2003:507 - DUBLIN: Chancery Lane, Dublin

Excavation of this site took place from September to December 2003. Planning permission was granted for a basement to the new development, and archaeological deposits were present on the site (Excavations 2002, No. 525). The site lies between the churches of St Michael le Pole and St Bride’s, both pre-Norman dedications.

The depositional sequence was as follows. An area of pre-Norman deposits survived to the south-west of the site. These comprised pits, post-holes, hearths and stake lines, indicating settlement activity. Despite the finding of a single human skull, there was no evidence for the use of the area as a graveyard. Later build-ups of loose garden soil indicated the historic use of the site as the ‘Garden Paradise’.

A stone quarry of late medieval date was present on the north-east of the site. This extended to a depth of over 8m below street level. Other stone quarries to the south of the city are historically documented. The finds from the quarry pit were of some note, including a complete timber block wheel and axle, and a range of leather and cloth artefacts.