2007:1786 - Omagh Workhouse and Fever Hospital, Tyrone

An archaeological evaluation was carried out at this site in advance of the construction of a temporary classroom. The mitigation strategy stipulated the removal of the top 0.3m of topsoil to facilitate the foundations of the classroom. The site lies within the confines of Omagh Workhouse and Fever Hospital, an institution founded in the 1840s.
The removal of the topsoil to the stipulated level revealed a series of features of potential archaeological significance. These features were originally observed as east–west-aligned rectilinear areas of mottled grey clay and on average measured 1.9m (east–west) by 1m. Investigation of one of the features revealed a cut with near vertical sides, extending to a depth of 0.55m. Following the removal of the fill of this feature, a well-preserved coffin lid was exposed. The maximum recorded dimensions for the coffin lid were: (L) 0.96m by (W) 0.27m. Upon consultation with the PSNI, it was decided that the coffin lid should be lifted to ascertain the approximate date of the burial and to rule out the modern deposition of the remains. The coffin lid was lifted and the burial was found to be the fragmentary remains of a child. The burial was deemed archaeological, the coffin lid was replaced and the burial backfilled.
In all, twelve features were identified as possible burials. Ten of these followed the conventional east–west alignment, with two lying approximately south-west/north-east. No segregation of the features was observed, and it can be proposed that the features may all represent child burials. Cartographic evidence indicates that the area of development lies within the confines of a burial area marked on the late 19th- and early 20th-century maps.
Following the excavation and identification of the features, a layer of semi-permeable membrane was laid down and a layer of hardcore gravel placed on top in an effort to preserve the archaeological horizon in situ.