2015:545 - GLENANNE: Glenanne Mill, Armagh

An archaeological evaluation was carried out prior to the proposed construction of a residential development incorporating some of the existing factory buildings at Glenanne Mill, Glenanne, Co. Armagh. The proposed development site is located within an Industrial Heritage site, IHR 457, identified as an Industrial Complex.

A series of 11 trenches were excavated across the footprint of the proposed development site (Trenches 12 and 13 were abandoned due to asbestos contamination). Additionally, three test pits excavated as part of testing for contamination by WYG on behalf of the client were also examined.

One feature of Industrial Heritage significance was uncovered during the testing. This was a rubble masonry wall which was uncovered within Trench 7. This wall extended to 2.1m below current ground level. Glacial subsoil was encountered immediately adjacent to the north-east at a depth of 1.1m below current ground level and was present approximately 4.6m to the south-west immediately adjacent to a concrete wall/beam. The rubble masonry wall and concrete wall/beam defined an area over 2.1m deep below current ground level which was in-filled with red brick and rubble debris.

Contaminated ground was uncovered below the rubble infill material. This rubble masonry wall is likely a foundation associated with the mid-19th-century linen factory while the concrete wall/beam was associated with a later extension of the building, possibly the north-west wall of the warehouse structure added 10–15 years ago.

Nothing of archaeological or Industrial Heritage significance was noted within the remaining trenches which revealed evidence of previous disturbance including deep fill material, modern drainage and modern structures including concrete walls and surfaces.