2009:471 - CARLOWGATE, CASTLEDERMOT, Kildare

Testing was undertaken at proposed development lands at Carlowgate, Castledermot, in February 2009 with respect to an application to construct three detached houses on the site. The site is located within the zone of archaeological potential established for the town and the partial remains of a medieval gate, Carlow Gate, are located across the road from the south-western corner of the site. In addition, the postulated line of the town wall, as indicated on OS maps, runs diagonally across part of the site in a north-east/south-west orientation before turning south to Carlow Gate. The site is bounded on the west by a stream, the eastern bank of which is partially walled, and it is possible that such walling may be associated with the former town defences. Part of the site was previously tested by Clare Mullins, at which time the foundation remains of the town wall were uncovered (Excavations 1998, No. 299, 98E0225).
A total of thirteen trenches were excavated by machine fitted with a toothless ditching bucket, following which the sides and bases were cleaned by hand. Furthermore, two short lengths of the trenches aligned across the expected line of the town wall were excavated by hand. In addition, the spoil was raked over to optimise the chances of artefact recovery. The foundation remains for the town wall were uncovered at three locations and the results indicate that the line shown on historic maps is slightly incorrect, with the exact wall line located c. 3.5m outside that indicated on the maps. Pottery sherds of 12th–14th-century date were recovered associated with the wall foundations and these dates are consistent with the recorded initial construction of the town defences. The surfaces of two charcoal-rich pits, from which charred bone fragments were noted, were uncovered in the central western extent of the site, and it is likely that these are of prehistoric date. A total of 65 pottery sherds were recovered and these were submitted to Clare McCutcheon for identification. Forty-three sherds were identified as being of medieval date, with the remainder dating to the post-medieval period, as was a single fragment of roof tile.
The proposed site layout was subsequently changed to lessen the impact of the development on the archaeological remains, and it was suggested that a low linear earthen bank be formed along the line of the town wall as a garden/landscape feature. It was subsequently recommended by the National Monuments Service that, in the event of a grant of planning, the pits be excavated and all topsoilstripping/site-preparation works be monitored.