County: Dublin Site name: DUBLIN: 50-52 Dame St.
Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: —
Author: Margaret Gowen
Site type: No archaeology found
Period/Dating: N/A
ITM: E 714751m, N 734514m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.348387, -6.276510
An archaeological assessment was required in order to fulfil a condition of the planning decision for the redevelopment of this site. The assessment was to address a range of archaeological issues, including the historical background to the area and the nature of the archaeological material (if any) on the site. Further issues were to be addressed if archaeological features/soils were present.
While Dame St. and leases relating to the Dame St./Temple Bar block are numerous, only one relevant reference to this specific area has been found. There is a possibility that the grounds around William Crowe's 'mansion' extended into this area.
William Crowe's mansion was first mentioned in 1627 in an unpublished inquisition which mentioned: 'one large garden with one capital messuage thereupon lately built by William Crowe esquire, lying in St Andrew's Parish ... in the occupation of the said William Crowe abutting or adjoining unto the king's pavement or street called Dame's street, and upon the lane going to the river Liffey (Temple lane?) on the west)'.
Ref: J. Gilbert, History of the City of Dublin II, p. 171
Because so little demolition took place, access to the area for the 'one trial trench' specified in the planning decision was not possible. However, six test pits were inspected and no archaeological soils were noted. A sterile boulder clay lies immediately below basement floor level.
Rath House, Ferndale Rd., Rathmichael, Co. Dublin.
