2014:143 - St. Finian's National School, Main Street, Newcastle, Co. Dublin, Dublin

An archaeological excavation took place in advance of groundworks for a new school building in a field to the west of the existing school in 2014. This followed programmes of test-trenching (05E1376) and geophysical survey (03R003) that identified archaeological remains.

The excavation identified a series of medieval burgage properties that would have fronted onto Newcastle Main Street. Three burgage plots were found, each measuring about 20m wide and 70m long. They appear to have been defined in and around the 13th century AD. Two of the plots contained medieval kilns that were located at the back of the properties, cut into the banks of the burgage plots. One of these was very well preserved and the archaeologists were able to identify a drying chamber and raking and firing surface, and to suggest that the kiln was used for drying grain.

The animal bone assemblage from the site was analysed by Jonny Geber who noted that it ‘represents domestic refuse comprising primarily of food and butchery waste. A high proportion of dog bones indicate specific depositions of either complete deceased dogs, or more likely partial skeletons/carcasses. Dogs were clearly kept on the site, as gnaw marks are observed on some of the cattle and pig remains. It is also evident that goose and fowl contributed to the diet, and that cats were present’.

Archaeobotanical remains were analysed by Susan Lyons who noted that they ‘reflect domestic and industrial waste, fuel resources and potentially building materials being used at the site’. Wheat, barley and oat grains were identified around one of the kilns. The presence of whole grains was considered unusual, as large-scale flour production is generally confined to mills, so this may suggest the drying of grain for animal fodder, which would fit with the identification of vetch and dock/sorrel seeds. Susan adds that ‘none of the grains from Newcastle displayed evidence for sprouting, a feature that develops during the malting process.’ ‘The charcoal assemblage seems to represent a deliberate wood selection for kiln fuel and possible construction activities at the site’, Susan noted, adding that the presence of cherry and pomaceous woods as well as more typical ash, willow and hazel may suggest local orchards and gardens, which becomes more common in the later medieval period.

The full report can be downloaded from www.archaeologyplan.com/projects

Archaeology Plan, 32 Fitzwilliam Place Dublin 2