2011:483 - TOWNPARKS, KELLS, Meath

Monitoring involving the replacement of c. 862m of existing water main along Castle Street, Maudlin Street and Headford Place took place in Kells from May to July 2011. Much of the work was carried out within the archaeological zone of potential for the historic town, ME017-044. Along Circular Road the ground was sterile, consisting of compact natural clay. At the junction of Castle Street and Maudlin Street there were a number of 19th-century stone culverts. A cobbled layer was exposed and partially removed opposite No. 18 Maudlin Street, an 18th-century protected structure. To the east of Headford Place, along the southern carriageway opposite St John’s cemetery, groundworks exposed a metalled surface found approximately 4m below the level of the graveyard; it probably represents the original road prior to the remodelling of the street in the 1770s. This surface was retained in situ, preserving potential earlier deposits beneath it. No evidence of the town defences or any other medieval deposits was found along the conjectural line of the town wall in Maudlin Street.

Moore Archaeological & Environmental Services Ltd (MOORE GROUP), 3 Gort Na Rí, Athenry, Co. Galway