2016:523 - 22 Merchant's Quay, Newry, Down

The area of the proposed development, to the rear of 22 Merchants Quay, Newry, lies within an archaeologically sensitive landscape being particularly well represented in the medieval and post-medieval periods. As the site lies within the zone of archaeological potential associated with Newry (DOW046-042), a phase of pre-development testing was undertaken. There are no known upstanding sites within its boundaries, apart from potential foundation remains of the demolished Customs House. As part of the development, it is proposed to extend the existing building to the rear, west side by means of piled foundations. It is possible that these piles may impact upon the earlier foundations of the Customs House or indeed earlier, unrelated deposits.

Undisturbed natural across the area varied from a coarse, yellow brown gravel at the south end to a blue-grey silt clay to the north. The fact that the gravel, noted at the south end, did not survive at the north, is likely the product of disturbance associated with the construction of Newry Custom House in the early 19th century. The blocky stones, some with mortar adhering, would suggest that the lowest layer at the northern end of the site is associated with the Custom House. The OS 4th ed map shows the Custom House and associated buildings occupying the northern end of the site. It is therefore possible that the few fragments of cobbles uncovered in TP3, to the south of the site, could represent the remains of associated back yards. Overlying the cobbles and the construction layer associated with the Custom House, was a layer of stony light yellow grey clay loam layer which contained numerous fragments of red brick, bottle glass and sherds of 18th- or 19th-century pottery. This layer is readily interpreted as associated with the demolition on the Custom House and associated buildings in the mid-20th century and the construction of the building which presently occupies the site.

The testing revealed that the construction and demolition of the Custom House at the northern end of the site effectively destroyed all archaeological deposits in this area. Elsewhere, small pockets of cobbles, possibly associated with the Custom House yard, did survive, however the criss-crossing of services has caused considerable damage. Despite this it should be noted that the proposed method of construction will be piles, each set at 5m centres, and there is a reasonable possibility that, if further cobbling does survive in the area, it will be preserved in situ beneath the proposed new build.

AHC Ltd, 36 Ballywillwill Road, Castlewellan, Co. Down