Seix house. Boundary wall on line of Town Wall.
1991
3
3
KKAP-098
Dean Street Upper
3
KKAP-099
Dean Street
Claire Cotter
13th century reclamation deposits embankment, oven and brick cellar.
and
1990
3
KKAP-103
Evan's Home, Barracks Lane
Paul Stevens
Medieval priory chapel wall beneath walls of 18th century barracks.
1999
3
KKAP-104
Evans Lane
Patrick J. H. Neary
Medieval horicultural soils, stone-lined pit.
2002
3
KKAP-105
Evans Lane
Edmond O'Donovan
Post-medieval walls adjoining Rothe House.
1996
3
KKAP-109
Fennessy's Weir, Archersgrove
Paul Stevens
Stone weir for Fennessy's mill.
2000
A small mound had been raised on the site of a cemetery of extended, unaccompanied single burials of unknown date. Disarticulated bones derived from the surrounding graves were incorporated in the material of the mound.
1975
1997
Sheila Lane, Tony Cummins
Remains of 18th century 'Deans Chapel'.
2003, 2005
3
KKAP-115
Gallowshill
Michael Ryan
3
KKAP-116
Garden Row
Martin Reid
Refuse pits and a brick-lined cess-pit.
3
KKAP-124
Green Street
Mary Henry
Organic reclamation medieval date.
possible
2000
3
KKAP-125
Green's Bridge Complex
Paul Stevens
Testing in advance of KKAP-175 revealed archaeological material at Green's bridge and
2000
40
deposits
of
Mill Island.
KKAP-130
Diageo Complex,, River Breagagh
Ian W. Doyle
Monitoring of river-gravel extraction revealed a sword fragment. A survey of the Town Wall and Evan's tower was also undertaken.
2001
3
3
KKAP-131
Irishtown Bridge
Kevin Lohan
Architectural recording of a 'free-standing arch' for Watergate bridge.
2004
3
KKAP-133
James Street
John Channing
Medieval latrine and garden soils recorded.
1991
KKAP-134
James Street
Paul Stevens, Christopher Read
Possible medieval timber-framed standing building noted as were medieval occupation levels and horticultural soils.
1998
3
KKAP-135
James Street
Claire Cotter
Town wall and escarpment, medieval garden soils, bank of yellow-clay and post-medieval laneways.
1989
3 3
KKAP-141
James Street Old Brewery
John Channing
Two pits and disturbed medieval deposits.
1992
3
KKAP-142
James Street/Evans Lane
James Stack
Post-medieval wall and 13th century graveslab.
1993
3
KKAP-145
Kilkenny (broadband line)
Orla M B. Scully
Bridge into St. John's priory, remains of wall associated with the rebuilding of John's bridge.
2004
3
KKAP-146
Kilkenny Castle
P.D. Sweetman
Assemblage of 18th century fine pottery.
1975
3
KKAP-153
Abbey Street
Edward Bourke
Survey of Town Wall.
1990
3
KKAP-155
Kytler's Inn, 25-26 St Kieran’s Street
Margaret Gowen
Reclamation deposits overlying medieval organic material.
1995
3
KKAP-156
Langton House, 80 High Street
Orla M B. Scully
Barrel-vaulted cellar.
1992
3
KKAP-158
Mary’s Lane Antiques, St. Mary’s Lane
Brenda O’Meara
Fragments of Shee House, late18th-early 19th
2006
41
century oven, human burials. 3
KKAP-164
New Building Lane
Sarah McCutcheon
Architectural survey of the 'New Building'. Horticultural soils noted in testing.
3
KKAP-176
Dukesmeadows
Ian W. Doyle
Excavation associated with KKAP-179.
3
KKAP-180
91-93 High Street
3
KKAP-199
Church Lane, Saint Canice's cathedral
3
KKAP-209
NOR-10 Bateman Quay
3
KKAP-212
St Mary’s Lane
3
KKAP-213
St. Canice's Town Rampart
3
KKAP-216
NOR-17 "The Tuck mill/Archer’s Mills", Dukesmeadows
1996 2001-2002
Testing in Shee House revealed human burials and the possible foundations for the original precinct wall of St. Mary's church.
2003
Disarticulated dumps of human remains.
2005
Stone jetty and timber platform.
2001
Patrick J. H. Neary
Human bone fragments and medieval graveslab.
2005
Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
Human bones and debris scooped up from surrounding graveyard to form rampart.
2006
Ian W. Doyle
Weir structure and mill buildings of 17th-19th century date.
2002
Sinéad Phelan Cóilín Ó Drisceoil Niall Brady
Table 2: KKAP Grade 1-3 sites
42
Table 3: Published archaeological investigations Site Code
KKAP-032
Site Name
23 James’ Street
Site Grade
3
Investigator(s)
Paul Stevens
2000-2001
Foundations of a post-medieval building, pits and possible ditch, measuring 4.6m north-south by 0.9m by 0.7m deep.
1999
26 Patrick Street
3
Jacinta Kiely
KKAP-056
63 High Street (rear of)
2
Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
KKAP-094
River Nore River Bank
College Park
2
3
Year(s) of Investigation
Human burial, medieval and post-medieval pitting and stone well. Possibly 17th century iron-working.
KKAP-037
KKAP-077
Summary description
Ian W. Doyle
Heather A. King
Medieval reclamation, infant burial, iron-working.
2002-2003
Publication(s)
Final: Stevens 2006, 2007
Final: Kiely 2000
Final: O Drisceoil 2005
Medieval circular masonry tower, late 13th century riverside post-and-wattle fences.
2003
Final: Doyle 2005
13th century deposits cut through by construction level of 17th century Seix house. Boundary wall on line of Town Wall.
1991
Prelim: Bradley and King 1992
1990
Final: Cotter 1992
1999
Final: Stevens 2006, 2007
KKAP-099
Dean Street
3
Claire Cotter
13th century reclamation deposits and embankment, oven and brick cellar.
KKAP-103
Evan's Home,
3
Paul Stevens
Medieval priory chapel wall 43
Site Code
Site Name
Site Grade
Investigator(s)
Barracks Lane
Summary description
Year(s) of Investigation
Publication(s)
beneath walls of 18th century barracks.
KKAP-111
Former Union Workhouse, Hebron Road
2
Brenda O’Meara
KKAP-113
Friary Street/Garden Row
2
Paul Stevens, Edmond O'Dovan
Early Bronze Age pit-cremation, 1840s workhouse burial ground containing 846 skeletons in 62 rectangular pits.
2005-2006
Prelim: O'Meara 2006
Medieval - post-medieval burgage plots. 18th century dwellings.
1997,2001
Final: Stevens 2006, 2007
1975
Prelim: Prendergast 1970
2001-2003
KKAP-115
Gallowshill
3
Michael Ryan
A small mound had been raised on the site of a cemetery of extended, unaccompanied single burials of unknown date. Disarticulated bones derived from the surrounding graves were incorporated in the material of the mound.
KKAP-137
NOR-11 John’s Bridge
1
Ian W. Doyle
Late Bronze Age fish-trap, late Medieval and 18th century bridge structures.
KKAP-146
Kilkenny Castle
3
P.D. Sweetman
Assemblage of 18th century fine pottery.
1975
Final: Sweetman 1981
KKAP-149
Kilkenny castle
1
Ben Murtagh
Archaeological excavation, monitoring and architectural recording undertaken as part of
1990-1999
Prelim: Murtagh 1992
44
Prelim: Doyle 2003; Doyle and O’Meara 2004
Site Code
Site Name
Site Grade
Investigator(s)
Summary description
Year(s) of Investigation
Publication(s)
the Kilkenny castle archaeological project 19901999. 12th-19th century castle phases recorded. KKAP-150
Kilkenny Castle
KKAP-159
Maudlin Street
KKAP-160
Highhayes, MacDonagh Railway Station
KKAP-185
Pennyfeather Lane/Pudding Lane
Claire Foley
1.8m wide stone outer, southern bawn wall of Kilkenny castle.
1973
Prelim: Foley 1975
2
Paul Stevens
South-east to north-west section of town ditch, 6m wide x 1.45m deep. Early 13th century pottery at base.
1998
Final: Stevens 2006, 2007
1
Emma Devine and Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
High Medieval artisan's suburb including pottery production centre.
2006
Prelim: Devine 2006
Heather A. King, John Bradley
Medieval occupation material, Town Wall of possible 17th century date and section of town ditch.
1990
Prelim: Bradley and King 1992
2
2
45
Site Code
KKAP-316
Site Name
Site Grade
St. Canice’s Cathedral
2
Investigator(s)
Summary description
Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
Resistivity survey adjacent the round tower and Ground Penetrating Radar within the chancel and crossing of the cathedral. External survey revealed remains of a building, possibly a church, to the southeast of the round tower. Within the interior burial vaults and pre-cathedral walls were noted.
Table 3: Published archaeological investigations
46
Year(s) of Investigation
2004
Publication(s)
Final: Ó Drisceoil 2004
Publication of archaeological investigations Publications resulting from 18 archaeological investigations carried out in the city between 19682006 have been issued (Table 3) representing 15.6% of Kilkenny‘s Grade 1-3 sites (Figure 26). Of these however, just 10 could be considered to have been the subject of a ‗final‘ publication (Sweetman 1981, Cotter 1992, Kiely 2000; Ó Drisceoil 2004, 2005a; Stevens 2006, 2007). The remainder are preliminary accounts or deal with specific aspects of their respective sites.
Figure 26: Quantity of sites at final publication stage per significance category
Final reports 73% of Grade 1-3 investigations may be considered to be at ‗final report‘ stage, as defined by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government‘s guidelines (DoEHLG 2006, 57) (Figure 27). These require that the following elements are included (where relevant): cover page, acknowledgements, abstract, introduction, historical background, description of the excavation and its stratigraphy, catalogue, description and analysis of the finds, discussion and conclusion, specialist appendices, description of the excavation records and finally, references.
Site-types A broad range of site-types are also represented amongst the 115 Grade 1-3 sites (Figure 28). The relative quantity of site-types that have been revealed probably has much to do with the areas of the city that have been subjected to development. This therefore explains why the ‗backlands‘ are the most frequently encountered archaeological site-type, as much of the area behind the city‘s streetfrontages has been built-upon in recent years. 47
Figure 27: Quantity of Grade 1-5 sites at final report stage
Figure 28: Graph showing the frequency of site-types encountered in Grade 1-3 archaeological investigations in Kilkenny City 1968-2006. Note that more than one site-type can be represented at an individual site. A full breakdown on a site-by-site basis is available in the KKUAD.
48
Artefacts Cumulative totals for all the artefact-types that have been recovered from archaeological investigations in Kilkenny between 1968-2006 are presented in Tables 4 and 5 below (Figures 2931). 37,063 individual artefacts are known to have been found though this must be considered a minimum number as the quantities from a small number of sites are not available. It should also be borne in mind that the archaeological works on the Kilkenny City Flood Relief Scheme (2000-2005) and the excavations at Highhayes (MacDonagh railway station) pottery production site produced 59% of the total finds assemblage from the city.9 Medieval pottery represents the find-type which has been recovered most frequently on excavation sites in Kilkenny (Figure 30). The Highhayes production centre accounts for almost half (8013 sherds) of the total and relatively large assemblages of medieval pottery have also been retrieved from Kilkenny castle (min. c.2000 sherds) (Murtagh 1993) and 26-33 Patrick Street (3,500 sherds) (McCutcheon 2007, 318). In these and indeed all of the Kilkenny assemblages that have been documented to date, it is the locally made wares that predominate over the imports. This pattern was also replicated at Kells Priory, 12km south of Kilkenny city, where 94.4% of the 8,400 sherds were local (McCutcheon 2007, 319).
Find Type
Quantity Found
Additional sites with same find type unquantified
Medieval pottery sherds
16488
7
14414
2074
Post medieval pottery sherds
9471
27
8543
928
Ferrous metal items
2816
6
2389
427
Non-Ferrous metal items
1633
4
1500
133
Glass fragments
2663
18
2330
333
Small stone items
93
0
31
62
Coins
296
0
170
126
Bone artefacts
31
0
6
25
Clay pipe fragments
2466
19
1917
549
Quantity Analysed
Quantity to be Analysed
The third major project was at Kilkenny castle (Murtagh 1993) but no reliable, up-to-date finds totals are available for this site. 49 9
Burial Monuments
47
0
22
25
Structural Timbers
72
0
23
49
Wooden artefacts
51
0
19
32
Leather items
329
0
326
3
Roof tiles
144
2
82
62
Floor tiles
193
5
37
156
Architectural stone items
347
0
347
27
Table 4: Cumulative list of quantities of artefacts, animal bones and human remains recovered from Grade 1-3 Kilkenny City investigations 1968-2006. The table also includes final tallies on the quantities of artefacts that require analysis.
Figure 29: Percentages of finds/samples where specialist reports have been carried out. A substantial quantity - 88% - of the excavated material has already been subjected to specialist analysis.
50
Figure 30: Distribution of sites with evidence for medieval pottery. The larger the red dot, the larger the relative quantity excavated.
51
Figure 31: A huge variety of archaeological finds has been recovered from Kilkenny since 1968. These range from the conventional ceramics, coins, etc. to unusual items such as these cog-wheels from Mill Island, Green’s Bridge (KKAP-175).
52
Table 5 Table of Grade 1-3 archaeological investigations in Kilkenny city 1968-2006 with cumulative finds-totals and totals for finds requiring analysis. A detailed breakdown of the different finds categories for each site investigation is presented within the ‘Kilkenny Urban Archaeology Database’. Cumulative quantity of finds recovered
Cumulative quantity of finds to be analysed
1495
0
Site Code
Site Name
Excavation licence number
KKAP-004
Rear of No.1 Irishtown
02E1592
Late 12th century house, reclamation revetments
KKAP-009
10-13 St. Kieran's Street
98E0167
Medieval housing, reclamation.
Unknown
Unknown
KKAP-010
10-13 St. Kieran’s Street
97E0334
Medieval housing, reclamation.
Unknown
Unknown
KKAP-011
11 Patrick Street
06E0230
Medieval pitting, burgage plots activity
324
0
KKAP-012
11 Patrick Street
99E0757
Medieval pitting, burgage plots activity
909 with unknown glass
Unknown
KKAP-014
13 Blackmill Street
00E0750
52
Unknown
At least 8. Unknown pottery and glass
At least 8
Summary
Black Abbey precinct wall, human burials, lead-working.
KKAP-022
15-16 Vicar Street
03E1901
Excavation of Vicar's Choral building of St. Canice's cathedral.
KKAP-023
15-16 Vicar's street
03E0707
Testing of Vicar's choral building.
Unknown
Unknown
KKAP-026
19 Vicar Street
00E0170
Medieval deposits beneath stone building and cobbles.
3
3
97E0185
Horticultural horizon of probable medieval date beneath a stone building of possible 17th century date. Succeeded in the 20th century by a wallpaper manufacturing site.
At least 1
At least 1
KKAP-027
20-25 Collier's Lane
53
KKAP-028
21 Abbey Street
95E0044
City wall, backlands activity.
Unknown
Unknown
KKAP-029
21 Abbey Street
95E0016
City wall, town ditch.
Unknown
Unknown
160
160
KKAP-032
23 James’ Street
00E0730
Human burial, medieval and postmedieval pitting and stone well. Possibly 17th century iron-working.
KKAP-035
25 High Street
97E0309
Section of large battered defensive wall and ditch.
Unknown
Unknown
164 plus unknown quantity of metal
Unknown
KKAP-037
26 Patrick Street
99E0165
Foundations of a post-medieval building , pits and possible ditch, measuring 4.6m north-south by 0.9m by 0.7m deep.
KKAP-039
26-29 Patrick Street
98E0092
12th-16th century pitting. Burgage plot alignments. Post-medieval housing.
743
At least 1
KKAP-042
33 Patrick Street
98E0402
Medieval and post-medieval housing, burgage walls and pitting.
513
513
KKAP-046
39 Parliament Street
00E0128
Build level of Tudor house, KKAP-045 and medieval deposits.
11
11
KKAP-048
4 Rose Inn Street
02E0466
Stone well.
Unknown
Unknown
KKAP-050
44-48 St Kieran’s Street
03E1204, 06E0712
Medieval walls and 18th century quarry pits.
114
114
KKAP-056
63 High Street (rear of)
02E1715
Medieval reclamation, infant burial, iron-working.
178
0
KKAP-059
71 High Street/St Kieran’s Street
01E0254
Unknown
Unknown
KKAP-060
68-69 John Street
96E0131
Unknown
Unknown
Drystone well, reclamation deposits. 78m section of Town Wall, sections of town ditch, mural tower.
54
KKAP-064
8-10 James Street
92E0038
Two wells, rubbish pits/latrines and small-scale industrial activity was also noted. Three of the pits were of medieval date.
KKAP-065
91-93 High Street/St Mary’s Lane
05E0201
Shee House (c.1580) architectural survey.
2
2
Unknown
Unknown
At least 589
Unknown
2
2
KKAP-067
Abbey Street
96E0047
255 human burials, medieval precinct wall of Black Abbey and medieval structures beneath Black Freren Gate.
KKAP-068
Abbey Street
95E0637
Town wall, post-medieval housing.
KKAP-069
Abbey Street
97E0008
Town wall.
Unknown
Unknown
KKAP-070
8 William Street
96E0155
6m wide medieval ditch, burgage alignments and deep horticultural soils.
Unknown
Unknown
36
36
At least 112
At least 112
KKAP-071
Abbey Street
96E0047
Extensive wooden piling adjacent Town Wall, dendrochronologically dated to 1240s.
KKAP-072
Abbey Street/Abbey square
00E0335
Chancel Black Abbey, burials.
KKAP-076
BRE-6 Banks of the river Breagagh Gardens Townland
00E0406
Late Medieval timber structure, timber bridge foundations, medieval wall.
27
0
01E0821
Medieval circular masonry tower, late 13th century riverside post-and-wattle fences.
17
0
39
0
Unknown
Unknown
At least 4
At least 4
KKAP-077
KKAP-078
River Nore River Bank Townparks/Gardens/ Collegepark Townlands
00E0405
KKAP-081
Bishop’s Palace Grounds
05E0652
KKAP-082
Bishop’s Palace
02E0593
Early modern foot-bridge. Garden archaeology assessment. Architectural survey, medieval iron55
working, 18th century addition to 'Bishop's Palace'.
KKAP-084
Black Abbey/River Breagagh
04E0944
KKAP-085
Black Freren House, Abbey Street
03E0359
KKAP-086
Bridge House, 87-89 John Street Lower
95E0053
KKAP-091
Cleere's Factory, Ormonde Road
92E0080
KKAP-092
Cleere's Factory, Ormonde Road
KKAP-093
Coach Road
Finds retrieval and a small excavation at the Black Abbey uncovered two substantial masonry walls, around which a number of floor levels separated by land reclamation deposits, had been added to raise the level of the ground surface.
463
0
1
1
11
11
Town wall and ditch.
At least 40
At least 40
96E0198
Graveslab.
At least 1
At least 1
06E0075
Possible Early Medieval embankment associated with KKAP-218, also human skeletal remains.
Unknown
Unknown
At least 1
At least 1
Fragment of Town Wall. Town Wall, Tudor house, basements.
KKAP-094
College Park
91E0091
13th century deposits cut through by construction level of 17th century Seix house. Boundary wall on line of Town Wall.
KKAP-098
Dean Street Upper
03E0321
Remains of 18th century 'Deans Chapel'.
Unknown
Unknown
KKAP-099
Dean Street
E590
13th century reclamation deposits and embankment, oven and brick cellar.
At least 30
Unknown
KKAP-101
Dean’s Court, Irishtown
02E1370
138
0
Industrial complex of 18th century tanning pits, 19th century corn-drying 56
kiln and Magdalen laundry, stone river revetments. KKAP-102
Dukesmeadows Townlands
02E1237
Late Bronze Age fulacht fiadh comprising burnt mound which sealed four troughs.
3
3
KKAP-103
Evan's Home, Barracks Lane
99E0662
Medieval priory chapel wall beneath walls of 18th century barracks.
52
52
KKAP-104
Evans Lane
02E1107
Medieval horticultural soils, stone-lined pit.
Unknown
Unknown
KKAP-108
Father Hayden Road
05E1409
Possible Early Medieval enclosure ditch for Domhnach Mor monastic site.
Unknown
Unknown
KKAP-110
Bishop’s Palace
06E0189
Medieval occupation remains, property boundaries, Town Wall.
53
0
KKAP-111
Former Union Workhouse, Hebron Road
05E0435
Early Bronze Age pit-cremation, 1840s workhouse burial ground containing 846 skeletons in 62 rectangular pits.
Unknown
Unknown
KKAP-113
Friary Street/Garden Row
97E0087, 01E0569
Medieval - post-medieval burgage plots. 18th century dwellings.
600
600
KKAP-116
Garden Row
96E0385
Refuse pits and a brick-lined cess-pit.
6
6
KKAP-124
Green Street
99E0713
Organic reclamation deposits of possible medieval date.
Unknown
Unknown
23
0
140
0
KKAP-125
Green's Bridge Complex
00E0390
Testing in advance of KKAP-175 revealed archaeological material at Green's bridge and Mill Island.
KKAP-126
NOR-1 Green's Bridge
01E0326
16th century bridge, post-medieval mill.
57
KKAP-130
Diageo Complex,, River Breagagh
01E0632
Monitoring of river-gravel extraction revealed a sword fragment. A survey of the Town Wall and Evan's tower was also undertaken.
KKAP-131
Irishtown Bridge
04E0615
Architectural recording of a 'freestanding arch' for Watergate bridge.
KKAP-133
James Street
91E0010
6
6
1870
0
Medieval latrine and garden soils recorded.
Unknown
Unknown
Possible medieval timber-framed standing building noted as were medieval occupation levels and horticultural soils.
39
39
At least 80
Unknown
KKAP-134
James Street
98E0427
KKAP-135
James Street
E532
KKAP-137
NOR-11 John’s Bridge
01E0980
Late Bronze Age fish-trap, late Medieval and 18th century bridge structures.
2465
0
83
0
Town wall and escarpment, medieval garden soils, bank of yellow-clay and post-medieval laneways.
KKAP-138
John's Bridge
02E0129
Underwater excavation revealed timber bridge beneath John's bridge, 18th century bridge-fragments and graveslabs.
KKAP-141
James Street Old Brewery
92E0067
Two pits and disturbed medieval deposits.
Unknown
Unknown
KKAP-142
James Street/Evans Lane
93E0038
Post-medieval wall and 13th century graveslab.
At least 2
At least 2
KKAP-143
John’s Bridge
00E0790, 00D033, 01E0036
285
6
Underwater excavation revealed construction history of John's bridge from 16th century. Numerous 58
graveslabs.
KKAP-145
Kilkenny (broadband line)
04E0057
Bridge into St. John's priory, remains of wall associated with the rebuilding of John's bridge.
Unknown
Unknown
KKAP-146
Kilkenny Castle
n/a
Assemblage of 18th century fine pottery.
Unknown
Unknown
KKAP-150
Kilkenny Castle
E156
1.8m wide stone outer, southern bawn wall of Kilkenny castle.
Unknown
Unknown
KKAP-152
'Black Abbey'
E803
Two coffin-burials inside chancel of Black Abbey, sealed beneath 16th century mortar floor.
At least 5
At least 5
KKAP-153
Abbey Street
01E0099
Survey of Town Wall.
Unknown
Unknown
KKAP-154
Kilkenny Main Drainage
97E0481
Battered medieval wall at Mill Lane, organic deposits at St. Canice's place and culverted mill-race at Parliament street.
Unknown
Unknown
KKAP-155
Kytler's Inn, 25-26 St Kierans Street
95E0062
Reclamation deposits overlying medieval organic material.
10
10
KKAP-156
Langton House, 80 High Street
92E0101
Barrel-vaulted cellar.
At least 3
At least 3
KKAP-158
Mary’s Lane Antiques, St. Mary’s Lane
06E0855
Fragments of Shee House, late18th-early 19th century oven, human burials.
46
0
265
0
9177
0
At least 3
At least 3
KKAP-159
Maudlin Street
98E0346
South-east to north-west section of town ditch, 6m wide x 1.45m deep. Early 13th century pottery at base.
KKAP-160
Highhayes, MacDonagh Railway Station
06E0122
High Medieval artisan's suburb including pottery production centre.
KKAP-164
New Building Lane
96E0142
Architectural survey of the 'New 59
Building'. Horticultural soils noted in testing. KKAP-170
New Street
91E0042
17th century outwork ditch 35m outside (west) of medieval town ditch.
5
5
589
0
KKAP-175
NOR-2, NOR-4 The Mill Island and Green's Bridge Weir (Part of Green's Bridge Mills)
01E0608
Industrial mill and weir complex including 17th century rectangular millbuilding, mill-race and waterwheel pit. Late 17th century 'deflection dam' and wattle paneling. Extensive remodeling occurred after the 1763 flood.
KKAP-177
NOR-9 Bateman Quay
01E0554
18th century stone jetty, private mooring, river wall.
275
0
KKAP-179
NOR-16 Ormond Mills
01E1107
Reclamation material, mill structures such as brick furnace bases, machine block settings.
267
0
03E1856
Testing in Shee House revealed human burials and the possible foundations for the original precinct wall of St. Mary's church.
At least 1
At least 1
2747
At least 10
KKAP-180
91-93 High Street
KKAP-183
Patrick Street/Pudding Lane
97E0468
Intense backlands occupation material, possible Early Medieval burials and 17th century inhumations. Tudor house.
KKAP-184
St Francis Abbey
n/a
Part of cloister and north transept of St. Francis' friary.
Unknown
Unknown
KKAP-185
Pennyfeather Lane/Pudding Lane
E535
Medieval occupation material, Town Wall of possible 17th century date and section of town ditch.
At least 44
At least 44
60
KKAP-193
River Nore dredging
01E0821
4553 artefacts recovered during monitoring of dredging. 553 artefacts were recovered, 59% pottery, 28% glass, 7% metal, 5% clay pipe and 1% stone. 75% of the assemblage was of 18th-20th century date, with 20% undateable. Medieval artefacts accounted for 2%, those of the 17th18th century 3%. Two prehistoric artefacts were also recovered.
3992
0
1472
0
KKAP-194
River Nore dredging
01E0909
Monitoring of dredging works, 2000 artefacts including a small quantity of Mesolithic flint, a small amount of medieval pottery and metalwork, and large quantities of late medieval stone architectural fragments. A large assemblage of post-medieval pottery and glass was recovered.
KKAP-195
Rothe House, Parliament street
05E0598
Garden archaeology of medieval, earlymid 17th century and 18th century date. 2000 artefacts.
1876
0
KKAP-196
Rothe House, Parliament street
91E0076
Floor-surfaces, oven in third house and blacksmith's forge.
Unknown
Unknown
92E0123
Drain associated with garderobe in third house, large medieval well preceding early 17th century structure. Clay floor and postholes to rear (west) of third house.
140
10
KKAP-197
Rothe House, Parliament Street
61
KKAP-200
St Canice’s Orchard, Coach Road
02E0845
Possible Early Medieval enclosure ditch for St. Canice's cathedral, human burials, corn-drying kiln.
KKAP-209
NOR-10 Bateman Quay
01E0303
Stone jetty and timber platform.
45
45
KKAP-210
St. Mary's Lane
00E0712
Medieval burials and graveslab.
28
27
KKAP-211
St. Mary's Lane
03E0572
12 medieval burials.
At least 51
Unknown
KKAP-212
St Mary’s Lane
05E1070
Human bone fragments and medieval graveslab.
At least 2
At least 2
KKAP-216
NOR-17 "The Tuck mill/Archer’s Mills", Dukesmeadows
01E1041
243
0
322
0
KKAP-218
The Deanery Orchard, St. Canice's Cathedral
06E0306
Weir structure and mill buildings of 17th-19th century date. Early medieval enclosure ditch for St. Canice's Cathedral, antler-working, corn-drying kiln. Medieval graveyard. 17th century yard and gardens.
378
10
Grade 1-3 archaeological investigations in Kilkenny city 1968-2006 with cumulative finds-totals and totals for finds requiring analysis. A detailed breakdown of the different finds categories for each site investigation is presented within the ‘Kilkenny Urban Archaeology Database’.
62
Human skeletal remains Twenty-two archaeological investigations in the city between 1968-2006 have produced human skeletal remains (Tables 6, 7) (Figures 32, 33). Two sites produced 95% of the burials, namely Abbey Street10 and the former Union Workhouse, Hebron road (Figure 32).11
Quantity
Additional sites with burials unquantified
Quantity already analysed
Quantity to be analysed
Human burials
1155
0
884
271
Human disarticulated bones
244
1
244
0
Table 6: Table of cumulative totals of human remains from archaeological investigations in Kilkenny city 1968-2006.
Figure 32: Infant burials from the previously undocumented burial ground adjacent to the Kilkenny Union Workhouse (O Meara 2006). Some 846 skeletons were excavated from 61sub-rectangular burial pits. (photo: Brenda O Meara).
10 11
KKAP-067 KKAP-111 63
Table 7: Table of Grade 1-3 KKAP sites which produced human skeletal material
Site Code
Site Name
KKAP-014
13 Blackmill Street
KKAP-032
23 James’ Street
KKAP-039
26-29 Street
63 High Street (rear of)
KKAP-067
Abbey Street
KKAP-093
KKAP-111
Abbey Street/Abbey square
Summary
Quantity of Human Remains to be Analysed
Black Abbey precinct wall, human burials, lead-working.
19 individuals
0
Human burial, medieval and post-medieval pitting and stone well. Possibly 17th century iron-working.
1 individual
0
00E0730
9 individuals
0
98E0092
12th-16th century pitting. Burgage plot alignments. Post-medieval housing. Inhumation burials.
02E1715
Medieval reclamation, infant burial, ironworking.
6 disarticulated
0
255 human burials, medieval precinct wall of Black Abbey and medieval structures beneath Black Freren Gate.
255
96E0047
Chancel Black Abbey, burials.
3 individuals plus disarticulated
3 individuals plus disarticulated
Unknown
Unknown
06E0075
Possible Early Medieval embankment associated with KKAP-218, also human skeletal remains.
846
05E0435
Early Bronze Age pit-cremation, 1840s workhouse burial ground containing 846 skeletons in 62 rectangular pits.
00E0335
Coach Road
Former Union Workhouse, Hebron Road
Quantity of Human Remains found
00E0750
Patrick
KKAP-056
KKAP-072
Excavation licence number
64
255
846
KKAP-115
Gallowshill E792
KKAP-119
Gashouse Lane
A small mound had been raised on the site of a cemetery of extended, unaccompanied single burials of unknown date. Disarticulated bones derived from the surrounding graves were incorporated in the material of the mound.
1 individual
1 individual
Two fragments of human bone.
2 disarticulated human bones.
2 disarticulated human bones.
Two coffin-burials inside chancel of Black Abbey, sealed beneath 16th century mortar floor.
2 individuals
2 individuals
Pit with human bone.
33 disarticulated bone fragments from a single individual.
33 disarticulated bone fragments from a single individual.
04E0393
KKAP-152
‘Black Abbey’ E803
KKAP-157
Lower New Street 96E0007
KKAP-158
KKAP-160
KKAP-180
KKAP-183
Mary’s Lane Antiques, St. Mary’s Lane
Fragments of Shee House, late18th-early 19th century oven, human burials.
9 disarticulated
0
06E0855
Highhayes, MacDonagh Railway Station
High Medieval artisan's suburb including pottery production centre.
2 disarticulated
0
06E0122
Testing in Shee House revealed human burials and the possible foundations for the original precinct wall of St. Mary's church.
2 individuals
03E1856
97E0468
Intense backlands occupation material, possible Early Medieval burials and 17th
9 individuals
91-93 High Street
Patrick Street/Pudding
65
2 individuals
0
Lane KKAP-184
St Francis Abbey
KKAP-199
Church Lane, Saint Canice's cathedral
KKAP-200
St Canice’s Orchard, Coach Road
KKAP-211
St. Mary's Lane
KKAP-212
St Mary’s Lane
KKAP-218
The Deanery Orchard, St. Canice's Cathedral
century inhumations. Tudor house. Part of cloister and north transept of St. Francis' friary.
Unknown
Disarticulated dumps of human remains.
138 disarticulated
Possible Early Medieval enclosure ditch for St. Canice's cathedral, human burials, corndrying kiln.
2 individuals
2 individuals
02E0845 03E0572
12 medieval burials.
12 individuals
12 individuals
05E1070
Human bone fragments and medieval graveslab.
28 disarticulated
0
41 disarticulated
0
06E0306
Early medieval enclosure ditch for St. Canice's cathedral, antler-working, corn-drying kiln. Medieval graveyard. 17th century yard and gardens.
n/a 04E1535
Table 7: Table of Grade 1-3 KKAP sites which produced human skeletal material
66
Unknown 0
Figure 33: Distribution of sites with evidence for human remains. 67
Archaeobotanical material Fourteen archaeological investigations produced archaeobotanical material which was subjected to specialist analysis (Tables 8, 9) (Figure 34). In six cases charred cereals were identified, with wheat being present most frequently. Waterlogged timbers from the excavations for the Kilkenny Flood Relief scheme were the focus for analysis on the remaining eight sites.
Quantity
Quantity already analysed
Charred plant remains
122
122
Wood/charcoal
401
401
Table 8: Table of cumulative totals of palaeoenvironmental samples recovered from archaeological investigations in Kilkenny city 1968-2006.
Table 9: Table of palaeobotanical material from archaeological investigations in Kilkenny 1968-2006 KKAP Number
KKAP-011
KKAP-012
KKAP-037
Site name
11 Patrick Street
11 Patrick Street
26 Patrick Street
Excavation licence number
Summary of archaeobotanical material
06E0230
Medieval and post-medieval pit-samples produced large quantities of charred wheat and oat grains.
99E0757
Medieval pit-samples produced grains of charred wheat, oats. Also weed seeds of knotgrass, goosefoot, daisy, sedge and legume family. Post-medieval pit-samples included barley, wheat, oats. Weeds were knotgrass, goosefoot and legume family.
99E0165
Samples from medieval and postmedieval pits and linear features produced charred wheat grains, cereal weeds, pulses and hazelnut shells.
KKAP-077
River Nore, College Park
01E0821
Riverside post-and-wattle fences with the stakes of oak and sails of hazel with some ash and willow. Stake-pile foundations for circular masonry structure were all of oak.
KKAP-102
Dukesmeadows
02E1237
Samples from the troughs and burnt mound of a fulacht fiadh were of alder,
68
birch, hazel, apple-type, elm, oak, yew.
01E0569
Medieval drying kiln produced oats which were being processed in advance of brewing. Wheat and barley also noted. Charcoal and timbers from fencing and drying kiln superstructure analysed.
01E0326
Timber samples from the left bank of the bridge site were identified as oak and spruce.
01E0980
Oak, hazel and Scot’s pine used for construction of Late Medieval and c.1765 bridge.
John’s Bridge
01E0036
Bridge-timbers of oak, pine, spruce, and elm identified.
KKAP-175
NOR-2, NOR-4 The Mill Island and Green's Bridge Weir (Part of Green's Bridge Mills)
01E0608
Timbers associated with the mill were of oak, ash, fir, pine, elm, spruce and alder.
KKAP-177
NOR-9 Quay
01E0554
Timbers associated with a riverside stone jetty were predominantly of oak with elm, ash and willow also noted.
05E0598
Pollen of oak, alder, birch, hazel, corn, plantago-type, brassicacea and Chenopodiaceae from 17th century garden horizons.
92E0123
Charred wheat and oat grains from the backfill of a medieval well.
01E0303
Timbers from the post-medieval jetty at Bateman quay were predominantly of oak with spruce, pine, elm and sloe also represented.
KKAP-113
Friary Street/Garden Row
KKAP-126
NOR-1 Bridge
KKAP-137
NOR-11 Bridge
KKAP-143
Green’s
John’s
Bateman
KKAP-195
Rothe garden
KKAP-197
Rothe House, main courtyard
KKAP-209
House
NOR-10 Bateman Quay
Table 9: Table of palaeobotanical material from archaeological investigations in Kilkenny 1968-2006
69
Figure 34: Distribution of sites with evidence for archaeobotanical material. 70
5. The Archaeology of the City: An Overview Introduction Thirty-eight years of investigations in Kilkenny city has amassed a large amount of archaeological evidence. In chronological terms it ranges from the late Mesolithic (c.5500-400 BC) to 20th century with the high medieval (c.1169-1350) and post-medieval (c.1550-1650) periods being particularly well represented (Figure 35). This section provides an overview of the archaeological record for each of the main periods of activity within the city.
Figure 35: Total number of archaeological periods represented by all Grade 1-3 investigation sites between 1968-2006. Please note the use of post-medieval in this context refers to any site that post-dates c.1550.
Geological and glacial The bedrock geology lies c.25m below Kilkenny city and is a limestone and calcareous shale of Carboniferous age (534-390 million years ago).12 It is capped by glaciofluvial gravels that are dominated by limestone clasts, outwash deposits that resulted from the melting of ice at the end of the last glaciation 18,000-14,500 BP and are found throughout the Nore and Breagagh river valley (Hegarty 2002, 2, 21). Throughout much of Kilkenny the gravels are capped by a shallow (0.10m0.75m deep) orange-brown sandy-clay, which forms the ‗natural‘ substratum on most of the excavation sites outside the flood-plains of the Nore and Breagagh rivers. Within this zone alluvial silts have been encountered and its extent can be reconstructed based on these findings (Ó Drisceoil 2003) (Figure 36).
12
Geological Survey of Ireland bedrock geology maps http://193.178.1.182/website/gsi_multi/viewer.htm (accessed 19th July 2007).
71
Figure 36: Map of Kilkenny city showing the reconstructed extent of the original flood-plains of the rivers Nore and Breagagh (after Ó Drisceoil 2003). 72
Prehistoric Kilkenny Five sites have produced indications for intermittent prehistoric activity within the city (Table 10) (Figure 37-41). Archaeological monitoring of the river Nore dredging works in the city produced Mesolithic flints13 and a Neolithic polished stone axe (Figure 37).14 The river Nore drainage scheme also uncovered the remains of a post-and-wattle structure beneath John‘s Bridge15 that was radiocarbon dated to the Late Bronze Age and fulachta fiadh that were probably of similar age were excavated at Dukesmeadows16 (c.500m south-east of Kilkenny castle). Some 300m to the north of the Kilkenny railway station a single isolated pit-cremation was uncovered during the excavations of a mid-nineteenth century burial ground for the Kilkenny Union Workhouse17 (O Meara 2006). The cremation was accompanied by a single early bronze age decorated bowl which has parallels at Duvernagh, Co. Armagh and Audleystown, Co. Down (Ó Ríordáin and Waddell 1993, nos. 113 and 144, figs. pp.180 and 186; B. O Meara pers. comm.).
Figure 37: Polished stone axehead recovered during the monitoring of dredging from the river Nore (KKAP-191)
KKAP-194 KKAP-191 15 KKAP-137 16 KKAP-102 17 KKAP-110 13 14
73
Archaeological licence number
Site summary
Figure Number
02E1237
Late Bronze Age fulacht fiadh comprising burnt mound which sealed four troughs.
41
40
Site Code
Site name
Investigator
Site grade
KKAP-102
Dukesmeadows
Paul Stevens
2
KKAP-111
Former Union Workhouse, Hebron road
Brenda O’Meara
2
05E435
Early Bronze Age pit-cremation, 1840s workhouse burial ground containing 846 skeletons in 62 rectangular pits.
KKAP-137
John’s Bridge, NOR-11
Ian W. Doyle
1
01E980
Late Bronze Age fish-trap, late Medieval and 18th century bridge structures.
39
01E821
4553 artefacts recovered during monitoring of dredging. 553 artefacts were recovered, 59% pottery, 28% glass, 7% metal, 5% clay pipe and 1% stone. 75% of the assemblage was of 18th-20th century date, with 20% undateable. Medieval artefacts accounted for 2%, those of the 17th-18th century 3%. Two prehistoric artefacts were also recovered.
41
01E909
Monitoring of dredging works, 2000 artefacts including a small quantity of Mesolithic flint, a small amount of medieval pottery and metalwork, and
39
KKAP-193
KKAP-194
River Nore
River Nore
Sinéad Phelan
Ian W. Doyle
2
2
74
Site Code
Site name
Investigator
Site grade
Archaeological licence number
Site summary large quantities of late medieval stone architectural fragments. A large assemblage of postmedieval pottery and glass was recovered.
Table 10: Table of archaeological investigation sites 1968-2006 with evidence for prehistoric archaeology
75
Figure Number
Figure 40
Figure 39
Figure 41
Figure 38: Map of archaeological investigation sites 1968-2006 with evidence for prehistoric archaeology
76
Figure 39: Detailed map of archaeological investigation sites 1968-2006 with evidence for prehistoric archaeology
77
Figure 40: Detailed map of archaeological investigation sites 1968-2006 with evidence for prehistoric archaeology
78
Figure 41: Detailed map of archaeological investigation sites 1968-2006 with evidence for prehistoric archaeology
79
Early Medieval Kilkenny (c.400-1169 AD) Background Between the 8th-12th century the Kilkenny area became a focus for settlement, as indicated by the 21 ringforts that are recorded within a 2km radius of the city. Archaeological excavation of one of these, at Leggetsrath West (1.2km to the east of Highhayes), revealed a 54m diameter enclosure which was occupied in the 8th-10th century AD and again in the 12th century AD (Lennon 2006). Finds from the excavation such as sherds from a Mediterranean Bii amphora and a fine copper-alloy ring-pin, were suggestive of a high-status, wealthy site. However, the earliest sustained settlement in what is now Kilkenny city can be traced to a pair of Early Medieval monastic sites which occupied gravel hills, 1km apart (Figure 43) (Bradley 2000a, 1). The older site was the monastery of Domhnach Mór, now St. Patrick‘s graveyard, in the south of the modern city, which may have its origins in the 5th century AD (Bradley 1990). Evidence for cereal cultivation in its environs in the 9th century has recently been documented (Ó Drisceoil 2008a). The other monastery, in the north, was Cill Chainningh, the church of Canice and this grew in influence to the extent that by the twelfth century it had become the principal ecclesiastical power in Leinster outside Dublin. A substantial monastic town appears to have developed in its wake, though there is still little known of its topography despite much of this area having been archaeologically investigated in recent years. In common with many Early Medieval monastic foundations Cill Chainnigh was defined by concentric circular ditched enclosures and the outermost of these can be inferred from the curving street-pattern of Vicar Street, St. Canice‘s Place, Dean Street and Thomas Street (Hogan 1884, 157; Bradley 1990). This outer enclosure closely followed the edge of the original river-banks of the Nore and Breagagh and archaeological excavations on the north side of the latter have demonstrated that the foreshore was not reclaimed here until the late 12 th -early 13th century (Cotter 1992; Ó Drisceoil 2003). The total extent of the monastic site can thus be estimated to have been c.300m x 225m (c.15.5 acres). This was quite modest in comparison to other contemporary monasteries though Kilkenny was considered to have been of sufficient size and status to have been worth attacking and burning in 1085 and again in 1114. In 1146 the Annals of the Four Masters note that ‗Gillaphadraig, the grandson of Donnchadh, lord of Osraighe, was killed by the O'Braenains, by treachery, in the middle of Cill-Cainnigh‘. That Kilkenny could be described as having a ‗middle‘ may again indicate the presence of a sizeable settlement at this time and this is also alluded to the Song of Dermot and the Earl which describes the arrival in 1169 of the first contingent of some 200 Anglo-Norman adventurers under Maurice de Prendergast: ‗The English at Kilkenny/Remained that night/With great joy and in great commotion…/To their hostels they returned/Where they were before lodged‘ (Orpen 1892, i, 1, 338). Although the Song may be exaggerating somewhat Kilkenny clearly had the resources in 1169 to accommodate a large band of soldiers and also presumably their camp followers. 80
Early Medieval archaeological discoveries Seven archaeological investigations at six sites in the city have reported evidence for Early Medieval activity (Table 11) (Figures 43-45). What may have been an inner vallum of the ecclesiastical precinct of Cill Chainnigh has recently been discovered in the ‗Deanery Orchard‘ beside St. Canice‘s cathedral (Figure 42).18 The site also produced evidence for antler working and a corn-drying kiln that may be of similar age. Evidence for antler working was also noted on the adjoining Coach Road.19 At the junction of Irishtown and St. Canice‘s Place the monitoring of a new manhole revealed a peaty silt layer which thought by the investigator, based on the absence of pottery, to have been of Early Medieval date.20 On the south side of the city a section of the enclosure ditch around the Domhnach Mór was documented on Father Hayden road21. The earliest horizon at Kilkenny Castle22 appears to have been of pre Anglo-Norman date and contained a c.4.6m x 4.2m sod-built structure with a central hearth, nearby to which was a small smelting-furnace for bronze and iron working. It has been suggested this may have been a residence for the Gaelic Mac Gilla Padraig clan23 (Bradley 1990; 2000a, 1; Murtagh 1993) though the recovery of numerous sherds of Leinster cooking ware pottery from the horizon could also indicate this was an Anglo-Norman rather than a native site; there is very little evidence from south-east Ireland (and none from Kilkenny) that Leinster cooking ware was used by the native population (Ó Floinn 1988).
KKAP site code
KKAP-093
KKAP-108
Site Name
Coach Road
Father Hayden Road
Investigator(s)
Patrick J. H. Neary
Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
Archaeological Licence Number
19
Figure Number
06E0075
Possible Early Medieval embankment associated with KKAP-218, also human skeletal remains.
44
05E1409
Possible Early Medieval enclosure ditch for Domhnach Mor monastic site.
45
KKAP-200, KKAP-218 KKAP-093 20 KKAP-154 21 KKAP-108 22 KKAP-149 23 Hogan (1884, 53, 106) originally proposed Kilkenny castle as their residence. 81 18
Site summary
KKAP-149
KKAP-154
KKAP-200
KKAP-218
Kilkenny Castle
Kilkenny Main Drainage
St Canice’s Orchard, Coach Road
The Deanery Orchard, St. Canice’s Cathedral
Ben Murtagh
Patrick J. H. Neary
Andrew Gittins
Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
82
E627, 99E481
Archaeological excavation, monitoring and architectural recording undertaken as part of the Kilkenny castle archaeological project 1990-1999. 12th-19th century castle phases recorded.
45
97E481
Battered medieval wall at Mill Lane, possible Early Medieval organic deposits at St. Canice’s place and High Medieval culverted mill-race at Parliament street.
44
02E845
Possible Early Medieval enclosure ditch for St. Canice’s cathedral, human burials, corn-drying kiln.
44
06E306
Early medieval enclosure ditch for St. Canice’s cathedral, antlerworking, corndrying kiln. Medieval graveyard. 17th century yard and gardens.
44
KKAP-316
Saint Canice’s Cathedral
Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
04R026
Resistivity survey adjacent the round tower and Ground Penetrating Radar within the chancel and crossing of the cathedral. External survey revealed remains of a building, possibly a church, to the south-east of the round tower. Within the interior burial vaults and precathedral walls were noted.
Table 11: Table of Grade 1-3 archaeological investigation sites with evidence for Early Medieval archaeology
83
44
Hacksilver
Antler tines
18
Figure 42: Test-excavations in 2006 at the Deanery Orchard, St. Canice’s Cathedral (KKAP-218) provided important evidence regarding the Early Medieval archaeology of the site. A section of the monastic enclosure ditch was uncovered (bottom left) as well as finds of antler tines and hack-silver (bottom right) from the site.
84
Figure 44
Figure 45
Figure 43: Map of Grade 1-3 archaeological investigation sites with evidence for Early Medieval archaeology 85
Figure 44: Detailed map of Grade 1-3 archaeological investigation sites with evidence for Early Medieval archaeology
86
Figure 45: Detailed map of Grade 1-3 archaeological investigation sites with evidence for Early Medieval archaeology
87
Medieval Kilkenny (1169-c.1550 AD) Background Four years after the 1169 Anglo-Norman invasion an earth-and-timber castle was constructed by Richard de Clare (‗Strongbow‘) on a hill overlooking the river Nore at the south end of Kilkenny (Stokes 1895-7, 433). Following Domhnaill O Brien‘s attack in 1174 it was evacuated, to be replaced c.1190 by another similar structure (Murtagh 1993). In c.1199 Strongbow‘s brother-in-law, William Marshal, acted to make Kilkenny the principal town in his lordship of Leinster and by co-incidence a dispute between Marshal and King John – for doing homage to Philip II of France for his lands in Normandy – led to the lord of Leinster leaving England in 1207 for Leinster and until 1213 he stayed in exile at Kilkenny, raised the large quadrangular stone castle and developed the city and liberty of Kilkenny (Figure 10) (Crouch 1990, 92-106). With the end of the Marshal lineage in 1248 Kilkenny castle and the newly divided lordship of Leinster passed to the de Clare earls of Hereford and Gloucester, and onto the Despensers in 1317 before being sold to James Butler, third earl of Ormond in 1391. The Ormond purchase of Kilkenny castle was to profoundly dictate the fortunes of the town for the next half a millennium. Kilkenny, like the majority of the new Anglo-Norman boroughs flourished and prospered during the 13th – mid-14th centuries. The city‘s populace was made up of some 300 burgesses with free-tenants, artisans and servants forming the remainder of its 2,500 – 4,000 inhabitants (Bradley 2000b, 15). Kilkenny, as seat of the lordship of Leinster, became the chief market place for the hinterland and this resulted in the development of a wealthy merchant class whose power and influence helped to shape the medieval town to such an extent that by the middle of the thirteenth century Kilkenny was the largest inland town in Ireland. It was a thriving, prosperous place with all the attributes of a typical European medieval urban settlement: a charter of rights, a castle, Town Walls, a parish church, a cathedral, religious houses, bridges, streets, mills, market places and burgage plots (Figure 46). Kilkenny‘s success as a town led to a steep rise in its population and the rapid expansion of the urban area. To begin with, the town extended into the flood-plains of the rivers Nore and Breagagh and then into a series of suburban developments, at least five of which have been documented. In the case of the suburbs of Irishtown (around St. Canice‘s church) and Donaghmore, they were preexisting Early Medieval centres and were given the status of separate boroughs (Bradley 1990). Three new ‗green-field‘ suburban developments were also promoted, one on the west side of the city outside the Walkin‘s gate/St. James‘s Gate (Bradley 2000a, 2), a second to the south of the castle the ‗Flemingstown‘ (Ledwich 1781, 387; Prim 1849-51; Hogan 1884, 202-3; Egan 1885, 22-3), and the third – St. John‘s – on the east side of the river Nore. A period of dramatic climatic deterioration and bad harvests was recorded all over Britain and Ireland in 1315 and 1317 (Parry 1978, 137). A general decline in the Anglo-Norman population of South Leinster occurred as a consequence of the wars that followed the Bruce invasions (1315-18) 88
and the ‗Black Death‘ of 1348-9 (Empey 1970, 241). Kilkenny in the fourteenth century also experienced a period of rapid economic depression which led to the desertion of the suburbs and the abandonment of the countryside by the Anglo-Normans (Neeley 1989, 15-16). The decimation of Kilkenny‘s suburban population is best exemplified by destruction in the mid- 14th century of the extra-mural churches of St. James and St. Nicholas: there was nobody living outside the walls to utilise the edifices (Bradley 2000a, 3). In 1349 a law was enacted to prohibit the payment of higher wages to certain workers who were taking advantage of the situation to ask for better remuneration (Bradley 2000a, 5). In 1366 parliament met in Kilkenny to pass the infamous ‗Statutes of Kilkenny‘. The century prior to 1500 had seen in Kilkenny, and throughout much of the late medieval AngloNorman colony, a period of consolidation and economic revival despite the intermittent assaults of the Gaelic MacMurroughs and O‘Carrolls (Neeley 1989, 15-16). The city, as capital of the Ormond lordship, became entrenched in the everlasting feuds between the Old English barons, be they Desmond, Talbot or Kildare. Kilkenny was attacked on numerous occasions: 1407 saw a skirmish with the O‘ Carrolls, in 1430 ‗nearly all the men of the town‘ were killed in a battle with Talbot and in 1461 Desmond invaded the city and it was captured and looted (JRSAI 1854-5, 235; Neeley 1989, 16). Despite these depredations the protection brought about by Ormond and shrewd alliances with royalty allowed the town to function in the context of what has been termed a ‗second Pale‘ (Neeley 1989, 17). The Late Medieval period saw the re-building and modification of much of the city‘s building stock (Bradley 2000a, 5). Its churches, abbeys and townhouses were added to and the result was the ‗town of towers‘ as described by Maurice Craig (1982, 111). The Town Walls of Kilkenny were also substantially rebuilt, repaired and improved at this time with moneys obtained through the granting of murage charters (Thomas 1992 ii, 128, 130-131). In the fifteenth century the Corporation began to rent out towers, gates, parts of the curtain-wall and ramparts as a revenue-generating scheme; this has resulted in an important set of documentary records that provide details regarding the form and architecture of the Town Walls of Kilkenny (Thomas 1992 ii, 127-128). The Dissolution of the Monasteries, which established Henry VIII as head of both the Church of England and the Church of Ireland, was a bonanza for Kilkenny‘s well-to-do merchants. Lands formerly in the possession of the monastic orders such as St. Francis‘s Friary, the Black Abbey and the Hospital of St. Mary Magdalen, were granted to the ‗sovereign and burgesses‘ (ie. the ruling oligarchy) of the town, instigating a development boom on a scale not seen since the thirteenth century (Bradley 2002). As a consequence Kilkenny with a population of some two thousand and a thriving economy saw itself at the vanguard of a major transformation of Ireland when the country, as Mac Lysaght puts it, ‗finally shook itself free of the Middle Ages and became in its essentials the modern world we know to-day‘ (MacLysaght 1979, 3).
89
Figure 46: Map of medieval Kilkenny (Bradley 1990)
90
Table 12: Table of archaeological investigation sites 1968-2006 with evidence for Medieval archaeology
KKAP site code
Site Name
Investigator(s)
Archaeological Licence Number
Site Grade
Site summary
Figure Number
KKAP-004
Rear of No.1 Irishtown
Ian W. Doyle
02E1592
1
Late 12th century house, reclamation revetments.
48
KKAP-009
10-13 St. Kieran’s Street
Hilary Opie
98E0167
2
Medieval housing, reclamation.
51
KKAP-010
10-13 St. Kieran’s Street
Ruairí Ó Baoill
97E0334
2
Medieval housing, reclamation.
51
KKAP-011
11 Patrick Street
Jacinta Kiely
06E0230
2
Medieval pitting, burgage plots activity
52, 53
KKAP-012
11 Patrick Street
Jacinta Kiely Bruce Sutton
99E0757
2
Medieval pitting, burgage plots activity
52, 53
KKAP-014
13 Blackmill Street
Niall Gregory
00E0750
2
Black Abbey precinct wall, human burials, lead-working.
50
KKAP-022
15-16 Vicar Street
Emmet Stafford, Catherine McLoughlin
03E1901
2
Excavation of Vicar’s Choral building of St. Canice’s cathedral.
48
KKAP-023
15-16 Vicar’s street
John Tierney
03E0707
2
Testing of Vicar’s choral building.
48
KKAP-026
19 Vicar Street
Mary Henry
00E0170
3
Medieval deposits beneath stone building and cobbles.
48
91
KKAP-027
20-25 Collier’s Lane
Martin Reid
97E0185
3
Horticultural horizon of probable medieval date beneath a stone building of possible 17th century date. Succeeded in the 20th century by a wallpaper manufacturing site.
KKAP-028
21 Abbey Street
Sarah McCutcheon
95E0044
2
City wall, backlands activity.
48
KKAP-029
21 Abbey Street
Claire Walsh
95E0016
2
City wall, town ditch.
50
50
50
KKAP-032
23 James’ Street
Paul Stevens
00E0730
3
Human burial, medieval and post-medieval pitting and stone well. Possibly 17th century iron-working.
KKAP-035
25 High Street
Martin Reid
97E0309
2
Section of large battered defensive wall and ditch.
50, 51
KKAP-037
26 Patrick Street
Jacinta Kiely
99E0165
3
Foundations of a post-medieval building , pits and possible ditch, measuring 4.6m north-south by 0.9m by 0.7m deep.
51, 52
KKAP-039
26-29 Patrick Street
Judith Carroll
98E0092
2
12th-16th century pitting. Burgage plot alignments. Post-medieval housing.
51, 52
KKAP-042
33 Patrick Street
John Tierney, Judith Carroll
98E0402
2
Medieval and post-medieval housing, burgage walls and pitting.
51, 52
KKAP-048
4 Rose Inn Street
Simon Ó Faoláin
02E0466
3
Stone well.
51, 54
92
KKAP-050
44-48 St Kieran’s Street
Richard Clutterbuck,
03E1204, 06E0712
3
Medieval walls and 18th century quarry pits.
Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
02E1715
2
Medieval reclamation, infant burial, ironworking.
Claire Cotter
51
KKAP-056
63 High Street (rear of)
KKAP-059
71 High Street/St Kieran’s Street
Sheila Lane
01E0254
3
Drystone well, reclamation deposits.
51
KKAP-060
68-69 John Street
Edmond O’Donovan
96E0131
2
78m section of Town Wall, sections of town ditch, mural tower.
54
KKAP-064
8-10 James Street
John Channing
92E0038
3
Two wells, rubbish pits/latrines and smallscale industrial activity was also noted. Three of the pits were of medieval date.
50
KKAP-065
91-93 High Mary’s Lane
Edmond O’Donovan
05E0201
2
Shee House (c.1580) architectural survey.
51
50
Street/St
50, 51
KKAP-067
Abbey Street
Martin Reid
96E0047
2
255 human burials, medieval precinct wall of Black Abbey and medieval structures beneath Black Freren Gate.
KKAP-068
Abbey Street
Rosanne Meenan
95E0237
3
Town wall, post-medieval housing.
50
KKAP-069
Abbey Street
Paula King
97E0008
3
Town wall.
50
KKAP-070
8 William Street
Jo Moran, Martin Reid
96E0155
3
6m wide medieval ditch, burgage alignments and deep horticultural soils.
KKAP-071
Abbey Street
Sylvia Desmond
96E0047
2
Extensive wooden piling adjacent Town Wall, dendrochronologically dated to 1240s.
93
50, 51
50
KKAP-072
Abbey Street/Abbey square
Frank Ryan
00E0335
2
Chancel Black Abbey, burials.
50
KKAP-076
BRE-6 Banks of the river Breagagh Gardens Townland
Paul Stevens
00E0406
2
Late Medieval timber structure, timber bridge foundations, medieval wall.
48
KKAP-077
River Nore River Bank
Ian W. Doyle
01E0821
2
Medieval circular masonry tower, late 13th century riverside post-and-wattle fences.
49
02E0593
2
Architectural survey, medieval ironworking, 18th century addition to ‘Bishop’s Palace’.
48
50
Teresa Bolger,
KKAP-082
Bishop’s Palace
KKAP-085
Black Freren House, Abbey Street
Rose M. Cleary
03E0359
3
Fragment of Town Wall.
KKAP-086
Bridge House, 87-89 John Street Lower
Edmond O’Donovan, Paul Stevens, Margaret Gowen
95E0053
2
Town Wall, Tudor house, basements.
51, 54
KKAP-087
Bridge House, 87-89 John Street Lower
Alan Hayden
01E1212
3
Late medieval spine wall, front wall and cellar of house.
51, 54
KKAP-091
Cleere’s Factory, Ormonde Road
John Channing
92E0080
2
Town wall and ditch.
52
3
Possible Early Medieval embankment associated with KKAP-218, also human skeletal remains.
48
KKAP-093
Coach Road
Ian Doyle
Patrick J. H. Neary
06E0075
94
KKAP-094
College Park
Heather A. King
91E0091
3
13th century deposits cut through by construction level of 17th century Seix house. Boundary wall on line of Town Wall.
KKAP-099
Dean Street
Claire Cotter
E590
3
13th century reclamation deposits and embankment, oven and brick cellar.
48
KKAP-103
Evan’s Lane
Paul Stevens
99E0662
3
Medieval priory chapel wall beneath walls of 18th century barracks.
54
KKAP-104
Evans Lane
Patrick J. H. Neary
02E1107
3
Medieval horticultural soils, stone-lined pit.
50
KKAP-108
Father Hayden Road
Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
05E1409
2
Possible Early Medieval enclosure ditch for Domhnach Mór monastic site. Medieval horticultural soils.
53
KKAP-110
Bishop’s Palace
Brenda O’Meara
06E0189
2
Medieval occupation remains, property boundaries, Town Wall.
48
KKAP-113
Friary Street/Garden Row
Paul Stevens, Edmond O’Dovan
01E0569
2
Medieval – post-medieval burgage plots. 18th century dwellings.
50, 51, 52
KKAP-124
Green Street
Mary Henry
99E0713
3
Organic reclamation deposits of possible medieval date.
48
KKAP-126
NOR-1 Green’s Bridge
Paul Stevens,Ian W. Doyle
01E0326
2
16th century bridge, post-medieval mill.
49
KKAP-130
Diageo Complex,, Breagagh
3
Monitoring of river-gravel extraction revealed a sword fragment. A survey of the Town Wall and Evan’s tower was also undertaken.
Home,
Barracks
River
Ian W. Doyle
01E0632
95
54, 55
48, 49
Kevin Lohan
04E0615
3
Architectural recording of a ‘free-standing arch’ for Watergate bridge.
48
James Street
John Channing
91E0010
3
Medieval latrine and garden soils recorded.
50
James Street
Paul Stevens, Christopher Read
98E0427
3
Possible medieval timber-framed standing building noted as were medieval occupation levels and horticultural soils.
50, 51
KKAP-131
Irishtown Bridge
KKAP-133
KKAP-134
KKAP-135
James Street
Claire Cotter
E532
3
Town wall and escarpment, medieval garden soils, bank of yellow-clay and postmedieval laneways.
KKAP-137
NOR-11 John’s Bridge
Ian W. Doyle
01E0980
1
Late Bronze Age fish-trap, late Medieval and 18th century bridge structures.
KKAP-141
James Street Old Brewery
John Channing
92E0067
3
Two pits and disturbed medieval deposits.
KKAP-142
James Street/Evans Lane
James Stack
93E0038
3
Post-medieval wall and 13th century graveslab.
50, 51
KKAP-143
John’s Bridge
Niall Brady
00E0790, 00D033, 01E0036
2
Underwater excavation revealed construction history of John’s bridge from 16th century. Numerous graveslabs.
51, 54
KKAP-145
Kilkenny (broadband line)
Orla M B. Scully
04E0057
3
Bridge into St. John’s priory, remains of wall associated with the rebuilding of John’s bridge.
96
50
51, 54
50
KKAP-149
Kilkenny Castle
Ben Murtagh
E00627, 99E0481
1
Archaeological excavation, monitoring and architectural recording undertaken as part of the Kilkenny castle archaeological project 1990-1999. 12th-19th century castle phases recorded.
KKAP-150
Kilkenny Castle
Claire Foley
E156
2
1.8m wide stone outer, southern bawn wall of Kilkenny castle.
53, 54
KKAP-152
‘Black Abbey’
R.O Floinn
E803
2
Two coffin-burials inside chancel of Black Abbey, sealed beneath 16th century mortar floor.
50
KKAP-153
Abbey Street
Edward Bourke
90E0023
3
Survey of Town Wall.
47
48
KKAP-154
Kilkenny Main Drainage
KKAP-155
Kytler’s Inn, Kierans Street
KKAP-158
Mary’s Lane Antiques, St. Mary’s Lane
KKAP-159
Maudlin Street
KKAP-160
Highhayes, MacDonagh Railway Station
25-26
St
53, 54
Patrick J. H. Neary
97E0481
2
Battered medieval wall at Mill Lane, organic deposits at St. Canice’s place and culverted mill-race at Parliament street.
Margaret Gowen
95E0062
3
Reclamation deposits overlying medieval organic material.
50, 51
Brenda O’Meara
06E0855
3
Fragments of Shee House, late18th-early 19th century oven, human burials.
51
Paul Stevens
98E0346
2
South-east to north-west section of town ditch, 6m wide x 1.45m deep. Early 13th century pottery at base.
54
Emma Devine and Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
06E0122
1
High Medieval artisan’s suburb including pottery production centre.
55
97
KKAP-180
91-93 High Street
Sinéad Phelan
03E1856
3
Testing in Shee House revealed human burials and the possible foundations for the original precinct wall of St. Mary’s church.
51
KKAP-183
Patrick Lane
John Tierney, Judith Carroll
97E0468
2
Intense backlands occupation material, possible Early Medieval burials and 17th century inhumations. Tudor house.
51
KKAP-184
St Francis Abbey
2
Part of cloister and north transept of St. Francis’ friary.
49
KKAP-185
Pennyfeather Lane/Pudding Lane
2
Medieval occupation material, Town Wall of possible 17th century date and section of town ditch.
52
2
4553 artefacts recovered during monitoring of dredging. 553 artefacts were recovered, 59% pottery, 28% glass, 7% metal, 5% clay pipe and 1% stone. 75% of the assemblage was of 18th-20th century date, with 20% undateable. Medieval artefacts accounted for 2%, those of the 17th-18th century 3%. Two prehistoric artefacts were also recovered.
See figure 41
KKAP-193
Street/Pudding
River Nore dredging
Marcus O’hEochaidhe Heather A. King, John Bradley
Sinéad Phelan
E535
01E0821
98
Ian W. Doyle
01E0909
2
Monitoring of dredging works, 2000 artefacts including a small quantity of Mesolithic flint, a small amount of medieval pottery and metalwork, and large quantities of late medieval stone architectural fragments. A large assemblage of postmedieval pottery and glass was recovered.
Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
05E0598
2
Garden archaeology of medieval, early-mid 17th century and 18th century date. 2000 artefacts.
50
92E0123
2
Drain associated with garderobe in third house, large medieval well preceding early 17th century structure. Clay floor and postholes to rear (west) of third house.
50
04E1535
3
Disarticulated dumps of human remains.
48
48, 69
48, 69
KKAP-194
River Nore dredging
KKAP-195
Rothe House, Parliament street
KKAP-197
Rothe House, Parliament Street
Neil O’Flanagan
KKAP-199
Church Lane, Saint Canice’s cathedral
Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
KKAP-200
St Canice’s Orchard, Coach Road
KKAP-201
54
Andrew Gittins
02E0845
2
Possible Early Medieval enclosure ditch for St. Canice’s cathedral, human burials, corndrying kiln.
St. Canice’s Place
Edmond O’Donovan
97E0318
2
Levelling deposits for Tudor house of which standing remains were recorded.
KKAP-210
St. Mary’s Lane
Ken Hanley
00E0712
2
Medieval burials and graveslab.
51
KKAP-211
St. Mary’s Lane
Ian W. Doyle
03E0572
2
12 medieval burials.
51
99
KKAP-212
St Mary’s Lane
KKAP-218
The Deanery Orchard, St. Canice’s Cathedral
KKAP-315
KKAP-316
Black Abbey garden
Saint Canice’s Cathedral
Patrick J. H. Neary
Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
Joanna Leigh
Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
05E1070
06E0306
04R0113
04R026
Table 12: Table of Grade 1-3 archaeological investigation sites with evidence for Medieval archaeology
100
3
Human bone fragments and medieval graveslab.
51
2
Early medieval enclosure ditch for St. Canice’s cathedral, antler-working, corndrying kiln. Medieval graveyard. 17th century yard and gardens.
48
2
Detailed resistivity identified the cloister and a suite of buildings to the north of the Black Abbey church.
50
2
Resistivity survey adjacent the round tower and Ground Penetrating Radar within the chancel and crossing of the cathedral. External survey revealed remains of a building, possibly a church, to the southeast of the round tower. Within the interior burial vaults and pre-cathedral walls of probable medieval were noted.
48
Figure 49
Figure 48
Figure 55
Figure 54 Figure 51
Figure 50
Figure 52
Figure 53
Figure 47: Map of Grade 1-3 archaeological investigation sites with evidence for Medieval archaeology
101
Figure 48: Detailed map of Grade 1-3 archaeological investigation sites with evidence for Medieval archaeology
102
Figure 49: Detailed map of Grade 1-3 archaeological investigation sites with evidence for Medieval archaeology
103
Figure 50: Detailed map of Grade 1-3 archaeological investigation sites with evidence for Medieval archaeology
104
Figure 51: Detailed map of Grade 1-3 archaeological investigation sites with evidence for Medieval archaeology
105
Figure 52: Detailed map of Grade 1-3 archaeological investigation sites with evidence for Medieval archaeology 106
Figure 53: Detailed map of Grade 1-3 archaeological investigation sites with evidence for Medieval archaeology
107
Figure 54: Detailed map of Grade 1-3 archaeological investigation sites with evidence for Medieval archaeology 108
Figure 55 Detailed map of Grade 1-3 archaeological investigation sites with evidence for Medieval archaeology
109
Medieval archaeological discoveries Activity in the Medieval period24 has been documented on 88 Grade 1-3 investigations in 65 individual sites in Kilkenny (Table 12) (Figures 47-55). An additional c.45 investigations produced stray finds of medieval pottery or possible medieval material but these are not included. Life in the Middle Ages in all its forms is represented in the 88 investigations: trade, exploitation of natural resources, specialisation, technology, manufacturing, social differentiation, religious aspirations, death and burial. Medieval housing Very little direct evidence for medieval housing has been recorded in Kilkenny, although numerous finds associated with the domestic realm have been recovered. Part of a sill-beam house was excavated at Brennan‘s yard, Irishtown25 and a timber-framed building on James‘ street26 may also be of medieval date. A 2m deep battered wall-foundation with an external ditch on Poyntz‘s lane may be the remains of a substantial dwelling of medieval date.27 There is also the possibility that many of the cellars recorded on High Street and Parliament street originated in the Middle Ages though this is by no means certain.
Figure 56: Excavation of a post-and-wattle burgage fence at Brennan’s yard, Irishtown (KKAP-004).
The Medieval Backlands The ‗backlands‘ - the burgage plots, gardens and yards behind the street-frontages – form the most commonly investigated area of the medieval town. Property divisions, generally in the form of long
Archaeologically, the Late Medieval period (c.1350-1550) tends to be rather anonymous in Kilkenny, largely as a consequence of the almost complete absence of diagnostic pottery of the period. Thus the ‗High Medieval‘ and ‗Late Medieval‘ are not separated in this account. 25 KKAP-004 26 KKAP-134 27 KKAP-035 110 24
shallow ditches, many of which remain constant for centuries, have been recorded at 11 Patrick street28, 26-9 Patrick street29, 8 William street30 and Rothe House garden.31 At Irishtown the collapsed remains of a series of well-preserved post-and-wattle burgage fences were excavated (Figure 56).32 There are also numerous additional allusions within the archaeological reports to ditch segments to the rear of the frontages and many of these may relate to former boundaries. The most commonly encountered features within the backlands are ‗pits‘, which functioned to contain rubbish, water, cess and trees.33 In some cases they were excavated to quarry the underlying gravel and clay for use in construction.34 Large quantities of domestic refuse are encountered in virtually every backland excavation, usually found in midden-spreads or within pits. Much of the material tends to be intermixed with introduced soil layers that were used for gardening. Workshops, stores, animal-pens and industrial areas also occupied the backlands. Medieval ecclesiastical sites Twenty Grade 1-3 archaeological investigations have focussed on Kilkenny‘s ecclesiastical sites. The precinct of St. Canice‘s Cathedral has been investigated archaeologically on nine occasions. This has included the discovery of the medieval cemetery of the cathedral in the Deanery Orchard35 on Church Lane36 and the Coach road.37 These indicated the medieval graveyard was almost twice as large as its present day extent. Another investigation uncovered the near-complete plan of the medieval Vicar‘s choral on Vicar street,38 which was recorded by excavation and detailed building survey. Excavations have also taken place at the Bishop‘s Palace.39 The city‘s religious houses have each been the subject of archaeological excavations: part of the range and church at St. John‘s was recorded40 and the cloister and north-transept at St. Francis‘ Abbey was the focus in 1968 for the first excavation to have taken place in the city in the modern era.41 The chancel at the Dominican ‗Black Abbey‘ has been extensively investigated42 and its precinct wall has been revealed on two occasions (Figure 57).43 A geophysical survey in the grounds
KKAP-011, KKAP-012 KKAP-039 30 KKAP-070 31 KKAP-195 32 KKAP-004 33 The most extensive example is 26-9 Patrick street KKAP-039 34 KKAP-195 35 KKAP-200, KKAP-218 36 KKAP-199 37 KKAP-093 38 KKAP-022, KKAP-023 39 KKAP-082 40 KKAP-103 41 KKAP-184 42 KKAP-152, KKAP-072 43 KKAP-014, KKAP-067 111 28 29
to the north of the abbey identified a suite of buildings and the cloister.44 Likewise a major excavation was carried out in the surrounding cemetery, revealing the remains of some 255 individuals.45 Investigations have also taken place around St. Mary‘s parish church revealing the medieval extent of its cemetery and precinct wall.46
Figure 57: The Dominican ‘Black Abbey’, founded 1225, has been the focus of a series of archaeological investigations that have revealed much detail about this important ecclesiastical site. Below is a plan and elevation of the east chancel wall of the church, which was knocked c.1788. The excavation revealed burials and a tiled pavement outside its north wall.
KKAP-315 KKAP-072 46 KKAP-158, KKAP-120, KKAP-211, KKAP-212 44 45
112
Town Walls Twelve Grade 1-3 investigations have taken place on the Town Walls, which has clarified the extent of the defences and provided important information regarding the development and military technology employed in the city from the early 13th-late 17th century. A further 21 investigations have occurred along their line though little of note was revealed. The vast bulk of the investigations have focussed on the stone defences, about an eighth of which survives above-ground (Oxford Archaeology 2005). A notable exception was the discovery in William Street of a 6m wide ditch which may have formed a section of the earliest Anglo-Norman town defences.47
Figure 58: Section through the town ditch at Cleere’s factory, Ormonde road (KKAP-091). The excavation demonstrated that the inner edge of the ditch was revetted in stone.
The Town Wall of Hightown has been investigated most frequently. At Cleere‘s factory the stonerevetted ditch was exposed48 (Figure 58) and the Town Wall at Abbey street has been extensively examined both through excavation and survey.49 Of particular interest was the discovery 3m beneath Abbey street of some 40 timber piles that were dendrochronologically dated to the 1240s and appear to have supported the wall or perhaps a building which originally abutted it.50 Excavations beneath
KKAP-070 KKAP-091 49 KKAP-028, KKAP-029, KKAP-068, KKAP-069, KKAP-071, KKAP-085 50 KKAP-071 113 47 48
the standing section of the ‗Black Freren Gate‘ revealed it had been built on an earlier structure. 51 The Evans‘ Turret, the north-east corner of the Hightown defences, has been surveyed and its adjoining curtain wall also examined.52 There have also been a series of substantial excavations carried out on the walls of St. John‘s suburb, which have done much to clarify issues around the exact line its defences. A 78m section of the southern flank of the Town Wall was recorded in 1996, exposing a mural tower and substantial batter in the process.53 Further sections of the southern defences were revealed at the Rivercourt Hotel.54 A 6m wide x 1.45m deep section of the town ditch of the eastern defences was excavated on Maudlin street.55An unusual discovery was that of a circular masonry riverside tower adjacent to the east bank of the Nore, opposite Kilkenny castle (Doyle 2005).56 The Town Wall of the Irishtown has been archaeologically investigated on just two occasions: a small section was revealed to the north of the Bishop‘s Palace57 and the rampart within the cathedral churchyard was shown to have been augmented by material, including human remains, which was thrown up from the surrounding graveyard up in the 19th century.58Kilkenny Castle Archaeological excavation, monitoring and architectural recording was undertaken at Kilkenny castle between 1990-1999 (Figure 59) (Murtagh 1993). 59 The purpose of the work was to reveal more about the early history of the castle, as well as to facilitate restoration work to the structure. What appears to have been the bank of a ringwork castle was constructed over the earlier, possibly preAnglo Norman horizon. It enclosed the bailey of the first castle on the site that was burnt down by the King of Limerick in 1174. The third main phase of activity was represented by the foundations of the north-west curtain wall of the stone castle that was built by William Marshal the Elder, in the early 13th century. A series of excavations in and around the south tower (the Parade Tower) uncovered a large section of the castle fosse as well as a previously undocumented sally-port and part of the demolished south wing. A large assemblage of medieval finds was recovered, though the exact quantities are not available.
KKAP-067 KKAP-130 53 KKAP-060 54 KKAP-086 55 KKAP-159 56 KKAP-077 57 KKAP-110 58 KKAP-213 59 KKAP-149 51 52
114
Figure 59: Kilkenny castle was the scene between 1990-1999 for a series of major excavations and building surveys that revealed much important new information on the site’s development (photo: C. O Drisceoil). Today it is Kilkenny’s most visited tourist attraction.
Archaeological excavations also occurred in the south-east corner of Kilkenny Castle prior to the construction of a boiler house.60 These revealed a 1.8m wide x 1.45m high wall, that was probably an outer curtain or bawn wall for the medieval castle. Reclamation archaeology Roughly half the area of the Hightown and Irishtown, and almost the entire suburb of St. John‘s was constructed on the reclaimed flood-plains of the Nore and Breagagh rivers (Ó Drisceoil 2004) (Figure 36). Seventeen investigations have produced direct evidence for this process, in the form of massive dumps of infill material on Kieran street61, Dean street62 and Green street.63 The finest evidence for reclamation however was uncovered at ‗Brennan‘s Yard‘, Irishtown where excavation uncovered a sequence of timber revetting-fences and a masonry riverside wall.64 The wall was
KKAP-150 KKAP-009, KKAP-010, KKAP-056, KKAP-155 62 KKAP-099 63 KKAP-124 64 KKAP-004 60 61
115
founded on a timber base-plate, a re-used roof timber that was dendrochronologically dated to 1177 AD (Figure 60).
Figure 60: Revetment baseplate from Brennan’s Yard, Irishtown (KKAP-004). The timber was dated by dendrochronology to 1177 and may have originated from a building at St. Canice’s.
Medieval bridges Kilkenny‘s medieval bridges have received some attention as a consequence of the works associated with the 2000-2005 Kilkenny Flood Relief scheme. Much of the 16th century Green‘s bridge65 was recorded and excavated and John‘s bridge was the subject of both underwater investigation66 and subsequently a more conventional excavation,67 as part of the same project. At John‘s Bridge68 the remains of a Late Medieval bridge was found directly beneath the present structure; built into its abutments was a collection of fine medieval graveslabs (Figure 61) (Doyle and O‘Meara 2004). A previously undocumented bridge has also been unearthed at John‘s priory in a separate project.69
KKAP-126 KKAP-143, KKAP-138 67 KKAP-137 68 KKAP-137, KKAP-138, KKAP-143 69 KKAP-145 65 66
116
Figure 61: This is one of fifteen graveslab fragments that were uncovered from beneath John’s bridge during excavations in 2002-3 (Doyle and O’Meara 2004; KKAP-137).
117
Post-Medieval (c.1550-1900 AD) Background Renaissance Kilkenny Notwithstanding the occasional attack such as that visited upon Kilkenny by O‘More in 1573, Kilkenny, at the heart of the Ormond lordship, was rather shielded from the turmoil that affected much of the rest of the country after 1550 (Neeley 1989, 19). This was chiefly as a consequence of the strong ties the Butler Ormonds enjoyed with the English court, and their dexterous business and political manoeuvrings. It was in this context that a small exclusive ruling class of some fifteen Catholic Old English families out of a population of some 2000 emerged to control the town until the Cromwellian attack in 1650 (Neely 1989, 98; Edwards 2003, 201-262). The surnames of ten of the most influential families have been immortalised in the well-known couplet:
Archdekin, Archer, Cowley, Langton, Lee, Knaresborough, Lawless, Ragget, Rothe and Shee The influence of Thomas Butler, the tenth earl of Ormond (c.1531-1614), on the history of Kilkenny cannot be overstated. A cousin of Queen Elizabeth I, he has been described as ‗a great lord who had also been a good lord‘ (Edward 2003, 337). The earl‘s status in the Elizabethan court made him one of Ireland‘s most powerful and prominent figures, a standing which was used to good effect to protect and enrich Kilkenny in addition to transforming its architecture (see below) (Edwards 2003, 337). Thomas was supported enthusiastically by the local gentry who benefited greatly from his power, no more so than when Kilkenny was raised to the dignity of a city in 1609: the first mayor was Robert Rothe and thirteen of the eighteen aldermen were either Archers, Rothes or Shees (Bradley 2000b, 35). The Confederation of Kilkenny The period between earl Thomas‘s death in 1614 and Cromwell‘s attack on Kilkenny in March 1650 was marked by sustained prosperity for the city, overseen by Walter Butler the 11 th earl (1578-1634). Following the Ulster Rebellion of 1641 a Confederacy was set up as an independent Catholic government which wanted to agree self-government and religious toleration with Charles I (Gillespie 2000). Kilkenny was chosen as the seat of the Confederation probably as a consequence of the prestige which the city‘s Catholic Bishop David Rothe enjoyed (Phelan 1990). A provisional government of Ireland was raised and in October 1642 it sat in the Shee House on the east side of Parliament Street. For six years Kilkenny was the setting for an administration which rivalled that of Dublin and it became effectively a capital city. To service the government, civil servants, diplomats and ambassadors were emplaced in Kilkenny and it became a ‗world of clerks and attorneys‘ where 118
‗throngs of gentry, spectacular political ritual and intellectual excitement‘ prevailed (Gillespie 2000, 65). As a consequence, at a time of general economic depression the benefit to the city was considerable and again the local gentry were at the heart of affairs. The arrival to Kilkenny in 1645 of the papal Nuncio, John Baptist Rinuccini with arms and money for the Confederate government (who now controlled two-thirds of Ireland), was initially greatly welcomed but in time his failure to compromise with James Butler (1610-1688) the Protestant earl of Ormond and Lord Lieutenant, as well as a general lack of understanding of the delicacies of the situation broke the solidarity of the rebels; the Confederation was dissolved and replaced by a new and less effective body in 1648.
Figure 62: The late Tudor Rothe House on Parliament street is renowned as the finest surviving Irish example of a merchant’s townhouse of the period.
119
Kilkenny’s Renaissance architecture It was the convergence of the political and economic circumstances set out above, which provided the catalyst that transformed Kilkenny from a fairly typical Irish medieval town into a thriving and progressive Renaissance city. The physical manifestation of this was seen in the new architecture that characterised the city from the 1560s. Generally credited with the inspiration behind this is Thomas Butler‘s mansion at Carrick-on-Suir which was built in the 1560‘s (Bradley 2002; Murtagh 1993, 1112). But the major transformation of the central wing of Kilkenny Castle which he completed some twenty years later, is likely to have had an even greater impact on the moneyed merchants of the local scene (Bradley 2000a 6). Kilkenny‘s much travelled merchant classes would have also brought their own experiences of Europe and beyond to bear on the architecture and design of their houses, which contemporary sources refer to as ‗mansions‘ (Healy 1893, 383). In particular similar housing in Bristol, Wales, where Kilkenny‘s merchants were trading frequently, may have had an influence. The local limestone bedrock geology gave the buildings a characteristic Kilkenny style, a distinctiveness that was emphasised by the historical framework of the medieval town into which the buildings fitted. The new architecture marked a severance with the ‗town of towers‘ (Craig 1982, 111) of the fifteenth century, where defence was paramount and instead, a new aesthetic based less on security and more on design and comfort took centre stage (Leask 1941, 143-151). In architectural terms it marks Ireland‘s ‗belated rapprochment with the Renaissance‘ (O Keefe 2000, 56). It is not known how many exactly of these great townhouses were raised in Kilkenny but it was likely to have been at least 100: the Civil Survey records 150 houses (out of a total of 242) which are described as large stone buildings with a ground floor frontage over 600 feet (there are some streets missing) (Neeley 1990, 70-1). This is almost double the number from the larger town (in area) of New Ross, for instance (Simington 1953, 233-255). That stone houses were widespread in Kilkenny is backed up to a certain extent by the Thomas Mitchell print of 1760, which marks a multitude of such buildings. It is interesting that only some forty examples were noted in an account dated 1613, which indicates the massive scale of redevelopment that had occurred in the interim. Much of the construction of stone houses may have been precipitated by a disastrous fire that engulfed the city in 1591 and also the ready availability of stone from the dissolved monastic holdings in the city would have had a role to play, though it was the ever-growing wealth of her citizens that undoubtedly underpinned the boom (Neeley 1990, 79). Rothe House (Figure 62) and the Shee Alms House, Rose-Inn street are the finest surviving examples though extensive remains of at least twenty other houses are known to survive beneath modern facades.
120
Figure 63: Petty’s Down survey depiction of Kilkenny c.1655 is the earliest map available for the city. It shows the land ownership around the city which was to be forfeited to the Cromwellians as well as the castle, Town Walls, bridges, streets and main ecclesiastical sites.
Cromwellian Kilkenny The execution by the English parliament of Charles I and the resultant Cromwellian campaign in Ireland brought the parliamentary army to Kilkenny in March 1650. After a siege lasting one week Kilkenny surrendered and for the next four years her citizens led an uneasy and precarious existence. Catholic clergy were required to leave Kilkenny, Ormond‘s lands were confiscated arising from his support for the Royalists and he spent the following years in exile in France, the Corporation was suppressed and in March 1654 the Order of Confiscation was issued to clear the city of the Old English families who had been marked men as a result of their support for the Confederacy (Neeley 1989, 97-8). The intention was to banish the citizens to Connaught though implementation of the order proved problematical since the city‘s economy would have collapsed had it been applied in full. Accordingly, some representatives of the Catholic families managed to hold on, including a number of the Archers and Rothes (Prendergast 1922, 277; Bradley 2006). The traumas suffered by Kilkenny at the end of the Confederation and the subsequent Cromwellian campaign led to the loss to this day, for Kilkenny of its position at the centre of both political and military authority. However, the enduring cultural legacy from these years is the Renaissance cultural layer that exists both buried and in the many standing buildings of the period in Kilkenny. 121
In advance of the transplantation Kilkenny‘s properties were quantified with a view to reallocating them to the Parliamentary army governor Colonel Daniel Axtell and the ‗New English‘ settlers. The Civil Survey was the result of this process and it provides an important insight into the appearance of the city at the time (Figure 63) (Simington 1942). Cromwellian Kilkenny after the clearing 1654-1660 Between the ‗clearing‘ of Kilkenny 1654 and the Restoration of Charles II in 1660 the city‘s remaining citizens and the New English planters existed in a precarious state of economic collapse, social upheaval and religious suppression (Bradley 2002). There is no evidence that the New English, who made up about half the population inside the walled town, concerned themselves in these years with civic improvements and the Corporation, which had been restored in 1656 focussed predominantly on puritan fanaticism (Bradley 2000a, 6). Restoration Kilkenny 1660-1689 The fortunes of Kilkenny improved greatly however, with the Restoration in 1660. The following year saw the twelfth earl conferred with the Dukedom of Ormond and he became again Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Ormond recovered his enormous estates and received additional lands in compensation for prior losses incurred. In Kilkenny he claimed from the Cromwellian Corporation the entire city and obtained a charter from Charles II to this effect in 1668 (Bradley 2006). After a tortuous process of negotiation with the Corporation Ormond eventually in 1676 was granted the rents from about one hundred and eighty properties throughout the city (Bradley 2006). As a consequence of concerted petitioning by the dispossessed Catholic merchants of Kilkenny many eventually regained their property. At the same time Kilkenny castle and its gardens were transformed into a French-style chateau; the Parade was constructed; a new school was built – Kilkenny College; and Catholic priests and religious orders were brought back into the town. Jacobite and Williamite Kilkenny 1689-1691 Just as life was beginning to return to normal in Kilkenny, the Catholic king of England James II was dethroned and replaced by his Protestant son and daughter-in-law William and Mary. James attempted to recover his throne through Ireland where he had the support of the parliament and the bulk of the population. This was no truer than in Kilkenny where he resided in the castle from November 1689 until January 1690. Following James‘ final defeat the town surrendered to the Williamites and the Old English families, who had zealously supported the Jacobite cause, lost everything again. Many left the city, ending up in exile in France, Spain, Austria and Russia (Bradley 2002). The second Duke of Ormond (1665-1745) fought with the Williamites and on his victory received William of Orange in state at Kilkenny castle (Carrigan 1905 iii, 45). The city became the victorious army‘s temporary headquarters; the house of Ormond had never enjoyed greater power or prestige. 122
Eighteenth century Kilkenny By 1700 Kilkenny had recovered somewhat from the traumas of the preceding years and although there were continuing tensions between the city‘s Catholic and Protestant inhabitants, not least in the application of the penal laws, Kilkenny didn‘t again provide the arena for the type of nationalscale conflicts it had done in the past. This led to a degree of economic stability and the city became ‗a cultural and service centre for a strong and wealthy community‘ (Neeley 1989, 101). After 1715 the Ormonds went into serious decline: the second Duke was impeached, his estates were forfeited to the crown and he was exiled to France (Bradley 2000b, 49). His brother Charles Butler, 1st Earl of Arran (1671-1758) repurchased the estate but died without legitimate issue and the dukedom became extinct. The decline of the Ormond estate was arrested somewhat through the earldoms of Walter Butler (1744-1766) and Walter Butler (1703-1783) but it was the marriage of John Butler (1740-1795), 17th earl into the wealthy Wandesford family that re-established the Ormond estates. With the Ormonds almost continuously in residence in Kilkenny and an innovative gentry, the city was propelled to the forefront of Ireland‘s industrial revolution: the woollen industry was the main source of employment throughout the eighteenth century with coal-mining, limestone quarrying, ironworking, brewing and tanning also significant (Bradley 2000a, 7). Between the start and end of the eighteenth century the population of Kilkenny had doubled, instigating a building boom that is graphically captured on John Rocque‘s 1758 map of Kilkenny (Figure 64) and the subsequent Byron map of c.1790 (Neeley 1989, 264). The streets of the town were transformed with the construction of rows of grand Georgian townhouses on the main streets (these often enveloped the earlier Renaissance mansions) and rows of smaller artisan dwellings were raised on the sides of the medieval lanes (Bradley 2000b, 50). New public buildings such as the Tholsel and courthouse were restyled and a series of impressive stone bridges were constructed by George Smith along the county‘s rivers. Large sections of the now obsolete medieval defences were pulled down and an expansion of housing and utilities encroached on former agricultural land outside the walls. The gentry no longer lived within the old town and instead built large Classical and neo-Palladian houses set in demesnes in the surrounding countryside – Bonnetstown hall (c.1737-8), castle Blunden (c.1750) and Castletown house (1767-71) being fine examples (NIAH 2006, 12-40).
123
Figure 64: The ‘Survey of the City of Kilkenny’ by John Rocque (1758) represents the earliest near-accurate depiction of the city in plan-form.
Nineteenth century Kilkenny Political and social change, rebellion, famine and land reform in the nineteenth century contrasted greatly with the relative stability of the preceding century in Kilkenny. The estate of the Ormonds remained relatively intact through the first Marquess James Butler (1777-1838) and 2nd Marquess John Butler (1808-1854) but chiefly with the impact of the Land Acts, rent arrears and taxes due, under the 3rd Marquess James Butler (1844-1919) the estate went into serious decline and the family were forced to vacate the ruined Kilkenny castle in 1935 (Dooley 1993). Combined with the decline of the house of Ormond, a failure to provide for adequate infrastructure seriously injured Kilkenny‘s economy and it became to all purposes a provincial backwater. A promised canal never materialised and although a railway station was opened on the city‘s east side in 1848, due to a dispute between two rival railway companies it didn‘t function properly until c.1900 (Bradley 2000b, 55). By the mid nineteenth century almost two thirds of Kilkenny‘s population lived in poverty (Bradley 2000b, 58). Mortality was high and the population declined steadily: in 1831 it was 23,741, in 1901 it had fallen to 10,000 (Bradley 2000b, 60). In an attempt to manage the deteriorating situation infirmaries, workhouses, a jail, barracks and hospitals were constructed on the periphery of the city. 124
Figure 65: The 1840 1-1056 scale manuscript Ordnance Survey map of Kilkenny shows the city in detail
Industrial development continued though apart from the Smithwick‘s brewery it was generally in the form of small-scale warehouses and mills (NIAH 2006, 45-107). Gothic revival dominated a boom in church building throughout the nineteenth century, for example St. Mary‘s cathedral (1857) and many of the medieval church buildings such as the Black Abbey, St. Canice‘s Cathedral and St. Mary‘s church were ‗restored‘ and modified. New domestic architecture within the city concentrated largely on providing dwellings and premises for the new middle class shopkeepers though apart from new bank buildings the large-scale developments of the Georgian period were not repeated (NIAH 2006, 65).
125
Table 13: Table of Grade 1-3 archaeological investigation sites 1968-2006 with evidence for post-medieval archaeology
KKAP site code
KKAP-004
KKAP-009
Site Name
Rear of No.1 Irishtown
10-13 St. Kieran’s Street
Investigator(s)
Ian W. Doyle
Hilary Opie
Archaeological Licence Number
02E1592
98E0167
Site Grade
1
Site summary The post medieval phase spanned the 17th to 20th centuries, characterized by successive rebuildings of the riverside wall and the deposition of accumulated garden soils. Two wells with associated drains and a substantial kiln with associated flue also recorded.
70
2
Post-medieval working surface of clay and cobbles, two walls of a stone structure, two culverts and two wells.
71
71
72
KKAP-010
10-13 Kieran’s Street
Ruairi O Baoill
97E0334
2
Post-medieval deposits, subsequently excavated as part of KKAP-009.
KKAP-012
11 Patrick Street
Jacinta Kiely
99E0757
2
Post-medieval housing and other structures.
126
Figure Number
KKAP-014
13 Blackmill Street
Niall Gregory
00E0750
2
Modern human skeleton.
70
KKAP-022
15-16 Vicar Street
Emmet Stafford, Catherine McLoughlin
03E1901
2
Post-medieval wall.
69
KKAP-026
19 Vicar Street
Mary Henry
00E0170
3
Four walls and remains of cobbled surface of post-medieval date.
69
70, 71
KKAP-027
20-25 Collier’s Lane
Martin Reid
97E0185
3
Horticultural horizon of probable medieval date beneath a stone building of possible 17th century date. Succeeded in the 20th century by a wallpaper manufacturing site.
KKAP-028
21 Abbey Street
Sarah McCutcheon
95E0044
2
Post-medieval introduced horticultural soils.
3
Human burial, medieval and post-medieval pitting and stone well. Possibly 17th century iron-working.
KKAP-032
23 James’ Street
Paul Stevens
00E0730
127
70
70, 71
KKAP-037
KKAP-039
26 Patrick Street
26-29 Patrick Street
Jacinta Kiely
Judith Carroll
99E0165
98E0092
3
Foundations of a postmedieval building , pits and possible ditch, measuring 4.6m northsouth by 0.9m by 0.7m deep.
72
2
12th-16th century pitting. Burgage plot alignments. Postmedieval housing.
72
KKAP-042
33 Patrick Street
John Tierney, Judith Carroll
98E0402
2
Medieval and postmedieval housing, burgage walls and pitting.
KKAP-043
33-34 High Street
John Tierney
01E0973
3
Remnant 16th century building.
71
KKAP-045
38 Parliament street
Sheila Lane
06E1190
3
Interior of Tudor house, mortar and brick layers
70
KKAP-046
39 Parliament street
Paul Stevens
00E0128
3
Build level of Tudor house KKAP-045.
70
44-48 St Kieran’s Street
Richard Clutterbuck,
03E1204, 06E0712
3
Medieval walls and 18th century quarry pits.
71
2
Medieval reclamation, infant burial, ironworking. Post-medieval stone housing.
71
KKAP-050
Claire Cotter
KKAP-056
63 High Street (rear of)
Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
02E1715
128
71, 72
KKAP-060
68-9 John Street
Edmond O'Donovan
96E0131
2
Post-medieval watercourse, alterations to Town Wall.
KKAP-065
91-93 High Street/St Mary’s Lane
Edmond O’Donovan
05E0201
2
Shee House (c.1580) architectural survey.
71
2
255 human burials, medieval precinct wall of Black Abbey and medieval structures beneath Black Freren Gate. Post-medieval mill building.
70
70
KKAP-067
Abbey Street
Martin Reid
96E0047
74
KKAP-068
Abbey Street
Roseanne Meehan
95E237
3
Post-medieval alterations to Town Wall and buildings.
KKAP-069
Abbey Street
Paula King
97E008
3
Post-medieval house.
70
8 William Street
Jo Moran, Martin Reid
3
Post-medieval introduced horticultural soils.
71
2
Post-medieval drain, cobbled surface and walls.
70
KKAP-070
KKAP-071
Abbey Street
Sylvia Desmond
96E0155
96E0047
129
KKAP-072
Abbey square
Frank Ryan
00E0355
2
Post-medieval housing.
70
KKAP-076
BRE-6 Banks of the river Breagagh Gardens Townland
Paul Stevens
00E0406
2
Post-medieval stone structure.
70
KKAP-077
River Nore River Bank
Ian W. Doyle
00E0821
2
Post-medieval weir.
74, 75
Paul Stevens
00E0405
3
Post-medieval footbridge.
74
3
Series of post-medieval, parallel riverside walls and the truncated remains of a 'pleasure house'.
74
3
Excavation and full building survey of a semi-circular riverside revetment wall and associated early modern Pleasure House.
68
KKAP-078
KKAP-079
KKAP-080
Townparks/Gardens/ Collegepark Townlands
Bateman Quay
NOR-6 Bateman Quay
Paul Stevens
Paul Stevens
01E1166
01E0555
130
KKAP-081
KKAP-082
Bishop’s Palace Grounds
Bishop’s Palace
Dave Pollock
Teresa Bolger, Ian Doyle
05E652
02E0593
3
Post-medieval garden archaeology assessment.
69
2
Architectural survey, medieval iron-working, 18th century addition to 'Bishop's Palace'.
69
70
KKAP-084
Black Abbey/River Breagagh
Kevin Lohan
04E0944
3
Finds retrieval and a small excavation at the Black Abbey uncovered two substantial masonry walls, around which a number of floor levels separated by land reclamation deposits, had been added to raise the level of the ground surface.
KKAP-086
Bridge House, 87-89 John Street Lower
Edmond O'Donovan, Paul Stevens, Margaret Gowen
95E0053
2
Town Wall, Tudor house, basements.
74
74
72
KKAP-087
Bridge House, 87-89 John Street Lower
Alan Hayden
01E1212
3
Late medieval spine wall, front wall and cellar of house with post-medieval additions.
KKAP-091
Cleere’s Factory,
John Channing
92E0081
2
Post-medieval backfill
131
Ormonde Road
KKAP-092
Cleere’s Factory, Ormonde Road
of town ditch.
Edmond O Donovan
96E0198
3
1640 graveslab recovered during testing.
74, 75
72
KKAP-094
College Park
Heather A. King
91E0091
3
13th century deposits cut through by construction level of 17th century Seix house. Boundary wall on line of Town Wall.
KKAP-098
Dean Street Upper
Sheila Lane, Tony Cummins
03E0321
3
Remains of 18th century ‘Deans Chapel’.
69
3
13th century reclamation deposits and embankment, oven and post-medieval brick cellar.
70
70
74
KKAP-099
Dean Street
Claire Cotter
E590
KKAP-101
Dean’s Court, Irishtown
Paul Stevens
02E1370
2
Industrial complex of 18th century tanning pits, 19th century corndrying kiln and Magdalen laundry, stone river revetments.
KKAP-103
Evan’s Home, Barracks Lane
Paul Stevens
99E0662
3
Medieval priory chapel wall beneath walls of 18th century barracks.
132
KKAP-104
Evan’s Lane
Patrick J. H. Neary
02E1107
3
Post-medieval introduced horticultural soil with cross-walls of the 18th/19th century houses built directly on top.
KKAP-105
Evans Lane
Edmond O’Donovan
96E0076
3
Post-medieval walls adjoining Rothe House.
70, 71
73
KKAP-108
Father Hayden Road
Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
05E1409
2
Introduced postmedieval horticultural soils.
KKAP-109
Fennessy’s Weir, Archersgrove
Paul Stevens
00E0389
3
Stone weir for Fennessy’s mill.
2
Medieval occupation remains, property boundaries, Town Wall. Post-medieval deposits.
2
1840s workhouse burial ground containing 846 skeletons in 62 rectangular pits.
2
Medieval – postmedieval burgage plots. 18th century dwellings.
KKAP-110
KKAP-111
KKAP-113
Bishop’s Palace
Brenda O’Meara
Former Union Workhouse, Hebron Road
Brenda O’Meara
Friary Street/Garden Row
Paul Stevens, Edmond O’Dovan
06E0189
05E0435
01E0569
133
70, 71
69
See figure 40
71
KKAP-116
Garden Row
Martin Reid
96E0385
3
Refuse pits and a bricklined cess-pit.
71
KKAP-124
Green Street
Mary Henry
99E0713
3
Post-medieval deposits.
67
67
KKAP-125
Green’s Bridge Complex
Paul Stevens
00E0390
3
Post-medieval archaeological material at Green’s bridge and Mill Island.
KKAP-126
NOR-1 Green’s Bridge
Paul Stevens, Ian W. Doyle
01E0326
2
16th century bridge, post-medieval mill.
67
3
Architectural recording of a ‘free-standing arch’ for Watergate bridge.
70
3
Post-medieval soils and possible 17th century building.
70, 71
3
Town wall and escarpment, medieval garden soils, bank of yellow-clay and postmedieval laneways.
70, 71
1
Late Bronze Age fishtrap, late Medieval and 18th century bridge structures.
74
KKAP-131
KKAP-134
KKAP-135
KKAP-137
Irishtown Bridge
Kevin Lohan
James Street
Paul Stevens, Christopher Reid
James Street
NOR-11 John’s Bridge
Claire Cotter
Ian W. Doyle
04E0615
98E0427
E532
01E0980
134
KKAP-138
John’s Bridge
David A. McCullough
02E0129
2
Underwater excavation revealed timber bridge beneath John’s bridge, 18th century bridgefragments and graveslabs.
KKAP-142
James Street/Evans Lane
James Stack
93E0038
3
Post-medieval wall and 13th century graveslab.
70, 71
2
Underwater excavation revealed construction history of John’s bridge from 16th century. Numerous graveslabs.
74
00E0790, 00D033, 01E0036
KKAP-143
John’s Bridge
KKAP-145
Kilkenny (broadband line)
Orla M B. Scully
04E0057
3
Post-medieval walls, possibly associated with 18th century John’s bridge.
KKAP-146
Kilkenny Castle
P.D. Sweetman
n/a
3
Assemblage of 18th century fine pottery.
73
1
Kilkenny castle archaeological project 1990-1999 revealed extensive architectural remains and numerous finds in post-medieval horizons.
73
KKAP-149
Kilkenny Castle
Niall Brady
74
Ben Murtagh
E00627, 99E0481
135
KKAP-152
Black Abbey
R.O Floinn
E803
2
Post-medieval coffinburials within former chancel of church.
70
69
KKAP-154
Kilkenny Main Drainage
Patrick J. H. Neary
97E0481
2
Battered medieval wall at Mill Lane, organic deposits at St. Canice’s place and culverted mill-race at Parliament street.
KKAP-156
Langton House, 80 High Street
Orla M B. Scully
92E0101
3
Barrel-vaulted cellar.
71
KKAP-158
Mary’s Lane Antiques, St. Mary’s Lane
Brenda O’Meara
06E0855
3
Fragments of Shee House, late18th-early 19th century oven, human burials.
71
KKAP-159
Maudlin Street
Paul Stevens
98E0346
2
17th century backfill of town ditch.
74
1
Post-medieval introduced horticultural soils and 19th century railway embankment, laneway, walls.
75
3
Architectural survey of the ‘New Building’. Horticultural soils noted in testing.
70
KKAP-160
KKAP-164
Highhayes, MacDonagh Station
New Building Lane
Emma Devine and Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
Sarah McCutcheon
06E0122
96E0142
136
KKAP-170
New Street
Andrew Gittins
91E042
2
17th century outwork ditch 35m outside (west) of medieval town ditch.
KKAP-174
NOR-13 Ormond Mills and Weir Complex, Dukesmeadow
Paul Stevens
00E0388
2
Possible 17th-18th century weir complex.
75
2
Industrial mill and weir complex including 17th century rectangular mill-building, mill-race and waterwheel pit. Late 17th century ‘deflection dam’ and wattle fences. Extensive remodeling occurred after the 1763 flood.
68
2
18th century stone jetty, private mooring, river wall.
74
2
Reclamation material, mill structures such as brick furnace bases, machine block settings.
75
2
Intense backlands occupation material, possible Early Medieval burials and 17th century inhumations. Tudor
71, 72
KKAP-175
KKAP-177
KKAP-179
KKAP-183
NOR-2, NOR-4 The Mill Island and Green’s Bridge Weir (Part of Green’s Bridge Mills)
NOR-9 Bateman Quay
NOR-16 Ormond Mills
Patrick Street/Pudding Lane
Paul Stevens and Brenda O’Meara
Paul Stevens
Ian W. Doyle
John Tierney, Judith Carroll
01E0608
01E0554
01E1107
97E0468
137
72
house.
KKAP-185
KKAP-193
Pennyfeather Lane/Pudding Lane
River Nore dredging
Heather A. King, John Bradley
Sinéad Phelan
E535
01E0821
138
2
Medieval occupation material, Town Wall of possible 17th century date and section of town ditch.
2
4553 artefacts recovered during monitoring of dredging. 553 artefacts were recovered, 59% pottery, 28% glass, 7% metal, 5% clay pipe and 1% stone. 75% of the assemblage was of 18th20th century date, with 20% undateable. Medieval artefacts accounted for 2%, those of the 17th-18th century 3%. Two prehistoric artefacts were also recovered.
72
KKAP-194
River Nore dredging
KKAP-195
Rothe House, Parliament street
KKAP-196
Rothe House, Parliament street
KKAP-197
Rothe House, Parliament Street
Ian W. Doyle
Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
Andrew Halpin
Neil O’Flanagan
01E0909
05E0598
91E0076
92E0123
139
2
Monitoring of dredging works, 2000 artefacts including a small quantity of Mesolithic flint, a small amount of medieval pottery and metalwork, and large quantities of late medieval stone architectural fragments. A large assemblage of postmedieval pottery and glass was recovered.
74
2
Garden archaeology of medieval, early-mid 17th century and 18th century date. 2000 artefacts.
71
2
Floor-surfaces, oven in third house and blacksmith’s forge.
70
2
Drain associated with garderobe in third house, large medieval well preceding early 17th century structure. Clay floor and postholes to rear (west) of third house.
70
2
Post-medieval boundary walls and introduced horticultural soils.
69
69
St Canice’s Orchard, Coach Road
Andrew Gittens
KKAP-201
St. Canice's Place
Edmond O'Donovan
97E0318
2
Levelling deposits for Tudor house of which standing remains were recorded.
KKAP-209
NOR-10 Bateman Quay
Niall Brady
01E0303
3
Stone jetty and timber platform.
74
3
Post-medieval gravestone recovered during monitoring.
71
3
Human bones and debris scooped up from surrounding graveyard to form rampart in nineteenth century.
69
3
Weir structure and mill buildings of 17th-19th century date.
KKAP-200
KKAP-212
St. Mary’s Lane
KKAP-213
St. Canice's Town Rampart
KKAP-216
NOR-17 "The Tuck mill/Archer’s Mills", Dukesmeadows
Patrick J.H. Neary
Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
Ian W. Doyle
02E0845
05E1070
n/a
01E1041
140
KKAP-218
The Deanery Orchard, St. Canice's Cathedral
Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
06E0306
2
Early medieval enclosure ditch for St. Canice's cathedral, antler-working, corndrying kiln. Medieval graveyard. Covered by 17th century yard and gardens.
Table 13: Table of Grade 1-3 archaeological investigation sites 1968-2006 with evidence for post-medieval archaeology
141
69
Figure 67
Figure 69
Figure 68
Figure 75 Figure 74
Figure 71
Figure 70
Figure 72
Figure 73
Figure 66: Map of Grade 1-3 archaeological investigation sites with evidence for post-medieval (c.1550-1900) archaeology
142
Figure 67: Detailed map of Grade 1-3 archaeological investigation sites with evidence for post-medieval (c.1550-1900) archaeology
143
Figure 68: Detailed map of Grade 1-3 archaeological investigation sites with evidence for post-medieval (c.1550-1900) archaeology
144
Figure 69: Detailed map of Grade 1-3 archaeological investigation sites with evidence for post-medieval (c.1550-1900) archaeology
145
Figure 70: Detailed map of Grade 1-3 archaeological investigation sites with evidence for post-medieval (c.1550-1900) archaeology
146
Figure 71: Detailed map of Grade 1-3 archaeological investigation sites with evidence for post-medieval (c.1550-1900) archaeology
147
Figure 72: Detailed map of Grade 1-3 archaeological investigation sites with evidence for post-medieval (c.1550-1900) archaeology
148
Figure 73: Detailed map of Grade 1-3 archaeological investigation sites with evidence for post-medieval (c.1550-1900) archaeology
149
Figure 74: Detailed map of Grade 1-3 archaeological investigation sites with evidence for post-medieval (c.1550-1900) archaeology 150
Figure 75: Detailed map of Grade 1-3 archaeological investigation sites with evidence for post-medieval (c.1550-1900) archaeology
151
Post-medieval (c.1550-1900) archaeological discoveries It is difficult at this stage of the KKAP to define exactly how many archaeological investigations have produced post-medieval70 archaeology of significance as many of the reports tend to deal only superficially with such material. Table 13 provides a list of the sites where there is definite evidence for substantive post-medieval archaeological activity, amounting to 91 investigations on 85 individual sites (Figures 66-75). Post-medieval housing The archaeology of the city‘s Renaissance (c.1560-1650) townhouses has been a particular focus with 10 sites producing evidence for such structures: these townhouses were investigated at 33 Patrick street71, 33-4 High Street72, 91-3 High Street73, Langton House, High Street74, Collier‘s Lane75, 38 Parliament Street76, Bridge House, John Street77, Seix House, John Street78 and at St. Canice‘s Place.79 The Rothe House, Parliament Street has been the subject of two major archaeological investigations.80 Eighteenth and nineteenth century buildings have frequently formed the latest phase in the development of particular urban sites and often their cellars have led to the removal of earlier material. This is particularly evident along the High Street/Parliament street axis81 and may explain the relative paucity of medieval houses from the city. One of the finest surviving examples of a small-scale Georgian building in the city is the ‗New Building‘ on New Building Lane and this was archaeologically recorded prior to its restoration.82 The post-medieval backlands Post-medieval, yards, culverts, walls, wells, cess-pits and cobbles have been frequently encountered to the rear of the street-frontages. Deep deposits of ‗dark-earth‘ soils which were introduced for gardening, and in particular orchards, have also been recorded on numerous occasions.83 The recent
There is some considerable ambiguity around the term ‗post-medieval‘ within the archaeological dataset that was compiled for this project. In certain reports it appears to refer to a narrow timeframe between c.1550-1650 and others it refers to a much broader, ill-defined, range – c.1550-1900. The latter is utilised in this account as recommended in the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government‘s guidelines (2006). 71 KKAP-042 72 KKAP-043 73 KKAP-065, KKAP-180 74 KKAP-156 75 KKAP-027 76 KKAP-045 77 KKAP-086, KKAP-087 78 KKAP-094 79 KKAP-201 80 KKAP-196, KKAP-197 81 Eg. KKAP-056 82 KKAP-164 83 eg. KKAP-028, KKAP-070, KKAP-081, , KKAP-104, KKAP-160, KKAP-183 152 70
garden archaeology excavations at Rothe House have demonstrated that within these deposits structural remains – planting-beds, paths – can survive intact (Ó Drisceoil 2008b).84 The archaeological excavations which occurred along the river banks of the Nore and Breagagh facilitated the excavation and/or recording of two ‗Pleasure Houses‘ at Bateman Quay85 as well as private slips and stone jetties, all of which were situated at the end of garden-plots.86 Post-medieval industry A substantial body of information has been recovered which relates to post-medieval industry. Seventeenth century iron working was noted at 23 James‘ Street87 and an oven was recorded at Rothe House.88 A 19th century oven was identified at Mary‘s Lane89 and a corn-drying kiln of similar date along with a Magdalen laundry at Dean‘s court.90 A drying-kiln of post-medieval date was excavated at the rear of No. 1, Irishtown91 and a wallpaper manufacturing site dating to the 20th century was partially recorded at Collier‘s Lane.92
Figure 76: A reconstruction drawing of the mill machinery at Mill Island, Green’s Bridge (KKAP-175). The excavation of the water-mill occurred in 2001 and 2002 as part of the River Nore flood relief scheme and represents one of the most comprehensive industrial archaeology projects ever undertaken in Ireland
KKAP-195 KKAP-079, KKAP-080 86 KKAP-177, KKAP-209 87 KKAP-032 88 KKAP-196 89 KKAP-158 90 KKAP-101 91 KKAP-004 92 KKAP-027 84 85
153
Mills The archaeology of milling forms the most significant component of the archaeological evidence for post-medieval industry. Thirteen excavations took place on mills and/or their associated infrastructure during the Kilkenny flood relief scheme. These included the excavation of the industrial mill and weir complex at Mill Island (Figure 76), Green‘s Bridge93, the recording of mill structures, brick furnace bases and machine-block settings at Ormond Mills,94 and the partial excavation of the Archer‘s Mills.95 A small mill-building was also noted at Abbey street96 and a millrace was noted at Parliament street97 as was a substantial watercourse at 68-9 John Street.98 Post-medieval ecclesiastical sites The archaeology of Kilkenny‘s ecclesiastical sites in the post-medieval period is confined to two investigations – the remains of the 18th century ‗Dean‘s Chapel‘ at Dean Street Upper99 and the archaeological recording of the Bishop‘s Palace.100 Archaeological evidence relating to the alterations that many of the city‘s medieval religious houses suffered following the Dissolution of the monasteries has been noted at St. John‘s Augustinian Priory.101 The post-medieval Town Wall The archaeology of Kilkenny‘s Town Walls in the post-medieval period has been investigated on three occasions: seventeenth century back-filling of the town ditch was noted at Ormonde Road102 and Maudlin Street103 and an outwork ditch was excavated along the western defences at New Street.104 Kilkenny Castle Archaeological investigations carried out during the course of the Kilkenny Castle archaeological project revealed extensive evidence for 17th-19th century architectural alterations to the original 13th century structure (Murtagh 1993).105 An assemblage of 18th century fine pottery was also recovered by P.D. Sweetman.106
KKAP-175 KKAP-174, KKAP-179 95 KKAP-216 96 KKAP-067 97 KKAP-154 98 KKAP-060 99 KKAP-098 100 KKAP-082 101 KKAP-103 102 KKAP-091 103 KKAP-159 104 KKAP-170 105 KKAP-149 106 KKAP-146 93 94
154
Post-medieval bridges Six individual archaeological investigations have taken place on three of the city‘s post-medieval bridges. During the investigations at John‘s bridge referred to above, the remains of an 18th century bridge was located immediately upstream of the existing concrete structure.107 This was constructed after the flood of 1763 and consisted of a three-arch masonry structure that was removed c.1910 and replaced with the present bridge. Walls which were possibly associated with the 1763 bridge were noted during monitoring for the Kilkenny broadband line.108 The second site was the ‗free-standing arch‘ at Watergate Bridge in Irishtown, which was the subject of a detailed architectural recording exercise.109 The third site produced the remains of a foot-bridge which was built in the early 20th century and which crossed the Nore between John‘s Bridge and Green‘s Bridge.110
KKAP-137, KKAP-138, KKAP-143 KKAP-145 109 KKAP-131 110 KKAP-078 107 108
155
6. An Archaeological Research Framework for the Kilkenny Archaeological Project Schofield and Vince have argued that in general the archaeological study of medieval towns should begin at data-gathering, move through interpretation and finish at explanation (Schofield and Vince 2003, 245). It could be said that with the completion of the 2008 phase of the Kilkenny Archaeological Project, the first stage of this process has been concluded. It is now essential however, that questions are put to the dataset in order to allow for a rigorous interpretation and explanation, both of which are the key final outcomes for the project. Therefore the construction of a research framework for KKAP is a fundamental task; to quote Carver ‗without a research purpose [archaeological] deposits remain mud‘ (Carver 1993, 13). The following themes can form the core for a research agenda:111 1. The construction of Kilkenny chronologies and typologies If an adequate understanding of Kilkenny‘s archaeological record is to be achieved an essential first step should be the formulation of a sequential, chronological framework within which the excavated evidence may be placed. At present there are large gaps in our knowledge in this regard and this is particularly problematical for certain periods. For instance, no accurate dating has been obtained for the Early Medieval activity at St. Canice‘s Cathedral and the Domhnach Mór. Likewise the archaeology of the Late Medieval town is virtually invisible as a result of thin strata and the absence of diagnostic pottery. Even within the archaeology of the High Medieval town there are problems with chronology so for instance while there exists an abundance of material recorded which was assigned broad 13th-14th century dates, defining exactly where within this 200 year period activities occurred can often be problematical. It is almost certain that many of the above-mentioned gaps do not reflect reality but are instead caused by the absence of a well-understood type-chronology for the city. The Kilkenny Urban Archaeology Database contains extensive records of large assemblages of dateable finds from secure contexts, as well as chronological markers from various scientific dating programmes (eg. dendrochronology at Abbey street and John‘s bridge, and radiocarbon dating at John‘s bridge and Green‘s bridge) and coin associations that can address the issue. Of particular importance in this regard are the finds from the waterfront dump archaeology as these provide significant sequential information with low residuality. A medieval - post-medieval pottery type-series for Kilkenny is now also a distinct possibility since the excavation was carried out of an archaeomagnetically dated mid-
These should be considered preliminary suggestions and doubtless additional topics will present themselves as the project progresses. 156 111
14th century pottery kiln at Highhayes and the recovery of well-dated assemblages from elsewhere in the city. All of this information can be collated and in certain cases allied with the dates from documentary sources to allow for the construction of a ‗Kilkenny chronology‘. 2. The archaeology of urban crafts and industries There has been very little published on the trades, crafts and industries that formed the backbone of Kilkenny‘s medieval and post-medieval economy. The Liber Primus Kilkenniensis provides numerous references to these activities within the medieval city (Table 14) but very little is known about the material evidence for the technologies that were employed. Even locating where they were undertaken has not been achieved to date and there has been no attempt to address vital questions such as ‗was there occupational zoning within the town‘, ‗where were the workshops and industrial areas?‘, ‗how did the technologies change over time?‘, ‗what role did the rural hinterland play in craft and industries?‘ The KKUAD contains a large amount of data regarding both the products and sites of the many crafts and industries that were practiced in Kilkenny. Represented are cereal processing, milling, tanning and leather-working, weaving, wood-working, metalworking (iron, copper-alloy, lead), pottery and tile production. Much of this material relates to the medieval and post-medieval periods though certain Early Medieval crafts such as antler-working are also represented. Of particular note is the extensive recorded evidence for the milling industry in the 17th-18th centuries, as a consequence of large-scale excavations during the Kilkenny Flood-Relief scheme. All of this information requires collation and a broad analysis.
Trade/Craft
Page reference in Liber Primus (McNeill 1931)
Armorer
52
Baker
98
Barber
88, 89
Butcher
51, 53, 67, 82, 84, 90, 119
Carpenter
54, 90, 106
Cook
123
Corvisor
56, 70, 83, 86, 89, 100
Dyer
39, 51, 58, 69, 70, 82, 84, 85, 86, 88, 90
Glover
44, 47, 49, 50, 54, 69, 87, 99, 103, 104, 116, 122, 123
Mason
27, 28, 39
‘Poyntmaker’ [made tips of laces]
115
157
Shoemaker
116, 120, 122, 134
Smith
115, 122, 123, 139
Spicer
9, 35, 46, 69
Tailor
39, 43, 47, 49, 58, 67, 122, 123, 130, 131, 136
Taverner
39, 70
Tanner
38, 44, 46, 48, 49, 67, 68, 70, 84, 94
Weaver
94, 131, 122, 123-124, 126, 134 Table 14: Trades and crafts noted in the Liber Primus Kilkenniensis
3. The archaeology of houses, properties, streets and bridges Nothing has been published on medieval housing in the city and although early post-medieval housing, epitomised by the well-preserved late Tudor Rothe House on Parliament street, has been better served, there is as yet no comprehensive study of the archaeology of these buildings. Indeed basic studies of their plans, layout, walling, roofing, lighting, furniture and fittings have yet to be carried out. Many of the finds that have been recovered from the investigations in the city would have originated within the city‘s households and provide important information on their status and inner workings. However, this material has never been collated. Nor has the archaeology of the backlands been assembled. Within the KKUAD there is a substantial body of data, both stratigraphic and artefactual, which can be employed to address these issues. 4. The archaeology of the Cathedral, churches, abbeys, priories and cemeteries The study of Kilkenny‘s ecclesiastical sites has been mainly focussed on the architecture of St. Canice‘s Cathedral, with St. Mary‘s, the Dominican Black Abbey and St. Francis‘ friary also receiving some attention. However, the archaeology of the church in Kilkenny has not been given the same prominence and there are major questions that remain to be addressed. What was the archaeology and topography of the Early Medieval church at St. Canice‘s and Donaghmore? Where were the precinct boundaries of the religious houses and parish churches? The medieval layout and plans of most of the ecclesiastical sites have been fundamentally altered, what can archaeology contribute to reconstructing their changing layouts through time? What is the nature of the artefactual assemblages associated with Kilkenny‘s religious sites? In relation to the treatment of Kilkenny‘s dead most work has focussed on the rich corpus of stone burial monuments from the city. However, there are no studies on such topics as the archaeology of mortality rates, burial practice and religious beliefs around death. The KKUAD contains much information with which to engage with these gaps.
158
5. The archaeology of defence The study of Kilkenny‘s fortifications has focussed primarily, and not surprisingly, on the Town Walls and Kilkenny Castle. A major study has been published on the former (Oxford Archaeology 2005) though there is still a need to provide a synthesis of the outcomes of the many archaeological investigations that have revealed new information about their morphology, development and chronology. Kilkenny castle, as mentioned above, was the subject between 1990-1999 of a major excavation campaign which revealed an abundance of important information. However, the site has not yet been fully published and it would appear there is little prospect of this occurring in the near future. Nevertheless the KKUAD contains much information about the Town Walls and some material relating to the Kilkenny castle excavations. 6. Environmental archaeology Environmental archaeology in Kilkenny is still very much in its infancy and there is a very little known about such issues as the appearance of the town site in its pre-urban phase, the interaction between the townsfolk and the environment and the methods by which natural resources were exploited. The biological factors which affected the population (diet, disease, infestation) have also not been studied. Over half of Kilkenny‘s medieval urban area was constructed on the flood-plains of the Rivers Nore and Breagagh which provides a ‗sink‘ for well-preserved waterlogged remains and the KKUAD contains important records of the results of the study of over 500 palaeoenvironmental samples which can do much to address the above questions.
159
7. Towards a Public Dissemination Strategy and Conclusions Publication modes and models Since the mid-nineteenth century publication has been traditionally seen as an integral part of the archaeological excavation process; put simply most investigations are destructive and therefore a published record becomes a proxy for the material that was removed. This view was famously encapsulated by Augustus Pitt-Rivers in 1898 when he stated that ‗a discovery dates only from the time of the record of it, and not from the time of its being found in the soil' (Pitt-Rivers 1898, 28). This orthodoxy has prevailed generally within archaeology and has been translated into policy at European (European Convention on the protection of the Archaeological Heritage (the Valletta Convention) ) and national levels (excavation licence requirement under the National Monuments Acts, Framework and Principles for the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (1999)). However, a publication crisis has dominated archaeology throughout much of Europe since the late 1960s, resulting primarily from the massive upsurge in development-led activity that has occurred as a consequence of the integration of archaeology in planning mediation (Council of Europe 1999). Indeed the gulf between the production of data and public dissemination is widening to the extent that the viability of continuing with archaeological excavation into the future is now being questioned (Tilley 2008). In Ireland urban archaeology has experienced a data-boom as a consequence of the unprecedented rates of economic growth experienced between c.1990-2006. This has precipitated a challenge to those who work in this milieu, as Ireland‘s historic towns contain some of our most complex and important archaeological remains. To contend effectively with the sheer variety and complexity of the new information is not easily achieved and a range of policy documents have attempted to articulate and quantify the problem (eg. Doyle et.al. 2001; University College Dublin 2006). Cork (Hurley et.al. 1995; Cleary et.al. 1997; Hurley and Cleary 1997; Cleary and Hurley 2003), Waterford (Hurley et.al. 1997), Galway (Fitzpatrick et.al. 2007) and Dublin have proactively engaged with the issue through substantive publication programmes and another important outlet for the dissemination of urban archaeological information has been the many local historical and archaeological journals that are published on an annual basis. Assessments of unpublished excavations have been undertaken for Limerick and Drogheda (Cronin and Murphy 2006; O‘Donovan and Scully 2006).
160
It is now evident however that the traditional model of ‗full publication‘112 is no longer practicable and there have been several attempts to forge a new paradigm both nationally (Johnson 2000, 6.5.3; Mount 2000, 11.1; Doyle et al 2001; University College Dublin 2006; Heritage Council 2007, 13) and internationally. Perhaps the most noteworthy of the latter remains the Council for British Archaeology‘s 2001 ‗From the Ground Up: the publication of archaeological projects, a user needs survey‘ (Jones et.al. 2001).113 This emphasised the desire amongst those surveyed for the synthesis of data rather than the exhaustive, descriptive approach that has characterised previous publications. In this model the original site archive forms the primary record of the project, requiring long-term curation. In general print media remains the preferred mode of public dissemination for archaeological data though there has been in recent years a new emphasis placed on ‗layered‘ reports in which the archives and specialist, technical and detailed structural reports are published digitally on the internet or on an accompanying cd-rom (Jones et.al. 2001, 6.2.5, 6.3).
Figure 77: Screenshot from the Lincoln Archaeological Research Assessment GIS database
ie. a full description of the structural, stratigraphic and artefactual evidence, and the maintenance of a clear distinction between description and interpretation. 113 http://www.britarch.ac.uk/pubs/puns/ (accessed 4th November 2008). 161 112
In the deliberative process for the KKAP many different publication models were examined (eg. those for Waterford, Galway, Winchester, York, Chester, Perth). One such model however appears well suited to the Kilkenny corpus - the Lincoln Archaeological Series and particularly the publication in 2003 of The City by the Pool, Assessing the archaeology of the city of Lincoln (Stocker (ed.) 2003). This provided a comprehensive synthesis of the varied and widespread information from archaeological excavations and building surveys which had been undertaken within the town. Behind the volume was the Lincoln Archaeological Research Assessment (LARA) (Figure 77), an integrated relational and spatial database of the city's archaeology which was included with the publication in GIS form on a CD-rom. This provided mapping and summary information on each archaeological investigation within the city as well as indicating the boundaries of research agenda zones. Andrew Selkirk wrote of it in 2004: ‗This is the way that urban archaeology should be done: let the world take notice.‘ Current Archaeology (194). It is proposed to employ the Lincoln model as a broad template for the dissemination stage of the KKAP. Thus the publication will be structured as a ‗layered‘ report in which the archives and specialist, technical and detailed structural reports (to a standard template) are published and readily accessible digitally (on cd-rom and the internet) whilst the synthesis and scrutiny of the material is provided in the traditional print format. There will be a particular focus on the 115 Grade 1-3 archaeological investigation sites (Table 15), all bar one of which will be included: the Kilkenny Castle excavation project (KKAP-149) must be omitted given its large scale and complexity and more particularly the absence of an overall final report for the project. The results of a wide consultation with excavation and post-excavation specialists will be incorporated, resulting in an 'integrated' approach whereby the artefacts, ecofacts, stratigraphic sequences and historical evidence are fully interrelated with the Kilkenny Urban Archaeology Database. The result will be a readable publication, a synthesis and analysis of Kilkenny‘s archaeological record, grounded in the Kilkenny Urban Archaeology Database and a research agenda. If the KKAP is brought to completion as proposed, it will be the first such study available for an Irish inland town. Indeed it will be only the fifth Irish town to have produced a substantial publication on the subject of its archaeology and with Galway, only the second to have been the subject of an integrated synthesis.
A proposed publication methodology It is envisaged that to bring the Kilkenny Archaeological Project to completion will take a period of three years. The table below provides a breakdown of the chief actions that are required to achieve this (Table 15):
162
Table 15: Table of principal proposed work-units to bring KKAP to completion.
Work units 2009 Work Unit 1: Report editing 1.1 Reformat, edit and standardise 114 site investigations (as per Table 2, excluding KKAP-149) to agreed house style Work Unit 2: Finds acquirement, processing and analysis 2.1 Acquire 4678 finds for primary processing (as per Table 4, excluding KKAP-149) 2.2 Purchase of National Museum of Ireland standard finds boxes and associated material 2.3 Wash, label, box and catalogue finds to National Museum of Ireland standard 2.4 Provide outline background and stratigraphic information for specialists on finds for analysis 2.5 Dispatch finds to 16 specialists 2.6 Provide specialists with all relevant finds reports in KKUAD Work Unit 3: Specialist Reports 3.1 Interim reports from 16 specialists
Work Unit 4: Graphics and illustration 4.1 Compile inventory of site drawings for inclusion in final publication 4.2 Produce inventory of photographs required per site investigation 4.3 Digitally render site drawings Work Unit 5: GIS, KKUAD management and updating 5.1 Link the GIS, KKUAD database to archaeology of the individual cuttings within the area of investigation
Work units 2010 Work Unit 6: Specialist reports 6.1 Receipt of final specialist reports
163
Work Unit 7: Final report editing 7.1 Integrate specialist reports into edited report texts 7.2 Send edited texts to individual investigators for final agreement 7.3 Include revisions as recommended by site investigators 7.4 Write overview chapters in line with research agenda
Work Unit 8: Final graphics and illustrations 8.1 Produce inventory of finds for illustration (as recommended by specialists) 8.2 Produce finds illustrations 8.3 Digital rendering to house-style of previously illustrated finds drawings
Work Unit 9: KKUAD management and updating 9.1 Link the GIS/KKUAD database to archaeology of the individual cuttings within the area of investigation
Work Unit 10: Copy editing 10.1 Provide first draft for publication 10.2 Copy editing
Work Unit 11: Typsetting and digital formatting 11.1 Typesetting 11.2 Formatting for digital publication
Work units 2011 Work Unit 12: Final Publication 12.1 Publication of digital dataset on www.kkap.ie 12.2 Publication of KKAP print-volumes
164
Work Unit 13: Other 13.1 Deposit KKAP finds in the National Museum of Ireland Table 15: Table of principal proposed work-units to bring KKAP to completion.
Conclusion ‘Each town creates its own version of its own history, and treads it underfoot’ (Carver 1993, 1). Kilkenny‘s archaeology is distinctive to the city, yet because it has consistently absorbed international influences it may also be seen within the context of wider European patterns of urbanisation. In particular, Kilkenny‘s progress over the past millennium or so has been punctuated by periods of major expansion (in the 9th-10th century, 13th century and 16th-17th century) which mirror developments in Britain and the continent and it is this dynamic blend that defined the ancient city and whose legacy continues to this day in its built form. However, what KKAP has revealed is that we know very little indeed about the fundamentals of past life and society in the city, its fabric through the ages is poorly understood and there are major problems in tracing the development of its topography and material culture. In short without an appreciation of Kilkenny‘s archaeology, we cannot truly say we understand the inherited character of the city. Yet, KKAP has also demonstrated the enormous wealth and range of the city‘s archaeological record. A unique opportunity exists to explore it in detail and in the process address these challenges.
165
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1887
‗An account of the defences and fortifications of Kilkenny from 15271691‘, Journal of the Royal Historical and Archaeological Society of Ireland VII, 36-9.
Wheeler, M.
1954
Archaeology from the Earth, Clarendon, Oxford.
Wray, K.
1969
‗Maudlin Street‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 21, 11-14.
176
Appendices
177
Appendix I – Summary catalogue of archaeological investigations in Kilkenny City 1968-2006 Table 16: Summary table of archaeological investigations conducted in Kilkenny between 1968-2006
KKAP site code
KKAP-001
Site Name
70-71 John Street
Investigator(s)
Margaret Gowen
Archaeological Licence Number
94E00057
Site Grade
Investigation summary
Figure
5
The site lay inside the line of the Town Wall of the suburb of St. John's. Testing revealed a warehouse-type structure and cobbled surface which possibly dated to the 18th or early 19th century.
88
82
KKAP-002
1 Friars Bridge/Abbey street
Richard Clutterbuck
02E0242
4
All features exposed during archaeological testing dated from the 19th-20th centuries and consisted of an upper demolition layer, two walls of the demolished annex visible on the first-edition OS map, and multiple layers of modern dump and disturbance which contained domestic refuse.
KKAP-003
1 Greenshill
Mary Henry
99E0522
5
Testing revealed nothing of archaeological significance.
80
82, 84
KKAP-004
Rear of No.1 Irishtown
Ian W. Doyle
02E1592
1
Late 12th century house, reclamation revetments. The post medieval phase spanned the 17th to 20th centuries, characterized by successive rebuildings of the riverside wall and the deposition of accumulated garden soils. Two wells with associated drains and a substantial kiln with associated flue also recorded.
KKAP-005
1 The Parade
Sheila Lane
99E0584
5
Nothing of archaeological significance was noted.
85, 86
KKAP-006
1 Watergate Street
Sheila Lane
00E0086
5
Nothing of archaeological significance
82, 84
178
KKAP site code
Site Name
Investigator(s)
Archaeological Licence Number
Site Grade
Investigation summary
Figure
noted.
KKAP-007
10 John Street
Sheila Lane
98E0050
5
A single test trench was opened to the depth 0.6m. Loose rubble fill was noted to 0.3m; brown mud interspersed with brick, bone and charcoal was recorded to a depth of 0.6m. Nothing of archaeological significance noted.
KKAP-008
101 Patrick Street
Daniel Noonan
02E1570
4
Testing revealed 19th century industrial activity.
85
KKAP-009
10-13 St. Kieran's Street
Hilary Opie
98E0168
2
Medieval housing, reclamation. Postmedieval working surface of clay and cobbles, two walls of a stone structure, two culverts and two wells.
83
KKAP-010
10-13 St. Kieran‘s Street
Ruairí Ó Baoill
97E0334
2
Medieval housing, reclamation. Postmedieval deposits, subsequently excavated as part of KKAP-009.
83
KKAP-011
11 Patrick Street
Jacinta Kiely
06E0230
2
Medieval pitting, burgage plots activity
KKAP-012
11 Patrick Street
Jacinta Kiely Bruce Sutton
99E0757
2
Medieval pitting, burgage plots activity. Post-medieval housing and other structures.
KKAP-013
12 John Street
Sheila Lane
00E0807
5
Testing revealed nothing archaeological significance.
KKAP-014
13 Blackmill Street
Niall Gregory
00E0750
2
Black Abbey precinct wall, human burials, lead-working. Modern human skeleton.
82
KKAP-015
13 Lower New Street
Mary Henry
00E0334
5
Nothing of archaeological significance noted.
83
KKAP-016
13 Parliament Street/Evan's Lane
4
A site inspection revealed a basement (date not stated) to the rear of No. 13 Parliament Street. No archaeological finds
82, 84
Sheila Lane
03E0100
179
88
83, 85, 86
of
83, 85 88
KKAP site code
Site Name
Investigator(s)
Archaeological Licence Number
Site Grade
Investigation summary
Figure
or features were noted during testing.
KKAP-017
13-18 William Street
E. Eoin Sullivan
97E0213
4
A possible post-medieval lane surface and soil horizon was uncovered during archaeological testing.
82, 83
KKAP-018
13-25 Poyntz‘s Lane
Martin Reid
97E0275
5
No findings of archaeological significance were made.
82, 83
83
KKAP-019
14 High Street
Jacinta Kiely
98E0603
4
A test-trench was excavated to a depth of 2m (51.026m OD). Five layers were recorded. The layers C1-4 included sherds of post-medieval pottery and fragments of brick and slate. No archaeological features or artefacts, with the exception of the post-medieval pottery, were recorded or recovered from the trench. Follow up archaeological monitoring also revealed nothing of significance.
KKAP-020
14 Parliament Street
Sheila Lane
05E0267
5
Nothing of archaeological significance was noted.
84
KKAP-021
15 John's Quay
Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
02E1008
5
Nothing of archaeological significance was uncovered during monitoring.
84, 88
KKAP-022
15-16 Vicar Street
Emmet Stafford, Catherine McLoughlin
03E1901
2
Excavation of Vicar's Choral building of St. Canice's cathedral. Post-medieval wall.
81, 84
KKAP-023
15-16 Vicar's street
John Tierney
03E0707
2
Testing of Vicar's choral building.
81, 84
180
KKAP site code
KKAP-024
Site Name
17 Friary Street
Investigator(s)
Cóilín Ó Drisceoil, Mary Henry
Archaeological Licence Number
03E0074
Site Grade
Investigation summary
Figure
4
Testing uncovered the remains of two walls, a cobbled yard and a series of dumped fills. Precise dating of the walls was not possible, due to the absence of associated diagnostic artefacts. A clay-pipe stem from the fill of the cut for one of the walls wall provided a terminus post quem for the wall construction in the 17th century. Thus, a 17th/mid-18th-century date seems likely. Subsequent monitoring revealed nothing further.
83
81, 82
KKAP-025
19,19A Dean Street
Tom Rogers
04E0309
5
Test-excavations revealed nothing of archaeological significance. Monitoring of demolition works recovered nine fragments of architectural interest from the walls of the two properties.
KKAP-026
19 Vicar Street
Mary Henry
00E0170
3
Medieval deposits beneath stone building and cobbles. Four walls and remains of cobbled surface of post-medieval date.
81, 84
82, 83
KKAP-027
20-25 Collier's Lane
Martin Reid
97E0185
3
Horticultural horizon of probable medieval date beneath a stone building of possible 17th century date. Succeeded in the 20th century by a wallpaper manufacturing site.
KKAP-028
21 Abbey Street
Sarah McCutcheon
95E0044
2
City wall, backlands activity. Postmedieval introduced horticultural soils.
82
KKAP-029
21 Abbey Street
Claire Walsh
95E0016
2
City wall, town ditch.
82
5
Four test-trenches were excavated to a maximum depth of 1.4m below present ground level. Nothing of archaeological significance was uncovered.
83
KKAP-030
21 William Street
James Eogan
98E0014
181
KKAP site code
Site Name
Investigator(s)
Archaeological Licence Number
Site Grade
Investigation summary
Figure
83
KKAP-031
21-22 High Street
Stuart D. Elder
04E1539
4
Testing in the yard area to the rear of 2122 High Street revealed no archaeological deposits. A poorly constructed stone-built wall was encountered comprising of randomly placed angular stones interspersed with red-brick fragments and thinly bonded with soft pale-yellowish lime-based mortar. A substantial east-west oriented wall was also located comprising of well-built random-coursed large and medium-sized angular blocks. The date is unknown and no datable artefacts were found on, under or about the wall.
KKAP-032
23 James‘ Street
Paul Stevens
00E0730
3
Human burial, medieval and postmedieval pitting and stone well. Possibly 17th century iron-working.
82
4
Cobbled surfaces overlay successive phases of wall building over what were potentially earlier structures and other possible archaeological deposits. Medieval pottery was recovered from one of the trenches.
82, 84
4
At a depth of c. 0.25-0.3m below ground level a drystone wall was uncovered in the northern half of the trench. Abutting one side of the wall and near its base was a cobbled surface. The wall appeared to be a garden or boundary wall, with the cobbled yard running up to its side. The remainder of the trench was dominated by postmedieval deposits. No medieval deposits, features or structures were found on the site, nor was anything found that could be associated with the nearby Augustinian
88
KKAP-033
KKAP-034
2-3 Watergate Street
24 John Street Upper
Michael Tierney
Mary Henry
06E0721
99E0564
182
KKAP site code
Site Name
Investigator(s)
Archaeological Licence Number
Site Grade
Investigation summary
Figure
priory.
KKAP-035
25 High Street
Martin Reid
97E0309
2
Section of large battered defensive wall and ditch.
83
88
KKAP-036
25 John Street Upper
Mary Henry
05E1325
4
Testing revealed no features or deposits associated with the medieval period. A 19th-century stone-built culvert was found extending across the site as well as a shallow linear trench.
KKAP-037
26 Patrick Street
Jacinta Kiely
99E0165
3
Foundations of a post-medieval building , pits and possible ditch, measuring 4.6m north-south by 0.9m by 0.7m deep.
83, 85
4
Test-excavations revealed two furrow cuts, a possible field ditch and several isolated pits, all of which produced medieval pottery (13th/14th century). No domestic or structural activity was noted within the medieval phase. The rear garden area and rear access laneway produced thick ‗garden soil‘ deposits of post-medieval date. An architectural assessment of the standing buildings found nothing of note.
88
KKAP-038
26-29 John Street
Ken Hanley
00E0711
183
KKAP site code
Site Name
Investigator(s)
Archaeological Licence Number
Site Grade
Investigation summary
Figure
KKAP-039
26-29 Patrick Street
Judith Carroll
98E0092
2
12th-16th century pitting. Burgage plot alignments. Post-medieval housing.
83, 85
KKAP-040
28-29 Rose Inn Street
Sheila Lane
02E1489
5
Nothing of archaeological significance noted.
83
84
83, 85
KKAP-041
33 Parliament Street
Emer Dennehy
00E0027
4
Archaeological excavation was undertaken to facilitate the construction of manholes for the Kilkenny Main Drainage scheme. Seven stratigraphic layers were identified, all of which were archaeologically sterile. A stone flag floor, associated with the a Georgian house, was identified at a depth of 2m below the current ground surface.
KKAP-042
33 Patrick Street
John Tierney, Judith Carroll
98E0402
2
Medieval and post-medieval housing, burgage walls and pitting.
KKAP-043
33-34 High Street
John Tierney
01E0973
3
Remnant 16th century building.
83
88
KKAP-044
35 John Street
Frank Ryan
01E0049
4
Test-excavations to the rear of No.35 John Street revealed the remains of a limekiln, which was in use within living memory. Nothing further of archaeological interest was noted.
KKAP-045
38 Parliament Street
Sheila Lane
06E1190
3
Interior of Tudor house, mortar and brick layers.
84
KKAP-046
39 Parliament Street
Paul Stevens
00E0128
3
Build level of Tudor house, KKAP-045 and medieval deposits.
82, 84
184
KKAP site code
Site Name
Investigator(s)
Archaeological Licence Number
Site Grade
Investigation summary
Figure
83
KKAP-047
4 Friary Street
Thaddeus C. Breen
97E0198
4
Remains of recent stone and brick structures were found, and a deep deposit of disturbed material containing fragments of brick, slate, and modern pottery. A few sherds of medieval pottery were found within this, and in one of the cuttings a deeper layer was found which contained a few sherds of medieval pottery and a piece of slag.
KKAP-048
4 Rose Inn Street
Simon Ó Faoláin
02E0466
3
Stone well.
83
4
Testing noted a stratigraphic sequence of a modern red-brick rubble deposit overlaying a ‗garden soil‘ of some 0.3m in depth. This is likely to equate with the garden shown on Rocque's 1758 map of Kilkenny.
88
KKAP-049
43 John Street Upper
Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
KKAP-050
44-48 St Kieran‘s Street
Richard Clutterbuck, Claire Cotter
03E0309
03E1204, 06E0712
3
Medieval walls and 18th century quarry pits.
83
KKAP-052
5 Bateman Quay (rear of)
Alan Hayden
01E0052
4
Test-excavations revealed a possible 'former inlet on the bank of the river' which was infilled with organic river silts. The silts contained dumped medieval material.
KKAP-053
55 John Street Upper
Tony Cummins
05E0299
5
There were no archaeological features or finds recorded during monitoring.
88
5
One test-trench was excavated and an architectural survey was carried out. Nothing of archaeological significance was recorded.
88
KKAP-055
57-58 John Street
Sheila Lane
03E0637
185
83
KKAP site code
Site Name
Investigator(s)
Archaeological Licence Number
Site Grade
Investigation summary
Figure
KKAP-056
63 High Street (rear of)
Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
02E1715
2
Medieval reclamation, infant burial, ironworking. Post-medieval stone housing.
83
Test-excavations revealed the remains of a limestone and red brick foundation at the southern end of the trench (43.41m OD). Rocque‘s map of 1758 and the OS map of 1842 both indicate a mill building in this area. A red brick wall projecting from the city wall was in line with the remains of the foundation and it is likely that they were also associated with the mill building.
88
KKAP-057
68-69 John Street
Bernice Molloy
01E1031
4
KKAP-059
71 High Street/St Kieran‘s Street
Sheila Lane
01E0254
3
KKAP-060
68-69 John Street
Edmond O'Donovan
96E0131
2
78m section of Town Wall, sections of town ditch, mural tower. Post-medieval watercourse, alterations to Town Wall.
88
4
Archaeological testing revealed a cellar, a rear house-wall of 'post-medieval' date which was probably an infill into the 17th century 'Langton House'. A layer immediately above the natural deposits revealed medieval pottery. A fragment of a chamfered fireplace surround was also recovered. Nothing further of significance was revealed in monitoring.
83
4
Four test-trenches were excavated to the rear of No.8 Parliament Street. Most of the area had been disturbed by the construction of 'Sullivan's Brewery' in the nineteenth century. The excavator noted the preservation on the site of the medieval burgage plot. Nothing further of
82, 84
KKAP-061
KKAP-062
78 High Street
8 Parliament Street
Ronan Swan
Hilary Opie
96E0109
92E0068
186
Drystone well, reclamation deposits.
83
KKAP site code
Site Name
Investigator(s)
Archaeological Licence Number
Site Grade
Investigation summary
Figure
archaeological interest was noted.
KKAP-063
85 High Street
Catherine McLoughlin
04E0259
4
No archaeological deposits or features were uncovered. However, a blocked-up barrel-vaulted cellar was exposed.
83
KKAP-064
8-10 James Street
John Channing
92E0038
3
Two wells, rubbish pits/latrines and smallscale industrial activity was also noted. Three of the pits were of medieval date.
82, 83
KKAP-065
91-93 High Street/St Mary‘s Lane
Edmond O'Donovan
05E0201
2
KKAP-066
96 High Street
Sheila Lane
05E0250
5
No finds or features of an archaeological nature were noted.
83
82
Shee House (c.1580) architectural survey. 83
KKAP-067
Abbey Street
Martin Reid
96E0047
2
255 human burials, medieval precinct wall of Black Abbey and medieval structures beneath Black Freren Gate. Post-medieval mill building.
KKAP-068
Abbey Street
Rosanne Meenan
95E0237
3
Town wall, post-medieval housing. Alterations to Town Wall and buildings.
81, 82
KKAP-069
Abbey Street
Paula King
97E0008
3
Town wall. Post-medieval house.
81, 82
8 William Street
Jo Moran, Martin Reid
3
6m wide medieval ditch, burgage alignments and deep horticultural soils. Post-medieval introduced horticultural soils.
KKAP-070
96E0155
187
83
KKAP site code
Site Name
Investigator(s)
Archaeological Licence Number
Site Grade
Investigation summary
Figure
Extensive wooden piling adjacent Town Wall, dendrochronologically dated to 1240s. Post-medieval drain, cobbled surface and walls.
82
KKAP-071
Abbey Street
Sylvia Desmond
96E0047
2
KKAP-072
Abbey Street/Abbey square
Frank Ryan
00E0335
2
KKAP-073
Abbey View, New Building Lane
Malachy Conway
96E0231
4
82
4
Archaeological monitoring followed from test-excavations KKAP-073 and revealed a layer of dark garden soil which varied in thickness from 0.3m at the southern end of the site to over 0.75m at the northern end. A fragment of a female human pelvis was noted.
82
Abbey View, New Building Lane
KKAP-076
BRE-6 Banks of the river Breagagh Gardens Townland
Paul Stevens
00E0406
2
KKAP-077
River Nore River Bank
Ian W. Doyle
01E0821
2
97E0130
188
82
Archaeological testing revealed introduced ‗garden soils‘ 0.70-1.2m deep. The west end of the site was defined by a standing section of Town Wall. One of the trenches revealed a 0.55m wide and c. 1m deep trench which ran parallel to the Town Wall. This was formed by the construction of a 5m east-west ‗groundheightening platform‘ of modern date which abutted the inside of the Town Wall.
KKAP-074
Thaddeus C. Breen
Chancel Black Abbey, burials. Postmedieval housing.
Late Medieval timber structure, timber bridge foundations, medieval wall. Postmedieval stone structure. Medieval circular masonry tower, late 13th century riverside post-and-wattle fences.
82
84, 88
KKAP site code
Site Name
KKAP-078
Townparks/Garde ns/Collegepark Townlands
Paul Stevens
KKAP-079
Bateman Quay
KKAP-080
Archaeological Licence Number
Site Grade
Investigation summary
Figure
00E0405
3
Early modern foot-bridge. Post-medieval foot-bridge.
84
Paul Stevens
01E1166
3
Series of post-medieval, parallel riverside walls and the truncated remains of a 'pleasure house'.
84
NOR-6 Bateman Quay
Paul Stevens
01E0555
3
Excavation and full building survey of a semi-circular riverside revetment wall and associated early modern Pleasure House.
84
KKAP-081
Bishop‘s Palace Grounds
Dave Pollock
05E0652
3
KKAP-082
Bishop‘s Palace
Teresa Bolger, Ian Doyle
02E0593
2
Architectural survey, medieval ironworking, 18th century addition to 'Bishop's Palace'.
81
5
Monitoring was carried out along Black Abbey Street to Blackmill Street. The purpose of the monitoring was to re-open previously excavated cuttings (KKAP067). Nothing of archaeological interest was found during the monitoring.
82
Finds retrieval and a small excavation at the Black Abbey uncovered two substantial masonry walls, around which a number of floor levels separated by land reclamation deposits, had been added to raise the level of the ground surface.
82
KKAP-083
Black Abbey
Investigator(s)
Christina Fredengren
97E0454
KKAP-084
Black Abbey/River Breagagh
Kevin Lohan
04E0944
3
KKAP-085
Black Freren House, Abbey Street
Rose M. Cleary
03E0359
3
Garden archaeology assessment.
81
Fragment of Town Wall.
189
82
KKAP site code
Site Name
Investigator(s)
KKAP-086
Bridge House, 8789 John Street Lower
Edmond O'Donovan, Paul Stevens, Margaret Gowen
95E0053
2
KKAP-087
Bridge House, 8789 John Street Lower
Alan Hayden
01E1212
3
Archaeological Licence Number
Site Grade
Investigation summary
Figure
Town Wall, Tudor house, basements. 88
Late medieval spine wall, front wall and cellar of house.
88
KKAP-088
20 Rose Inn Street
Dermot Nelis
99M0027
4
Ground reduction revealed the presence of six negative features cut into natural subsoil to the west of the site. These were preserved in situ. No archaeological features or portable finds were recorded from the eastern part of the site.
KKAP-089
Castlecomer Road
Colm Moloney
03E0578
5
Test-excavations revealed archaeological interest.
83
85
nothing
of
83
89
KKAP-090
Chapel Lane
Hilary Opie
92E0149
4
Disturbed medieval deposits were revealed though no archaeological features were uncovered. The excavator noted the site retains its medieval burgage plot layout along the line of Chapel Lane.
KKAP-091
Cleere's Factory, Ormonde Road
John Channing
92E0080
2
Town wall and ditch. Post-medieval backfill of town ditch.
KKAP-092
Cleere's Factory, Ormonde Road
Edmond O'Donovan
96E0198
3
KKAP-093
Coach Road
Patrick J. H. Neary
06E0075
3
Possible Early Medieval embankment associated with KKAP-218, also human skeletal remains.
81
KKAP-094
College Park
Heather A. King
91E0091
3
13th century deposits cut through by construction level of 17th century Seix house. Boundary wall on line of Town
86, 88, 90
190
1640 graveslab recovered during testing.
85
KKAP site code
Site Name
Investigator(s)
Archaeological Licence Number
Site Grade
Investigation summary
Figure
5
Archaeological test-excavations revealed 'garden soil' deposits. Nothing of archaeological interest was noted.
82, 83
Archaeological test-excavations were undertaken as part of an assessment for the Market Cross shopping centre (with KKAP-64, 133, 141). Medieval activity was represented by pottery with evidence of medieval occupation in the form of cobbling. A basement had removed most of the stratigraphy.
82, 83
Wall.
KKAP-095
Colliers Lane
Malachy Conway
96E0233
KKAP-097
Brewery (Delahunty's Store)
John Channing
92E0003
4
KKAP-098
Dean Street Upper
Sheila Lane, Tony Cummins
03E0321
3
KKAP-099
Dean Street
Claire Cotter
E590
3
13th century reclamation deposits and embankment, oven and brick cellar.
81, 82
4
Test-excavations were undertaken prior to the redevelopment of the site. Seven testpits were opened revealing river silts at 3m depth. Nothing of archaeological interest was noted.
81, 82
82
90
Edward C. Bourke
90E0019
Remains of 18th century 'Deans Chapel'.
KKAP-100
Dean Street
KKAP-101
Dean‘s Court, Irishtown
Paul Stevens
02E1370
2
Industrial complex of 18th century tanning pits, 19th century corn-drying kiln and Magdalen laundry, stone river revetments.
KKAP-102
Dukesmeadows Townlands
Paul Stevens
02E1237
2
Late Bronze Age fulacht fiadh comprising burnt mound which sealed four troughs.
191
81, 82
KKAP site code
Site Name
Investigator(s)
Archaeological Licence Number
Site Grade
Investigation summary
Figure
KKAP-103
Evan's Home, Barracks Lane
Paul Stevens
99E0662
3
Medieval priory chapel wall beneath walls of 18th century barracks.
88
82
KKAP-104
Evans Lane
Patrick J. H. Neary
02E1107
3
Medieval horicultural soils, stone-lined pit. Post-medieval introduced horticultural soil with cross-walls of the 18th/19th century houses built directly on top.
KKAP-105
Evans Lane
Edmond O'Donovan
96E0076
3
Post-medieval House.
4
Test-trenches revealed no early standing walls or significant archaeological deposits. However, the presence of finds dating to the late medieval/post-medieval period, in a disturbed ditch, suggested the presence of archaeological layers or features close by.
82
4
According to the report ‗no archaeological stratigraphy or artefacts, with the exception of two cut stone fragments, were uncovered or recorded from the three trenches excavated within the area of the development site. The sandy clays, with modern inclusions, overlay the natural gravel and clay‘.
82
Possible Early Medieval enclosure ditch for Domhnach Mor monastic site. Introduced post-medieval horticultural soils.
85, 86
KKAP-106
Evans Lane
Paul Stevens
Mary Henry
96E0363
KKAP-107
Evans Lane
98E0171
KKAP-108
Father Hayden Road
Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
05E1409
2
KKAP-109
Fennessy's Weir, Archersgrove
Paul Stevens
00E0389
3
192
walls
adjoining
Stone weir for Fennessy's mill.
Rothe
82, 84
KKAP site code
Site Name
Investigator(s)
Archaeological Licence Number
Site Grade
Investigation summary
Figure
KKAP-110
Bishop‘s Palace
Brenda O‘Meara
06E0189
2
Medieval occupation remains, property boundaries, Town Wall. Post-medieval deposits.
81
KKAP-111
Former Union Workhouse, Hebron Road
2
Early Bronze Age pit-cremation, 1840s workhouse burial ground containing 846 skeletons in 62 rectangular pits.
86
Archaeological monitoring of a gas pipe trench took place at Freren Court, Abbey Street. The only features noted were fragmented cobbling that was present at two locations on either side of the Black Freren Gate.
81, 82, 84
Brenda O‘Meara
05E0435
KKAP-112
Freren Court, Abbey Street
Patrick J. H. Neary
97E0420
4
KKAP-113
Friary Street/Garden Row
Paul Stevens, Edmond O'Dovan
01E0569
2
KKAP-114
Gallows Hill
Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
05E1397
5
Archaeological test-excavations adjacent to a burial ground (KKAP-115) revealed nothing of archaeological significance.
90
90
Medieval - post-medieval burgage plots. 18th century dwellings.
83
KKAP-115
Gallowshill
Michael Ryan
E792
3
A small mound had been raised on the site of a cemetery of extended, unaccompanied single burials of unknown date. Disarticulated bones derived from the surrounding graves were incorporated in the material of the mound.
KKAP-116
Garden Row
Martin Reid
96E0385
3
Refuse pits and a brick-lined cess-pit.
83
4
Archaeological testing at the former Regent Cinema site revealed a postmedieval soil horizon overlying the natural ground across the site. Two pits were identified, one in the north and one in the south of the site; ceramics from these
83
KKAP-117
Garden Row, William Street
Melanie McQuade
03E0844
193
KKAP site code
Site Name
Investigator(s)
Archaeological Licence Number
Site Grade
Investigation summary
Figure
indicate that they are of 18th-19th-century date.
KKAP-118
Garden Row/Poyntzs Lane
Jo Moran
No report or information to hand. Excavator contacted but has not reverted.
96E0251
KKAP-119
Gas House Lane
Colm Moloney, Brid Kirby
04E0393
4
Archaeological monitoring within the site of the former Kilkenny Gasworks revealed a heavily disturbed area. Small fragments of disarticulated human bone, modern ceramics and isolated architectural fragments were uncovered. Demolition of the retort house revealed several dressed limestone fragments, including a window, possibly Tudor in date, which may have been salvaged from an earlier building and reused.
KKAP-120
Good Shepherd Centre, Church Lane
Avril Purcell
02E0562
5
Test-trenches excavated across the gardens of the site revealed no features or finds of archaeological significance.
5
Archaeological monitoring for a stormdrain pipeline from Grange's Road to the Breagagh river revealed nothing of archaeological interest apart from a boxdrain at the junction of Thomas StreetDean Street.
KKAP-121
Granges Road/Thomas Street/Dean Street
Emma Devine
05E0463
194
89
81, 82
KKAP site code
Site Name
Investigator(s)
Sheila Lane
Archaeological Licence Number
99E0042
Site Grade
Investigation summary
Figure
5
Archaeological testing revealed no features of significance. A trench excavated across the supposed line of the Town Wall uncovered no evidence for the defences. Subsequent monitoring also failed to uncover anything of archaeological note.
81
81
KKAP-122
Green Street
KKAP-123
Green Street/Troy‘s Gate Street
Tony Cummins
03E1826
5
Reclamation, with further test-excavation in 2006 revealing 0.8-1m deep layers of post-medieval rubble material that overlay the natural subsoil.
KKAP-124
Green Street
Mary Henry
99E0713
3
Organic reclamation deposits of possible medieval date. Post-medieval deposits.
80, 81
KKAP-125
Green's Bridge Complex
Paul Stevens
00E0390
3
Testing in advance of KKAP-175 revealed archaeological material at Green's bridge and Mill Island.
80
KKAP-126
NOR-1 Green's Bridge
Paul Stevens,Ian W. Doyle
01E0326
2
KKAP-127
Greensbridge Street/New Street
Margaret Gowen
94E0043
5
Testing adjacent to St. Maul's graveyard revealed nothing of archaeological interest.
80, 89
80
16th century bridge, post-medieval mill.
80
KKAP-128
Greens Bridge street
Sheila Lane
00E0026
5
Testing uncovered two mortared walls, which were the east and west walls of the basements to houses that previously stood on the site. Below the level of the basements was natural clay. Nothing of archaeological interest was noted.
KKAP-129
Greens Bridge street
Tim Coughlan
96E0144
5
Nothing of archaeological significance noted in testing.
80
KKAP-130
Diageo Complex,, River Breagagh
Ian W. Doyle
01E0632
3
Monitoring of river-gravel extraction revealed a sword fragment. A survey of the Town Wall and Evan's tower was also
84
195
KKAP site code
Site Name
Investigator(s)
Archaeological Licence Number
Site Grade
Investigation summary
Figure
undertaken.
KKAP-131
Irishtown Bridge
Kevin Lohan
KKAP-132
Friary Street/Garden Row
Paul Stevens, Edmond O'Donovan
KKAP-133
James Street
John Channing
3
Architectural recording of a 'free-standing arch' for Watergate bridge.
81, 82, 84
97E0087
4
Medieval Garden soils and an 18th century water-filled property boundary and a post-medieval clay floor were also uncovered.
83
91E0010
3
Medieval latrine and garden soils recorded.
82, 83
83
04E0615
KKAP-134
James Street
Paul Stevens, Christopher Read
98E0427
3
Possible medieval timber-framed standing building noted as were medieval occupation levels and horticultural soils. Post-medieval soils and possible 17th century building.
KKAP-135
James Street
Claire Cotter
E532
3
Town wall and escarpment, medieval garden soils, bank of yellow-clay and postmedieval laneways.
82, 83
83, 82, 84, 88
88
KKAP-136
Barrack Lane/Carnegie Library Carpark
John Channing
01E0109
4
Trench-laying in Barrack Lane produced evidence of truncated and disarticulated human bone fragments, together with one broken decorated stone and a possible truncated wall foundation. Secondly, there were remnants of cobbling outside the front of Evans House. The grounds around Evans House contain several cut stone fragments that are most likely associated with St John‘s Priory and its destruction.
KKAP-137
NOR-11 John‘s Bridge
Ian W. Doyle
01E0980
1
Late Bronze Age fish-trap, late Medieval and 18th century bridge structures.
196
KKAP site code
Site Name
Investigator(s)
Archaeological Licence Number
Site Grade
Investigation summary
Figure
KKAP-138
John's Bridge
David A. McCullough
02E0129
2
Underwater excavation revealed timber bridge beneath John's bridge, 18th century bridge-fragments and graveslabs.
88
KKAP-139
James Gate
John Channing
E623
Probably same as KKAP-064, KKAP-133.
N/A
KKAP-140
James Street and James Gate
John Channing
92E0007
KKAP-141
James Street Old Brewery
John Channing
92E0067
3
KKAP-142
James Street/Evans Lane
James Stack
93E0038
3
Post-medieval wall and 13th century graveslab.
82, 83
KKAP-143
John‘s Bridge
Niall Brady
00E0790, 00D033, 01E0036
2
Underwater excavation revealed construction history of John's bridge from 16th century. Numerous graveslabs.
88
3
Bridge into St. John's priory, remains of wall associated with the rebuilding of John's bridge. Post-medieval walls, possibly associated with 18th century John‘s bridge.
80, 82, 83, 84, 86, 88, 89
3
Assemblage of 18th century fine pottery.
Probably same as KKAP-064, KKAP-133. Two pits and disturbed medieval deposits.
N/A 82
KKAP-145
Kilkenny (broadband line)
Orla M B. Scully
KKAP-146
Kilkenny Castle
P.D. Sweetman
KKAP-149
Kilkenny Castle
Ben Murtagh
E000627 and 99E0481
1
KKAP-150
Kilkenny Castle
Claire Foley
E156
2
1.8m wide stone outer, southern bawn wall of Kilkenny castle.
86
KKAP-152
'Black Abbey'
R.O Floinn
E803
2
Two coffin-burials inside chancel of Black Abbey, sealed beneath 16th century mortar floor.
82
KKAP-153
Abbey Street
Edward Bourke
90E0023
3
Survey of Town Wall.
82
04E0057
197
86 86
KKAP site code
Site Name
Investigator(s)
Archaeological Licence Number
Site Grade
Investigation summary
Figure
KKAP-154
Kilkenny Main Drainage
Patrick J. H. Neary
97E0481
2
Battered medieval wall at Mill Lane, organic deposits at St. Canice's place and culverted mill-race at Parliament street.
81
KKAP-155
Kytler's Inn, 25-26 St Kierans Street
Margaret Gowen
95E0062
3
Reclamation deposits overlying medieval organic material.
81, 82, 84
KKAP-156
Langton House, 80 High Street
Orla M B. Scully
92E0101
3
KKAP-157
Lower New Street
Christine Grant
96E0007
4
KKAP-158
Mary‘s Lane Antiques, St. Mary‘s Lane
Brenda O‘Meara
06E0855
3
KKAP-159
Maudlin Street
Paul Stevens
KKAP-160
Highhayes, MacDonagh Railway Station
Emma Devine and Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
KKAP-161
24 James' Street
Martin Byrne
98E0346
06E0122
198
Barrel-vaulted cellar. Archaeological testing was conducted in 1996. Previous testing had been undertaken (KKAP-185). The Town Wall survived on the south side of the area. Testing revealed garden soils of medieval and post-medieval date and a pit with human bone. Fragments of Shee House, late18th-early 19th century oven, human burials.
83
83, 85
83
2
South-east to north-west section of town ditch, 6m wide x 1.45m deep. Early 13th century pottery at base. 17th century backfill of town ditch.
88
1
High Medieval artisan's suburb including pottery production centre. Post-medieval introduced horticultural soils and 19th century railway embankment, laneway, walls.
86
5
Archaeological monitoring of service trenches revealed nothing of archaeological significance.
82
KKAP site code
Site Name
Investigator(s)
Archaeological Licence Number
Site Grade
Investigation summary
Figure
82
KKAP-162
Mother of Fair Love School, James Street
Sheila Lane
01E0687
5
Testing c.10m outside the City wall on James Street noted no evidence for a fosse outside the Town Walls or for St James‘s Chapel, and stratigraphy in the trenches showed no medieval or post-medieval levels or finds.
KKAP-163
New Building Lane
Grace Fegan
02E1718
5
Archaeological testing revealed no features of archaeological significance.
82, 84
KKAP-164
New Building Lane
Sarah McCutcheon
96E0142
3
Architectural survey of the 'New Building'. Horticultural soils noted in testing.
82
4
Three standing Tudor buildings bordered the east of the site. Test-excavations in the west of the area revealed deep deposits of garden soil that were formerly used as orchards and gardens. A west-eastrunning section of wall was uncovered which can be directly related to one of the Tudor Houses. An east-west-running French drain, c. 0.25m high (partly collapsed), was also uncovered 0.95m south of the wall, lying 0.5m below ground level. Remains of a neatly arranged cobbled surface utilising water-worn stones also uncovered.
82, 84
4
The western site boundary is one wall of New Building House, an eighteenthcentury dwelling with an ornate cut-stone frontage. The trenches revealed between 1m and 0.5m of rubble on the site, overlying occasional deposits of a postmedieval grey charcoal-flecked clay.
82
KKAP-165
KKAP-166
New Building Lane
New Building Lane
Malachy Conway, Edmond O Donovan
Edmond O'Donovan
97E0166
96E0310
199
KKAP site code
KKAP-167
Site Name
New Building Lane
Investigator(s)
Edmond O'Donovan
Archaeological Licence Number
97E0028
Site Grade
Investigation summary
Figure
4
Testing uncovered areas of late postmedieval disturbance and garden soil. The trenches located along the laneway recorded a uniform loose mortar rubble fill mixed with red brick above the natural gravel deposits.
82
82, 84
KKAP-168
New Building Lane
Sheila Lane
98E0051
4
One test-trench contained a layer of cobbling to a depth of 0.22m. Below this was brown, sandy soil with mortar, stones and bone fragments to a depth of 1.2m. Nothing of archaeological interest was noted.
KKAP-169
New Road, Greens Bridge
Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
99E0618
5
Archaeological testing revealed nothing of archaeological interest.
80
KKAP-170
New Street
Andrew Gittins
91E0042
2
17th century outwork ditch 35m outside (west) of medieval town ditch.
83, 85
83, 85
KKAP-171
New Street Lower
Neil O'Flanagan
01E0915
5
No archaeological remains were recovered. The site was characterised by heavy deposits of recently deposited humic soils for the purpose of laying out a garden.
KKAP-172
New Street Lower
Ken Wiggins
03E1318
5
Only one artefact of interest was found, a fine clay-pipe bowl of mid-17th-century date.
83, 85
4
Some features were found - areas of burning and a series of deeper pits. It was hypothesised that these features represent potting holes for boundary hedges.
83, 85
KKAP-173
New Street Lower
Jacinta Kiely
97E0382
200
KKAP site code
Site Name
KKAP-174
NOR-13 Ormond Mills and Weir Complex, Dukesmeadow
KKAP-175
NOR-2, NOR-4 The Mill Island and Green's Bridge Weir (Part of Green's Bridge Mills)
Paul Stevens and Brenda O‘Meara
01E0608
KKAP-177
NOR-9 Bateman Quay
Paul Stevens
01E0554
Investigator(s)
Archaeological Licence Number
Site Grade
Investigation summary
Figure
Possible 17th-18th centuy weir complex. Paul Stevens
00E0388
2
86, 90
2
Industrial mill and weir complex including 17th century rectangular mill-building, mill-race and waterwheel pit. Late 17th century 'deflection dam' and wattle paneling. Extensive remodeling occurred after the 1763 flood.
84
2
18th century stone jetty, private mooring, river wall.
84
KKAP-178
Nuncio Road
Sheila Lane
06E1096
5
A number of cultivation furrows and drain features were exposed in the subsoil and these also contained early modern inclusions.
KKAP-179
NOR-16 Ormond Mills
Ian W. Doyle
01E01107
2
Reclamation material, mill structures such as brick furnace bases, machine block settings.
86, 90
3
Testing in Shee House revealed human burials and the possible foundations for the original precinct wall of St. Mary's church.
83
KKAP-180
91-93 High Street
Sinéad Phelan
03E1856
201
KKAP site code
Site Name
Investigator(s)
Archaeological Licence Number
Site Grade
Investigation summary
Figure
85, 86
KKAP-181
Patrick Street Upper
Anne Marie Lennon
01E0272
4
Testing showed the majority of the site was infilled with up to 2m of 18th-19thcentury rubble. A brown organic deposit contained several sherds of Kilkenny-type cooking ware, dating from the 13th-14th centuries. Overlying the medieval deposit was a dark organic post-medieval fill. Redeposited disarticulated human bone was uncovered adjacent to the boundary wall of St Patrick‘s graveyard. Subsequent monitoring revealed nothing of archaeological interest.
KKAP-182
Patrick Street
Eoghan Kieran
04E1422
4
Two anomalous drain-type features
KKAP-183
Patrick Street/Pudding Lane
John Tierney, Judith Carroll
97E0468
2
Intense backlands occupation material, possible Early Medieval burials and 17th century inhumations. Tudor house.
83, 85
KKAP-184
St Francis Abbey
Marcus O'hEochaidhe
2
Part of cloister and north transept of St. Francis' friary.
84
KKAP-185
Pennyfeather Lane/Pudding Lane
Heather A. King, John Bradley
2
Medieval occupation material, Town Wall of possible 17th century date and section of town ditch.
83
4
Three test-trenches were excavated within the 'Prior's Orchard' of St. John's abbey. Mid 17th-18th century layers were encountered.
88
4
A recently demolished domestic dwelling with associated cobbled surface and a sequence of habitation deposits and possible clay floors associated with the medieval lane. Properties fronting onto the street extended back at least as far as this location, but associated activity did
83
KKAP-187
KKAP-188
Prior's Orchard
Pudding Lane
Heather A. King
Margaret Gowen
E535
E541
95E0224
202
85
KKAP site code
Site Name
Investigator(s)
Archaeological Licence Number
Site Grade
Investigation summary not extend further approximately 10-15m.
KKAP-189
Quays Pub, John Street Lower
KKAP-190
River Breagagh at St. Francis' Abbey Brewery
KKAP-191
Collegepark/ Dukesmeadows/B ishopsmeadows/G ardens, Roaches Pond, Newpark Lower
Alan Hayden
Margaret Gowen, Paul Stevens
Paul Stevens
02E0124
99E0385
01E0551
than
4
Survey and monitoring revealed that nothing of archaeological significance survived above ground or was disturbed by the development. A small hand-dug trench showed that medieval river silt survived beneath the building but at a level above which all building activity was taking place.
88
4
Archaeological test-excavations and monitoring was undertaken on the Breagagh river where it passes through St. Francis' friary. The works formed part of an assessment that was undertaken in advance of the removal of the river bed due to PCB contamination (KKAP-130).
84
4
203
back
Figure
Twenty-one test trenches were excavated and examined, including six cross-sections of the full width of the river-bed. Spoil from each trench was thinly spread-out, washed and examined on dry land to assess the artefactual potential of the river bed. The trenches were surveyed and recorded by archaeological divers from ADCO Ltd. (KKAP-143).
KKAP site code
KKAP-193
Site Name
River Nore dredging
Investigator(s)
Sinéad Phelan
Archaeological Licence Number
01E0821
Site Grade
Investigation summary
Figure
2
4553 artefacts recovered during monitoring of dredging. 553 artefacts were recovered, 59% pottery, 28% glass, 7% metal, 5% clay pipe and 1% stone. 75% of the assemblage was of 18th-20th century date, with 20% undateable. Medieval artefacts accounted for 2%, those of the 17th-18th century 3%. Two prehistoric artefacts were also recovered.
90
KKAP-194
River Nore dredging
Ian W. Doyle
01E0909
2
Monitoring of dredging works, 2000 artefacts including a small quantity of Mesolithic flint, a small amount of medieval pottery and metalwork, and large quantities of late medieval stone architectural fragments. A large assemblage of post-medieval pottery and glass was recovered.
KKAP-195
Rothe House, Parliament street
Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
05E0598
2
Garden archaeology of medieval, earlymid 17th century and 18th century date. 2000 artefacts.
82, 84
KKAP-196
Rothe House, Parliament street
Andrew Halpin
91E0076
2
Floor-surfaces, oven in third house and blacksmith's forge.
82, 84
KKAP-197
Rothe House, Parliament Street
Neil O'Flanagan
92E0123
2
Drain associated with garderobe in third house, large medieval well preceding early 17th century structure. Clay floor and postholes to rear (west) of third house.
82, 84
KKAP-198
St Francis Abbey Brewery
Margaret Gowen
95E0242
4
KKAP-199
Church Lane, Saint Canice's cathedral
Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
04E1535
3
Reclamation with decayed timbers
84
Disarticulated dumps of human remains.
204
81
KKAP site code
Site Name
KKAP-200
St Canice‘s Orchard, Coach Road
Andrew Gittins
KKAP-201
St. Canice's Place
Edmond O'Donovan
KKAP-202
St. Canice's Place/Vicar Street
Paul Stevens
KKAP-203
St. Francis' Abbey Brewery
Kevin Lohan
Investigator(s)
Archaeological Licence Number
Site Grade
Investigation summary
Figure
02E0845
2
Possible Early Medieval enclosure ditch for St. Canice's cathedral, human burials, corn-drying kiln. Post-medieval boundary walls and introduced horticultural soils.
81
97E0318
2
Levelling deposits for Tudor house of which standing remains were recorded.
81
99E0057
5
Test-trenches revealed no archaeological deposits or soils. Any pre-existing archaeology had been removed by the construction of a petrol station.
81
04E0694
4
KKAP-204
St. Francis' Abbey Brewery
Margaret Gowen
98E0069
5
KKAP-205
St Francis‘ Abbey Brewery
Brenda O‘Meara
04E0694
4
KKAP-206
St. Francis' Abbey Brewery
Edmond O'Donovan
97E0099
4
205
Reclamation and the possible residual remains, in the form of limestone building rubble, of the 18th-century horse barracks. Test-excavations were undertaken in advance of the construction of a small extension to the fermontor block of the brewery in St. Francis' Abbey. Nothing of archaeological interest was noted. 19th and 20th reclamation A single test-pit was excavated prior to the redevelopment of a fermentor block. A hard, compact, yellow boulder clay was identified 2.57m below existing ground level. This was sealed by a black organic silty clay, 1.32m deep. The uppermost 1.25m of fill consisted of demolition rubble, hard-core and thick concrete slab.
84
84
81, 84
84
KKAP site code
Site Name
Investigator(s)
KKAP-207
St. Francis' Abbey Brewery
Edmond O'Donovan
99E0148
4
KKAP-208
St Kieran‘s Street
Sheila Lane
02E1076
5
KKAP-209
NOR-10 Bateman Quay
Niall Brady
01E0303
3
KKAP-210
St. Mary's Lane
Ken Hanley
00E0712
2
Medieval burials and graveslab.
83
KKAP-211
St. Mary's Lane
Ian W. Doyle
03E0572
2
12 medieval burials.
83
KKAP-212
St Mary‘s Lane
Patrick J. H. Neary
05E1070
3
Human bone fragments and medieval graveslab. Post-medieval gravestone recovered during monitoring.
83
KKAP-213
St. Canice's Town Rampart
Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
3
Human bones and debris scooped up from surrounding graveyard to form rampart.
81
KKAP-214
Superintendents House, Ormonde Mills
Paul Stevens
00E0615
KKAP-215
Talbot's Bastion
Edward C. Bourke
90E0029
KKAP-216
NOR-17 "The Tuck mill/Archer‘s Mills", Dukesmeadows
Archaeological Licence Number
Site Grade
Investigation summary
An organic silt, possibly a medieval reclamation layer, was discovered at the base of the excavated cutting, 2.50m. Two layers of post-medieval build-up were also recorded. No archaeological finds or features were noted during testing. Stone jetty and timber platform.
Figure
84
83 84
5
No archaeological soils or features were revealed in either trench
90
4
No archaeological material was recovered.
85
Weir structure and mill buildings of 17th19th century date. Ian W. Doyle
01E1041
3
206
90
KKAP site code
Site Name
Investigator(s)
Archaeological Licence Number
Site Grade
Investigation summary
Figure
KKAP-217
County Infirmary, John's Green
Sinéad Phelan
03E1946
5
Nothing of archaeological significance was identified during testing.
89
KKAP-218
The Deanery Orchard, St. Canice's Cathedral
2
Early medieval enclosure ditch for St. Canice's cathedral, antler-working, corndrying kiln. Medieval graveyard. 17th century yard and gardens.
81
Monitoring of development works within the kiln building revealed a basement area divided by a series of limestone masonry walls. These walls rested on natural stratigraphy. It is known that this twostorey structure functioned as the kiln associated with the brewery, and it seems likely that the walls exposed represent the kiln‘s furnace.
82, 84
Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
06E0306
KKAP-219
The Maltings, Tilbury Place
Ian W. Doyle
03E0368
4
KKAP-221
Tynan's Bridge House, John's Bridge
Paul Stevens
99E0025
5
Archaeological testing revealed archaeological deposits or soils.
KKAP-223
Winston‘s Department Store
Sheila Lane
04E1618
5
No finds or features of an archaeological nature were noted in testing.
84
KKAP-315
Black Abbey garden
Joanna leigh
04R0113
2
Detailed resistivity identified the cloister and a suite of buildings to the north of the Black Abbey church.
82
2
Resistivity survey adjacent the round tower and Ground Penetrating Radar within the chancel and crossing of the cathedral. External survey revealed remains of a building, possibly a church, to the south-east of the round tower. Within the interior burial vaults and precathedral walls were noted.
81
KKAP-316
St. Canice's Cathedral
Cóilín Ó Drisceoil
04R026
207
no
83
Figure 78: Kilkenny Archaeological Project all areas of investigation 1968-2006 208
Figure 79: Kilkenny Archaeological Project map showing location of all archaeological cuttings
209
Figure 80: Detailed map of archaeological investigation sites 210
Figure 81: Detailed map of archaeological investigation sites 211
Figure 82: Detailed map of archaeological investigation sites 212
Figure 83: Detailed map of archaeological investigation sites 213
Figure 84: Detailed map of archaeological investigation sites 214
Figure 85: Detailed map of archaeological investigation sites 215
Figure 86: Detailed map of archaeological investigation sites 216
Figure 87: Detailed map of archaeological investigation sites 217
Figure 88: Detailed map of archaeological investigation sites 218
Figure 89: Map of archaeological investigation sites south-east of the city centre 219
Figure 90: Map of archaeological investigation sites south-east of the city centre 220
Appendix 2: Archaeological bibliography of Kilkenny City by subject
Archaeological Investigations
Prendergast, E.
1970
‗Burials at Gallowshill‘, Old Kilkenny Review Vol.22, 64.
Foley, C.
1975
‗The discovery of a portion of 13th Century wall at Kilkenny Castle‘, Old Kilkenny Review 1(2), 103.
Cotter, C.
1992
‗Archaeological Excavations in Dean Street, Kilkenny 1990‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 4 (4), 1065-1075.
Bradley, J. and King, H.A..
1992
‗Archaeological trial excavations in Kilkenny‘, Old Kilkenny Review 4 (4), 973-87.
Murtagh, B.
1993
‗The Kilkenny Castle Archaeological Project 1990-1993: Interim Report‘, Old Kilkenny Review iv (5), 1101-1117.
Kiely, J.
2000
‗Archaeological excavation at No. 26 Patrick Street, Kilkenny‘, Old Kilkenny Review 57 116-122.
Doyle, I.W.
2003
‗The lost bridge of Kilkenny City: John‘s bridge 1765-1910‘, Archaeology Ireland 17(1), 8-12.
Ó Drisceoil, C.
2004
‘Probing the Past: a geophysical survey at St Canice's Cathedral, Kilkenny‘, Old Kilkenny Review 56, 80-106.
Doyle, I.W.
2005
‗Excavation of a riverside circular tower in College Park, Kilkenny City‘, Old Kilkenny Review 57, 32-42.
221
Ó Drisceoil, C.
2004
‘Probing the Past: a geophysical survey at St Canice's Cathedral, Kilkenny‘, Old Kilkenny Review 56, 80-106.
Ó Drisceoil, C.
2005
‗Archaeological excavations at the rear of 63 High Street, Kilkenny‘, Old Kilkenny Review 57, 43-61.
O Meara, B.
2006
‗A preliminary account of recent excavations adjacent to Kilkenny Union Workhouse‘, Old Kilkenny Review 58, 154-162.
Stevens, P.
2006
‗Four Excavations in Kilkenny City (1999-2001): Part 1 The Medieval Findings‘, Old Kilkenny Review 58, 47-66.
Stevens, P.
2007
‗Four Excavations in Kilkenny City (1999-2001): Part 2 The Late Medieval/Post-medieval findings‘, Old Kilkenny Review 59, 18-37.
Finds Prim, J.G.A.
1852
‗An attempt to identify the persons who issued tradesmen‘s tokens in Kilkenny‘. Trans. Kilkenny Archæol. Soc., 2(1), 159–176.
JRSAI
1860
‗Encaustic tile from St. Mary's, Kilkenny‘, JRSAI, vi (part 1), 7.
JRSAI
1860
‗Donation of piece of Irish 'money of necessity' found at St. Canice's cathedral, Co. Kilkenny, JRSAI, vi (part 1) 82.
Robertson, J.G.
1862
‗Brass Dutch tobacco box and some coins, including a Mountrath token of Nicholas Raget and a jetton said to have been found in the Castle Lawn, Kilkenny‘, JRSAI, vii (part 1), 145.
JRSAI
1864a ‗Donation of a silver seal of the 17th or early 18th century, dug up in Kilkenny‘ JRSAI, viii (part 1), 6.
222
JRSAI
1864b ‗Donation of a plain bronze finger-ring found near Loughboy, near Kilkenny‘, JRSAI, viii (part 1), 7.
JRSAI
1864c ‗Donation of a copper buckle with iron tongue, found in an old house in Kilkenny‘, JRSAI, viii (part 1), 114.
JRSAI
1865
JRSAI
1869a ‗Donation of penny token of Commonwealth period found in garden in Maudlin St., Kilkenny‘, JRSAI, x (part 2), 269.
JRSAI
1869b ‗Donation of encaustic floor tile from St. Francis' Abbey, Kilkenny‘, JRSAI, x (part 2), 345.
JRSAI
1870a ‗Donation of two 17th-century tradesmen's tokens, one from Kilkenny‘, JRSAI, xi (part 1), 12.
JRSAI
1870b ‗Donation of ancient lead cramp from Cathedral of St. Canice, Kilkenny‘, JRSAI, xi (part 1), 202.
JRSAI
1871a ‗Donation of spindle-whorl found in excavations in St. Canice's Cathedral, Kilkenny‘, JRSAI, xi (part 2), 450-451.
Graves, J.
1871
‗Donation of finds from test pit at St. John's Bridge, Kilkenny, and drawing of last remaining arch of the pre-1763 bridge‘, JRSAI, xi (part 2), 506.
JRSAI
1873
‗Donation of a pair of shoe-buckles, found when digging in lane between St. Patrick's Churchyard and the Upper Parade, Kilkenny‘, JRSAI, xii (part 2), 520.
‗Donation of an encaustic floor tile found in the Black Abbey, Kilkenny and a London groat of Edward I found there‘, JRSAI, viii (part 2), 225.
223
Graves, J.
1875
‗Deer antlers and offcuts found at the Episcopal Palace, Kilkenny, and St. Canice's Cathedral, and evidence for a tile kiln at St. Canice's‘, JRSAI, xiii (part 2), 434-435.
JRSAI
1877
‗Donation of the capital and base of a pillar which had belonged to the cloister of St. John's Abbey, Kilkenny‘, JRSAI, xiv (part 2), 175.
JRSAI
1879
‗donated: old key found in a garden at Maudlin Street, Kilkenny, JRSAI, xv (part 1), 53.
JRSAI
1883
‗Donation of an Irish halfpenny of Charles II, found in St. Patrick‘s Churchyard, Kilkenny‘, JRSAI, xvi (part 1) 6.
Creighton, D. H.
1889
‗Discovery of ancient baptismal font as St. Ciaran's Well, rere of Kyteler's Inn, King Street, Kilkenny, Kilkenny Moderator, 27 July.
Bassett, G.H.
1884
Kilkenny, Guide and Directory, Dublin.
Harbison, P.
1973
‗Three decorated wooden beams of the thirteenth century in Rothe House Museum, Kilkenny‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 25, 34-41.
Harbison, P.,
1974 Carved stones from the twelfth century predecessor of St. Canice‘s cathedral, Old Kilkenny Review i, No.1, 26-9.
Sweetman, P. D. 1981 ‗Some late seventeenth- to late eighteenth-century finds from Kilkenny Castle‘, PRIA 81, Section C, 249-266. Devine, E.
2006
‗Rich Pickings from a medieval potter‘s yard at MacDonagh Station, Kilkenny City‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 58, 67-70.
Burial Monuments
Ledwich, E.
1781
‗History and antiquities of the Irishtown and Kilkenny from 224
original records and authentic documents‘, in Charles Vallency (ed.) Collectanea de rebus Hibernicis, ii, Dublin, 349-562.
Shee, P. (ed.)
1813
Epigrafi monumentorus Basilicae Ossoriensi Sancto Canico sacrae; epitaphs on the tombs in the cathedral church of St. Canice’s Kilkenny, collected by John O’Phelan, Dublin.
Prim, J.G.A.
1849–51. ‗On the discovery of ancient sepulchral monuments at the Dominican Abbey, Kilkenny‘. Trans. Kilkenny Archæol. Soc., 1(3), 453– 462.
Prim J.G.A.
1865
‗Discovery of two sepulchral monuments in the parish church of St. Mary, Kilkenny‘, JRSAI, viii (part 2), 304-306.
Hogan, J.
1874-9 ‗Notes on an uninscribed monument in St. Canice‘s cathedral, Kilkenny‘, Transactions of the Ossory Archaeological Society 1, 73-8.
Egan, P.M.
1895
Langrishe, R.
1904-5 ‗The Bourcier tablet in the cathedral church of St. Canice, Kilkenny, with some account of that family‘, JRSAI 34 365-79, 35 21-33.
Hunt, J.
1950
‗Rory O‘Tunney and the Ossory tomb sculptures‘, JRSAI 80, 22-8.
Vigors, P.D.
1895
‗Keteller Stone, Kilkenny‘, JRSAI, xxv (part 1), 79-81.
Rae, E.C.
1966
‗An O‘Tunney masterpiece reconstituted‘, Old Kilkenny Review 18, 6271.
Phelan, M.M. 1969 Old Kilkenny Review21, 60-75.
‗An amateur looks at the Ossory tombs with apostolic surrounds‘,
‗The Keteller Monument, Kilkenny‘, JRSAI, xxv (part 1), 72-81.
225
Hunt, J.
1974
Irish Medieval Figure Sculpture. Dublin/London.
Phelan, M.
1975
‗Black Abbey Tombs‘. In 750 Years of the Black Abbey 1225-1975. Kilkenny. 38-43.
Phelan, M.
1978
‗Two Butler monuments in Old St. Mary‘s‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 1(5), 352-355.
Bradley, J.
1980
‗Some New and Neglected Medieval Tomb Slabs and Fragments from Kilkenny‘, Old Kilkenny Review 2(2), 5-21.
Bradley, J.
1981
‗A medieval cross slab from Kilkenny‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 2(3), 283284.
Bradley, J.
1983
‗A medieval figure sculpture from near the Black Abbey, Kilkenny‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 2(5), 542-545.
Bradley, J.
1985
‗The medieval tombs of St Canice‘s.‘ In S. Barry, J. Bradley and A. Empey (eds.), A worthy foundation: the Cathedral Church of St Canice Kilkenny, 49-103. Portlaoise. Dolmen Press.
Bradley, J.
1988
‗Anglo Norman sarcophagi from Ireland‘. In G. MacNiocaill and P.F. Wallace (eds.) Keimelia, 74-94. Galway.
Manning, C.
1993
‗Two medieval graveslabs with French inscriptions from Parliament Street, Kilkenny‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 4(5) 1141-1145.
Phelan, M.
1993
‗The Rothe Monument – St. Mary‘s, Kilkenny‘, Old Kilkenny Review 45, 1228-1233.
226
Ó Drisceoil, C.
1995
‗A previously unrecorded medieval grave slab from under Blackfriars Bridge, Kilkenny‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 47, 77-79.
Phelan, M.
1996
‗The O‘Kerin School of Monumental Sculpture in Ossory and Its Environs in the 16th-17th century‘, JRSAI 126, 167-81.
Cockerham, P. and
2001
‗Kilkenny Funeral Monuments 1500-1600: A Statistical and Analytical
Harris, A.L.
O‘Dwyer, M. (ed.).
Account‘, Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy 101C, 135-188.
n.d.
St Patrick’s, Kilkenny: gravestone inscriptions. Kilkenny Archaeological Society.
Topographical
Hogan, J.
1858-59. ‗Topographical illustrations of the southern and western suburbs of Kilkenny’, JRSAI 5(2), 468–480.
Hogan, J.
1861
‗Map of the city of Kilkenny constructed from Rocque‘s survey 1757 and the Ordnance Survey 1841 and personal inspection of the localities‘, Journal of the Kilkenny and South-east of Ireland Archaeological Society 3, 350-55.
Watters, P.
1872
`
Phelan, M. M. &
‗The approaches to Kilkenny in olden times as compared with the present‘, JRSAI, xii (part 1), 50-59.
1953
‗High Street‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 6, 26-37.
Phelan, M. M.
1954
‗High Street‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 7, 20-24.
Walsh, P.
1955
‗Upper Patrick Street. Notes‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 8, 11-15.
Lanigan, K.M.
227
Gibb, J.S. &
1955
‗Irishtown notes‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 8, 30-35.
Phelan, W. J.
Phelan, W.J. & Gibb, J.S.
1956-7 ‗St. Canice‘s Place (ancient Bull Alley) and Vicar Street‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 9 1-6.
Phelan, W.J.
1960
‗Notes on High Street from the Tholsel to the Post Office‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 12, 43-51.
Phelan, W.J.
1961
‗High Street (continued). From the Post Office to Parliament Street‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 13, 57-64.
Finn, J. and
1962
‗John Street - North and South Sides‘, Old Kilkenny Review 14, 25-
Murphy, J.C.J.
39.
Kenealy, M.
1963
‗Patrick Street‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 15, 135-13.
Kenealy, M.
1964
‗Patrick Street, continued—West Side‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 16, 33-41.
Kenealy, M.
1965
‗St. Kieran Street (east side)‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 15, 135-13.
De Loughry, Mrs. R. 1966
‗Rose-Inn Street, its history, business associations and family links‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 18, 9-16.
Phelan, M.
1968
‗High Street, Kilkenny: west side, from William Street to James's Street‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 20, 5-27.
Wray, K.
1969
‗Maudlin Street‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 21, 11-14.
228
Kenealy, M
1970
‗The Parade‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 22, 44-54.
Buggy, M.
1974
‗Upper John Street‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 6(1), 45-51.
De Loughrey, A.
1976
‗Parliament Street, 1974‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 1(3), 175-189.
Phelan, M. M.
1979
‗William Street, Kilkenny‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 2(1), 24-35.
Lanigan, K.M.
1983
‗An old St. Patrick‘s Church‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 2(5), 453-6.
Kenealy, M.
1986
‗The Antiquities of St. Patrick‘s parish‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 3(3), 283287.
Phelan, M.M.
1986
‗The Antiquities of St. Patrick‘s parish: Butler house‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 3(3), 292.
Smithwick, P.
1988a ‗Saint Francis Abbey‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 3(5), 521-526.
Smithwick, P.
1988b ‗Saint Canice‘s Well‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 3(5), 526-527.
Doyle, J.
1990
An historical survey of St. John’s, Kilkenny: history, people and antiquities. Kilkenny.
Law, E.
1997
‗The origins and early years of Kilkenny Gasworks‘, Old Kilkenny Review 49, 66-73.
Ó Drisceoil, C.
2003
‗Kilkenny reclaimed: the archaeological evidence for medieval reclamation in Kilkenny city‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 55, 58-69.
229
Bradley, J.
2006
‗The Creation of the Parade: Ormond‘s Deal with Kilkenny Corporation, 1677‘, Old Kilkenny Review 58, 77-119.
Town Wall
Prim, J.G.A. 1849a ‗The Builder of the Walls of Kilkenny‘, Transactions of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society 1, 34-37. JRSAI
1861
‗Donation of architectural drawing of the outer arch of St. James‘s Gate, Kilkenny‘, JRSAI, vi (part 2) 259.
Watters, P.
1872
‗An Account of the Fortification and Defences of Kilkenny from 1527 to 1691‘ JRSAI, xii, 205-22.
Kenealy, C.J.
1948
‗The walls of Kilkenny", Old Kilkenny Review, 2, 32-38.
Bradley, J.
1975
‗The Town Wall of Kilkenny-part I‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 1(2), 85-103.
Bradley, J. 218.
1976
‗The Town Wall of Kilkenny-Part II‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 1(3), 209-
Oxford Archaeology 2005
Kilkenny City Walls Conservation Plan. Heritage Conservation Plan no. 8, Heritage Council, Kilkenny.
Architecture
Graves, J.
Robertson, J.G.A.
1849-51 ‗Ancient Street Architecture of Kilkenny‘, JRSAI, i, 41-7.
1851
‗Architectural remains of the Priory of St. John, Kilkenny, Trans. Kilkenny Archæol. Soc., 1(3), 433-436.
230
Robertson, J G. 2(1), 115-119.
1852
‗Architectural notes on Kilkenny Castle‘, Trans. Kilkenny Archæol. Soc.,
Robertson, J. G.
1861
‗Remains of horizontal mill found in the grounds of Kilkenny Castle‘, JRSAI, vi (part 2), 347-348.
JRSAI
1867
‗Donation of photographs of buildings in Kilkenny‘, JRSAI, ix, 206.
Hogan, J.
1880
‗The three tholsels of Kilkenny‘ JRSAI, xv (part 2), 236-252.
Hogan, J.
1884
Kilkenny: The Ancient City of Ossory, The Seat of Its Kings, The See of Its Bishops and the Site of Its Cathedral. Kilkenny.
Fleming, J.S.
1908
‗Ancient merchant mansions of Kilkenny‘, JRSAI, xviii, 281-283.
Kenealy, C.J.
1952
‗Armorial slabs on old Kilkenny Houses, Old Kilkenny Review 5, 3543.
Birthisle, D.
1964
‗Alms houses of Kilkenny‘ Houses, Old Kilkenny Review 16, 61-3.
Lanigan, K.M
1967
Rothe House, Kilkenny. Kilkenny.
Harbison, P.
1974
‗Carved stones from the twelfth century predecessor of St. Canice‘s Cathedral‘ Old Kilkenny Review, 6(1), 26-9.
OKR
1974
‗Fifteenth-century window uncovered in High Street (note)‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 6(1) 6.
Clifford, D.
1977
‗Renovations to the Black Abbey‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 1(4), 277.
231
Crotty, G.
1978
‗Six Coats of Arms of St. Mary‘s‘, Old Kilkenny Review 30, 306-313.
O‘ Cochlain, C.
1986
Shee Alms House: the story of a restoration. Kilkenny, Modern Printers.
O‘ Cochlain, C.
1987
The Restoration of Kytler’s Inn and its history. Kilkenny, Modern Printers.
Murtagh, B.
1998
‗The New Building, an eighteenth century house, New Building Lane, Kilkenny‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 50, 48-66.
Murtagh, B.
2003
‗Architectural stone fragments stored to the rear of Rothe House‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 55, 149-152.
NIAH
2006
An Introduction to the architectural heritage of County Kilkenny, National Inventory of Architectural Heritage Series.
Conway, M. A.:
2001
‗The Hole in the Wall, Kilkenny: an inner house of Archer's Mansion, 1582‘, Old Kilkenny Review, 53, 6-24.
1781
‗History and antiquities of the Irishtown and Kilkenny from
General
Ledwich, E.
original records and authentic documents‘, in Charles Vallency (ed.) Collectanea de rebus Hibernicis, ii, Dublin, 349-562.
Graves, J. and Journal Prim, J.A. 322-
1859
‗The History, Architecture and Antiquities of the City of Kilkenny‘, of the Kilkenny and South East of Ireland Archaeological Society 2, 331. 232
Hogan, J.
1884
Kilkenny, Kilkenny.
Egan, P.M.
1885
The Illustrated Guide to the City and County of Kilkenny, Kilkenny.
Healy, W.
1893
History and antiquities of Kilkenny(city and county), vol. 1, (no further vols published). Kilkenny.
Carrigan, W.
1905
The history and antiquities of the diocese of Ossory. 4 vols. Dublin. Sealy, Bryers & Walker.
Lanigan, K.M.
1987
Kilkenny Its Architecture and History. Appletree.
Neely, W.G.
1989
Kilkenny: an urban history, 1391-1843. Belfast. Institute of Irish Studies
Bradley, J.
1990
‗The Early Development of the Medieval Town of Kilkenny‘ in W. Nolan & K. Whelan (eds) Kilkenny: History and Society, 63-74, Geography Publications, Dublin
and Tyler, G
Farrelly, J, O‘Reilly, B. 1993
The Urban Archaeological Survey County Kilkenny. Archaeological Survey
and Loughran, A.
of Ireland. The Office of Public Works, Dublin (unpublished).
Bradley, J.
2000
Irish Historic Towns Atlas No. 10: Kilkenny. Royal Irish Academy, Dublin.
Bradley, J.
2002
‗From frontier town to renaissance city: Kilkenny 1500-1700‘ in P. Borsay and L. Proudfoot (eds.) Provincial Towns in Early Modern England and Ireland. Proceedings of the British Academy cviii, 29-51.
NIAH
2006
An Introduction to the architectural heritage of County Kilkenny, National Inventory of Architectural Heritage Series. 233
Bradley, J.
2006
‗The Creation of the Parade: Ormond‘s Deal with Kilkenny Corporation, 1677‘, Old Kilkenny Review 58,
234
Appendix 3: Historically Recorded Artefacts from Kilkenny city Table 17: Table of artefacts from Kilkenny city recorded in the Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland (JRSAI), historical newspaper accounts (KM, KJ), the catalogue of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society museum (RH) and the topographical files of the National Museum of Ireland (NMI).
Find(s)
Find Discovery Location
Reference(s)
‗Richly ornamented‘ pin
Drysdal‘s Lane
KM 8.9.1849
Iron cannon ball 3 inch diameter, found 1870
Talbot‘s tower
RH 65/6
Confederation banner
Rothe House
KM 6.9.1851; Bassett 1884, 45-9
‗Richard de Sardelove‘ graveslab
Black Abbey
KM 13.9.1851, KM 17.9.1851, KM 12.11.1851
Graveslab
Black Abbey
KM 22.11.1851
Trade tokens
Kilkenny
Prim 1852
‗ancient hawk‘s bell, a gold ring, a number of bronze needles, and other interesting remains, discovered in 1847 in deepening the bed of the river Breagadh at Watergate‘
River Breagagh, Watergate
KM 21.5.1853
Skeleton
Model School
KM 17.9.1853
Pottery vessel with ‗bearded face‘
Model Tower
Two skulls
Ormonde vault, Canice‘s cathedral
Graveslabs supporting pillars and arches in the house of Basil Grey (subsequently Thomas Power)
High Street
KM 23.9.1854
‗Breech-loading two pounder‘, coins, ‗bronze enamelled knife-haft‘
Talbot‘s tower
KJ 7.4.1855; KM 5.5.1855; Bassett 1884, 45-9
‗pin of 1698‘
Ormonde transept, Cathedral
KM 7.7.1855
‗ancient tobacco pipe‘
St. Francis‘ Abbey
KM 5.7.1856
Five skeletons
John Street
KM 28.6.1856
Stained glass fragments
St. Canice‘s cathedral
Graves and Prim 1857, 73, Bassett 1884, 45-9
Horse trappings and buckles
River Bregagh
KM 6.11.1858
‗Money of necessity‘
St. Canice‘s cathedral
JRSAI 1860
Floor tiles
St. Mary‘s church
JRSAI 1860; KM 7.1.1860
‗Siege piece‘, cannon stamped with castle
St. Canice‘s cathedral
KM 12.5.1860
Dutch tobacco box, coins, tokens
Castle castle
Robertson 1862
235
School,
Talbot‘s St.
Vault, east St. Canice‘s
lawn,
Kilkenny
KM 23.9.1854 KM 4.10.1854
Two skeletons
Patrick Street
KM 5.11.1862
17th-early 18th century silver seal
‗Kilkenny‘
JRSAI 1864a
Finger-ring
Loughboy
JRSAI 1864b
Copper buckle
High Street
JRSAI 1864c; KM 13.7.1864
Key
In well beneath chancel arch, St. Canice‘s cathedral
KM 12.10.1864
‗Shortal memorial‘
Black Abbey
KM 25.6.1864
‗David Mercator‘ graveslab
Black Abbey
KM 22.10.1864
Floor tile
Black Abbey
JRSAI 1865
London groat Edward I
Black Abbey
JRSAI 1865
Two inscribed oak beams, one 1597 , the other 1763
St. Canice‘s cathedral
KM 8.7.1865
A silver ‗pectoral cross‘ reliquary
Black Abbey
KM 8.7.1865
Shee house High-St. apex of gable with carved cross base
High Street
KM 21.10.1865
Shortal tomb
St. Canice‘s Cathedral
KM 31.5.1865
Skeleton found beneath Honorina Grace tomb
St. Canice‘s Cathedral
KM 8.7.1865
Grave in hermit‘s cell
St. Canice‘s cathedral
KJ 14.4.1866
‗a large slab, with a richly ornamented cross on the top, was discovered. The inscription is effaced, but the date is supposed to be the 13th century‘
Black Abbey
KJ 21.4.1866
Graveslab
Black Abbey
KM 21.4.1866
Stone cup
St. Canice‘s cathedral
KM 20.4.1867
Cromwellian token
Maudlin street
JRSAI 1869a
Floor tile
St. Francis‘ Abbey
JRSAI 1869b
‗Ancient guard ring‘
St. Canice‘s cathedral
KM 23.10.1869
Trade tokens
Unknown
JRSAI 1870a
Lead cramp
St. Canice‘s cathedral
JRSAI 1870b
Spindle-whorl
St. Canice‘s cathedral
JRSAI 1871a
Iron buckles, animal bones (red deer), coins of Philip and Mary, Elizabeth and George II.
Beneath John‘s bridge
Graves 1871
Human skulls
From beneath round tower St. Canice‘s cathedral
Graves and Prim 1871, 115; Bassett 1884, 45-9; KM 8.6.1892
Blunderbuss barrel
Kilkenny castle
KM 21.10.1871
Graveslabs built into fabric of John‘s Bridge
John‘s Bridge
KM 26.8.1871
Pair of shoe buckles
Upper Parade
JRSAI 1873
Skeleton with iron key
Rear St. churchyard
Ciborium
Black Abbey
Deer antlers and offcuts, tile kiln waste
Bishop‘s 236
Patrick‘s
KM 16.7.1873 KJ 14.1.1874
Palace,
St.
Graves 1875
Canice‘s Cathedral Rothe monument
St. Mary‘s church
KM 5.8.1876, KM 9.8.1876
Capital, pillar base
Cloister St. John‘s abbey
JRSAI 1877
Key
Maudlin Street
JRSAI 1879
Bronze vessel (ewer)
Black Abbey
NMI 1881:227
Irish halfpenny of Charles II
St. Patrick‘s churchyard
JRSAI 1883
Clay pipe
Gutter Rothe House
KM 20.1.1883
Holy water stoup
St. Francis Abbey
Bassett 1884, 45-9
Chair from Parliament House
Parliament House
Bassett 1884, 45-9; Corlett 2008
Carved painted capitals
‗Old‘ St. Canice‘s cathedral
NMI 1887:447, 449
Rear of Kyteler‘s Inn, Kieran Street
Baptisimal font
KM 27.7.1889
Oak ‗putlog‘
St. Francis‘ Abbey
KM 21.5.1890
Limestone holy water font
St. Canice‘s cathedral
KM 215.1890
Statue fragment and moulding
St. Canice‘s cathedral
NMI A1898:129, 130
Lead papal bulla
‗back city
NMI 1937:3
Human remains
‗Destroyed burial mound‘ Loughboy
NMI 1957:351
Medieval buckle
Field at Kilkenny College
NMI 1959:759
Seal matrix (13th century, Episcopal seal of Kilkenny)
Not stated
NMI topographical file, no reference
Processional cross
‗vicinity of the Abbey‘
NMI topographical file; no reference.
Image of Trinity
Black Abbey
NMI topographical file; no reference.
Wooden crucifix, found in River Breagagh ‗during flood of 1947‘
River Breagagh, Blackmill
RH 65/9
‗Medieval chair 16th century‘
‗Presented by Mrs. A. Bibby High Street (next Archer House)‘
RH 65/70
Prebendary Plate, brass mounting ‗Blackrath‘
St. Canice‘s cathedral
RH 66/29
Penal Cross, found at St. Canice‘s cathedral September 1969
St. Canice‘s cathedral
RH 70/5
Elizabethan Groat 1602 found by Louis Kenealy 25 Patrick Street c.1963
25 Patrick Street
RH 68/17
Polished stone axehead
‗dump in or near Kilkenny‘
RH 71/2
Carved finial stone found in 1971 ‗buried in the rear portion of No.5 the Parade‘.
Rear of No.5 the Parade
RH 71/15
Oak roof-beam with dog-tooth carving, found in 1969 ‗in old house which was demolished in High Street formerly
High Street [now Argus]
RH 72/7
237
garden‘,
Kilkenny
Potter‘s‘ Carved stone head found in yard of Rothe House 1966, possible formed part of contents of Kilkenny Archaeological Museum prior to its transfer to Dublin.
Yard of Rothe House
RH 72/23
Carved stone fragment of 16th century effigial tomb
47 Michael Street
RH 75/1
‗Very heavy round ball‘
Maudlin Street
RH 76/5
Cloister capital ‗found at garage premises of Messrs. Cody, Michael Street, Kilkenny‘
Michael Street
RH 76/16
1781 coin
Pearse Street
RH 76/21
Sandstone armorial shield
47 Maudlin Street
RH 82/19
James II ‗gun money‘ 1689-90
Freshford Road
RH 83/8
Stone mortar
103 Patrick Street
RH 88/4
1601 penny
Dean Kavanagh Place
RH 88/38
13 17th century Kilkenny trade tokens
Not stated
RH 88/43
Collection of Kilkenny coins and tokens
Not stated
RH 88/73-77
Clay pipe fragments
Brogue-maker‘s hill
RH 91/52
Table of artefacts from Kilkenny city recorded in the Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland (JRSAI), historical newspaper accounts (KM, KJ), the catalogue of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society museum (RH) and the topographical files of the National Museum of Ireland (NMI).
238
239
