2008:720 - Pudding Lane, Kilkenny, Kilkenny

Testing was conducted during May 2008 in advance of the proposed construction of a mixed-use multi-storey development at the rear of a site fronting Pudding Lane (the back yard of a former restaurant). Pennyfeather Lane runs along the north-western side of the long north-east/south-west-orientated narrow plot of land, and reflects an example of the typical medieval burgage plot still represented in Kilkenny city (KK019–026). The site is located at an elevation of 50m OD and in the heart of the city.
Two perpendicular test-trenches were excavated in the rear yard through a concrete surface. Below the concrete a large drain or robber trench of late date truncated earlier features including a surface that comprised rounded and sub-rounded cobbles with bedding sand.
Once a depth of rubble deposits was removed, an apparently large pit, the full extents of which could not be revealed, was encountered within Trench 1. The pit was filled with a deposit of mixed refuse including soil, charcoal, mortar and small stone rubble and appeared to be of post-medieval date.
Below the cobbles and cut by the pit was a firm dark greenish-brown layer of sandy silt with frequent charcoal and occasional animal bones. It was also peppered with post-medieval and modern detritus that appeared to be intrusive from higher levels. The layer was interpreted as garden soil associated with the burgage plot but of uncertain date.
Beneath this a number of smaller possible post-holes and shallow linear features were encountered in both trenches. These were found to cut the natural subsoil which comprised firm mid-brownish-orange fine sand.
Further testing of the site, including the area occupied by the former restaurant, was recommended prior to any construction works.