2010:425 - 2–3 Watergate, Kilkenny, Kilkenny

The site lies near the River Breagagh and the site of the Water Gate that guarded the crossing between the Irishtown and Hightown of Kilkenny. A buildings archaeology project was accompanied by monitoring of the construction works associated with the remodelling of two late Georgian townhouses into a restaurant and apartment complex. Test-excavations by Michael Tierney in 2006 (06E721) had uncovered medieval deposits below the floor of the house, and post-medieval walls, possibly associated with a mill-race, were also found in the rear yard. The author had carried out a further assessment of the site in 2008–9, work that led to the discovery of a suite of historic timbers. Analysis of these by the author and Mr Paul Price demonstrated that there were two phases of timberwork present. First, a single post and jointed rail ‘scribed’, numbered, oak framing of a building that was possibly an earlier phase of 4 Watergate, next door. Wattle panelling had been replaced by brick and there were two other, probably related, timbers which were also of this type reused in the late Georgian building. An ash dowel from the rail was AMS radiocarbon dated to cal. ad 1528–1955 (Poz–38957) (dendrochronology was not possible). Within this broad range, the years 1633–1683 produced the highest probability when calibrated and this would be in keeping with the timber technology. All of the timbers were squared by hand with broadaxe and pitsaw, so the timber surfaces preserved a valuable record of timber conversion toolmarks. Pre-1700, in situ oak wall framing is very rare in Ireland, making it difficult to make an informed interpretation of the structure. However, its scale and the nature of its timber working would indicate it was a small artisan’s dwelling within an early modern townscape that was dominated by stone housing.
The second phase was an assemblage of 18th-century roof timbers that were site-made and comprised simple principal rafter trusses with double butt jointed side purlins. The splinter fracture of the principal rafters seemed to indicate a major failure of the roof. Also from this period were timbers reused as wall plates and lintels. Monitoring of the development works also uncovered a post-medieval, possibly 18th-century, outhouse at the rear (west) of the site and a cobbled floor inside the northern dwelling, No. 3 Watergate. The timber framing was covered behind plasterboard for safekeeping and all of the other historic timbers were retained in situ (where practicable) inside the new development.