Tivoli Quarter

Project Overview

IAC provided pre-construction archaeological services in response to planning conditions attached to the construction of a mixed-use development including a 242-bedroom aparthotel, retail and nonretail Facilities at the site of the former Tivoli Theatre.

The archaeological mitigation strategy involved monitoring of ground disturbances and targeted excavations in four areas to facilitate specific infrastructural elements.

These works revealed medieval occupation immediately outside the city walls in the 12th-13th centuries, and features representing 13th-14th century butchery and secondary industrial processing of horn and other bone, and a compost production pit.

A hiatus in activity was evident until the revival of the Liberties in the 17th century, with small-scale tanning and dyeing carried out. Interestingly a 19th century clay pipe kiln was recorded on site from which a large assemblage of pipe fragments, kiln furniture and kiln waste was recovered.

Many of the recorded pipes displayed discolouration or malformation indicating they were discarded mid-way through the kiln drying. Specialist analysis suggest freemasons may have represented substantial clientele.