Burial ground in Stradbally North

Archaeological testing (03E0214) was carried out in advance of the construction of three dwelling-houses, entrances and associated works at Stradbally North, Castleconnell. The development lay within SMR 1:8, classified as a burial ground. The site had already been subject to two investigations in 1974 and one by Brian Hodkinson in 1990 (Excavations 1990, No. 85). Eight trenches were excavated during the course of testing. A number of archaeological features were observed, including small pits with animal bones, a pit with charcoal concentrations, and quantities of disarticulated human and animal bone. Six articulated human burials were uncovered, and three grave-cuts, which it is supposed contain further articulated remains. This site was subsequently excavated by Frank Coyne (03E0214). The subsequent excavation revealed the burial of at least thirteen individuals. Ten articulated skeletons, which appeared to have been buried in haste, were recovered, along with a significant volume of disarticulated human remains representing at least three other individuals. Preliminary analysis of the recovered skeletons indicates that there were three female adults, six male adults and one juvenile. It was noted that one of the young males had suffered a fracture to the right femur close to the time of death. Spinal disease was also observed on a female adult. One individual seems to have been wrapped in a winding sheet, whilst others appear to have been buried in a shroud, secured at the hands and feet. The burials in general were oriented north-east/south-west. No structure was identified during excavation; however, the road immediately to the west is known as Chapel Hill and, according to local information, a church had existed at the site of the nearby old schoolhouse. Sixteen finds were taken from the site, including a 15th-century silver penny, a number of iron and copper alloy belt buckles, a bronze mount with gold gilt and two pieces of post-medieval pottery (www.excavations.ie).