1974:056 - KELLS (Rathduff td), Kilkenny

Excavations at this site resumed in 1974 with a cutting outside the north wall of the north transept revealed an early wall footing underlying and predating the erection of the north transept. The complete plan of the structure could not, however, be established from the surviving evidence. The foundations of the early east aisle of the transept were fully exposed and within was the remains of a habitation deposit containing a quantity of early medieval pottery including some French ware and a number of silver coins (Henry III 1216-1247).

Excavations within the north transept were completed and the full line and nature of the north wall of the early transept revealed. This was clearly the end wall of a short (possibly 12th century) transept which predated the addition of aisles and other features. Some further deposits of carved stonework were recovered including a further cache of cloister arcade material- arch stones, capitals and bases.

An early wall footing was also exposed within the Lady Chapel which appears to predate the standing walls of the chapel. It may well be the east wall of a small side chapel belonging to the early transept plan although, as yet no corresponding feature has been uncovered on the southern side. Further investigations at the eastern end of the Lady Chapel revealed firm traces of the mortar bed for a tile pavement. The impressions left by the small square tiles were clearly visible and some of the actual tiles were discovered lying loose nearby. Underlying the late altar were some further tiles this time in situ and this piece of evidence gave an indication of the type of pavement. The tiles are small and plain (i.e. undecorated) in three contrasting colours, yellow, black and green. All that remains of the actual pavement is the portion preserved under the altar. Pending further excavation both the mortar bed and the tiles were left in position and covered with a protective covering of polythene and soil.

Scattered throughout the choir were numerous fragments of inlaid tiles showing both familiar and new designs. Many of the pieces had belonged to a 15th century inlaid mosaic which probably formed a pavement of the high altar. Some complete specimens had been reused as liners in a series of graves which had been inserted in the choir-mainly at the eastern end. Stones (in some instances carved) and mortar had also been used to form the sides of these ‘coffins’. A shaped recess for the head was a feature of some. Originally they would have had a grave slab as a cover though none of these had survived in situ. A few of these graves were excavated in 1973 and the remainder were investigated in 1974. The skeletal remains have been retained for a specialist report and analysis. One of the graves yielded a small hoard of three silver coins (deposited circa 1500) and from this evidence and the re-use of the early tiles it is hoped to have a fairly accurate assessment of the range of date involved in these interments.

Excavation along the broken length of the enclosure wall parallel to the river revealed the remains of a small tower which had acted as a watergate. In plan it measured approx. five by five metres internally. The settings for the hole-stones of the internal gateway were discovered as also the remains of a small external stone stairway to the tower and battlements overhead. The area between this watergate tower and the choir showed traces of cobbling and a small linking wall.

Cuttings outside the east window of the choir and the Prior’s tower produced a number of fine sandstone and limestone pieces belonging to the east window. Extending westwards from the external entrance to the tower was a further section of the late cobbling which covered the cloister area (revealed in the 1972 season). This was delimited to the north and south by a low wall footing and appears to have been an extension of the cobbled yard connecting the latter with the tower which was reused in the past monastic period as a dwelling or farm-house. Small finds from this sector consisted largely of post medieval objects.

Towards the end of the season the south transept and adjoining rooms within the east range were partly excavated. A number of medieval floor levels were uncovered within the former and a substantial quantity of medieval pottery recovered. Some small decorated bronzes and coins were also found which will help to provide a date for these levels. Excavation in these areas has yet to be completed and the exposed layers of pebble mantling and mortar floors were covered with polythene and sods until next season.