1999:156 - BAGENAL'S CASTLE, Newry, Down

During development at McCann's Bakery, Newry (see No. 155 Excavations 1999), the unauthorised removal of ten stanchions from an archaeologically sensitive area took place. The stanchions were situated just south and east of the castle, and it was decided to record the stratigraphy in the pits left after their removal. Unfortunately, several of the pits had been filled with rubble and spoil after the removal of the stanchions, and only nine of the ten were examined. The tenth pit could not be successfully located, without risking further damage to surviving underground remains. Once each pit had been cleared of debris, a section face was cleaned down and drawn.

Eleven walls were detailed in the sections, along with evidence for possible pre-tower-house activity. Of the walls examined, six were shown, by association with finds such as glass and red brick, to be quite late. Sherds of pottery recovered from one of the remaining five walls may indicate a medieval date. This feature had a north-south orientation. The other four walls were all constructed of stone but yielded no datable evidence. Samples of mortar were taken from all five walls.

A tumbled granite stone feature was found at the northern end of several of the stanchion holes but would require further examination to assess whether it represents the remains of a wall. When observed in plan, this tumbled material seems to run in a straight east-west orientation through several of the pits, and it is almost parallel to the south wall of the castle.

A post-hole, recorded in section beneath the south wall of the castle, may be indicative of pre-tower-house activity, but no associated features were revealed.

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