2007:851 - NAAS: Dublin Road West, Kildare

Burials from the cemetery of St John’s Abbey were excavated at Dublin Road West, Naas, Co. Kildare, between 14 and 27 March 2007. The site was located at the western end of the Dublin road within the zone of archaeological potential for the historic town of Naas. A 19th-century cottage stood on the property and was adjoined at the west by two 18th-century vernacular cottages. To the rear was the site of St John’s Abbey and to the east burials associated with the abbey were excavated by Michael Tierney and Sarah Halpin (Eachtra) in 2000 (Excavations 2000, No. 507, 00E0842).

Thirty burials were recorded during the recent excavation at Dublin Road West. Of these, seventeen were fully excavated and thirteen preserved in situ. It is likely additional burials lie below development level and outside the excavation area. Two phases of burial were present on the site. The earliest series were orientated east to west and the later north-east to south-west. Sherds of medieval pottery, including imported Saintonge, suggest the earlier phase dates from at least the 13th century, which correlates well with the establishment of St John’s Priory in the late 12th century. Pottery from the later series suggests the burials may have continued into the early post-medieval period. As the priory fell out of use in 1539, this is unexpected; however, it is possible some burial continued in the location after this date.

It is likely the change in burial orientation may be associated with alterations to the priory boundaries. This may have occurred when the establishment was restored after the Bruce invasion of 1316; however, it is equally possible the changes were undertaken at a later date. It is uncertain if the boundaries at 1539 resembled those depicted on the 1872 OS map; however, adherence to that alignment would account for the north-east to south-west burials in the location.

47 White Castle Lawn, Athy, Co. Kildare