1980-85:0196 - WATERFORD: Lady Lane, Waterford

Excavations over a period of seven months were conducted on an area of c. 325 square metres with deposits between 2 and 4m deep, although the top was generally removed mechanically. Seven major phases were identified, of which the earliest consisted of postholes pre-dating a 12th-century defensive ditch. This was closed c.1200 and a town wall built on its outer edge and along another side of the site forming one of the three corners of the old town. Later in the 13th century a gateway was put through this apex and a paved roadway built diagonally across the site. A small hut infringed on the road and at a later stage a drain was inserted into it. In the 14th century to number of pits were dug between the road and the wall, one of which damaged time road. The road was crudely repaired and remained open down to the 16th century. In the 17th century the whole site was disused, the only features being some open hearths although the city walls remained intact until the early 18th century when a large building was erected on the site incorporating the remains of the gatehouse.