Archaeology, Architecture and Cultural Heritage

Desk Study

Jamestown SHD,

Co. Meath

Dr Yolande O’ Brien,

Courtney Deery Heritage Consultancy Ltd

For

Sherwood Homes.

18th July 2019

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ...... 1

1.1. General ...... 1

1.2. Proposed development ...... 1

1.3. Methodology ...... 1

2. ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND ...... 2

2.1. Prehistory ...... 2

2.2. Medieval period ...... 3

3. ARCHAEOLOGY ...... 4

3.1. RMP / SMR sites ...... 4

3.2. Excavations ...... 5

4. ARCHITECTURE ...... 8

4.1. NIAH / RPS sites ...... 8

5. CULTURAL HERITAGE ...... 8

5.1. Townland names ...... 8

6. CARTOGRAPHY AND AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY ...... 9

6.1. Down Survey (1656-58) ...... 9

6.2. William Larkin’s ‘A Map of the County of Meath’ (1812) ...... 9

6.3. Ordnance Survey mapping ...... 10

6.4. Aerial photography ...... 11

7. FIELD INSPECTION ...... 12

8. IMPACTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS ...... 16

8.1. Potential impacts ...... 16

8.2. Recommendations ...... 16

9. REFERENCES ...... 18

List of Figures

Figure 1 Site location ...... 1

Figure 2 RMP / SMR sites ...... 5

Figure 3 Outer Relief Road...... 6

Figure 4 Excavations in ...... 6

Figure 5 Protected architectural sites (RPS, NIAH) ...... 8

Figure 6 Down Survey of the Parish of Ratoath ...... 9

Figure 7 Larkin’s ‘A Map of the County of Meath’ ...... 10

Figure 8 First Edition Ordnance Survey map (1836) ...... 10

Figure 9 Google Earth satellite image (24/6/18) ...... 11

List of Plates

Plate 1 Disturbance in Field 1 (facing WNW) ...... 12

Plate 2 Field 1 (facing south) ...... 12

Plate 3 Trench through east field boundary, Field 1 (facing south) ...... 13

Plate 4 Raised path in Field 1 (facing north) ...... 13

Plate 5 Field 2 (facing south) ...... 13

Plate 6 Field 2 (facing west) ...... 13

Plate 7 Raised path in Field 2 (facing south) ...... 14

Plate 8 Backfilled test trench in Field 2...... 14

Plate 9 Field 3 (facing south) ...... 14

Plate 10 Field 3 (facing SW) ...... 14

Plate 11 Mature tree field boundary, Field 3 (facing NW)...... 15

Plate 12 Field 4 (Facing south) ...... 15

Plate 13 Field 5 (Facing SE) ...... 15

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report has been prepared by Courtney Deery Heritage Consultancy Ltd on behalf of the client, Sherwood Homes (Ratoath Ltd.), to accompany an application for a Strategic Housing Development at lands in Jamestown, Ratoath, Co. Meath. The report assesses the archaeology, architecture and cultural heritage environment of the lands under the SHD application.

The c. 6.1224ha site comprises of three large fields (Field 1-3) and small portions of two further fields (Field 4-5) adjacent to the route of the Outer Relief Road which is presently under construction on the southeast of Ratoath. There are no architectural features or known archaeological sites within the application lands, but the course of a former road is visible on historical mapping along the eastern site boundary, leading north to a pre-famine settlement known as Jamestown which is located outside the proposed housing development.

The lands are located 850m southeast of the zone of archaeological potential of the historic town of Ratoath (RMP no.: ME044-034) and are greenfield and agricultural in character. Archaeological discoveries on the M2 motorway to the east (2.4km) indicate the potential to reveal below ground previously undisturbed archaeological sites in this landscape.

Archaeological testing was undertaken in Field 2 in advance of the Outer Relief Road, while Field 1 has been considerably disturbed due to dumping of material during construction of an adjacent housing estate. Field 3 is the only part of the application lands which is suitably large and undisturbed for a geophysical survey.

This report recommends that archaeological investigations be undertaken comprising of a combination of geophysical survey in Field 3 and archaeological test trenching in Fields 1, 4 and 5. Further recommendations can then be made on the basis of the findings from the site investigations. All recommendations are subject to the approval of the National Monuments Service of the DCHG.

Archaeological desk study. Ratoath SHD, Co. Meath

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1. General

This report has been prepared by Courtney Deery Heritage Consultancy Ltd. on behalf of the client, Sherwood Homes (Ratoath Ltd.), to accompany an application for a Strategic Housing Development at lands in Jamestown, Ratoath, Co. Meath. The report assesses the archaeology, architecture and cultural heritage environment of the lands under the SHD application.

The site comprises of 6.1224ha adjacent to the route of the Outer Relief Road which is presently under construction on the southeast of Ratoath (Fig. 1). It is located in the townland of Jamestown in the parish and of Ratoath. It is made up of three large fields (Fields 1-3) and small segments of two further fields (Fields 4-5).

Figure 1 Site location

1.2. Proposed development

The proposed development will comprise of a mixed residential development of 228 housing units and childcare facility (343.17sq.m) and ancillary site development works at Jamestown, Ratoath, Co. Meath for Sherwood Homes (Ratoath) Ltd.

1.3. Methodology

The desk study is based upon the following sources:

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Archaeological desk study. Ratoath SHD, Co. Meath

• The Record of Monuments and Places (RMP) and Sites and Monuments Record of the Archaeological survey of , available in published form (1998) and on the frequently updated webGIS at www.archaeology.ie. • The Record of Protected Structures (RPS) of the Meath County Development Plan 2013-2019. • The topographical files of the National Museum of Ireland (NMI); • Historical maps published online by Ordnance Survey Ireland and held by the Map Library of Trinity College, ; • The Excavations Bulletins (which contains summary accounts of all excavations carried out annually in Ireland on www.excavations.ie); and a number of other published and unpublished reports from surveys and excavations carried out in the vicinity of the proposed development. • Aerial photography including Ordnance Survey imagery and Google Earth satellite imagery;

2. ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

2.1. Prehistory

Although there are no upstanding prehistoric monuments in the vicinity of the application site, excavations have revealed a range of evidence for prehistoric activity in the area, which suggests potential for subsurface remains or artefacts to be identified in greenfield sites in the region. In particular, the M2 motorway, which runs north-south approximately 2.4km east of the site, produced a range of settlement and funerary sites from the Neolithic period onwards.

A series of fulachta fiadh sites were identified in Harlockstown (RMP no.: ME045-034, ME045-035, ME045- 039; Licence no. 03E1237, 03E1310, 03E1526), approximately 2.4km east of the application site. These are outdoor cooking sites which involved heating stones in a fire and immersing them in a water-filled trough. The discard of used stones tends to create a horse-shoe shaped mound surrounding the trough and they are consequently frequently categorised as ‘burnt mounds’, or ‘burnt spreads’ if there is no trace of a mound or trough. These sites are typically located in wet areas, either marshes or next to water courses, to provide a water source. Troughs may be lined with timber, wattling or stone. It has also been suggested that they were used for a variety of other functions including dying, bathing or brewing beer and evidence for such other functions suggests they were versatile features. Following a systematic study of fulachta fiadh sites, it has been proposed that these sites were used for open-air feasting and food sharing by small family groups as part of a social bonding practice (Hawkes 2015).

The fulachta fiadh sites are probably associated with a multi-phase site at Harlockstown which appears to comprise of settlement and funerary activity (Licence no.: 03E1526; RMP no.: ME045-034). The Late Neolithic / Early Medieval period comprised of two pits which contained quantities of lithics, and another pit and post hole which were found to contain Early Bronze Age Beaker pottery. A large circular ditched

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Archaeological desk study. Ratoath SHD, Co. Meath enclosure contained two bowl food vessel crouched inhumation burials and at least one cremation pit. Other features which appeared contemporary to this activity included further pits, a post hole, a burnt spread, a sunken floor, possible floor surfaces and other associated ditches. The Middle Bronze Age was represented by a burnt mound and a series of pits, while the Late Bronze Age and Iron Age activity comprised of a large D-shaped enclosure, industrial activity and ditches.

2.2. Medieval period

After McLoughlin 2018

The proposed development site is located 850m southeast of the zone of archaeological potential for Ratoath (RMP no.: ME044-034; Fig. 2). The individual recorded archaeological sites within the village are mostly clustered in the centre, around the motte and bailey (RMP no.: ME044-034001) on the south side of Main Street and the church and graveyard to the north (RMP no.: ME044-034003 & -034017).

The name of the village, Ráth Tó (or Tódh), means the ‘fort of To’ and suggests a pre-Norman origin that is otherwise unrecorded. There is a local tradition of a ‘cave’ within the motte, which may be a souterrain. This would neatly explain away the original early medieval ringfort (rath) as having been incorporated into the later motte (which has a basal diameter of 43m). More definitive evidence for early medieval settlement was identified during archaeological investigations in advance of the Steeplechase residential development c. 115m northwest of the proposed development site, where a 6th / 7th century AD cemetery enclosure was revealed. This formed part of a multi-period site, with a probable Bronze Age ditched enclosure and two ring-ditches also identified.

Whatever its earlier history, Ráth Tó was retained by Hugh de Lacy as a seigneurial manor. Prior to 1183, he gave the tithes of Ratoath to the Abbey of St Thomas in Dublin, and, in 1194, the lordship of Ratoath was granted to his son Hugh (Orpen 1911–20, ii, 76). The borough is first mentioned in c. 1200 in a charter of Hugh de Lacy to St Thomas’s Abbey.

It is not known when, exactly, the motte was built, but it measures 43m in diameter at the base and tapers to a 17–18m diameter flat top. The mound itself is 12m in height. There is a deep narrow ditch around the north, east, south and part of the west side. A crescentic bailey survives on the east and measures 50m by 30m (RMP file).

The parish church was also granted by Hugh de Lacy to the Abbey of St Thomas, in whose hands it remained until the Reformation (White 1943, 35). The church itself lies to the north of the motte and survives only as rectangular wall footings up to 1.50 m in height (RMP file, ME044-034003). The parish was originally dedicated to St Thomas à Becket but was subsequently changed to Holy Trinity. A Hospital of St Mary Magdalene is known to date from before 1224, from a charter of Simon de Rochford. The hospital had a

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Archaeological desk study. Ratoath SHD, Co. Meath

cemetery and was dependent on the parish church. Cogan (1862, 259) notes the foundation of a chantry chapel ‘in the parish of St Thomas’ (i.e. Ratoath), with three chapels known as the Roode, St Mary’s and St Thomas’s.

Ratoath was then granted to Richard de Burgh, earl of Ulster, in 1283 (Orpen 1911–20, iii, 139). Edward Bruce’s forces were ambushed at Ratoath by the earl of Ulster in 1317, but were heavily defeated and fled to Dublin (Otway-Ruthven 1968, 230). In the churchyard, there is a late 13th / early 14th century coffin- shaped slab with a high-relief effigy of a knight and the heavily worn inscription ‘…orate…panium…alme fili fabri…’ (RMP ME044-034005).

Little is known of the subsequent history of the various churches and the borough until 1682, when Bishop Dopping noted the dedication as Holy Trinity and noted that the church was in good repair, although the chancel was unroofed. He also mentioned a chapel called St Mary’s near the parish church, which should probably be identified with the hospital.

Evidence from the period between the 14th and 17th century is mainly in the form of roughly dated pieces of stonework from the 15th and 16th centuries. These would imply a continued level of prosperity for the parish and include two sandstone fragments of window mouldings of possible 15th century date and a plain chamfered window moulding fragment of possible 16th-century date in the grounds of the Catholic Church. The latter was placed beside a 17th century cross discovered in 1981 during the cleaning up of the graveyard (at Holy Trinity) and re-erected in the southeast corner.

There are references to two crosses in the area, the ‘White Cross’ and the ‘Red Cross,’ both on the road, but neither has been clearly described or identified. The first edition OS map (1836) shows a mature deciduous tree on the Dunshaughlin Road (standing within the roadway), c. 185m west / northwest of the proposed development site. The tree is named as ‘The Red Cross Tree’ and also appears and is named on the revised edition OS maps. Ratoath is described in the Down Survey parish terrier c. 1656 as ‘an old town and ruined church with many thatcht houses and cabbins . . . a corn mill in repair. There is a market kept there on Mondays weekly which affords some provisions and linen cloth. There stands on the south side of the town an old Mount which in former times was a fortification’ (www.downsurvey.tcd.ie).

3. ARCHAEOLOGY

3.1. RMP / SMR sites

There are no recorded monuments within the application lands (Fig. 2). The site is located 850m southeast of the zone of archaeological potential of the historic town of Ratoath (RMP no.: ME044-034) which contains an Anglo-Norman motte and bailey castle (RMP no.: ME044-034001), the site of the medieval

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Archaeological desk study. Ratoath SHD, Co. Meath

parish church and graveyard (RMP no.: ME044-034003, ME044-034017) and the site of the Market Cross (RMP no.: ME044-034008). A number of architectural fragments and carved stone features have also been recorded (ME044-034002 – font; ME044-034005 – effigial tomb; ME044-034006 – cross; ME044-034006- 007 – architectural fragments; ME044-034011 – cistern). Several excavations have been undertaken within the historic town which have led to their inclusion in the archaeological record (RMP no.: ME044-034009- 010, ME044-034012-014, ME044-034016, ME044-034018). Outside of the town, cultivation ridges (RMP no.: ME044-034015) demonstrate the rural nature of the surrounding landscape which would have supplied the historic town.

The closest recorded monument to the application site is an enclosure which appears to be a ploughed out ringfort (RMP no.: ME045-011), approximately 800m to the east.

Excavations on the nearby M2 motorway have revealed several archaeological sites which have been added to the SMR, and are due for inclusion in the next revision of the RMP.

Figure 2 RMP / SMR sites

3.2. Excavations

Archaeological testing and monitoring were undertaken in advance of the Ratoath Outer Relief Road which will run along the eastern and southern boundaries of the application site, with a link road planned though Field 2 (Fig. 3, 4). This programme comprised of unlicensed monitoring of topsoil stripping of a field immediately northeast of the application area, and archaeological test excavations in Field 2 of the application site and the neighbouring field on the east in July 2018 (Licence no.: 18E0136; Roycroft 2018). No archaeological features or artefacts were discovered.

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Archaeological desk study. Ratoath SHD, Co. Meath

Three test trenches were excavated in Field 2, totalling 316 linear metre were excavated to a depth of 0.30m. Occasional post medieval blackware and white, modern ceramic sherds were observed in the topsoil. Occasional linear field drains were discovered and it was noted that the subsoil was quite clay rich and impermeable, which would account for the very deep drainage ditches which form the field boundaries.

Figure 3 Outer Relief Road

Figure 4 Excavations in Ratoath

Excavations at the adjacent Ratoath College on the west revealed nothing of archaeological significance (Licence no.: 11E0062; Excavations 2011:481). Also in a rural setting, archaeological monitoring was

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Archaeological desk study. Ratoath SHD, Co. Meath

undertaken approximately 790m east of the site and adjacent to the enclosure site (RMP no.: ME045-011; Licence no.: 99E0581), which was a ploughed out ringfort. Nothing of archaeological significance was identified.

The principle concentrations of archaeological investigations in the area have been in the vicinity of village of Ratoath (only excavations in which archaeology was detected are illustrated), and along the course of the M2 motorway (Fig. 4). The majority of the investigations that have been carried out in Ratoath village and within its zone of archaeological potential have revealed extensive disturbance from 18th, 19th and 20th century development of the village. Evidence for the medieval settlement (e.g. town boundary ditch and property boundaries), where identified, has generally been restricted to the area immediately around the motte and to its east and west.

The most significant discovery in Ratoath is the multi-period site revealed during archaeological investigations in advance of a large residential development on the north side of Dunshaughlin Road (the Steeplechase estate; Licence No: 03E1300, 03E1781). Archaeological investigations undertaken between 2003 and 2005 revealed a burnt spread, burnt pits and a large prehistoric ditched enclosure (c. 37m diameter, probable Bronze Age date) with a possible internal circular structure. Two ring-ditches, several pits and kilns, a possible field system, and an early medieval cemetery enclosure were also uncovered (one of the burials yielded a radiocarbon date of AD 580-680).

Excavations along the M2 motorway 2.4km east of the site have revealed a number of archaeological sites of prehistoric and early medieval date which demonstrate the potential for archaeological sites in undeveloped areas of this landscape. The most significant is the excavation which revealed the early medieval settlement complex at Raystown (RMP no.: ME045-036; Licence no.: 03E1229). The site comprised a graveyard surrounded by enclosures, a northern settlement and souterrains, a surrounding rectangular enclosure, a southern settlement area and the remains of up to seven mills and their associated enclosures. Further north, an industrial site (Licence no.: 03E1327; RMP no.: ME045-037) appeared to be related to activity associated with what is probably a ringfort site (RMP no.: ME045-002), although it is noted on the RMP as a ring-ditch.

Excavations on the M2 also revealed a series of prehistoric sites which were subsequently added to the SMR including fulachta fiadh, or Bronze Age outdoor cooking sites, at excavation licences 03E1237 and 03E1310 (RMP no.: ME045-035, ME045-039). A multi period site with phases dating from the Late Neolithic to modern times revealed a series prehistoric pits, a Bronze Age ditched enclosure with crouched inhumations and cremation, a burnt mound, a D-shaped enclosure, bowl furnaces, hearths, a kiln, ditches and a ring barrow (Licence no.: 03E1526; ME045-034).

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Archaeological desk study. Ratoath SHD, Co. Meath

4. ARCHITECTURE

4.1. NIAH / RPS sites

There are no architectural features within the application site (Fig. 5). A number of historical buildings are recorded in the town of Ratoath in both the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage (NIAH) and the Record of Protected Structures (RPS) in the Meath County Development Plan 2013-2019.

The earliest is ‘The Manor House’ (RPS no.: MH044-310; NIAH no.: 14336002) which was built c. 1780 and is now in use as a nursing home. It comprises of a seven-bay two-storey building with two-bay bow to the rear elevation. It was the seat of J.I. Corballis and is depicted on the First Edition Ordnance Survey mapping with a long property of ornate gardens.

The other protected buildings comprise of houses and church buildings of 19th century date, a cast-iron water pump dated c. 1870, and a Marian grotto dating to c. 1955.

Figure 5 Protected architectural sites (RPS, NIAH)

5. CULTURAL HERITAGE

5.1. Townland names

The area surrounding Ratoath has a mix of Gaelic Irish and later English names. The name of Jamestown itself is a later English name, probably associated with a family name. The townland was given its name from a cluster of houses known as Jamestown on the northern extent of the townland, adjacent to the

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Archaeological desk study. Ratoath SHD, Co. Meath

former edge of Ratoath. Tankardstown is similarly thought to have come from a family name. However, the name of Ráth Tó (Ratoath) suggests a ringfort settlement must have been in the vicinity before the establishment of the Anglo-Norman town (cf. Section 2.2). The townland of Legagunnia to the south of the application site is also of Gaelic Irish origin, and is thought to derive from Leag a ghuine (Hollow of the sand) (www.logainm.ie), while the townland of Glascarn means ‘Green Heap’.

6. CARTOGRAPHY AND AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY

6.1. Down Survey (1656-58)

The Down Survey of the 1650s was at the time the most coherent mapping project ever undertaken in the world. The aim was to measure lands forfeited by the Catholic Irish in order to redistribute it to Merchant Adventurers and English soldiers. The map of the ‘Parish of Rattoth’ shows the application lands within a plot of land labelled as being the property of a Widow Angiers, a protestant (Fig. 6). ‘Ratooth Towne’ is depicted to the north, and the Broadmeadow River is labelled ‘The Gorewater’.

Figure 6 Down Survey of the Parish of Ratoath

6.2. William Larkin’s ‘A Map of the County of Meath’ (1812)

Larkin’s map of 1812 shows two roads flanking the east and west of the proposed development site, with a hill illustrated in approximately the southern extent of the site (Fig. 7). Both roads originate east of Ratoath, with the western one joining Glascarn Lane on the east and the Fairyhouse Road on the west. The eastern road through Jamestown terminates at the foot of the hill. No structures are indicated in the application lands.

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Archaeological desk study. Ratoath SHD, Co. Meath

Figure 7 Larkin’s ‘A Map of the County of Meath’

6.3. Ordnance Survey mapping

The First Edition Ordnance Survey map of 1836 also shows the two roads which flanked the site in Larkin’s map (Fig. 8). They originate at a cluster of houses labelled ‘Jamestown’ which lies just beyond the formal boundaries of Ratoath and is most likely the settlement which gives the townland its name. The western road forms the townland boundary between Jamestown and Ratoath, and the eastern road appears to terminate in the same location as in Larkin’s depiction of it.

Figure 8 First Edition Ordnance Survey map (1836)

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Archaeological desk study. Ratoath SHD, Co. Meath

The application site comprises of three large open fields, and the only feature depicted is the road to the Jamestown settlement on the eastern edge of the lands. This road was no longer in existence at the time of the survey of the 25 Inch map of 1908-11 (not pictured).

6.4. Aerial photography

Aerial photography and satellite imagery of the application area shows that the 19th century field layout has remained unchanged and the application site has continued in use as open pasture. The most recent image dates to June 2018 (Fig. 9), at which time the drought conditions of an ongoing heat wave revealed hundreds of formerly unknown archaeological sites as cropmarks. No such cropmarks were revealed in the application lands, which are divided in Figure 9 into the three principle fields (F1-3) and Field 4 to the south in which a small portion of the lands extend. The site boundary also extends over the eastern field boundary of Field 2 towards the course of the Outer Relief Road, which is under construction in the image (Fig. 9).

Some imagery (see Google Earth 28/1/17) show a regular grid in Field 3 which appear to be related to underground drainage, while Fields 1 and 2 appear to be more poorly drained and frequently discoloured in aerial imagery, with rough scrub apparent in the northwestern corner of Field 1.

Figure 9 Google Earth satellite image (24/6/18)

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Archaeological desk study. Ratoath SHD, Co. Meath

7. FIELD INSPECTION

A field inspection was undertaken on the 20th of February to provide a baseline record of the application site. The lands were recorded as follows.

Field 1

Field 1, the northern most field, lies adjacent to existing housing at ‘The Grove’ and ‘The Rise’ on the north, and is next to Ratoath College on the west. There is ongoing construction in the lands to the east related to new housing and the Outer Relief Road. Part of the eastern field boundary adjacent to this construction area has been removed and a trench has been dug through part of the boundary, revealing a very substantial u-shaped ditch with mature trees growing from it (Plate 3). The field appears very rough and scrubby. Significant disturbance was evident with earth and stone deposits which are probably the result of the adjacent development several years ago, particularly on the north side and the northwest corner (Plate 1, 2).

This field is in a slight hollow and is very enclosed with no views of the broader landscape. The former road would have run outside of the eastern field boundary. The ground level at this point is lower than the eastern edge of Field 1 (c. 0.80m), perhaps suggesting erosion and a slight holloway, but there is no evidence of a road or path surface (Plate 3). In contrast, the ground adjacent to the field boundary within Field 1 appears slightly raised and patches of moss may suggest a concealed surface (up to 5m wide), although this was not visible in the trench through this area (Plate 3, 4). It is possible that a surface was laid after the former road went out of use to provided access between Field 1 and Field 2, as this feature continues through the gap in the southern field boundary linking these two fields.

The level of disturbance in this field is likely to make it unsuitable for geophysical survey.

Plate 1 Disturbance in Field 1 (facing WNW) Plate 2 Field 1 (facing south)

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Archaeological desk study. Ratoath SHD, Co. Meath

Plate 3 Trench through east field boundary, Field 1 (facing south)

Plate 4 Raised path in Field 1 (facing north)

Field 2

Field 2 is a scrubby pasture but in better condition than Field 1 and quite firm under foot. It is slightly higher than Field 1 but is similarly very enclosed with no views of the broader landscape (Plate 5, 6). The field boundaries comprise of mature trees and bushes. Occasional wet areas are indicated by patches of thin bladed deciduous grass, particularly in the centre and northern edge of the field. The path appears to continued from Field 1 along the eastern boundary (Plate 7).

The backfilled remains of three test trenches excavated by Roycroft (2018; Licence no.: 18E0136) were visible across the field (Plate 8). This disturbance is likely to have made this field unsuitable for geophysical survey, but the existing test trenches will be sufficient for archaeological assessment at this stage.

Plate 5 Field 2 (facing south) Plate 6 Field 2 (facing west)

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Archaeological desk study. Ratoath SHD, Co. Meath

Plate 7 Raised path in Field 2 (facing south) Plate 8 Backfilled test trench in Field 2

Field 3

Field 3 is a flat green pasture of excellent quality. While more elevated than the other fields, it remains quite enclosed with no views of the wider landscape (Plate 9, 10). The field boundaries are made up of very substantial ditches with low internal banks and tall, mature treelines and bushes (Plate 11). The ditches measure 3-4m wide and 1-1.5m deep and are u-shaped on the north, east and south. The northern ditch contains running water. The western ditch is steep sided and narrower and deeper (c. 2.2m wide by 1.8m deep) with trees on both sides. A fence separates the field from the house property on the southwest.

Field 3 is in perfect condition for geophysical survey, being quite large and undisturbed, although it should be noted that a drainage grid is evident on some aerial imagery of this field.

Plate 9 Field 3 (facing south) Plate 10 Field 3 (facing SW)

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Archaeological desk study. Ratoath SHD, Co. Meath

Plate 12 Field 4 (Facing south)

Plate 11 Mature tree field boundary, Field 3 (facing NW)

Field 4

Field 4 is very flat with naturally scrubby grass (Plate 12). Like the other fields, it is enclosed with no views. Geophysical survey would not be recommended in this field as too small an area falls within the application boundaries.

Field 5

Field 5 is a flat green pasture with good quality land (Plate 13). Views are quite limited, with mature hedgerows on all sides.

Plate 13 Field 5 (Facing SE)

To the east of the application site, a ridge which accommodates an electricity line runs in a north by south orientation. This ridge would be the most obvious candidate for prehistoric settlement in this area, while the hollow which Field 1 occupies would be consistent with the environment in which a fulacht fiadh site

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might be found. Field 3 is the most elevated, best drained and least disturbed field in the application area, and has the best potential for preserved subsurface features.

8. IMPACTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

8.1. Potential impacts

There are no architectural features and no known archaeological sites within the application lands. The only known feature within the proposed development site is a former roadway which ran along the eastern site boundary northwards to a small settlement outside Ratoath called Jamestown, but this appears to have been outside of the existing field boundary. The slight remains of a raised path within the field boundary providing access between Field 1 and Field 2 may postdate the disuse of this road.

There are no known archaeological sites within the application lands, and archaeological investigations in the adjacent developments of Ratoath College and the Outer Relief Road have not yielded any archaeological remains. However, the lack of previous construction on the site means there is the potential for subsurface archaeological remains. The discovery of previously unknown archaeological sites on the M2 motorway, approximately 2.4km east of the application site, is indicative of the potential for further discoveries in undisturbed parts of this landscape which provided fertile and well-drained agricultural land. This is particularly the case in Field 3 which is undisturbed.

8.2. Recommendations

Given the large size and greenfield nature of the site, there is the potential for subsurface archaeological remains within the lands. The following measures are recommended for each field in order to ascertain the below ground potential and minimise the risk of revealing archaeological remains during the construction phase of the project.

Field 1

Dumping of construction material has caused considerable disturbance in Field 1 which makes it unsuitable for geophysical survey. It is therefore recommended that archaeological testing be undertaken in order to establish the nature and extent of any archaeological features which may exist beneath the surface.

Field 2

Field 2 has been archaeologically tested previously revealing nothing of archaeological significance. No further mitigation is recommended.

Field 3

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Geophysical survey is recommended for Field 3. Further recommendations will be made on the basis of the geophysical survey results which may include test excavation if anomalies that require further definition are revealed.

Field 4

It is recommended that archaeological testing be undertaken in the small portion of Field 4 within the application site.

Field 5

It is recommended that archaeological testing be undertaken in the small portion of Field 5 within the application site.

The above measures will provide greater clarity as to the potential nature and extent of below ground archaeological remains if they exist on site. Should planning permission be granted, by carrying out these measurers in advance of construction, it minimises the risk of delays occurring on site due to a previously unidentified archaeological features being revealed, and the necessity of archaeological monitoring taking place as investigation work has been carried out upfront.

The developer will make provision to allow for and fund whatever archaeological work may be required at the site and the post excavation requirements in accordance with the National Monuments Legislation (1930–2004; Appendix 1). All recommendations are subject to the approval of the National Monuments Service of the DCHG.

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9. REFERENCES

Bradley, J. & King, H.A. 1985. Urban Archaeological Survey – . Unpublished report: Office of Public Works.

Cogan, A. 1862. The ecclesiastical history of the diocese of Meath. Burns & Lambert, London. Four Courts Press edition, 1992.

Hawkes, A. 2015. ‘Fulachtaí fia and Bronze Age cooking in Ireland: reappraising the evidence’. Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy: Archaeology, Culture, History, Literature, Volume 115C, pp. 47-77.

Horner, A. 2007. Mapping Meath in the early 19th century with an atlas of William Larkin’s map of County Meath, 1812. Dublin: Wordwell.

McLoughlin, G. 2018. Archaeological Testing Report. The Whitehouse, Ratoath, Co. Meath. Unpublished report: Courtney Deery Heritage Consultancy. Licence no.: 18E0005

Orpen, G. H. 1911–20. Ireland under the Normans. 4 vol. Oxford.

Otway-Ruthven, A. J. 1968. History of medieval Ireland. London.

Roycroft, N. 2018 Ratoath Outer Relief Road (R125 to R155). Testing and Monitoring Report: Development Area 1: Jamestown, Townland. Unpublished report: Meath County Council.

Seaver, M. 2016. Meitheal. The Archaeology of Lives, Labours and Beliefs at Raystown, Co. Meath. TII Heritage 4. Dublin: Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

White, N. B. 1943 Extents of Irish monastic possessions, 1540–1541. IMC.

Online sources

Google Earth Pro

www.archaeology.ie

www.askaboutireland.ie

www.buildingsofireland.ie

www.downsurvey.tcd.ie

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Archaeological desk study. Ratoath SHD, Co. Meath www.excavations.ie www.heritagemaps.ie www.logainm.ie www.openstreetmap.org www.osi.ie

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Archaeological desk study. Ratoath SHD, Co. Meath

APPENDIX 1 National Monuments Legislation 1930-2004

All archaeological sites have the full protection of the national monuments legislation (Principal Act 1930; Amendments 1954, 1987, 1994 and 2004).

In the 1987 Amendment of Section 2 of the Principal Act (1930), the definition of a national monument is specified as: any artificial or partly artificial building, structure or erection or group of such buildings, structures or erections, any artificial cave, stone or natural product, whether forming part of the ground, that has been artificially carved, sculptured or worked upon or which (where it does not form part of the place where it is) appears to have been purposely put or arranged in position, any, or any part of any, prehistoric or ancient

(i) tomb, grave or burial deposit, or

(ii) ritual, industrial or habitation site, and any place comprising the remains or traces of any such building, structure or erection, any cave, stone or natural product or any such tomb, grave, burial deposit or ritual, industrial or habitation site...

Under Section 14 of the Principal Act (1930):

It shall be unlawful... to demolish or remove wholly or in part or to disfigure, deface, alter, or in any manner injure or interfere with any such national monument without or otherwise than in accordance with the consent hereinafter mentioned (a licence issued by the Office of Public Works National Monuments Branch), or to excavate, dig, plough or otherwise disturb the ground within, around, or in the proximity to any such national monument without or otherwise than in accordance...

Under Amendment to Section 23 of the Principal Act (1930),

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Archaeological desk study. Ratoath SHD, Co. Meath

A person who finds an archaeological object shall, within four days after the finding, make a report of it to a member of the Garda Síochána...or the Director of the National Museum...

The latter is of relevance to any finds made during a watching brief.

In the 1994 Amendment of Section 12 of the Principal Act (1930), all of the sites and ‘places’ recorded by the Sites and Monuments Record of the Office of Public Works are provided with a new status in law. This new status provides a level of protection to the listed sites that is equivalent to that accorded to ‘registered’ sites [Section 8(1), National Monuments Amendment Act 1954] as follows:

The Commissioners shall establish and maintain a record of monuments and places where they believe there are monuments and the record shall be comprised of a list of monuments and such places and a map or maps showing each monument and such place in respect of each county in the State.

The Commissioners shall cause to be exhibited in a prescribed manner in each county the list and map or maps of the county drawn up and publish in a prescribed manner information about when and where the lists and maps may be consulted.

In addition, when the owner or occupier (not being the Commissioners) of a monument or place which has been recorded, or any person proposes to carry out, or to cause or permit the carrying out of, any work at or in relation to such monument or place, he shall give notice in writing of his proposal to carry out the work to the Commissioners and shall not, except in the case of urgent necessity and with the consent of the Commissioners, commence the work for a period of two months after having given the notice.

The National Monuments Amendment Act 2004

The National Monuments Amendment Act enacted in 2004 provides clarification in relation to the division of responsibilities between the Minister of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Finance and Arts, Sports and Tourism together with the Commissioners of Public Works. The Minister of Environment, Heritage and Local Government will issue directions relating to archaeological works and will be advised by the National Monuments Section and the National Museum of Ireland. The Act gives discretion to the Minister of Environment, Heritage and Local Government to grant consent or issue directions in relation to road developments (Section 49 and 51) approved by An Bord Pleanála and/or in relation to the discovery of National Monuments

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Archaeological desk study. Ratoath SHD, Co. Meath

14A. (1) The consent of the Minister under section 14 of this Act and any further consent or licence under any other provision of the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2004 shall not be required where the works involved are connected with an approved road development.

(2) Any works of an archaeological nature that are carried out in respect of an approved road development shall be carried out in accordance with the directions of the Minister, which directions shall be issued following consultation by the minister with the Director of the National Museum of Ireland.

Subsection 14A (4) Where a national monument has been discovered to which subsection (3) of this section relates, then the road authority carrying out the road development shall report the discovery to the Minister subject to subsection (7) of this section, and pending any directions by the minister under paragraph (d) of this subsection, no works which would interfere with the monument shall be carried out, except works urgently required to secure its preservation carried out in accordance with such measures as may be specified by the Minister

The Minister will consult with the Director of the National Museum of Ireland for a period not longer than 14 days before issuing further directions in relation to the national monument.

The Minister will not be restricted to archaeological considerations alone, but will also consider the wider public interest

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Courtney Deery Heritage Consultancy

Lynwood House

Ballinteer Road

Dublin 16

D16 H9V6

Telephone: 01 5475795

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.courtneydeery.ie

Registered Company No. 519676

VAT No. IE1111365WH

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