1998:154 - DUBLIN: 18 Earl Street, Dublin

Test-trenching was undertaken at 18 Earl Street South (on the corner of Earl Street South and Thomas Court) in advance of development. Three trenches were opened along the line of the proposed foundations. The maximum depth of the foundations was to be 1m below present ground level (c. 16.945m OD).

Trench 1 was excavated alongside the pavement of Earl Street and measured 5.5m x 1.2m. Below layers of landfill deposits containing modern debris and a 19th/20th-century wall, a greenish/brown clay containing some mortar fragments was uncovered at a depth of 0.7–1m below present ground level. At 1m depth a crude, partially metalled surface was also uncovered, but this had been very badly disturbed.

Trench 2 was excavated along the line of the foundation, which ran parallel to Thomas Court, and measured 4m x 0.5m. Below rubble landfill and another late wall was the same brown/greenish, clayey soil, 0.5–1m+ below present ground level, which contained some stone, shell, animal bone and mortar fragments.

Trench 3 was dug along one of the proposed centre foundations of the two houses to be built on the site. It measured 4.8m x 1m. Below layers of landfill, another late wall and a disused sewer, was a dark brown/black, shelly deposit, 0.6–1m below present ground level. This deposit, which was heavily disturbed, contained pieces of animal bone, fragments of lime mortar and red brick fragments.

Nothing of archaeological significance was uncovered in section; however, the greenish, clayey deposit may represent a garden soil of unknown date. The dark brown/black, shelly deposit may also be archaeological in nature, but it had been very heavily disturbed.

As these deposits would not be impinged upon further, construction was able to proceed.

Windsor House, 11 Fairview Strand, Fairview, Dublin 3