2006:2137 - WEXFORD: Theatre Royal, High Street, Wexford

Testing of this large site was undertaken following the demolition of the old Theatre Royal, the disused Wexford People newspaper buildings and a number of buildings fronting on to High Street.

Archaeological material, dating initially from the medieval period, appears once to have occupied much of the site. Post-medieval disturbance, within both the old Theatre Royal and the newspaper building parts of the site, had, however, disturbed much of the archaeological horizons.

Intact archaeological deposits, both medieval and post-medieval, in the form of pits and linear features have been identified in the westernmost part of the site beneath and to the rear of the demolished High Street terrace. Two pieces of probably prehistoric struck flint have also been recovered from this area. More intact medieval deposits, although truncated by a modern backstage basement, were uncovered at the extreme south-eastern corner of the site. The remains of a 19th-century tanning yard visible on the 1888 town survey map have also been uncovered at the eastern boundary of the site.

With the exception of the features identified underneath the High Street terrace, which were preserved in situ, the identified archaeological deposits were excavated prior to the commencement of construction at the site. The excavation confirmed the results of the testing and located disturbed medieval and post-medieval deposits across much of the site.

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