2019:789 - DUBLIN: Church of St. Matthew, Irishtown Road, Dublin

Archaeological investigation at St. Matthew’s Churchyard took place on 10, 11, 14, 17 and 18 October 2019 in an area not known to contain any grave plots other than those indicated by a pair of grave slabs a short distance to the north of the investigation area.

A mini-digger with toothless bucket was used to excavate a test pit under archaeological supervision against the existing eastern boundary wall, in order to ascertain the depth of its foundations. Almost immediately, human remains were located, in the form of a skull, and some long bones. A second pit was then opened a few metres away, which again revealed the presence of human remains, and likewise a third pit towards the southern end also revealed the presence of human remains. Foundation depth was eventually established as being at least 1.1m below present ground level

A single trench measuring 10m north-south, by 1.2m wide and 1.1–1.2m deep, was later inserted, offset from the eastern boundary wall by 0.5m due to the presence of the aforementioned charnel pits. The dark soil was removed from the top of the trench, whereupon soft sandy soil was encountered. This was then removed in 0.1m spits, under close supervision of the archaeologists, to a depth of around 1.1–1.3m.

Excavation of the trench revealed that the ground between the recorded grave plots and the eastern boundary wall contains disarticulated human remains throughout, in addition to demolition debris and refuse dating to the 18th/19th centuries. Two unmarked inhumations were also noted, close to either end of the trench.

In all, an estimated 20 intact/semi-intact human skulls, and fragments of approximately another 20, were recovered from the trench excavation, as well as multiple longbones, rib bones, pelvic bones, scapulae (shoulder-blades), vertebrae, and finger/toe bones. The remains of at least six juveniles were noted among the remains, including at least two infants. All human remains were retained onsite for reinternment.

According to The Reverend, some 150 years previously, a predecessor had the crypts cleared of human remains following severe flooding. The bones were apparently buried in the adjoining graveyard, in an unmarked and undocumented location. We believe that the remains found mostly constitute those previously removed from the crypts.

The Author was assisted by Kerri Waite, an archaeological supervisor with experience in the excavation, identification and recording of human remains.