County: Waterford Site name: WATERFORD: St Peter's Church, Peter Street, Custom House B Ward
Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: —
Author: Maurice Hurley and Ben Murtagh, Waterford Archaeological Excavations
Site type: Church
Period/Dating: Multi-period
ITM: E 660637m, N 612352m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 52.259537, -7.111766
A six-week programme for the removal of part of St Peter's Church was financed by Sisk Properties Ltd.
In view of the uniqueness of the church, it is proposed to rebuild the chancel and apse within the basement of a new city centre car park and shopping centre.
The greater part of the church was excavated between 1986 and 1988 by Andy Gittins for Waterford Corporation, and all of the stone walls of the multi-phased church were allowed to remain in situ. The earliest features of the stone church date from the early to mid 12th century. The chancel was built first, in conjunction with the east end of the nave, the latter being of ashlar masonry. Shortly afterwards the remainder of the nave was completed. This was built on top of the inner slope of the city ramparts.
The apse was most likely added in the middle of the 12th century. All of the stones were individually numbered and removed to storage. No decorated stones of the Romanesque style were recovered. Burials contemporary with the church were also excavated. In addition, the north aisle of the church, which was previously unavailable, was excavated. The aisle appears to have been added in the 17th century.
The front cover illustration of Excavations 1989 was of St. Peter's Church. The image was supplied by Maurice Hurley.
City Centre Development, High Street, Waterford
