IAC successfully undertook all pre-planning and construction-phase archaeological services for the redevelopment of River House, Chancery Lane in Dublin 7 for a new 249-bedroom hotel. A desktop assessment was undertaken to inform the planning application process which highlighted the archaeological potential of the area in the vicinity of the medieval St. Mary’s Abbey. Following demolition of the existing building a programme of archaeological test trenching was carried out in consultation with the City Archaeologist.
This investigation indicated that despite extensive modern disturbance archaeological remains had survived to significant depths in places. A Top-Down Construction and King Post Soil Retention System was employed at this site, the first of its type to be carried out in Ireland, which required a detailed pragmatic archaeological mitigation plan; including monitoring of initial ground reduction and excavation.
The top-down approach allowed construction to proceed from the slab upwards, while at the same time facilitating the archaeological resolution of the basement from ground level. Significant archaeological remains were recorded which add to a growing database of evidence demonstrating that the northern suburb of Oxmantown was inhabited by a mixed Hiberno-Norse population prior to the arrival of the Anglo-Normans in 1169.
While no structural habitation evidence was uncovered, activity relating to occupation in the immediate vicinity throughout the medieval period was recorded. A terrace of at least four late 17th-century houses, of ‘Dutch Billy type’ were recorded fronting onto Pill Lane to the south forming the later phase of use.
COPPER-ALLOY STICK PINS
Medieval objects of personal adornment used to fasten outer garments
