2013:585 - 68-70 Main Street, Ballymoney, Antrim

An archaeological evaluation was carried out prior to the proposed construction of a mixed retail and residential unit at 68-70 Main Street, Ballymoney.
Two test trenches were excavated across the length of the proposed development. These trenches uncovered the remnants of a red brick and mortar wall, a stone and mortar wall, red brick and mortar well, a red brick and mortar base and a cobbled surface, all of which would appear to be broadly contemporary. It is highly likely that the red brick wall once formed the rear, outer wall of a 19th-century house, with an associated yard, as represented by the cobbled surface. The brick used in the construction of the brick and mortar wall, the associated plinth and base, are all of the same type and were 19th century in date. In addition, the property as represented by the remnants of the brick and mortar wall is shown on the 1st edition OS map and subsequent editions. The fragment of the stone and mortar wall at the south-east edge of the site may be the remnants of a boundary wall, similar to the upstanding stone wall, which forms the north-west edge of the proposed development. These walls are clearly depicted on OS map editions from the 3rd edition onward. While the property and associated wall boundaries are depicted, the well and cobbled surface are not represented on any of the OS maps. There were no earlier archaeological features present below the cobbled surface.

7-9 Castlereagh Street, Belfast BT5 4NE