2000:0753 - COMMONS OF LLOYD, Kells, Meath

An archaeological assessment of the Commons of Lloyd was carried out in April 2000. Aerial photographic analysis and subsequent field inspection identified the presence of a possible ploughed-out henge and a possible barrow to the north of the proposed site of the Smurfit Web Press development. In discussion with the project architects, it was agreed that the development would avoid these areas entirely.

The Commons of Lloyd appear to have been common land set aside for agricultural use since at least the early 13th century. The land may have been part of the monastic holdings of Kells, becoming incorporated into the municipal properties during the medieval period. The Municipal Corporations (Ireland) report of 1838 gives a detailed description of the commons, recording that they included areas of rotated cultivation within a larger pastoral field. A racecourse and grandstand are depicted on the site on the 1937 edition of the Ordnance Survey 6-inch sheet. This was apparently constructed in the latter part of the 19th century, falling into disuse in the first half of the 20th century.

Magnetic gradiometer survey undertaken by GSB Prospection showed a number of anomalies, notably in the south-western part of the site (Detection Licence 00R020). These consisted of several pit- and ditch-type anomalies of potential archaeological significance, as well as evidence of extensive ploughing. The geophysical survey did not identify any potential features in the areas of the possible barrow or the possible henge.

Eight test-trenches were mechanically excavated in June 2000. The trenches had a consistent width of 1.25m and a total combined length of 502.5m. Trenches were situated so as to investigate all anomalous geophysical responses. Features identified in the testing programme included a number of agricultural drains, plough furrows, areas of man-made ground consolidation probably associated with the racecourse, as well as a hearth, two shallow pits containing burnt material, and a single post-hole. No artefacts were recovered from the features examined. No artefacts or material datable to a period earlier than the later 18th century were recovered either from features or from mechanical removal of topsoil.

Monitoring carried out on the site during pre-construction soil-stripping in August 2000 revealed a similar range of features, including several areas of burning, land drains, areas of ground consolidation and numerous agricultural furrows. Post-holes representing fences flanking the line of the racecourse in front of the grandstand were also identified.

Further monitoring took place on 29 November 2000, to facilitate the laying of a storm drain to the north of the site. A corridor measuring 7.5–9m in width was stripped of topsoil. This corridor passed within several metres of the location of the possible ploughed-out henge, but no features or artefacts that might support its identification as such were noted. Further stone-filled land drains were identified, as were a plough furrow and a modern trench. Finds were exclusively modern and included willow-pattern pottery, red brick and pieces of coal. No deposits of archaeological significance were encountered during the course of the monitoring programme.

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