2011:379 - WEST STREET/CHAPEL LANE, CALLAN, Kilkenny

Testing was conducted in July 2011 at a greenfield site to the west of Callan and just east of the N76 Callan Bypass. The test-trenching programme identified a medieval cesspit in the northern area of the site, associated with a number of possible drains and post-holes nearby. The cesspit is square in plan, measuring 2.3m across and at least 0.7m in depth (it was not bottomed). A minimum of two fills were identified, containing much animal bone, charcoal and medieval pottery (Micaceous Cooking Ware and Kilkenny-type Ware identified by Noelle Mitchell; 12th–14th century). The edge of the pit had characteristic subcircular protrusions suggestive of post-holes, implying that the pit had been walled or roofed. A number of linear features (probably drains) were identified nearby; although these were found to contain post-medieval artefacts, they could have earlier phases contemporary with the medieval cesspit.

The cesspit is in a part of the site that need not be disturbed for the proposed commercial development, and it was recommended that the cesspit should either be preserved in situ or fully excavated by hand.

The testing programme also established that no surviving element of the Callan town defences (KK026-010007) survives within the site. In addition, no evidence was found for the survival of early post-medieval buildings (KK026-010023), other than the cesspit and associated features described above. Numerous remains of agricultural features, furrows, drains and ditches were identified in the testing programme. These were predominantly of 18th-century date but probably reflect the layout of medieval burgage plots, judging by their position and spacing.

Archaeology Plan, 32 Fitzwilliam Place, Dublin 2