2007:1757 - Molesworth Street, Cookstown, Tyrone

An archaeological investigation was undertaken in October 2007 in advance of Phase 3 of a proposed development of lands at Nos 22A–32 Molesworth Street, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone. Due to the archaeologically sensitive nature of the locale, it was recommended that the site be subject to evaluation in advance of development. The proposed development lay within the zone of the original 17th-century settlement (TYR029–067). It was sited within a street noted for a number of listed buildings, including No. 18 James Street (HB 09/13/021), Nos 19–59 Molesworth Street (HB 9/13/017A-O) and further listed buildings (HB 09/13/016) at No. 48 Molesworth Street (HB 09/13/019), the railway station and (HB 09/13/018) Molesworth Presbyterian church. Testing for Phases I and 2 of this development showed little of archaeological interest, mainly uncovering 19th- and 20th-century occupation.
Stripping of overburden and geological sediments in the area of Phase 3 of the proposed development located undisturbed natural subsoil consisting of mid-orange sandy clay 1.9–2.4m below present ground level. Overlying the subsoil was an alluvial deposit of greyish-brown clayey sand, up to 0.25m thick. This was sealed with a band of dark-brownish-black peat, up to 0.35m thick. Overlying the peat was an alluvial layer of clean light-brownish-grey sand, up to 0.6m thick, sealed in turn by a second layer of dark-brown peat, up to 0.4m thick. A layer of rubble hardcore consisting of concrete fragments, red bricks, small sub-angular stones and light-brown clay overlay the geological deposits and measured up to 0.9m thick. The rubble overburden was overlain by the concrete surface of a 20th-century cattle market and measured up to 0.3m thick. At the west end of the site a group of red-brick wall foundations relating to the cattle market office were revealed.
In general the site was characterised by overburden and geological sediments, up to 2.4m deep, immediately overlying subsoil. Evidence for modern disturbance in the form of wall foundations and service trenches relating to a 20th-century cattle market was revealed but nothing of archaeological interest was found. No trace was found of the original Plantation village.