2018:084 - Abbots Road, Whiteabbey, Antrim

A programme of test trenching was undertaken between March and April 2018 within the footprint of a proposed college in the townland of Whiteabbey. A total of 49 trenches, measuring 765 linear metres, were mechanically investigated across the proposed development area. Ten of these trenches were located to the north of the proposed development area while the remainder were located across a known archaeological site that is scheduled for protection (ANT057:007). The site of a tree ring (ANT057:016) is located to the south-east of the proposed development area and was also subject to test trenching. The purpose of the evaluation was to determine the presence/absence of archaeological material and to quantify any archaeological remains that were encountered.

The ecclesiastical site, previously known as Druim la Croix, is the site of a Premonstratensian Abbey dating to the 13th century. It was a daughter house of Dryburgh Abbey in Scotland and was first mentioned in AD 1250 when the Abbot was noted witnessing a grant of land. It was also mentioned in the 1306 Taxations when it was noted as one of the richest houses in Ireland. The abbey was badly damaged during the Bruce Invasion of 1315–16 and may have been replaced by Woodburn Abbey near Carrickfergus. Druim La Croix was a Premonstratensian Abbey and, as such, would have consisted of a large complex of buildings. The layout of abbeys followed a set pattern and it is likely that Druim La Croix closely resembled the layout of its parent house at Dryburg.

The Abbey remained as extensive ruins though these were robbed for building stone over the succeeding centuries so that by the 19th century only the chapter house remained standing. The chapter house was completely demolished during the early part of the 20th century.

Test trenches to the north of the abbey site did not reveal anything of archaeological significance. A trench located to the west of the Scheduled Area revealed an area of disturbed ground. Archaeological remains were identified in 26 of the trenches with the vast majority located towards the central and western portion of the Scheduled Area. The archaeology comprised spreads, a stone drain, stone foundations, human remains, pits, gullies and ditches. Artefactual evidence included medieval and late medieval pottery, copper alloy fragments, worked lithics and iron nails.

A trench excavated across the site of the tree ring ANT057:016 revealed a series of small pit-like features and possible stake-holes. All archaeological remains were preserved in situ using breathable membrane before the trenches were backfilled.

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