County: Derry Site name: Exorna, Articlave (Exorna Souterrain)
Sites and Monuments Record No.: LDY002:010 Licence number: AE/17/17E
Author: Christopher J. Farrimond, FarrimondMacManus Ltd (Derry)
Site type: Souterrain, Early Christian
Period/Dating: —
ITM: E 678040m, N 934405m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 55.150814, -6.775665
The area is proposed for future development comprising the construction of stable blocks and a hacking lane. The site was formerly occupied by several buildings associated with the agricultural use of the surrounding area and currently primarily comprises agricultural land with some extant wallsteads of the buildings which formerly occupied the site. In addition, the entrance to a previously recorded Souterrain (LDY 002:010) has been identified, partially under the corner of a wall of one of the former buildings.
Seven evaluation trenches comprising a total of c.230m of linear trenching were excavated within the proposed development area (PDA).
On-site evaluation works confirmed that no evidence of the buildings which formerly occupied the site was identified within any of the trenches, suggesting that previous works within the area have removed such remains during the agricultural use of the land. Specifically, it seems likely that much of the construction materials associated with these structures is likely to have been removed and re-used as construction materials within the local area.
In addition, the undertaking of evaluation works confirmed that the souterrain does not appear to extend to within any area of proposed invasive groundworks. Undisturbed glacial subsoil was encountered at a depth of 0.25-0.3m throughout Trench 6 which was located c.9m to north-west of the entrance to the souterrain.
On-site discussions with the landowner and architect have confirmed that it is intended that the souterrain and surviving stone walls will be preserved and integrated into the proposed layout of the site. Specifically, it is anticipated that the stone walls, rubble within the western building and mature trees will be retained as screening within the proposal.
It is further proposed that the souterrain itself will be preserved in situ. On-site discussions with the landowner and architect confirmed that it is intended that the souterrain be made safe but that access to the interior of the structure will be facilitated through the provision of an inspection cover, in a manner acceptable to the statutory Heritage authorities in DfC:HED:HMU.
150 Elmvale, Culmore, Derry BT48 8SL
