2005:1373 - GRANGE, Sligo

Pre-development testing was carried out on 3 March 2005 at a site in advance of the construction of four dwelling houses, connection to services and ancillary site works at Grange townland, Co. Sligo. Testing was necessary because the proposed development was located within the archaeological constraint for a deserted settlement. No extant remains of the monument were visible within or adjacent to the proposed development site. A small derelict stone building located outside the east-south-east site boundary contained an architectural fragment (probably part of a medieval window) in its south-east wall. Prior to the testing, much of the site was covered in spoil heaps and there was evidence of some excavation having taken place along the north-north-east site boundary. The removal of the spoil was monitored. It consisted of topsoil, subsoil and builders’ rubble and contained modern artefacts.
Five trenches were excavated, which measured 43m, 16.8m, 20m, 23.2m and 26m respectively, 0.9–1.25m wide and 0.2–1.1m deep. Below the topsoil and spoil were sterile natural subsoils (grey/orange/brown loose loamy sand, grey/orange/brown friable/firm clay loam, grey friable sandy loam and orange/brown friable sandy silt loam). The topsoil and spoil contained modern artefacts only. A number of modern services crossed the site. This site had been disturbed in the past and testing revealed nothing of archaeological significance.