2007:1024 - THOMASTOWN, Kilkenny

groundworks were monitored as part of laying ducting for a broadband scheme in Thomastown. In total seven streets within the zone of archaeological potential were impacted upon by this scheme. However, after the discovery of a damaged cobbled surface in Market Street, immediately followed by a programme of archaeological test-pits, the scheme was redesigned to avoid encountering archaeological deposits and/or structures. Depths were accordingly kept to a minimum. In fact, apart from a few chambers, all trench depths were kept within the modern road make-up or at the interface between the make-up and the underlying deposits. At a number of locations this was manifest by the existing presence of a geotextile membrane. Regarding the opening of chambers, when the sub-layers were penetrated, excavation was stringently and constantly assessed.

Ducting in Marsh Street, even though it was kept shallow, revealed two cobbled surfaces in varying states of repair, a kerb and the town wall. This town wall was of medieval construction, comprising large limestone blocks bonded with a decaying, brittle lime-rich mortar.

Thomas (1992) is of the opinion a medieval gateway was at this location. However, evidence gained in monitoring would suggest otherwise. Both the surfaces appeared to be more post-medieval than medieval. This is firstly based on the fact that the actual cobbles were flatter than the more pronounced, rounded cobbles associated with the medieval period. Furthermore, they were not as tightly laid; even in their poor state of preservation it was possible to determine a relatively large gap between them. Secondly, the material on the eastern side of the wall has been piled against it, evident by the distinct void between the wall and the soil. This is the result of a concerted programme of infilling to support the road. Also, it should be noted the interior of the upper wall surface appears to have been scooped out to facilitate the laying of a road surface over its top. This was manifest by a positive lip on either side of the wall, although no masonry marks were identified during recording.

Finally, the purpose of a gate at this location should be assessed. Any opening within a defensive wall is a potential weak point if attacked. Therefore gateways were only constructed at essential points necessary for trade and communication. Whereas a gate on Lady’s Well Street facilitates access to Kilkenny, a gate on Low Street protects the New Ross road and a gate on the bridge covers the approach from Waterford; what was the function of a gate on Marsh Street?

No known town or settlement in the medieval period is anywhere near Thomastown in that westerly direction on that side of the river. In fact, Marsh Street terminates at the western gateway of the Mount Juliet estate, the house and gardens of which were not developed until the latter years of the 18th century. It is therefore considered that Marsh Street is probably of post-medieval construction, especially the western section on the exterior of the town wall. The opening in the town wall is also probably associated with the development of the Mount Juliet estate, facilitating access from the estate into town. It is also possible this road influenced the location of the railway station during the 19th century. This may be manifest in the later cobbled surface revealed during monitoring.

Reference
Thomas, A. 1992 The walled towns of Ireland, Vol. 2. Irish Academic Press.

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