County: Kildare Site name: Church Lane, Naas
Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: 08E0636
Author: Martin E. Byrne, Byrne Mullins & Associates, 7 Cnoc Na Greine Square, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare.
Site type: Urban, medieval
Period/Dating: —
ITM: E 689296m, N 719429m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.217767, -6.662929
Testing was undertaken at this site on a phased basis in September and December. The work was carried out in response to the recommendations of the National Monuments Service following the submission of a pre-planning enquiry. The overall site lies immediately adjacent the southern and south-eastern boundary of St David’s Church, which is believed to occupy the site of a pre-Norman enclosure. In addition, the style of the present church indicates that it may be of 13th-century date.
The site comprises two land plots. The southern plot forms an extension to the church grounds and is presently occupied by a former Sexton’s house, with an associated range of outbuildings. In addition, much of the remaining former garden space is occupied by a large portacabin. Two trenches were excavated within this area. No subsurface features were uncovered although a number of sherds of medieval pottery and a bone pin were recovered from the topsoil.
The surface of the northern plot is up to 1.2m below that of the southern plot. This is known locally as the Potato Market and was used, until recently, as a garden centre. All temporary structures were removed prior to the commencement of testing and the only structures now occupying the site comprise a disused concrete shed and the remains of a stone-built former barn. Testing within this plot revealed that much of the site had been subjected to modern ground disturbances, including drainage/service trenches. However, a large possible pit, of medieval date, was uncovered close to the southern boundary. In addition, a truncated burial was uncovered. This appears to have been truncated by the foundations of an unfinished 18th-century tower added to the western end of the present church. Furthermore, additional sherds of medieval pottery were recovered from disturbed soil layers within this plot.
The results of the testing will be incorporated into any future design proposals for the development of the site and it is likely that further investigations, including excavations, will be required.
