1998:425 - DROGHEDA: Bachelors Lane, Louth

Pre-development testing and subsequent limited archaeological excavation, in response to a planning condition, took place at the site of a proposed apartment and office complex on the north side of Bachelors Lane, Moneymore, Drogheda, Co. Louth. Excavation took place from 28 January to 6 February 1998. The earliest documentary references to the lane occur in the early 14th century, and previous excavations (Excavations 1996, 75–6) in the lane uncovered medieval stratigraphy. The site was within the town walls, near the 'Blind Gate' and just outside the proposed precinct of the Franciscan friary, founded c. 1245. A series of 18th-century coach-houses stood on the site immediately before excavation. These were demolished to make way for the development. A total area of 143m2 was excavated.

The earliest features uncovered were two compacted gravel surfaces dating to the 13th–14th century. The function of these was unclear, although there was slight evidence of industrial activity associated with one of the deposits. No structural features connected with the surfaces were found. Garden soil was subsequently dumped in three separate episodes from the 13th to the 16th century. These deposits contained large quantities of local and imported medieval pottery and animal bone. A small amount of kiln waste material was also recovered. Only the earliest deposit of garden soil extended throughout the site to the lane.

Post-medieval activity on the site was represented by the construction of the coach-house complex, which scarped out some 2m of the garden soil deposits. The pottery assemblage associated with the construction phase suggests that it dated to c. 1700–1800. No further archaeological work was required.

15 Trinity Street, Drogheda, Co. Louth