Archaeologists finish excavating 18th century houses at Marrowbone Lane

Archaeologists have completed excavations at a development site at Marrowbone Lane in preparation for a 40-unit residential building for older people.

Archaeology and Built Heritage Ltd. completed excavations over six weeks on the site known as Lawlor’s Corner, which uncovered the remains of 18th-century houses and a post-medieval tannery.

“We have collected environmental samples which will be analysed by specialists and will give us more information about what life was like here,” said Maggie Kobik, the site director.

In early January, the site (no. 68 – 70 Marrowbone Lane) saw the demolition of the existing derelict structures, comprising two old industrial units, and the removal of the surrounding walls.

Lawlor’s Corner is within the Dublin City zone of archaeological potential, so it required an archaeological impact assessment and architectural appraisal of the site.

“The site is close to the location of the medieval abbey of St Thomas the martyr and within the historic liberty of St Thomas,” Seán Finlay Scott of Dublin City Council archaeological department said.

These tests revealed four rooms, comprising the remains of several early 18th-century houses, laid 1.5m beneath the ground there.

“It was decided that the site should be excavated to record the remains before they were removed and determine if there was any evidence of medieval activity,” Finlay Scott said.

During the ensuing excavations, Barnmore Demolition simultaneously prepared the site for groundwork and assisted in removing rubbish, overburden, and soil.

“The houses were built in the Dutch Billy style, a continental import following a late 17th-century wave of Huguenot immigrants, who revolutionized the linen industry in Dublin, especially in the Liberties,” Kobik said.

“The artefacts from this excavation are largely household ceramics dating to the 18th century, including decorated slipware plates made locally and imported wares from England and the low countries in Europe,” Kobik said.

There were also tanning pits full of animal bone, including lots of small calf hoofs, which suggested that there was most likely a preference for making calfskin products here when the site was used for a tannery. Kobik’s team found the remains of a three-part timber pump mechanism, most likely installed for the tannery.

“The assemblage will be cleaned and catalogued before being sent to the National Museum of Ireland, where it will contribute to our larger understanding of historic culture here in the Liberties and abroad,” Kobik said.