2026:035 - Commons of Llyod, Kells, Meath

Archaeological test trenching of this site involved the excavation of 10 test trenches, measuring 344 linear metres with each trench measuring 1.8m in width. The trenches were positioned to assess geophysical anomalies encountered in a previous survey and to assess the archaeological potential across the site within areas of proposed development. The subsoil was exposed in all trenches below the sod and plough soil at an average depth of 0.3-0.4m. It consisted of an orange, sandy boulder clay with plentiful stone. Topsoil finds included red brick fragments, sherds of willow pattern pottery and white bone china of late 18^th and 19^th-century date. These finds are modern and were not retained.

It is proposed to remove a section of the eastern boundary bank in the north-east corner of the site to facilitate an access gate. This bank was investigated; the eastern end of Trench 1 extended to this boundary that comprised a ‘Louth Bank’ with an associated ditch on the western side. It was cleared of vegetation, the ditch fill was excavated, and it was noted the bank was faced with dry stone in a herringbone pattern. A hawthorn hedge was evident at the top of the bank and sections of hedge also protruded through the stone face of the bank. It was recorded, planned and photographed. This ‘Louth Bank’ most likely dates to c. 1785 when the land in Commons of Lloyd was enclosed. This bank survives along the remainder of the eastern boundary.

No archaeological features or deposits were identified within the excavated trenches, and no finds were recovered. The site has been assessed by both geophysical survey and trenching with no evidence of archaeological remains.