Archaeological Assessment at Fairgreen, Castledermot, Co

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ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT AT FAIRGREEN, CASTLEDERMOT, CO. KIDLARE

LICENCE NUMBER: 18E0429

FOR: KILDARE COUNTY COUNCIL

PLANNING REFERENCE: PRE-PLANNING

I.T.M.: 678405/685254

LICENCEE: DAVID BAYLEY AUTHOR: DAVID BAYLEY

DATE: OCTOBER 2018

Fairgreen, Castledrmot, Archaeological Assessment Co. Kildare Licence Number: 18E0429

ABSTRACT

Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd has prepared this report on behalf of Kildare County Council, to study the impact, if any, on the archaeological and historical resource of a proposed development, which is located Fairgreen, Castledermot, Co. Kildare (ITM 678405, 685254). The report was undertaken by David Bayley of IAC Ltd under licence 18E0429 as part of a pre-planning assessment of the proposed development site.

Test trenching was carried out on 17th August 2018 and involved the excavation of eight trenches, measuring 482 linear metres. Archaeological features were identified representing medieval settlement activity, dated by the presence of medieval pottery, outside of the medieval town defences (c. 30m to the southwest). The archaeology was largely located within the southwest quadrant of the test area, with the highest density noted in Trench 3; including four linear features, seven pit-type features and two probable wall foundations. The archaeology extends northwards, as indicated by Trench 8 in the centre of site; including four linear features containing medieval pottery.

The proposed development does not require topsoil stripping across the entire of the site however limited stripping will be required for the construction of paths, paved areas and playground infrastructure. Ground disturbances associated with the proposed development, such as topsoil stripping and excavation, has the potential to impact negatively on the sub-surface archaeological remains identified within the test area. Where no groundworks are proposed, there will be no impacts on the subsurface archaeology.

Where possible it is recommended that the archaeological remains be preserved in- situ and protected from any intrusive groundworks, such as topsoil stripping or excavation. Where topsoil stripping is required for the paths, paved areas and playground foundations it is recommended that this work be carried out under strict archaeological supervision, using a mechanical excavator equipped with toothless grading bucket.

Where no further excavation is required following topsoil stripping (such as paved areas), it is recommended that the location of any archaeological remains be recorded by a surveyor prior to covering with a layer of terram or other geotextile layer and soil and preserved in-situ.

Where preservation in-situ is not possible and further excavation is required beyond topsoil stripping, it is recommended that all exposed archaeological remains within the development footprint be subject to full excavation, or preservation by record. All archaeological investigations should be undertaken by a suitably qualified archaeologist under licence from and in consultation with the National Monuments Service.

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CONTENTS

ABSTRACT ...... I CONTENTS ...... II List of Figures ...... iii List of Plates ...... iii 1 INTRODUCTION ...... 1 1.1 General ...... 1 1.2 The Development ...... 1 2 ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND ...... 2 2.1 Background ...... 2 2.2 Summary of Previous Archaeological Fieldwork ...... 3 2.3 Cartographic Analysis ...... 4 3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL TESTING ...... 5 3.1 General ...... 5 3.2 Testing Results ...... 5 3.3 Conclusions ...... 8 4 IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION STRATEGY ...... 10 4.1 Impact Assessment ...... 10 4.2 Mitigation ...... 10 5 REFERENCES...... 12 APPENDIX 1 CONTEXTS ...... I APPENDIX 2 RMP SITES WITHIN THE SURROUNDING AREA ...... III APPENDIX 3 STRAY FINDS WITHIN THE SURROUNDING AREA ...... VI APPENDIX 4 LEGISLATION PROTECTING THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCE ...... VII APPENDIX 5 IMPACT ASSESSMENT & THE CULTURAL HERITAGE RESOURCE ...... X APPENDIX 6 MITIGATION MEASURES & THE CULTURAL HERITAGE RESOURCE ...... XII

FIGURES

PLATES

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LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 Location of proposed development and recorded monuments Figure 2 Proposed development Figure 3 Extract from the first edition 6-inch OS map (1838) and 25-inch OS map (1909) showing the proposed development area Figure 4 Location of test trenches and identified archaeological material

LIST OF PLATES Plate 1 Trench 1, facing southwest, showing C33 Plate 2 Trench 2, facing northwest, showing C31 Plate 3 Trench 2, facing southeast, showing C29 Plate 4 Trench 3, facing northwest, showing C7 and C5 Plate 5 Trench 3, facing southeast, showing C13 and C15 Plate 6 Trench 3, facing southeast, showing C17 and C19 Plate 7 Trench 3, facing south, showing wall foundation C27 Plate 8 Trench 4, facing southeast Plate 9 Trench 5, facing west Plate 10 Trench 8, facing southwest, showing C40 Plate 11 Trench 8, facing south, showing C35 Plate 12 Trench 8, facing south, showing C37

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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 GENERAL The following report details the results of a programme of archaeological testing undertaken at Fairgreen, Castledermot, Co. Kildare. This assessment has been carried out to ascertain the potential impact of the proposed development on the archaeological resource that may exist within the proposed development area. The assessment (Licence Ref.: 18E0429) was undertaken by David Bayley of Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd (IAC), on behalf of Kildare County Council.

Test trenching was carried out on 17th August 2018. This was carried out using a 13- tonne 360 degree tracked excavator, with a flat, toothless bucket, under strict archaeological supervision. A total of eight trenches, measuring 482 linear metres, were mechanically investigated across the test area.

Twenty features of archaeological potential were identified during the testing programme, including two probable wall foundations, ten linear features and eight pit-type features. These features were mostly located in the southwest part of the proposed development area and have been dated to the medieval period by the presence of pottery.

1.2 THE DEVELOPMENT This programme of archaeological testing was carried out as part of a preplanning assessment of the site. The development comprises the construction of a new playground, wildlife meadow with boardwalk, outdoor classroom, kick about area and paved entrance area (Figure 2).

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2 ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

2.1 BACKGROUND

2.1.1 General The site of the proposed development is located to the immediate east of Castledermot Village. The River Lerr runs along the eastern limit of the site and the zone of archaeological potential for the Historic Town of Castledermot is located to the immediate southwest (RMP KD040-002). There are 48 SMR sites in a 500m radius of the proposed development site, 43 of which are listed within the Record of Monuments and Places. The closest RMP site to the proposed development area is the settlement of Castledermot itself (KD040-002), which is located to the immediate southwest. The circuit of the medieval town wall is located c. 30m southwest of the proposed development area (KD040-002001).

2.1.2 Prehistoric Period Whist there are no recorded prehistoric sites located within the vicinity of the proposed development area, an early Bronze Age flat axe (NMI E186:19) and a later Bronze Age sword (NMI 1945:304) are recorded from within the vicinity of the village.

2.1.3 Early Medieval Period (AD400–1100) It is thought that the settlement itself was first established during the early medieval period with the foundation of a church in AD 812 (KD040-002003). Although the Irish name Diseart Diarmada – ‘Diarmaid’s Hermitage’ may suggest a small remote settlement, the monastery was clearly an important one. In AD 842 the deaths of two bishops on the same night are recorded there, whilst in AD 908 Cormac Mac Cuileannain, the king-bishop of Cashel, was buried in the cemetery of Diseart Diarmada “where he had studied for a long time”. Another measure of its importance is the fact that it was plundered by the Norse in AD 842 and AD 867 and by an Irish chieftain in AD 1106.

Although not recorded within the RMP, it seems likely that the church may have occupied an enclosure during the early medieval period, which today is fossilised by the north-western edge of the graveyard, Church Lane to the southwest and the path of the medieval town wall to the east. The graveyard (and possible enclosure) is located c. 125m south of the proposed development area (KD040-002031).

2.1.4 Medieval Period (AD1100–1600) It is likely that the Anglo-Normans were attracted to Castledermot by its established monastery and probable associated settlement. In the sud-infuedation of Leinster it was granted, as part of Kilkea, to Walter de Riddlesford who founded a borough there before 1199. However, it was his son who was responsible for the early development of the town where it appears that it was he who founded the Fratres Cruciferi priory during the reign of John (1199–1216). The site of the priory was located c. 255m northwest of the proposed development area (KD040-045001).

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A Franciscan Friary was founded in the town during the 13th century, c. 370m southwest of the proposed development area (KD040-002005). Only the church survives from the monastic complex and consists of a 13th century undifferentiated nave and chancel church with a 14th century aisle and a transept. The friary was first mentioned in 1247 and was burnt by Edward Bruce in 1316. It was then apparently largely rebuilt and in 1540 it consisted of a church, cloister, dormitory, tower, two halls, a kitchen, garden, orchard, dormitory and a curtilage walled with stone within the precinct, with a water mill nearby.

During the mid-13th century it also appears that town defences were established, which consisted of stone walls, two sections of which survive today in the vicinity of the Franciscan Friary (KD040-002001). The circuit of the town wall is clearly illustrated in the first edition OS map of 1837, with the eastern boundary located c. 30m southwest of the proposed development area. Four gates were recorded within the town during the 18th century, but only three locations have been definitively identified (Abbey Street, Carlowgate and Dublin Gate). Thomas (1992) suggests that a further gate may have been positioned to provide access to the Fairgreen, c. 25m southwest of the proposed development area. It is not definitive that the Fairgreen was in existence during the medieval period.

During the 15th century, the town was burnt and sacked a number of, despite the fact that the Dublin Parliament of 1428 granted a special subsidy to aid the repair of the town. It is interesting to note that no parliaments met at Castledermot from 1404 – 1499. Indeed, it has been suggested that the town was destroyed by the Kavanaghs and that the construction of a castle after 1485, by the Earl of Kildare, reflects the reconquest of the region.

2.1.5 Post-medieval Period (AD1600-1900) The town saw considerable action in the wars of the 1640’s. Preston’s army was quartered there in 1646 and in 1647 and it was listed as one of the headquarters of the Catholic Confederate army. On 1650 the Cromwellians, under Hewson, marched on the town but the garrison had already taken down parts of the walls and burnt parts of the town. Castledermot continued to serve as a garrison town and troops were quartered there in 1667-8 and 1686. The census of 1659 returned a population 240 for the town and in 1674 a weekly market and two annual fairs were established. In 1682 the town was described as “now a small market town formerly capable to receive Parliaments hither summonzed in”, while it was described as “a poor beggarly town” in 1690.

2.2 SUMMARY OF PREVIOUS ARCHAEOLOGICAL FIELDWORK A review of the Excavations Bulletin (1970–2017) has shown that a number of programmes of archaeological investigation have been carried out in the landscape surrounding the proposed development. The closest and most recent archaeological investigation took place c. 100m to the west of the proposed development. Monitoring for a supermarket extension recovered 17th-20th century pottery and nine sherds of medieval pottery in a medieval soil layer (Licence Ref.: 17E0088). No subsurface features of archaeological interest were uncovered (Bennett, 2017:070).

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Excavation at Keenan’s Lane c. 110m to the west of the proposed development uncovered a sunken Anglo-Norman structure, floors and hearths of a 13th-century structure, and part of the original medieval street (Licence Ref.: 04E0870; Bennett, 2006:945).

Monitoring in Skenagun c. 315m to the west did not reveal any features of archaeological interest although 28 pottery sherds of medieval/post-medieval date were recovered (Licence Ref.: 96E0330 ext; Bennett, 2000:0473).

Test-trenching was undertaken at Main Street, Castledermot, at the sites of the Franciscan friary, Carlow Gate, Dublin Gate, Market Square, and the Priory and Hospital of St John the Baptist (Licence Ref.: 00E0550). Nothing of archaeological significance was uncovered at Carlow Gate. The Franciscan friary discovered the presence of human remains and three cut features. At Dublin Gate two phases of medieval activity represented by a compacted clay floor/surface, which appeared to be industrial in nature, and two pits were encountered. Archaeological deposits ranging from the medieval period up to the 19th–20th centuries were found in the Market Square. No structural elements of St John’s Priory and Hospital were unearthed but the remains of an 18-19th-century structure was along with pits and a medieval layer (Bennett, 2000:0471).

Test trenching c. 180m to the southwest of the proposed development encountered a stone-filled drain, 35 sherds of medieval pottery, and a roughly key-shaped cut that possibly represents the drying chamber of a corn-drying kiln (Bennett, 1991:072).

2.3 CARTOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS

Noble and Keenan’s map of County Kildare, 1752 The Fairgreen, which contains the proposed development, is marked as an open space within Noble and Keenan’s map of 1752, although at that time the road that forms the north-western boundary, appeared to travel further to the south.

Taylor’s map of Kildare, 1777 By the time of Taylor’s map of 1777, the site remains as an open space bounded by the river to the east. No detail is shown within the site.

First Edition Ordnance Survey Map, 1838, scale 1:10560 (Figure 3) The first edition 6-inch OS Map of 1838 shows the area of the proposed development as a green space to the immediate east of Castledermot and annotates it as ‘Fair Green’. A road forms the north-western boundary, whilst a stream forms the eastern boundary. Houses front onto the green from the west.

Ordnance Survey Map, 1909, scale 1:2500 (Figure 3) There are no major changes to note by the time of the 1909 OS map.

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3 ARCHAEOLOGICAL TESTING

3.1 GENERAL Test trenching took place on 17th August 2018, using a 13 tonne 360 degree tracked excavator equipped with a flat, toothless bucket under strict archaeological supervision. Eight trenches were excavated within the area of proposed development. The trenches were excavated across the test area and were oriented east-west, northwest-southeast and northeast-southwest. They were positioned to avoid overhead power lines and existing footpaths. A small area in the northeast corner of the test area was not trenched as this area was mostly overgrown and was designated as part of a Special Area of Conservation. Any investigated deposits were preserved by record. This was by means of written, drawn and photographic records.

The test trenches were excavated to determine, as far as reasonably possible, the location, extent, date, character, condition, significance and quality of any surviving archaeological remains threatened by the proposed development. Test trenching was also carried out to clarify the nature and extent of existing disturbance and intrusions and to assess the degree of archaeological survival in order to formulate further mitigation strategies. These are designed to reduce or offset the impact of the proposed development scheme.

3.2 TESTING RESULTS A total of 482 linear metres of trenches were excavated. The trenches generally measured between 0.2m and 0.3m in depth, with topsoil directly overlying natural subsoil. In the eastern part of the site, closest to the River Lerr, the subsoil generally consists of grey or orangey grey silty sand, presumably alluvial deposits, while at the western end of the trenches, the subsoil generally consisted of orangey brown, gravelly, sandy clay.

TRENCH 1 (Plate 1) LENGTH 23m DEPTH 0.0m – 0.25m WIDTH 1.9m ORIENTATION East-west STRATIGRAPHY FROM PRESENT GROUND LEVEL 0 – 0.25m Topsoil. Comprised dark brown silty clay. 0.25m Natural subsoil. Varied between grew/orangey grey silty sand and orangey brown gravelly, sandy clay. ARCHAEOLOGICAL FEATURES At the southern end of Trench 1, one linear feature (C33) was identified c. 8m from the eastern end of the trench. It is oriented northeast-southwest and is 1.25m wide at the southwest end but widened to 1.8m wide at the northeast end. It is filled by brownish grey sandy silt with stone inclusions (C34). One sherd of medieval pottery was recovered from C34. This linear feature appeared to have been cut by a more modern, northwest-southeast oriented linear feature, possibly a drainage channel, that is 0.5m wide.

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TRENCH 2 (Plate 2-3) LENGTH 60m DEPTH 0.0m– 0.25m WIDTH 1.9m ORIENTATION Northwest - southeast STRATIGRAPHY FROM PRESENT GROUND LEVEL 0.0 – 0.25m Topsoil Comprised dark brown silty clay. 0.25m Natural subsoil. Varied between grew/orangey grey silty sand and orangey brown gravelly, sandy clay. ARCHAEOLOGICAL FEATURES Two features of archaeological interest were identified in Trench 2. Both were located to the northwest of the mid-point of the trench. C29 is a roughly north-south oriented linear feature that crossed the trench. It measures 1.7m at the southern edge of the trench, but narrows to 1.2m wide at the northern edge of the trench. It is filled by pale greyish brown sandy clay with orange mottling (C30). The second feature (C31) is a possible pit located c. 4m to the west of C29. It is sub-rectangular in shape, extending 1.3m from the southern edge of the trench and is 1.3m wide. The pit is filled by mid-greyish brown sandy clay (C32). One sherd of medieval pottery was recovered from this deposit.

TRENCH 3 (Plate 4-7) LENGTH 68m DEPTH 0.0m – 0.25m WIDTH 1.9m ORIENTATION Northwest - southeast STRATIGRAPHY FROM PRESENT GROUND LEVEL 0.0 – 0.25m Topsoil. Comprised dark brown silty clay. 0.25m Natural subsoil. Varied between grew/orangey grey silty sand and orangey brown gravelly, sandy clay. ARCHAEOLOGICAL FEATURES Trench 3 contained thirteen archaeological features, including four linear features (C5, C11, C21, C23), seven pit-type features (C3, C7, C9, C13, C15, C17, C19) and two probable wall foundations (C25, C27).

At the northwest end of the trench, a probable pit (C3) extends 1.2m from the north side of the trench. It measures 0.92m wide and is filled by dark brown sandy clay with occasional charcoal inclusions (C4). Immediately to the east of pit C3, is a roughly northwest-southeast oriented linear feature (C5). It extends beyond the width of the test trench and measures 0.9m wide at the northwest end and 1.35m at the southeast end. It is filled by dark brown sandy clay with moderate inclusions of charcoal (C6). One sherd of medieval pottery was recovered and some animal bone noted in C6. Immediately to the east of C5 is another pit (C7). It extends 0.6m from the northern edge of the trench and is 1.8m wide. It is filled by dark brown sandy clay (C8) and three sherds of medieval pottery were recovered from this fill. Just southeast of pit C7 is another similar pit (C9). This pit is an irregular shape and extends 0.85m from the northern edge of the trench and is 1.3m wide. It is filled by dark brown sandy clay (C10). A sherd of medieval pottery and some metal slag was recovered from fill C10.

Approximately 1.5m to the east of pit C9 is a slightly curving linear feature (C11) oriented roughly north-south. It extends across the full width of the trench and measures 1.3m in width. It is filled by dark brown sandy clay (C12), from which a sherd of medieval pottery was recovered.

Approximately 2.4m to the east of linear feature C11, are another two pits. The first of these (C13) extends 1.2m from the northern edge of the trench and measures 2.4m wide. It is an irregular shape and is filled by mottled yellowy/dark brown silty clay (C14). South of C13, extending 0.50m from the southern edge of the trench is a 1m wide pit (C15) that is filled by dark brown silty clay (C16) that contains some animal bone. A further 7m to the east of these features are another two pits (C17 and

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C19). Pit C17 extends 0.9m from the northern edge of the trench and is 1.1m wide. It is filled by mid to dark brown sandy clay (C18). Pit C19 extends 0.5m from them southern edge of the trench and is 0.9m wide. It is filled by greyish brown sandy clay (C20).

A linear feature (C21) is located 3m to the southeast of C19. It is oriented roughly north-south and measures 0.9m wide and was at least 0.2m deep. It is filled by compact, stony brown clay (C22). A further 5m to the southeast, another north-south linear feature (C23) was identified. It is 2.6m in width and is filled by stony, mid-brown clay with yellow mottling (C24). A small quantity of animal bone was recovered from C24 and rare inclusions of charcoal were noted.

The two remaining features in Trench 3 appear to be the remains of wall foundations (C25 and C27). The first of these (C25) is located 3m to the southeast of C23. It extends 0.85m from the southern edge of the trench and is 1m wide. It is sub-rectangular in shape and is filled by stony, lime mortar with crude red brick inclusions and blackened, peaty wood inclusions (C26). The second probable wall foundation (C27) is located 6.8m to the southeast of C25. It is oriented roughly north-south and measures 0.95m wide. It is filled by tightly packed, irregular stones, both angular and sub-round with average dimensions of 0.12m - 0.2m (C28), with one large stone was noted on the eastern side of C27. Two sherds of medieval pottery were recovered from C28.

TRENCH 4 (Plate 8) LENGTH 55m DEPTH 0.0m – 0.35m WIDTH 1.9m ORIENTATION Northwest - southeast STRATIGRAPHY FROM PRESENT GROUND LEVEL 0.0 – 0.35m Topsoil. Comprised dark brown silty clay. 0.35m Natural subsoil. Varied between grew/orangey grey silty sand and orangey brown gravelly, sandy clay. ARCHAEOLOGICAL FEATURES No archaeology found.

TRENCH 5 (Plate 9) LENGTH 23m DEPTH 0.0m – 0.2m WIDTH 1.9m ORIENTATION East - west STRATIGRAPHY FROM PRESENT GROUND LEVEL 0.0 – 0.2m Topsoil. Comprised dark brown silty clay. 0.2m Natural subsoil. Varied between grew/orangey grey silty sand and orangey brown gravelly, sandy clay. ARCHAEOLOGICAL FEATURES No archaeology found.

TRENCH 6 LENGTH 84m DEPTH 0.0m – 0.25m WIDTH 1.9m ORIENTATION Northeast - southwest STRATIGRAPHY FROM PRESENT GROUND LEVEL 0.0 – 0.25m Topsoil. Comprised dark brown silty clay.

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0.25m Natural subsoil. Varied between grew/orangey grey silty sand and orangey brown gravelly, sandy clay. ARCHAEOLOGICAL FEATURES Two north-south oriented linear features (C35 and C37) were recorded in close of the centre of Trench 6. The larger of the two linear features, C35, measures 3.3m wide and is filled by mid-brown silty clay with frequent amounts of shell inclusions and some animal bone (C36). The second linear feature, C37, located 1.3m west of C35, measures 1.3m wide, 0.2m deep and is filled by mid-brown silty clay (C38) that contained frequent root and occasional shell inclusions. One sherd of probable medieval pottery was recovered from C38.

TRENCH 7 LENGTH 86m DEPTH 0.0m – 0.3m WIDTH 1.9m ORIENTATION Northeast - southwest STRATIGRAPHY FROM PRESENT GROUND LEVEL 0.0 – 0.3m Topsoil. Comprised dark brown silty clay. 0.3m Natural subsoil. Varied between grew/orangey grey silty sand and orangey brown gravelly, sandy clay. ARCHAEOLOGICAL FEATURES Both linear features in Trench 6 (C35 and C37) appear to continue into Trench 8 to the north, however, the area where they would be located in Trench 7 was disturbed by a modern surface water drainage pipe, which made it difficult to define the possible location of linear features C35 and C37 in Trench 7.

TRENCH 8 (Plate 10-12) LENGTH 83m DEPTH 0.0m – 0.3m WIDTH 1.9m ORIENTATION Northeast - southwest STRATIGRAPHY FROM PRESENT GROUND LEVEL 0.0 – 0.3m Topsoil. Comprised dark brown silty clay. 0.3m Natural subsoil. Varied between grew/orangey grey silty sand and orangey brown gravelly, sandy clay. ARCHAEOLOGICAL FEATURES Features C35 and C37 continue into Trench 8 to the north. Two other features of archaeological interest were identified in Trench 8 to the west of C37. C40 is a northeast-southwest oriented linear feature that measures 0.98m wide and 0.08m deep. It is filled by loosely compacted, mid to dark brown silty clay with inclusions of stone, occasional charcoal flecks, roots and one small piece of animal bone (C41). A second linear feature (C42) is located 3m to the southwest of C40, at the southwestern end of the Trench 8. It is oriented roughly northwest-southeast and measures 1.6m wide and was 0.14m deep. The fill (C43) comprises pale brown friable clay with moderate stone and frequent root inclusions. One sherd of medieval pottery and rare fragments of animal bone were recovered from C43.

3.3 CONCLUSIONS The test trenching has identified probable medieval activity indicated by twenty features of archaeological potential, nine of which contained medieval pottery.

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The majority of the features are concentrated in the south western part of the test area, with Trench 3 containing thirteen of the features including four linear features (C5, C11, C21, C23), seven pit-type features (C3, C7, C9, C13, C15, C17, C19) and two probable wall foundations (C25, C27). Medieval pottery was recovered from a number of these features which are concentrated at the southern end of the site.

Other linear and pit-like features were also recorded at the site, particularly at the central area where four linear features (C35, C37, C40, C42) containing medieval pottery were recorded in Trench 8.

The limited nature of the test trenches precludes a more definitive interpretation of the form and function of the archaeological features identified. Given the artefactual evidence in the form of medieval pottery, the proximity of the medieval town defences (which are located 30m to the southwest) and evidence for medieval activity recovered from other excavations in the immediate vicinity, the archaeological features identified on this site do represent further medieval activity outside of the town defences.

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4 IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND MITIGATION STRATEGY

Impacts can be identified from detailed information about a project, the nature of the area affected and the range of archaeological resources potentially affected. Archaeological sites can be affected adversely in a number of ways: disturbance by excavation, topsoil stripping; disturbance by vehicles working in unsuitable conditions; and burial of sites, limiting access for future archaeological investigation.

4.1 IMPACT ASSESSMENT

• Archaeological features were identified during testing in the southwest and centre of site representing medieval settlement activity, with the highest density noted in Trench 3. Based on the current design, most of the archaeological features identified in Trench 3 are located in the area designated as the “Kick About Area”.

• The proposed development does not require topsoil stripping across the entire of the site however limited stripping will be required for the construction of paths, paved areas and playground infrastructure. Ground disturbances associated with the proposed development, such as topsoil stripping and excavation, has the potential to impact negatively on the subsurface archaeological remains identified within the test area. Where no groundworks are proposed, there will be no impacts on the subsurface archaeology.

4.2 MITIGATION We recommend the following actions in mitigation of the impacts above.

• Where possible it is recommended that the archaeological remains identified during testing be preserved in-situ and protected from any intrusive groundworks, such as topsoil stripping or excavation.

• Where topsoil stripping is required for the paths, paved areas and playground foundations it is recommended that this work be carried out under strict archaeological supervision, using a mechanical excavator equipped with toothless grading bucket.

• Where no further excavation is required following topsoil stripping (such as paved areas), it is recommended that the location of any archaeological remains be recorded by a surveyor prior to covering with a layer of terram or other geotextile layer and soil and preserved in-situ.

• Where preservation in-situ is not possible, and further excavation is required beyond topsoil stripping, it is recommended that all exposed archaeological remains within the development footprint be subject to full excavation (preservation by record). All archaeological investigations should be

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undertaken by a suitably qualified archaeologist under licence from and in consultation with the National Monuments Service.

It is the developer’s responsibility to ensure full provision is made available for the resolution of any archaeological remains, both on site and during the post excavation process, should that be deemed the appropriate manner in which to proceed.

Please note that all recommendations are subject to approval by the National Monument Section of the Heritage and Planning Division, Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.

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5 REFERENCES

Bennett, I. (ed.) 1987−2010 Excavations: Summary Accounts of Archaeological Excavations in Ireland. Bray. Wordwell.

Chartered Institute for Archaeologists 2014a Standards & Guidance for Field Evaluation.

Chartered Institute for Archaeologists 2014b Standards & Guidance for Archaeological Excavation.

Chartered Institute for Archaeologists 2014c Standards & Guidance for an Archaeological Watching Brief (Monitoring).

Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands. 1999a Framework and Principles for the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage. Dublin. Government Publications Office.

Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands. 1999b Policy and Guidelines on Archaeological Excavation. Dublin. Government Publications Office.

Environmental Protection Agency. 2015 Draft Advice Notes on Current Practice (in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements). Dublin. Government Publications Office.

Environmental Protection Agency. 2015 Draft Guidelines on the Information to be Contained in Environmental Impact Statements. Dublin. Government Publications Office.

National Monument Section, Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht. Sites and Monuments Record, County Kildare.

National Museum of Ireland. Topographical Files, County Kildare.

CARTOGRAPHIC SOURCES Noble and Keenan’s map of County Kildare, 1752 Taylor’s map of Kildare, 1777 Ordnance Survey Map of County Kildare, 1838, 1909

ELECTRONIC SOURCES www.excavations.ie – Summary of archaeological excavation from 1970−2017. www.archaeology.ie – DoCHG website listing all SMR sites with aerial photographs. www.osiemaps.ie – Ordnance Survey aerial photographs dating to 1995, 2000 & 2005 and 6-inch/25-inch OS maps. www.googleearth.com – Aerial photographs of the proposed development area.

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APPENDIX 1 CONTEXTS

CONTEXT NO. TRENCH NO. DESCRIPTION 1 All Topsoil. Comprised dark brown silty clay. 2 All Natural subsoil. Varied between grew/orangey grey silty sand and orangey brown gravelly, sandy clay. 3 3 Cut of pit 4 3 Fill of C3 5 3 Cut of northwest-southeast oriented linear feature 6 3 Fill of C5 7 3 Cut of pit 8 3 Fill of C7 9 3 Cut of pit 10 3 Fill of C9 11 3 Cut of linear feature, slightly curving 12 3 Fill of C11 13 3 Cut of irregular shaped pit 14 3 Fill of C13 15 3 Cut of pit 16 3 Fill of C15 17 3 Cut of pit 18 3 Fill of C17 19 3 Cut of pit 20 3 Fill of C19 21 3 Cut of north-south oriented linear feature 22 3 Fill of C21 23 3 Cut of north-south oriented linear feature 24 3 Fill of C23 25 3 Cut of wall foundation 26 3 Fill of C25 27 3 Cut of wall foundation 28 3 Fill of C27 29 2 Cut of roughly north-south oriented linear feature 30 2 Fill of C29 31 2 Cut of pit 32 2 Fill of C31 33 1 Cut of northeast-southwest oriented linear feature 34 1 Fill of C33 35 6 (7 & 8) Cut of north-south oriented linear feature 36 6 (7 & 8) Fill of C35 37 6 (7 & 8) Cut of north-south oriented linear feature 38 6 (7 & 8) Fill of C37. 39 8 Basal fill of C35 40 8 Cut of northeast-southwest oriented linear feature

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41 8 Fill of C40 42 8 Cut of northwest-southeast oriented linear feature 43 8 Fill of C42

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APPENDIX 2 RMP SITES WITHIN THE SURROUNDING AREA

SMR NO.: KD040-002 RMP STATUS: Yes TOWNLAND: Saint Johns, Abbeyland, Castledermot, Garterfarm, Skenagun, Woodslands East PARISH: Castledermot BARONY: Kilkea and Moone I.T.M.: 678253/685088 CLASSIFICATION: Historic town DIST. TO c. 5m west DEVELOPMENT: DESCRIPTION: The church was founded here in 812 AD (US 1986, 85), and was attached to Bangor. It was plundered in 842, 867, 1040 and 1106; this last recording burning was probably of a wooden structure. The earliest remains of this foundation consist of the round tower and a doorway of twelfth century date. The town was granted to Walter de Riddlesford c. 1181, when he may have built a castle here, although it was probably built at Kilkea (see below) (Orpen 1892, 11), and founded the Fratres Cruciferi priory between 1199 and 1216. The borough was established at this time. The murage grant in 1295 may indicate a walled town. The castle referred to in the town name was built by Gearoid More by 1507, although no castle survives in the town. The Irish name Diseart Diarmada means Dermot's HeRmitage, probably a reference to the Early Christian church site.

Castledermot (Castledermot Town) OS 38:13:6 (229,003) 'Town Wall (Site of), Town Wall (in Ruins)' OD 200-300 27821,18940 OS 40:1:3 (219,576) 'Town Wall (Site of), Town Wall (in Ruins)' OD 200-300 27811,18499 Town defences The visible remains consist of two short portions of roughly coursed limestone. One of the surviving sections lies in the convent grounds, near the friary (see below) (L 13.5m; H 2.5m); the other section is just to the N (L 11m; H 3m) where it runs into the Carlow gate, at which point there is a wide basal batter and two bar holes. The walls were pierced by three gates; the Dublin (at the N), Friary (at the S) and Carlow (at the W) Gates, none of which survive. The walls originally enclosed a pear-shaped area, (dims c. 550m x 375m) and had an overall length of c. 1460m. The course of the eastern wall is not clear, but it was probably bounded by the River Lerr. 38:45(02)/40:2(01)* REFERENCE: www.archaeology.ie

SMR NO.: KD040-002001 RMP STATUS: Yes TOWNLAND: Saint Johns, Abbeyland, Castledermot, Garterfarm, Skenagun, Woodslands East PARISH: Castledermot BARONY: Kilkea and Moone I.T.M.: 678212/685007 CLASSIFICATION: Town defences DIST. TO c.30m southwest DEVELOPMENT: DESCRIPTION: Town defences: The visible remains consist of two short portions of roughly coursed limestone. One of the surviving sections lies in the convent grounds, near

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the friary (see below) (L 13.5m; H 2.5m); the other section is just to the N (L 11m; H 3m) where it runs into the Carlow gate, at which point there is a wide basal batter and two bar holes. The walls were pierced by three gates; the Dublin (at the N), Friary (at the S) and Carlow (at the W) Gates, none of which survive. The walls originally enclosed a pear-shaped area, (dims c. 550m x 375m) and had an overall length of c. 1460m. The course of the eastern wall is not clear, but it was probably bounded by the River Lerr.

An archaeological evaluation was carried out at a site at Athy Road, Castledermot, Co. Kildare, from 28 October to 2 November 1998, in response to a request for further information by the planning authority regarding an application to construct a housing development. The proposed development site is roughly triangular in outline, occupying most of the area of land between Athy Road on the west, Barrack Road on the east and Carlow Gate Street on the south. The south-west corner of the site abuts the site of Carlow Gate, while the intersection of Carlow Gate Street and Barrack Road, beyond the eastern corner of the development site, is the site of a castle. The known line of the town wall runs through the development site from Carlow Gate north-eastwards to Barrack Road, and the line of this wall can still be made out in part of the site. Seven test-trenches were inserted, based along five trench lines, distributed approximately evenly over the entire site. Two of the trenches were designed to transect the line of the town wall and to permit the comparison of the stratigraphy on the external and internal sides of this feature. The test-trenches were generally dug to a depth of 0.5-1m below the present ground surface. Several features of archaeological significance were identified, including the remains of the town wall, which was indicated by the linear concentrations of stone and rubble uncovered on both the eastern and western sides of the site. On the western side of the site a number of features were noted on the internal side of the town wall. These included a number of small linear cut features as well as at least two possible ditch features, which ran roughly parallel with the line of the town wall. A number of sherds of medieval pottery were found within the fills of these features. On this side of the site the remains of the town wall appeared to be indicated by a band of uncut stone of various sizes, mixed with mortar, which occurred precisely on the line of the town wall as indicated by the Urban Archaeological Survey. This band of stone was 5.2m wide and appeared to run in a north-east to south-west direction. It occurred at a depth of 0.5m beneath the ground surface. Nothing was noted on the external side of the town wall on this side of the site. On the eastern side of the site three distinct bands of stony material, which ran parallel to the line of the town wall, were noted in the known vicinity of this structure. They measured, respectively from south to north, 3.8m, 1.8m and 3m wide and, combined, covered an extent of almost 13m. They occurred between 0.2m and 0.4m beneath the ground surface. These features may indicate a complex structure to the town wall in this area. No features were observed north of the line of the town wall on this part of the site. Other features noted on the internal side of the town wall in this area included a number of possible medieval drains, which may emerge from a habitation area in the vicinity of the street front and run northwards towards the town wall. One of these features produced a medieval iron arrowhead. The area of the site outside the known line of the town wall was largely free of archaeological remains. However, a number of non-specific features also occur in this area. A layer of brown, sandy silt was noted immediately outside the line of the town wall in the central area of the site. This layer produced a single sherd of medieval pottery and a medieval bronze ring-brooch. The occurrence of two

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medieval finds within this layer, together with the absence of modern inclusions, strongly suggests that this represents a medieval soil horizon. One feature of particular interest occurred in the north-western area of the site. It consisted of a curving band of red and black material. This continued for a distance of at least 1.5m. The material inside this curving band contained fragments of a white material that appeared to represent burnt stone. This may represent a phase of activity pre-dating the medieval occupation of the area. A number of modern stone water conduits and other drains were found in the north-western part of the site (wwww.excavations.ie). REFERENCE: www.archaeology.ie

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APPENDIX 3 STRAY FINDS WITHIN THE SURROUNDING AREA

Information on artefact finds from the study area in Castledermot, Co. Kildare has been recorded by the National Museum of Ireland since the late 18th century. Location information relating to these finds is important in establishing prehistoric and historic activity in the study area.

MUSEUM NO IA/37/2004 TOWNLAND Castledermot PARISH Castledermot BARONY Kilkea and Moone FIND 13 sherds of medieval pottery FIND PLACE No information available DESCRIPTION No information available REFERENCE NMI Topographical Files

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APPENDIX 4 LEGISLATION PROTECTING THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCE

PROTECTION OF CULTURAL HERITAGE The cultural heritage in Ireland is safeguarded through national and international policy designed to secure the protection of the cultural heritage resource to the fullest possible extent (Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands 1999, 35). This is undertaken in accordance with the provisions of the European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (Valletta Convention), ratified by Ireland in 1997.

THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCE The National Monuments Act 1930 to 2014 and relevant provisions of the National Cultural Institutions Act 1997 are the primary means of ensuring the satisfactory protection of archaeological remains, which includes all man-made structures of whatever form or date except buildings habitually used for ecclesiastical purposes. A National Monument is described as ‘a monument or the remains of a monument the preservation of which is a matter of national importance by reason of the historical, architectural, traditional, artistic or archaeological interest attaching thereto’ (National Monuments Act 1930 Section 2). A number of mechanisms under the National Monuments Act are applied to secure the protection of archaeological monuments. These include the Register of Historic Monuments, the Record of Monuments and Places, and the placing of Preservation Orders and Temporary Preservation Orders on endangered sites.

OWNERSHIP AND GUARDIANSHIP OF NATIONAL MONUMENTS The Minister may acquire national monuments by agreement or by compulsory order. The state or local authority may assume guardianship of any national monument (other than dwellings). The owners of national monuments (other than dwellings) may also appoint the Minister or the local authority as guardian of that monument if the state or local authority agrees. Once the site is in ownership or guardianship of the state, it may not be interfered with without the written consent of the Minister.

REGISTER OF HISTORIC MONUMENTS Section 5 of the 1987 Act requires the Minister to establish and maintain a Register of Historic Monuments. Historic monuments and archaeological areas present on the register are afforded statutory protection under the 1987 Act. Any interference with sites recorded on the register is illegal without the permission of the Minister. Two months notice in writing is required prior to any work being undertaken on or in the vicinity of a registered monument. The register also includes sites under Preservation Orders and Temporary Preservation Orders. All registered monuments are included in the Record of Monuments and Places.

PRESERVATION ORDERS AND TEMPORARY PRESERVATION ORDERS Sites deemed to be in danger of injury or destruction can be allocated Preservation Orders under the 1930 Act. Preservation Orders make any interference with the site illegal. Temporary Preservation Orders can be attached under the 1954 Act. These

vii IRISH ARCHAEOLOGICAL CONSULTANCY LTD Fairgreen, Castledrmot, Archaeological Assessment Co. Kildare Licence Number: 18E0429 perform the same function as a Preservation Order but have a time limit of six months, after which the situation must be reviewed. Work may only be undertaken on or in the vicinity of sites under Preservation Orders with the written consent, and at the discretion, of the Minister.

RECORD OF MONUMENTS AND PLACES Section 12(1) of the 1994 Act requires the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands (now the Minister for Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht) to establish and maintain a record of monuments and places where the Minister believes that such monuments exist. The record comprises a list of monuments and relevant places and a map/s showing each monument and relevant place in respect of each county in the state. All sites recorded on the Record of Monuments and Places receive statutory protection under the National Monuments Act 1994. All recorded monuments on the proposed development site are represented on the accompanying maps.

Section 12(3) of the 1994 Act provides that ‘where the owner or occupier (other than the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands) of a monument or place included in the Record, or any other person, proposes to carry out, or to cause or permit the carrying out of, any work at or in relation to such a monument or place, he or she shall give notice in writing to the Minister of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands to carry out work and shall not, except in case of urgent necessity and with the consent of the Minister, commence the work until two months after giving of notice’.

Under the National Monuments (Amendment) Act 2004, anyone who demolishes or in any way interferes with a recorded site is liable to a fine not exceeding €3,000 or imprisonment for up to 6 months. On summary conviction and on conviction of indictment, a fine not exceeding €10,000 or imprisonment for up to 5 years is the penalty. In addition they are liable for costs for the repair of the damage caused.

In addition to this, under the European Communities (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 1989, Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) are required for various classes and sizes of development project to assess the impact the proposed development will have on the existing environment, which includes the cultural, archaeological and built heritage resources. These document’s recommendations are typically incorporated into the conditions under which the proposed development must proceed, and thus offer an additional layer of protection for monuments which have not been listed on the RMP.

THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT ACT 2000 Under planning legislation, each local authority is obliged to draw up a Development Plan setting out their aims and policies with regard to the growth of the area over a five-year period. They cover a range of issues including archaeology and built heritage, setting out their policies and objectives with regard to the protection and enhancement of both. These policies can vary from county to county. The Planning and Development Act 2000 recognises that proper planning and sustainable development includes the protection of the archaeological heritage. Conditions relating to archaeology may be attached to individual planning permissions.

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Kildare County Development Plan 2017-2023

AH 1: To have regard to the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) and the Urban Archaeological Survey when assessing planning applications for development. No development shall be permitted in the vicinity of a recorded feature where it detracts from the setting of the feature or which is injurious to its cultural or educational value.

AH 2: To seek to protect and preserve archaeological sites which have been identified subsequent to the publication of the Record of Monuments and Places (RMP).

AH 3: To ensure that development in the vicinity of a site of archaeological interest is not detrimental to the character of the archaeological site or its setting by reason of its location, scale, bulk or detailing and to ensure that such proposed developments are subject to an archaeological assessment. Such an assessment will seek to ensure that the development can be designed in such a way as to avoid or minimise any potential effects on the archaeological heritage.

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APPENDIX 5 IMPACT ASSESSMENT & THE CULTURAL HERITAGE RESOURCE

POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL REMAINS Impacts are defined as ‘the degree of change in an environment resulting from a development’ (Environmental Protection Agency 2003: 31). They are described as profound, significant or slight impacts on archaeological remains. They may be negative, positive or neutral, direct, indirect or cumulative, temporary or permanent.

Impacts can be identified from detailed information about a project, the nature of the area affected and the range of archaeological and historical resources potentially affected. Development can affect the archaeological and historical resource of a given landscape in a number of ways.

• Permanent and temporary land-take, associated structures, landscape mounding, and their construction may result in damage to or loss of archaeological remains and deposits, or physical loss to the setting of historic monuments and to the physical coherence of the landscape.

• Archaeological sites can be affected adversely in a number of ways: disturbance by excavation, topsoil stripping and the passage of heavy machinery; disturbance by vehicles working in unsuitable conditions; or burial of sites, limiting accessibility for future archaeological investigation.

• Hydrological changes in groundwater or surface water levels can result from construction activities such as de-watering and spoil disposal, or longer-term changes in drainage patterns. These may desiccate archaeological remains and associated deposits.

• Visual impacts on the historic landscape sometimes arise from construction traffic and facilities, built earthworks and structures, landscape mounding and planting, noise, fences and associated works. These features can impinge directly on historic monuments and historic landscape elements as well as their visual amenity value.

• Landscape measures such as tree planting can damage sub-surface archaeological features, due to topsoil stripping and through the root action of trees and shrubs as they grow.

• Ground consolidation by construction activities or the weight of permanent embankments can cause damage to buried archaeological remains, especially in colluviums or peat deposits.

• Disruption due to construction also offers in general the potential for adversely affecting archaeological remains. This can include machinery, site offices, and service trenches.

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Although not widely appreciated, positive impacts can accrue from developments. These can include positive resource management policies, improved maintenance and access to archaeological monuments, and the increased level of knowledge of a site or historic landscape as a result of archaeological assessment and fieldwork.

PREDICTED IMPACTS The severity of a given level of land-take or visual intrusion varies with the type of monument, site or landscape features and its existing environment. Severity of impact can be judged taking the following into account:

• The proportion of the feature affected and how far physical characteristics fundamental to the understanding of the feature would be lost;

• Consideration of the type, date, survival/condition, fragility/vulnerability, rarity, potential and amenity value of the feature affected;

• Assessment of the levels of noise, visual and hydrological impacts, either in general or site specific terms, as may be provided by other specialists.

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APPENDIX 6 MITIGATION MEASURES & THE CULTURAL HERITAGE RESOURCE

POTENTIAL MITIGATION STRATEGIES FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE REMAINS Mitigation is defined as features of the design or other measures of the proposed development that can be adopted to avoid, prevent, reduce or offset negative effects.

The best opportunities for avoiding damage to archaeological remains or intrusion on their setting and amenity arise when the site options for the development are being considered. Damage to the archaeological resource immediately adjacent to developments may be prevented by the selection of appropriate construction methods. Reducing adverse effects can be achieved by good design, for example by screening historic buildings or upstanding archaeological monuments or by burying archaeological sites undisturbed rather than destroying them. Offsetting adverse effects is probably best illustrated by the full investigation and recording of archaeological sites that cannot be preserved in situ.

DEFINITION OF MITIGATION STRATEGIES

ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCE The ideal mitigation for all archaeological sites is preservation in situ. This is not always a practical solution, however. Therefore a series of recommendations are offered to provide ameliorative measures where avoidance and preservation in situ are not possible.

Full Archaeological Excavation involves the scientific removal and recording of all archaeological features, deposits and objects to the level of geological strata or the base level of any given development. Full archaeological excavation is recommended where initial investigation has uncovered evidence of archaeologically significant material or structures and where avoidance of the site is not possible. (CIfA 2014b)

Archaeological Test Trenching can be defined as ‘a limited programme... of intrusive fieldwork which determines the presence or absence of archaeological features, structures, deposits, artefacts or ecofacts within a specified area or site on land or underwater. If such archaeological remains are present test trenching defines their character and extent and relative quality.’ (CIfA 2014a)

Archaeological Monitoring can be defined as a ‘formal programme of observation and investigation conducted during any operation carried out for non-archaeological reasons within a specified area or site on land or underwater, where there is possibility that archaeological deposits may be disturbed or destroyed. The programme will result in the preparation of a report and ordered archive.’ (CIfA 2014c)

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N 678450 E 685280 N

C35 T7 C37

C40 C42

678350 E 685250 N Modern disturbance - water drain C35 T6

C35 C37

Lerr

C3 C7 C9 Castledermot C13 C17 C21 C5 C23 C11 C15 C19 C27 C25

UND

C31 C29

Legend

CXX Cut number

XXXXXX E XXXXXX N National Grid Reference Edge of Excavation Site outline Test Trench

T1 Pit

C33 Drain Wall foundation Modern disturbance - drain 678390 E 685160 N River LANE 0m Scale 20m

itle Location of test trenches and identified archaeological material cale 1:500@A3 Drawn b EP

Proect Fairgreen, Castledermot Date 17.10.18 Checed b DB

Client Kildare Co. Co Job no. J3306 Fig. 4 e. - Fairgreen, Castledermot, Archaeological Assessment Co. Kildare Licence Number:18E0429

Plate 1 Trench 1, facing southwest, showing C33 Plate 2 Trench 2, facing southeast, showing C29

Plate 3 Trench 2, facing northwest, showing C31 Plate 4 Trench 3, facing northwest, showing C7 and C5

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Plate 5 Trench 3, facing southeast, showing C13 and C15 Plate 6 Trench 3, facing southeast, showing C17 and C19

Plate 7 Trench 3, facing south, showing wall foundation C27 Plate 8 Trench 4, facing southeast

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Plate 9 Trench 5, facing west Plate 10 Trench 8, facing southwest, showing C40

Plate 11 Trench 8, facing south, showing C35 Plate 12 Trench 8, facing south, showing C37

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