14.0 ARCHAEOLOGICAL, ARCHITECTURAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE · The following sections document the...

14.0 ARCHAEOLOGICAL, ARCHITECTURAL AND CULTURAL HERITAGE

14.1 introduction

Moore Archaeological and Environmental Services Ltd. was commissioned by

AWN Consulting Ltd. to carry out an archaeological desktop assessment and

provide this EIS chapter on the proposed PNFX development at the WMI facility.

The following sections document the proposed PNFX development project, the

existing environment at the site and the potential archaeological and cultural

heritage impacts and suggested mitigation measures.

14.2 Study Methodology

Research for this chapter was undertaken in two phases. The first phase was

comprised of a paper study of all available archaeological, historical and

cartographic sources. The resulting historical background is based on a

document search, paper study and previous archaeological work completed for

EIS reports on the proposed development. This report assesses the

archaeological and historical importance of the land under consideration for the

proposed development including cultural heritage.

The main purpose of this desk study is to assess the impact on the receiving

archaeological environment and to propose ameliorative measures to safeguard

any monuments, features or finds of antiquity.

The second phase of this report involved a site walkover which was conducted on

the 14th April 2004.

14.3 Receiving Environment

14.3.1 Solid Geology

County Kildare occupies an area of 1693 square kilometres and consists of two

main topographic regions. The lowland region forms part of the central plain and

consists of flat to undulating topography varying from 55m to 152m above

ordnance datum with a few notable hills, Carbury Hill, Dunmurry Hill, Grange Hill

and the Hill of Allen. In the east of the county this gives way to the steeply rolling

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topography of the hill region, which varies from 152m to 230m. Geologically the

county consists in the main of broad plains based on carboniferous limestone with

a few hills of resistant rocks, mainly slates, lava, ‘reef limestone, red shales and

green grits.

14.3.2 Soil Type

The soil in the area is made up of minimal grey/brown podzolics derived from

limestone glacial till. This together with the relatively flat nature of the landscape

makes the area suitable for arable agriculture.

14.3.3 Landscape

The topography of the Newbridge area is generally flat, though undulating,

deriving from glacial drift and outwash gravels, at approximately the 61 m contour.

The wider development area lies in the basin of the River Liffey and is bounded

on its western, northern and southern sides by higher ground up to the 91m

contour. The WMI facility is situated in an industrial and warehousing area, which

is bordered by agricultural farmland to the northwest (lands owned by WMI) and a

low density residential area to the southwest and a stud farm to the northwest.

14.3.4 Cultural Heritage

County Kildare is rich in archaeological sites and monuments, the best-known

concentration occurring on the Curragh, to the south-west, where a range of

prehistoric sites suggest that it was relatively densely populated during the

Bronze Age and Iron Age. Prehistoric settlement in the wider area around

Newbridge is more sparse and is evident from the Sites and Monuments Record

which records a number of cist burials, mounds and fulachtai fiadh. There are a

number of sites dating to the early Christian period in the wider area around

Newbridge. These include earthwork sites at Piercetown and at Hillsborough: the

later site may be associated with a nearby holy well, of which one is also known

at Greatconnell. Numerous churches and cemetery sites, which may have early

foundations dates, are found at Ballymany and at Oldconnell. The medieval

period is represented in the area by motte and bailey complexes, some of which

are associated with churches, as at Morristownbiller and at Oldconnell. The sites

of up to three castles, which no longer survive, are recorded in the environs of

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Newbridge, at Rosberry and at Walshestown. A full cultural heritage and

archaeological history is presented in Appendix 14.2.

The Church of Oldconnell and Saint Conleth

Oldconnell, to the northeast of Newbridge, represents the earliest part of the

barony where a small church (SMR*’ 023:Oll) may represent the site of the early

Patrician church, where St. Conleth lived. Conleth’s chantry was less than a

quarter of a mile from the right bank of the Liffey. Access, with permission, can

be gained to it by going through private grounds. Its exact location is beside a

private residence and stables on the River Liffey side. There is a graveyard there

now. Many of the graves are marked with tombstones. Old Connell graveyard is

now surrounded by a wall and among the tombstones are several trees.

Foundations of old buildings are to be seen where graves were dug out. There

are no very ancient monuments to be seen. The graveyard is now closed for

burials. The last burial here is supposed to have been a Mrs. Kinsella about

1925. About two hundred yards from the burial ground is an artificial mound or

moat. This can be seen from the Newbridge - Naas Road. Many similar moats

are to be found near the sites of other ancient religious establishments throughout

the country. Locally this moat is referred to as Hurley’s Moat.

Saint Conleth

We do not know exactly when Conleth was born or who his parents were.

However, we do know he was originally a native of Oirthear Life, the eastern plain

of the Liffey and was probably born about the middle of the fifth century and

ostensibly belonged to one of the ancient families engaged in the craft of

metalworking. Conleth obviously felt, however, that his vocation lay elsewhere,

so abandoning all vestiges of his former life, he began his religious career as an

anchorite near the ancient assembly place of Connell. Although this embryonic

community soon began to flourish under the guiding hand of Conleth, he was not

destined to remain in its patronage. St. Brigid’s convent on the outskirts of the

Curragh had expanded at a phenomenal rate since its inception, and desperately

required the presence of a bishop to minister and perform pastoral duties to the

ever-increasing community. Saint Conleth (first bishop of Kildare) was

consecrated circa 490AD and joined the flock of St. Brigid shortly thereafter. In

the Acts of St. Brigid he is called different names - Conlath, Conlaeth, Conlaith,

*’ SMR: Sites and Monuments Record


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Conlaid and Conlian. Other sources suggest that his name stands for Cundail

Aedh (Hugh), which translates to “Aedh the Wise”, or “Friendly Aedh”. We do

know that he lived as a hermit in a cell at Old Connell. He had the reputation of

being a very holy man who had the gift of prophecy. He was skilled in working

with gold and silver. Old Connell was famous for its art in ancient times. After a

fruitful and lengthy association with Brigid of about 20 years, Conleth decided to

make the pilgrimage to Rome. However, during the journey he was attacked and

killed by a ravenous pack of wolves, which at that time lived in the woods and

mountains of Leinster. It is said that Conleth’s remains were subsequently

enshrined in the Cathedral of Kildare in 799AD, thirty-six years before the Viking

invasion, and it is precisely this Nordic conquest that caused Conleth’s remains to

be returned to Connell. It is unknown whether they were moved due to

foreknowledge of the imminent attack, or simply reinterred after they had been

discarded by treasure hungry Vikings. What is certain, however, is that Conleth

was buried at the site of his vocational conception that remained as a testament

to his piety, humility, and indomitable faith.

Church of Oldconnell

The church and graveyard are sited at the rear of Oldconnell House and is

depicted on the Ordnance Survey maps of 1837 and 1908. The maps depict an

enclosure around the church, which has since been removed although the ground

level within the churchyard is raised (SMR file). The earliest datable grave-slabs

are dated to the 18th century. Part of the ruins of the church, which was probably

enlarged in the medieval period, can still be seen in the garden of Oldconnell

house although the site is very overgrown. A square, granite baptismal font with

a circular base, rounded corners and a central drainage hole is sited in front of

the house.

Anglo-Norman Kildare

In 1169, a group of Anglo-Normans invaded Ireland the leadership of the Earl of

Pembroke, otherwise known as ‘Strongbow’. The invaders came at the request

of Dermot McMurrough, the Gaelic King who had been ousted from the Kingdom

of Leinster by his enemy and archrival, Tiernan O’Rourke of Breffney. Dermot

sought to regain Leinster by force with military aid provided by Strongbow and his

mercenaries and promised to make him heir and successor to the Kingdom of

Leinster. In 1169 the Anglo-Normans landed at Wexford quickly taking the town,


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with Dublin falling in 1170. However, Dermot died unexpectedly in 1171 and

Strongbow succeeded to Leinster, as previously agreed (Otway-Ruthven (C),

P.47).

The area that was to become the county of Kildare formed the central part of the

Kingdom of Leinster and was included in the lands inherited by Strongbow. It

included, not only the modern county of Kildare but Laois, Offaly and parts of

Wicklow (Otway-Ruven (B), pp.‘l81-6). He quickly began to grant the lands of

Kildare to his loyal supporters, building a network of defensive military earthworks

to hold the newly acquired land. Adam De Hereford, Maurice FitzGerald, Robert

De Bermingham and Walter De Ridlesford, the great magnates of the Anglo-

Norman invasion, all received lands in Leinster (ibid, p 181), and part of Offaly,

including the baronies of East and West Offaly, Kilcullen and Connell, were

initially retained by Strongbow. Giraldus Cambrenis, author of a contemporary

chronicle of invasion, tells us that Strongbow granted parts of Kildare, including

the barony of Connell, to Meiler FitzHenry, but in 1181 FitzHenry was forced to

exchange Kildare for lands in Laois (Orpen, pp.381-2).

Colonisation of Co. Kildare

The influx of Anglo-Norman colonists, who arrived in Ireland after the invasion,

began establishing a network of manorial villages and towns in Kildare. The

network of Military bases built in the initial years of the invasion, in the shape of

motte and baileys, and to a lesser extent, ringwork castles, provided the foci for

these new settlements.

William Marshall, the great Anglo-Norman magnate, arrived in Ireland in 1205

having inherited Leinster in 1189 through his marriage to Isabel, daughter of

Strongbow on the death of Strongbow in 1174. He concentrated on developing

his lands in Leinster, especially the fertile plains of Kildare. When Anselm

Marshall, his successor, died in 1245 he left no sons to inherit his property and

the vast Kingdom of Leinster was divided between his five sisters, one of whom,

Sybil Ferrars, received most of Kildare.

Abbey of Great Connell

The remains of the once proud Abbey of Great Connell presently lie buried

beneath the town of Newbridge, the crumbling masonry having been used in the

construction of the Army Barracks at the beginning of the nineteenth century.


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However, just 300 years previously it had been one of only six monasteries of

sufficient affluence and eminence to escape the indiscriminate suppression

envisioned by the Act of Parliament (1537). The first Norman proprietor of the

district of Connell was Meiler FitzHenry, illegitimate son of King Henry I.

F&Henry founded the Monastery of Connell in 1202, and after having been

Viceroy of Ireland twice, was interred in the Chapter House in the year 1220. By

the Act of Richard II in 1380, it was forbidden to allow Irishmen to profession.

Great Connell Abbey proved no exception to this elitist rule, as the following entry

from ‘Marlborough’s Chronicles’ details: [Connell Abbey] “....fought valiantly and

vanquished 200 of the Irish that were well armed, slaying some of them and

chasing others; and the Pryor had not with him but twenty Englishmen”. This

incident occurred on the plains of the Curragh and was indicative of the

mercenary attitudes of contemporaneous religious orders in the general vicinity of

the Pale. In 447 ‘The Annals of the Four Masters’ records that: “there raged a

Great Plague of which the...Prior of Connala (Connell) and a great number of

others in Meath, Leinster, and Munster, died”. However, probably the single

greatest factor in the demise of the Abbey came with the Act of Parliament in

1537. Bishop Wellesley, Prior of Connell at the time, attempted to use his

considerable influence to prevent the suppression of his Monastery, obtaining an

unofficial commutation for roughly four years. However, despite an official

recommendation that the Abbey remain untouched, Robert Wesley, last Prior of

Connell surrendered his Monastery to the Crown on the 23rd April 1541, just two

years after the death of his predecessor. The Priory and its possessions changed

hands many times in the course of the following hundred years and by 1781

Austin Cooper, the antiquary, remarked: “The Abbey of Great Connell is so

decayed that scarcely any description can be given of its remaining ruins”.

Scarcely twenty years later the remains were toppled and used along with those

of Sarsfield Castle in forming the foundations of the military barracks at

Newbridge. Today little remains at the site which “wholly lay in the wild Irish

amongst the King’s rank rebellers”, the effigy having been consumed by those

against whom it had for centuries withstood.

War in the Wicklow Mountains

Ttie late 13th century saw the outbreak of war in the Leinster Mountains, caused

initially by the Gaelic O’Brynes and O’Tooles, who had been forced out of their

lands in Kildare and Wicklow by Walter de Ridlesford. The rebellion high in the

mountains near Glendalough, in the Archbishop of Dublin’s manor of Castlekevin,


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developed quickly into full scale war with the Anglo-Norman villages and manors

becoming the target for destructive raids by the Irish (Simpson, pp. 208-g). East

Kildare was very vulnerable, due to its close proximity to the Wicklow mountains

and Glenmalure, the headquarters of the O’Brynes and O’Tooles. This lead to

the gradual desertion of the outlying Anglo-Normans settlements and the

abandonment of much of the lands. By 1299 the town of Kildare was declared to

be within the ‘march’ or frontier zone.

Medieval Oldconnell

A fine motte and bailey still survives at Oldconnell (SMR 023:012). It forms one

of a network of earthwork castles built by Strongbow to hold his newly conquered

territory. Although Walter FitzGerald suggested it was a ‘pagan sepulchral moate’

(FitzGerald (B), p 157) re-used by the Anglo-Normans, there is little evidence to

support this and it was probably one of the earliest mottes built in this region in

the late twelfth century. The location commands the river Liffey, perhaps on the

site of an early ford which is now gone. The close proximity of the motte to the

church at Oldconnell is an indication how existing settlements were used by the

Anglo-Normans as an existing framework for settlement. There may have been a

small medieval settlement at Oldconnell, which was subsequently deserted.

Medieval churches found in close proximity to military bases often denote such

nucleated settlements.

The close proximity of the motte and bailey at Morristownbiller, to the northwest of

Oldconnell and the ringwork of Pollardstown, also in the vicinity, suggests an area

of intense Anglo-Norman occupation. Excavations at Pollardstown indicate that it

was in use from the late 12th to the 14th century, suggesting all three sites,

Oldconnell, Morristownbiller and Pollardstown, were in use simultaneously

(Murtagh, pp 178-80). A similar grouping of military earthworks can be seen with

the motte and bailey at Mainham, Ladyscastle Lower, Clane and Longtown

Lower.

The Priors of Great Connell Abbey

To the south of Oldconnell, outside the town Newbridge, at Greatconnell lays the

most important medieval settlement in the area. The priory of Great Connell,

dedicated to St. Mary and St. David, was founded in 1202 by the Anglo-Norman

magnate Meiler FitzHenry. The priory was a dependency of Llanthony in


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Monmouthshire, indicated by the fact that Walter, prior of Connell, witnessed at

least three charters of property granted to Llanthony (Brooks, no. xxvii, p. 36, no.

xlvi p. 38, no. Ixxxv, p. 93). F&Henry had received the barony of Connell, a

major central part of the modern county of Kildare, after the larger territory

Leinster was carved up and re-granted out (see above; Gwynn and Hadcock,

p.177; F&Gerald (A) p. 305). He continued to endow the priory throughout his

lifetime; in the early twelfth century he made a grant of ‘8 meases of herrings from

Kilpoole, Co. Wicklow, to the priory at Greatconnell’ (C.D.1 1, no. 273) (a mease

represents 1 barrel of herrings).

The priory was a house of some repute, which had strong connections with

certain sectors of the native Irish and appears to have accepted Irishmen into the

Order. In the year 1203 it is recorded in the Annals of the four Masters that

‘Faelan Mat Faelan, Lord of Hy Faelain, died in the Monastery of Congalath’

(Fitzgerald, (A) p. 305). These ties were maintained to some degree; although

the prior led a group of Englishmen against the 200 Irish in 1406, 70 years later it

was noted the priory was ‘impoverished through grants to the Irish’ (see below).

Although sometimes called an abbey in contemporary documentary sources, i.e.

the ecclesiastical taxation of 1302-6 (C.D. V, no 258) it appears always to have

been a priory (Gwynedd and, p.177). King John granted a confirmation to the

priory in 1205, (ibid) with a charter granted by William Marshall in 1220. Snippets

of information about the priory appear in the documentary sources.

It was of paramount importance to the survival of the Abbey that Priors of proven

puissance and pre-eminence would hold the seat at Great Connell, due mostly to

the vulnerability inherent in occupying extremities of the Pale. The first of these

Priors was Thomas, who in 1252 was chosen Bishop of Leighlin by the Chapter.

He died on 25th April 1275, and it has been speculated that the Effigy of the

Bishop, which has since been moved to Kildare Cathedral, was in fact a

venerable sculpture of the Thomas in question. In 1486 a Nicholas was recorded

as being Prior; he was also amongst those who supported Lambert Simnel, a

false claimant to the throne. Two years later however he received the royal

pardon. By far the most cataclysmic Prior, in terms of the influence he exerted

over the future of the Abbey’s existence, was Robert Wesley, who surrendered

his monastery to the Crown “voluntarily and with the consent of the community”.

This he did, in order to benefit from the Crown pensions proffered to those whose

voluntary acquiescence allowed the Crown forces to seize their lands.

Resistance was usually followed by forcible evictions, but Prior Wesley’s,

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obeisance was rewarded with a yearly pension of El3 6s 8d. However the most

famous and certainly the most intransigent Prior to have sat at Great Connell was

Walter Wellesley whose influence warded off the suppression of the monasteries

until 1539, the year of his untimely demise.

The Dissolution

The monastery was suppressed on 24th November 1540. All the buildings were

still standing on the 1.6 ha (4 acre) site with the church serving as the parish

church. Within the precinct were 2 gardens, 6 small orchards and a close. There

was a dove-tote on the town walls and 53 ha (131 acres) of demesne lands

(White, p.157). The possession included 510 ha (1,260 acres), a mill, 5 castles,

many messuages and cottages (Lewis, p.393). However, the location of the new

bridge was moved further upstream, approximately where the present bridge,

built in 1936, stands today.

The 19th Century Barracks

The building of the barracks in 1816 provided the focal point for the small

settlement, which began to expand rapidly. County Kildare had long been

associated with the militia. The first military camp was established at the

Curragh, 3.2km (2 miles) from Newbridge, in 1559 when it was used as an

exercising ground. By the early seventeenth century it was the focus for any

general meeting of the militia. However, it was not until the outbreak of the

Crimean War (1853) that a permanent camp, which could cater for 10,000 men,

was established there.

The importance of the barracks in the development of the town cannot be over-

estimated; Lewis says of Newbridge, ‘The town is of recent origin...it is well-built

and lighted, has an excellent supply of water and a very fine military barracks’. It

was well constructed and very large, built on the lands of Thomas Eyre Powell

(Lewis p, 424). In describing it Lewis says, ‘The barracks are spacious and

handsome, consisting of two parallel ranges of buildings, connected by a central

range at right angles. It is capable of accommodating two regiments with

apartments for their officers and a hospital for 100 patients’ (ibid).

Two ancient buildings in the vicinity, the Priory of Great Connell (SMR 023:016)

and Sarsfield castle to the northwest of the town (SMR 023:OOl) were reputedly


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demolished to provide stone for the barracks (Costello (A), p. 104). In general the

barracks had a garrison of about 800 with stabling for 536 horses (Costello (B), p.

142).

The Government Act of 1910 spelt the end of British Rule and the removal of the

British troops serving in Ireland. The withdrawal of the British troops from

Newbridge spelt disaster for the town. After the signing of the Treaty the people

of Newbridge led a deputation to the Provisional Government in the spring of

1922 in an attempt to obtain the promise of financial aid after the withdrawal of

the troops (Costello (B), p 142). Not only was the town’s economy based on the

‘supply and demand’ of the town but there were also many people employed in

the camp.

The barracks was formally evacuated in May 1992. However, on the outbreak of

Civil War the camp was used as an internment camp by the National Army.

During this period the internees were responsible for damaging the buildings of

the camp, which included burning one section (Costello (B), 143).

On the ending of the war in May 1923 the people of Newbridge again sought

financial aid and the possibility of the National Army being stationed at the camp.

They received little response; ‘it was not intended to quarter the troops at

Newbridge and the buildings would be disposed of (Costello (B), p. 144). The

parish priest was furious at this lack of response especially in regard to the

refusal to station the National Army at Newbridge, saying that...‘it may not be up-

to-date in every modern accommodation, but is an army entitled to the latest

luxury?’ The priest goes on to say that most of the men came from basic homes

around the country for which the camp would be a luxury (Costello (B), p. 145).

19th Century Newbridge

In 1837 the town consisted of one street on the western bank of the Liffey, which

had two markets on a Tuesday and a Friday with two annual fairs, on the 3rd of

May and the 15th August respectively. It also had a dispensary, a police station

with a R.C church and a Friary. The present Catholic Church of St. Conleth was

built by Timothy Kavanagh, parish priest (1837-70) and occupies the site of the

earlier church dated to the early 18th century (Costello (A), p.104). The Church

of Ireland church is dedicated to St. Patrick and dates from 1828. Newbridge also

boasted two hedge schools in the early 19th century with a R.C Secondary school


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operating in 1824, catering for over 1000 children. By 1875 the Nuns of the Holy

family had established a second school at Newbridge.

On the eve of World War 1 Newbridge is described as ‘an important military town

and market centre’ (ibid, p.104). It had a commercial club, a Masonic hall,

courtyard and a Prince of Wales hotel (Costello (A), p. 104).

14.3.5 General background to the site

The barony of Connell covers an extensive area of central Kildare and is divided

into Great, Old and Little Connell. In all it comprises approximately 14,080 ha

(34,784) acres which is made up of five complete parishes and includes parts of a

further three (Otway-Ruthven (D), p.246). The northern part of Connell was

originally a portion of the territory of the Ui Faolain with the southern end a portion

of the territory of the Ui Muireadhaigh (Otway-Ruthven, (D), p.247). One of the

earliest references to Connell is in A.D 722 after the Battle of Allen (Anon.

J.K.A.S, 193545, P.397); the victorious army is recorded as having rested at

Connell after the battle.

The name “Connall” means “a habitation” and was usually applied to an

ecclesiastical settlement, however the full title applied to the area was “Condhail

na Riogh” i.e. the assembly place of Kings. The present name is an anglicised

form of the Irish word “Conglaith” or “Congbhail” which in other parts of Ireland

appears now as Conwal. The area encompassed by this Barony belonged to the

ancient territory of the Ui Faolain sept, ancestral home of the 0’ Byrnes before

the arrival of the Normans, who forcibly possessed themselves of the alluvial

plains on their arrival. The former rulers were subsequently compelled to retreat

to the barren wilderness of the Wicklow Mountains.

The names of Great Connell and Old Connell may also be found in the Fiants of

Elizabeth No. 3671, which would imply that they had been well established by

that time. From early pagan Celts, to Catholic anchorites and zealous Norman

conquerors, the District of Connell has proven throughout history its ability to

provoke the interest, imagination and spirituality of its myriad of occupants.

There are only two archaeological sites which occur within one kilometre of the

WMI site, sites 023:Oll and 023:012, a church and graveyard in the grounds of

Oldconnell House and a motte and bailey complex respectively. This may

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indicate the presence of the site of a deserted medieval village. There are no

National Monuments (in State Care) within 1 km of the WMI site.

Oldconnell House, located approximately 60 m east of the church and graveyard

at Oldconnell (SMR 023:011), is listed as an item of artistic, architectural and

amenity interest worthy of preservation in the Kildare County Development Plan.

The house is classified as being of local interest, but does not appear to be a

building of outstandingly high architectural merit. The list of items for preservation

in the Newbridge Development Plan (2003) includes Oldconnell House.

A number of sites in the townlands listed in the vicinity of the subject site are

presented in Appendix 14.2.

‘M.3.6 Baseline Data

Record of Monuments and Places (RMP)

The RMP is a database recording all archaeological sites in Ireland known to the

National Monuments Service established under Section 12 of the 1994 National

Monuments (Amendment) Act. It is based on Ordnance Survey 6” sheets, which

indicate the location of each monument or place of archaeological interest. For

each, a file contains further documentary and photographic data or information

relating to an archaeological event such as a site visit, survey or excavation.

These are housed in the National Monuments Services in Dublin. The record is

constantly updated and focuses on monuments that pre-date 1700.

Sites in the Vicinitv of the ProDosed PNFX DeveloDment Site

There are only two archaeological sites which occur within one kilometre of the

proposed development, sites 023:Oll and 023:012, a church and graveyard in

the grounds of Oldconnell House and a matte and bailey complex respectively.

This may indicate the presence of the site of a deserted medieval village. There

are no National Monuments (in State Care) within Ikm of the proposed PNFX

development site.

Oldconnell House, located c. 60m east of the church and graveyard at Oldconnell

(SMR 023:011), is listed as an item of artistic, architectural and amenity interest

worthy of preservation in the County Development Plan. The house is classified


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as being of local interest, but does not appear to be a building of outstandingly

high architectural merit. The list of items for preservation in the Newbridge

Development Plan (1996) includes Oldconnell House.

Sites Located Within the Townland of the Proposed PNFX Development Site

The following sites are in the townland listed in the vicinity of the proposed PNFX

development:

SMR No: KD 023:OlO

NGR22: 28001/21525

Townland: Piercetown

Classification: Earthwork Site

Description: The site is located on the first and third edition Ordinance Survey

maps and is described in an OPW field report as ‘a sub-circular enclosure’.

There is no visible trace of the enclosure remaining. The SMR records also

suggest that the enclosure was located in a ‘small, open grassed area in the

town, beside the road and housing estates’.

SMR No.: KD 023:Oll

NGR: 28120/21616

Townland: Oldconnell

Classification: Church and Graveyard

Description: The church and graveyard are located on the first and third edition

Ordnance Survey maps and the site is described in an OPW field report as: ‘The

graveyard which is situated behind Oldconnell House is marked as enclosed but

this appears to have been removed. The graveyard is raised above the

surrounding area, and the church foundations are visible under the briars. They

appear to have been altered. The earliest datable gravestones appear to be of

eighteenth century date. A square granite font (dims 0.65m x 0.65m; H 0.45m)

with a circular base, rounded corners at the base and a central drainage hole, is

placed in front of the house’.

SMR No.: KD 023:012

NGR: 28109/21602

Townland: Oldconnell

Classification: Motte and Bailey

22 National Grid Reference

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Description: The motte (or moat) and bailey appear on the first and third

editions of the Ordnance Survey maps and are described in OPW field reports

(1972 and 1988). In 1935 Oldconnell Motte was described by Fitzgerald as

follows: ‘ Its Mound or Moat is evidently of Norman construction, but it is almost

certainly the site of an ancient burial mound, which would lead us to conclude that

it must have been a place of note’ (Fitzgerald 193545). The Normans, owing to

the exigencies of war, sometimes found that ancient burial tumuli of considerable

help in the construction of their own more extensive and imposing mounds, on

which they constructed their temporary wooden barricades and towers until such

times as they could build a stone castle. Availing themselves of the ancient

tumulus they piled up more earth and constructed their motte and bailey to

prepare for the counter attack, which they usually had to face. The ravages of

time, man and beast have obliterated all of the outer works around the moat of

Connell but the mound is of characteristic Norman style.

A large circular moat, which has steep sides and a wide flat top. This monument

is set in open well-drained pastureland with a good view of the surrounding

countryside. There are tracks of a fosse on the western side. Beyond the fosse

to the west there is a roughly oval area of high ground. This is probably the

remains of the bailey. To the south and to the east of the earthwork the ground

has been disturbed by surface quarrying. The site is listed as an item of

archaeological interest worthy of preservation in the County Development Plan.

SMR No: KD 023:016

NGR: 28186/21415

Townland: Greatconnell

Classification: Ecclesiastical Remains

Description: The remains appear in the first and later editions of the Ordnance

Survey maps. The site was described in the 0.S files as follows: ‘Greatconnell,

one mile south-east of Newbridge; a small church eighteenth century, with west

porch of moderate interest, but there is a medieval effigy in the graveyard (An

Foras Forbartha 1976). The O’Donovan Letters describe the remains as ‘the

ruins of one old house and small portions of the walls of a priory’ (O’Donovan,

1840).

Lord Walter Fitzgerald in 1898 locates the ecclesiastical remains: ‘The remains of

this Abbey are situated one and a half miles to the north of the town of

Newbridge’. In the Townland of Oldconnell there is ‘an ancient churchyard lying


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close to a finely preserved moat, or pagan tumulus’ (Fitzgerald 1898). They were

further described in 1967 as ‘the remains of the Augustine Priory of Our Lady and

St. David, founded in 1202 by Myler Fitz Henry as a cell of Lianthony Prima in

Wales’ (Killanin & Duignan, 1967). The site is listed as an item of archaeological

interest worthy of preservation in the County Development Plan.

SMR No: KD 023:017

NGR: 28255121429

Townland: Greatconnell

Classification: Holy Well

Description: The site appears on the first and later editions of the Ordnance

Survey maps. O’Donovan describes the site in the 1840s as: ‘about a quarter of

a mile from the ruins of the Abbey there is a holy well named after St. Augustine’

(O’Donovan, 1840). Lord Fitzgerald later describes the site as being ‘some

distance to the southeast of the ruins isa holy well dedicated to St. Augustine. In

former times this well was resorted to for cures - a practice to a certain extent still

existing’ (Fitzgerald, 1896). A subsequent (1968) report describes the well as

follows: ‘St. Austin’s or St. Augustine’s Holy Well, Newbridge, was attached to

Greatconnell Priory, founded in 1202 A.D., about a quarter of a mile distant. The

Well, which is surrounded by some half dozen trees, is located in a field, now a

part of the Baroda Stud. The well has been dry for the past thirty years or so’

(Clarke, 1968).

143.7 Field lnspecfion

A field inspection was carried out on 141h April 2004 by Moore Group

Archaeological Consultants. The footprint of the proposed PNFX development is

currently a car park and greenfield area to the north east of the plant. The ground

is flat and no features of archaeological interest were noted.

14.3.8 Previous Archaeological Fieldwork in the Area

Townland: GREAT CONNELL ROAD, NEWBRIDGE

NGR: 281527 215002

Licence number: OOE0702

Licence holder: Martin E. Byrne

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Monitoring of topsoil-stripping associated with the infrastructural development of a

business park and the construction of a distribution centre development at Great

Connell Road, Newbridge, Co. Kildare, was undertaken from 18th September to

7th October 2000. The work was carried out in compliance with conditions

contained in the grants of planning with respect to the developments, following

the submission of an EIS.

All topsoil stripping was carried out using mechanical excavators fitted with

toothless buckets. No features, structures or finds of archaeological or historical

interest were revealed during the course of the work. Additional monitoring will

be undertaken in the future as other industrial units are constructed.

14.3.9 Cartographic Evidence

The first edition Ordnance Survey map sheet 23 surveyed in 1873 shows the site

of the WMI facility including the proposed extension as two enclosed fields

(marked in red on Figure 14.1). No features are shown in the fields. The extent

of the Oldconnell demesne is shown on the opposite side of the road to the NW of

the WMI site.

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There is some speculation in the RMP notes (FitzGerald p. 157) that this is an

ancient tumulus utilised by the Normans at a later date but there is no evidence to

back this up and the large scale of the feature suggests that this is pure

speculation. The location of the motte is almost certainly related to the river and

was probably built to control a crossing point. This area is probably on the edge

of the Pale, the area with Dublin at its core where the Anglo-Normans had full

control from an early date. Castles were often foci for settlement and towns with

markets often grew around them. In this case that did not happen or the

settlement did not survive and its obscure status may be because it was short

lived, perhaps only a temporary structure built of wood. Nonetheless, there is

still, a potential for the survival of structures, features or artefacts relating to the

castle.

The motte falls within the grounds of Oldconnell House the boundaries of which

are well marked on the 2”d edition Ordnance Survey Map. Oldconnell House is

listed as an item of artistic, architectural and amenity interest worthy of

preservation in the Newbridge Local Area Plan 2003.

14.4 Characteristics of the Proposed PNFX Development

The proposed PNFX development is located within the townland of Littleconnell

northeast of Newbridge town centre, on the R445. The proposed buildings

relevant to this planning application and EIS are to be located adjacent to the

existing Building 3. Historic details of the location are provided in Table 14.1.

The current WMI landholding consists of 49.7 hectares, of which 23 hectares are

attributed to the existing pharmaceutical operations. The entire 49.7 hectares of

this land holding will form the subject site application area for the proposed

extension.

The WMI facility is located on the north eastern fringe of New bridge’s urban area.

The facility is currently accessed from the R445 dual carriageway via a

roundabout and single access road. The existing development is located

principally within the north western area of the WMI property with undeveloped

space being located in the southern and eastern margins of the grounds. The

undeveloped lands are largely greenfield comprised of agricultural grasslands.


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County Kildare

Parish Connell

Townland Littleconnell

OS Sheet number 23

RMP number KD 023:010, KD 023:11, KD 023:12,

KD 023:016, KD 023:017

NGR 28150/21580

Height 80-90 m

Table 14.1 Locational details.

The proposed PNFX development will consist of a three-storey expansion of the

existing pharmaceutical operation with a footprint of approximately 6,466 m*. The

key objective of the expansion is to add a contained solid dose manufacturing unit

to the existing facility, capable of manufacturing hormone products from the

Premarin family of products.

In addition to manufacturing, the proposed building would house administrative

office space. The development will also entail a Central Utilities Building (CUB)

(1 ,I lOm*) beside the manufacturing building. The infrastructural requirements

for the proposed PNFX development will necessitate the provision of a diesel fuel

thank, chilling tower, chilling pump and generator.

Construction will take approximately 18 months and will necessitate the

construction of two construction compounds. The smaller of these compounds

(3,895m2) will be placed over an existing car park that is currently covered with

hardstanding. The larger construction compound (18,98Om*) will be comprised of

hardcore and extend into the neighbouring field (which is part of the WMI

landholding) to the northwest which is currently used for tillage/grazing of

livestock.

14.5 Potential Impact of the Proposed PNFX Development

There is a potential for the survival of sub-surface archaeological features or

artefacts on this site, which would be negatively affected by the construction of

foundations for the proposed extension, associated site works, and the

cumulative impact of the construction of roads and the additional site entrance.

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14.6 Do Nothing Scenario

If the proposed development were not to proceed there would be no negative

impact on the archaeological or cultural heritage resource.

14.7 Mitigation Measures

It is recommended that due to its location on a flood plain, near a crossing point

of the Liffey and an Anglo-Norman motte an archaeologist licensed by the

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government should carry out

archaeological monitoring of all groundworks associated with the development

with provision made for full recording and excavation of any archaeological

features or deposits which may be exposed.

14.8 Predicted Impact of the Proposed PNFX Development

Should any material of archaeological significance be encountered during the

course of ground preparation, archaeological monitoring would mitigate the loss

or disturbance of such material. Subsequent measures would be taken to protect

that material either by excavation or preservation in situ in consultation with the

Heritage Section of the Department of the Environment Heritage & Local

Government.

14.8.1 Cumulative Impacts

The cumulative impact of the construction of roads and additional site entrances

will be the same as that of the potential impact of the proposed development and

as such the same mitigation measure is proposed.

14.8.2 Residual Impacts

Provided the proposed mitigation measures are implemented, the residual impact

will be neutral.

14.9 Monitoring

As stated previously, it is advised that an archaeologist licensed by the

Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government should carry out

archaeological monitoring of all groundworks associated with the proposed PNFX

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development with provision made for full recording and excavation of any

archaeological features or deposits which may be exposed.

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REFERENCES

Bennet, I. (Ed.), 2000. Excavations 1998. Dublin.

Bennet, I. (Ed.), 2000. Excavation 1999. Dublin

Joyce, P.W., 1913. Irish Names of Places. Vol. III. Dublin.

Killannin, Lord & Duignan, M., 1962. The Shell Guide to Ireland Edbury Press,

London.

Nolan, W. & Simms, A., (Eds.), 1998. Irish Towns, A Guide to Sources. Dublin.

Other Sources referenced

Eolas, 1991. Environmental Impact Statement for Wyeth (Ireland) Ltd proposed

tableting and packaging facility, Droichead Nua, Co. Kildare

Forbairt, 1996. Environmental Impact Statement for proposed expansion to tablet

production facility at Newbridge, Co. Kildare by Wyeth Medical Ireland.

Dept. of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht & the Islands, 1999. Frameworks and

Principles for the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage, Government

publications, Dublin.

Dept. of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht & the Islands, 1999. Policy and Guidelines on

Archaeological Excavation. Govn. Publications, Dublin.

The Heritage Council, 2000. Archaeology & Development: Guidelines for Good

Practice for Developers. The Heritage Council of Ireland Series, Kilkenny.

The Planning and Heritage Section of the Department of the Environment,

Heritage and Local Government. Sites and Monuments Record, County Kildare

EPA, 2002. Advice notes on current practice in the preparation of Environmental

Impact Statements. Dublin.

National Monuments Acts 1930-I 994.


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