ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESKTOP ASSESSMENT

Transcription

1 Rose Energy ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESKTOP ASSESSMENT In relation to a proposed Biomass Fuelled Power Plant At Land off Ballyvannon Road, Nr Glenavy, County Antrim

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3 ROSE ENERGY PROJECT, GLENAVY CO. ANTRIM ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESKTOP ASSESSMENT INTRODUCTION This Archaeological Desktop Assessment has been prepared by Archaeological Development Services Ltd (ADS Ltd). ADS Ltd has been in the business of supplying the development sector with archaeological services for over sixteen years, providing unequalled service to an extensive range of commercial and public sector clients, approaching all our projects with techniques honed within developer funded archaeology, where commitment to the highest quality archaeological results is paired with a commitment to the client, their needs and budget. Archaeological Development Services (ADS) offers a truly nationwide service providing our clients and the wider archaeological community with a product that will strengthen our knowledge of the past while also providing a strong management tool to the various clients. ADS is uniquely placed to carry out desk based, route selection, survey or resolution works as it has been active in the archaeological sector since 1989 with bases in Belfast, Dublin, Kells and Sligo. ADS is the only commercial company with permanent offices both north and south of the border and can easily facilitate the various conditions requested by the different legislative bodies north and south of the border. As one of the most successful archaeological enterprises in Ireland, ADS understands well the importance of close project budget management, especially the link to product delivery. ADS has a substantial track record in the provision of archaeological services of any scale and has been involved in EISs, desk top, survey, advance testing, monitoring as well as resolution projects ranging from small private developments to large scale infrastructure schemes. ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LTD. 3

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5 ROSE ENERGY PROJECT, GLENAVY CO. ANTRIM ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESKTOP ASSESSMENT CONTENTS Introduction 3 Contents 5 List of Appendices 7 Archaeological Desktop Assessment 9 Introduction 9 Methodology 9 The Proposed Site 10 Monuments and Buildings Record Sites within the Environs of the Proposed site Sites and Monuments Record 10 Industrial Heritage 15 Historic Buildings 15 Ulster Museum Topographical Record 16 Aerial Photographs 16 Previous Archaeological Investigations 16 Cartographic Evidence 16 The Site Visit 20 Archaeological Evaluation of the Proposed Site 22 Recommendations 23 Bibliography 25 Figures and Plates 27 ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LTD. 5

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7 ROSE ENERGY PROJECT, GLENAVY CO. ANTRIM ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESKTOP ASSESSMENT LIST OF APPENDICES Appendix 1: Sites and Monuments 49 Appendix 2: Industrial Heritage Sites 56 Appendix 3: Historic Buildings 57 ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LTD. 7

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9 ROSE ENERGY PROJECT, GLENAVY CO. ANTRIM ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESKTOP ASSESSMENT ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESKTOP ASSESSMENT In relation to a proposed Biomass Fuelled Power Plant At Land off Ballyvannon Road, Nr Glenavy, County Antrim INTRODUCTION 1.1 This Archaeological Desktop Assessment was carried out by Archaeological Development Services Ltd (ADS Ltd.), having been commissioned by the Graham Bolton Planning partnership limited on behalf of their client, Rose Energy. The report relates to a proposed site close to Glenavy in County Antrim (Fig 1). METHODOLOGY 2.1 The archaeological assessment of the proposed site consists of two main components. Firstly an extensive desk based assessment was carried out on information held in the Northern Ireland Sites and Monuments Record (NISMR) located within the Belfast headquarters of the Environment and Heritage Service: Built Heritage (EHS:BH), Hill Street. 2.2 The topographic files held in The Ulster Museum were accessed to record any known stray finds from the locale while the aerial photographic collection held by the Ordnance Survey Northern Ireland was also consulted. 2.3 Additionally, the records held by the Public Record Office Northern Ireland (PRONI) were accessed regarding the area of the proposed development. These included documentary and cartographic sources. 2.4 This was followed by a field walking survey of the proposed site areas, the purpose of which was to verify the results of the paper search and to identify any previously unrecorded, above ground archaeological features. This also allowed for an assessment of the general archaeological potential of the local landscape to be made. ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LTD. 9

10 THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SITE. 3.1 The proposed site is located at lands located off Ballyvannon Road near Glenavy in Count Antrim and currently consists of the former property No.23 Ballyvannon Road and adjacent fields to the North West (Fig 2). 3.2 The main site consists of a linear area measuring approximately 545m northwest to southeast by 160m at its widest point. 3.3 The development proposes to construct a 30 MWe bio-fuelled power station which will consist of a reception building incorporating storage and mixing bins, a boiler house to the rear with a turbine hall to one side, external dust arrestment equipment, ash silos and handling, condensers, a chimney, cooling towers and a switch gear and service building (Fig 3). 3.4 The bio mass fuelled power plant will be accessed via an improved existing roadway leading from the Ballyvannon Road for ingress only with a seperate egress via the Ulster Farms plant. A weighbridge will be built into the roadway by the entrance to the main complex. Other miscellaneous structures include a security hut, a fire water pumphouse, a fire water tank and car parking. 3.5 The power station will be water cooled and this will involve extracting ground water from bore holes. A pipe will take surface water run off and water from the cooling towers for disposal in the Glenavy River. The water from the cooling towers will be treated and attenuated for temperature in ponds before disposal. Additional ground disturbance will also be caused by the construction of a works compound in the fields adjacent. (Fig 4.) MONUMENTS AND BUILDINGS RECORD SITES WITHIN THE ENVIRONS OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENTS 4.1 The Monuments and Buildings Record (MBR) was examined extending to a 1.5km search radius around the proposed development. This revealed that there are sixteen archaeological sites, three Industrial Heritage sites and two Historic Buildings currently recorded within the study area. The archaeological sites will be discussed first. Sites and Monuments Record 4.2 As mentioned there are sixteen known archaeological sites within a 1.5km radius of the proposed site (Fig 5). There are no known sites within the actual boundaries of the site with the closest located approximately 90m to the southwest. This is the site of a possible enclosure (ANT 058:014) which is located on good grassland which slopes gently to the west and the floodplain of Lough Neagh. There are no visible remains of the site which has had barn extensions and a silage pit largely built over it. However, the site also contains a very overgrown bushy area which could conceal a small extant portion of the feature. 10

11 ROSE ENERGY PROJECT, GLENAVY CO. ANTRIM ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESKTOP ASSESSMENT 4.3 The next closest recorded site is a circular cropmark (ANT 058:040) which was identified from an aerial photograph. This site was located approximately 310m to the north of the proposed site at Glenvill and was one of several sites identified during a detailed field by field archaeological survey carried out by members of the Department of Archaeology from Queen s University in Belfast. This survey was in response to a planning application for an open-cast lignite mine by the Mining Investment Corporation Limited in an area west of Glenavy and Crumlin (Williams, 1985). 4.4 The survey utilised aerial photography, conventional fieldwork and Geophysical techniques and it was during the examination of aerial photographs that this site was observed. It appeared on the aerial photograph as a large circular cropmark though this was not visible on 1:1000 scale aerial photographs held by the Ordnance Survey Northern Ireland nor were any surface indications observed during a site visit. However, the mining company announced its intention to open a test pit in June 1984 in an area which would directly affect the cropmark. On this basis Historic Monuments and Buildings Branch (DOENI) conducted an excavation under the direction of Brian Williams. 4.5 The removal of topsoil failed to locate the enclosure though an occupation layer rich in charcoal and finds of pottery, flint and iron slag was uncovered. The majority of the artefacts recovered dated to the Early Christian period and included souterrain ware pottery, an iron nail, an iron pin and three tuyeres (nozzle or pipe that introduces the blast into a furnace). These tuyeres and the iron slag suggested metal production on the site however no evidence for furnaces or in-situ burning was uncovered. A small group of irregular features some 5m in diameter were uncovered and these may have been part of a structure. However, no domestic type features, such as a hearth, were uncovered and Williams concluded that the site was a specialist iron working area. 4.6 Approximately 200m to the west -northwest of the previous site is another feature (ANT 058:039) which was also identified during the Queens University survey in advance of lignite mining. This feature was described as a circular positive cropmark seen from the air (Williams, 1985). However, this site was neither visible on the 1:10000 scale aerial photographs held by Ordnance Survey nor on the ground. Two trenches were dug, again under the direction of Brian Williams, across the axis of the cropmark. No evidence of the feature was noted with only modern field drains and pits uncovered. The area has now been destroyed by lignite mining. 4.7 The majority of the remaining 13 recorded sites are concentrated to the north of the proposed site especially to the northwest though one site is located to the southwest close to the perimeter of the search radius. 4.8 A possible 17 th century house (ANT 058:038) which was identified through pre-mining survey work by QUB is located approximately 750m to the northnorthwest of the proposed site. Using historical cartographic evidence, the QUB ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LTD. 11

12 archaeologists had identified the site of a pre-1729 dwelling located within the proposed mining area. This structure was recorded as being disused on the First Edition Ordnance Survey map sheet (1834) and was not shown on the subsequent Second Edition Ordnance Survey map sheet (1858). 4.9 The former access lane to this structure was still extant in 1984 and it was thought that sub-surface features associated with the 17 th / 18 th century could still be extant. Brian Williams of Historic Monuments and Buildings Branch (DOENI) tested the site via two trenches measuring 20m by 5m along the long west to east axis of the site. Some 19 th century artefacts were recovered, though no evidence was uncovered for a former structure. The site has since been destroyed by mining There are two sites to the west of the previous site and lying approximately 800m northwest of the proposed development. These are a site identified from an aerial photograph (AP) (ANT 058:032) and three cottages (ANT 058:037) which may be of some age. These sites are located close to the Glenavy River with the AP site (ANT 058:032) located to the south of the river and the three cottages (ANT 058:037) located to the north The AP site (ANT 058:032) is located on level, arable land with good views up the Glenavy River to the southeast and also over to Ram s Island in Lough Neagh to the west. This feature is yet another of the sites identified by QUB and it appeared on the aerial photograph as a circular cropmark approximately 40m in diameter. A subsequent site visit failed to locate this feature on the ground The three cottages (ANT 058:037) were also identified during the QUB survey. The site consists of a row of three single storey cottages constructed with roughly coursed boulders with plaster. The site was overgrown with briars, nettles and trees though two of the cottages were accessible. These were found to have three rooms. The QUB archaeologists thought the cottages of be of some age though they had modern glass windows, brick chimneys and drain pipes which made them difficult to date A rath (ANT 058:013) is located approximately 900m to the north of the proposed site. This is a counterscarp platform rath which is located on flat land east of Lough Neagh. The site consists of a central level platform measuring 31.5m by 32.5m with steeply sloping sides that are 1.5m high. The outer ditch has silted up and there are traces of a possible outer bank northwest to southwest. However, this bank may be the result of more recent ditch clearance and not an original feature. The ditch measures 5.5m wide and 40cm deep and the counterscarp bank rises 50cm above the ditch. The bank is 6.5m wide and 20cm high The last recorded site to the northwest was identified from aerial surveillance. This was an enclosure (ANT 058:060) which was identified by Dr Chart 1 and was located on the 1.5km search radius on the shores of Lough Neagh. A subsequent site visit revealed that there are now no visible remains of this site. 12

13 ROSE ENERGY PROJECT, GLENAVY CO. ANTRIM ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESKTOP ASSESSMENT 4.15 Two further sites located north-northeast of the proposed site were both identified from aerial surveillance. The closer of these is a large oval enclosure (ANT 059:160) which was again identified by Dr. Chart. This site is located at Bellgrove approximately 900m from the proposed development. There are no visible remains of this site on the ground and it is traversed north to south by modern field boundaries with a single oak tree growing in the centre of the field to the northwest. EHS: Built Heritage considers this site to be a suitable location for an Early Christian period rath The other site identified by QUB from an aerial photograph (ANT 059:170) is located approximately 1km from the proposed site. Located on a west facing hill with a gradual slope at Bellgrove, this site currently consists of very poorly preserved remains of a circular mound measuring approximately 30m across east to west. The mound is convex in profile and stands a maximum of 20cm high. Though no trace of a ditch was noted, it is possible that this mound is the levelled remains of a rath The remaining five recorded northern sites are located further away from the proposed site area, with a cluster of three sites close to, or on, the 1.5km search radius and two sites close to the Lurgan Road. The three sites around the search perimeter were all identified through aerial surveillance The most westerly of these sites lies approximately 1400m away from the proposed site. This is a small circular feature (ANT 058:036) identified on level improved ground with good views all round. There are no visible remains of this feature on the ground though it has been interpreted as a possible Bronze Age barrow Approximately 200m to the east of the previous site is the site of a large rectangular enclosure and square platform (ANT 059:166) which was identified by QUB. The site was located at the foot of a west facing hill slope. There are no visible remains on the ground and the location has been used for dumping tree stumps, barbed wire, pieces of metal and farm refuse Approximately 100m due east of the previous site is another site identified by QUB. This is a rectangular enclosure (ANT 059:167) which was located on the foot of a west facing slope. A subsequent site visit found no visible above ground remains The last recorded site within this cluster is located on the 1.5km search radius. This site (ANT 059:159) was located from the air by Dr. Chart as a circular enclosure. A subsequent site visit found that the site is a ploughed down mound comprising a circular platform measuring 30.1m north to south by 30.3m east to west. The mound measures 1m high to the south and west and 1.2m high to the north. It also stands 1.5m above the remains of the enclosing ditch which is best preserved to the east. The enclosing ditch measures 5m wide by 20cm deep at this location and there are faint traces to the southwest and northwest. There are no indications of an entrance. EHS: Built Heritage believes this site to be possible remains of a raised rath. ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LTD. 13

14 4.22 As previously mentioned, the final two recorded archaeological sites to the north are located close to the Lurgan Road to the northeast of the proposed site. They are both approximately 1400m from the proposed development A counterscarp platform rath (ANT 059:070) is located to the east of the Lurgan Road on land that slopes west towards Lough Neagh. The site consists of a ploughed out platform measuring 28m north to south by 30m east to west and stands 1.3m above the outer ditch. This ditch along with a wide bank surrounds the site only at the west having been destroyed elsewhere. The centre of the platform is slightly dipped possibly indicating that it originally had a perimeter bank. The extant ditch is 3m wide and 1m below the outer bank which measures 7.5m wide The final recorded northern site within the 1.5km search radius is located at Bellslane Ends on a west facing hillslope which affords good views over Lough Neagh to the west. This site (ANT 059:169) was also identified by QUB as part of the pre-mining survey and it is a suitable location for a rath. However, there are no visible remains at the location The remaining recorded site to the south was identified from an aerial photograph. This site (ANT 058:027) is located on a southeast facing slope of Posey Hill approximately 1490m from the proposed site It appeared on the aerial photograph as a pennanular cropmark which measured approximately 20m in diameter with a 10m wide gap at the northwest. The location provides good views over the townland boundary between Ballyvanen and Aghadolgan to the south and the surrounding land to Lough Neagh. However, the slope is very steep and the EHS: Built Heritage site surveyor thought it a very unlikely location for a rath. Instead, it is thought that the site may be a Bronze Age barrow though there are no visible remains on the ground to corroborate this. Industrial Heritage Record 4.27 There are two recorded Industrial Heritage sites within the vicinity of the proposed site (Fig 6). The closest of these is a mill (IHR 7345) located approximately 300m to the northeast. This former mill complex is located at a bend in the Glenavy River and was shown from the First Edition Ordnance Survey sheet (1834) onwards when the site was marked as a mill. This mill was still shown on the subsequent 1858 map sheet though it was described as being in ruins The Third Edition Ordnance Survey sheet (1904) showed a disused fl ock mill on the site. The Fourth Edition Ordnance survey map sheet (1933) still showed the flock mill on the site though it appeared to be operational. The complex also consisted of a mill pond and mill race, which were marked on all Ordnance Survey map editions. 14

15 ROSE ENERGY PROJECT, GLENAVY CO. ANTRIM ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESKTOP ASSESSMENT 4.29 Flock mills were used for washing sheep s wool or rags which were then used as packing for bedding or upholstery. The type of mill marked on the First Edition Map sheet was not identified but it was marked as being in ruins on the Second Edition map sheet (1858). Therefore, the later flock mill was probably a rebuild on the site of the earlier structure The next recorded Industrial Heritage site was an old bridge (IHR 7344) which was located approximately 325m to the northeast of the proposed site. This bridge carried a local path across the Glenavy River and linked the townlands of Ballyvorally and Ballyvollen. It was only marked on the First Edition Ordnance Survey map sheet (1834) where it was described as an old bridge. This, obviously, suggests that the bridge dated from the 18 th century or possibly older. The fact that it was not marked on later map editions suggests that the bridge has been destroyed. Historic Buildings 4.31 There are two Historic Buildings within the vicinity of the proposed site (Fig 7). The closer of these is Glenville (HB 20/15/017) which is located approximately 250m to the northwest of the proposed site. This building is a two storey, three bay rubble blackstone gabled house with a slated roof which was first shown in its present form on the Second Edition Ordnance Survey map sheet (1858). A smaller building with most of the current outbuildings was shown on the site on the First Edition Ordnance Survey map sheet (1832). However, it is not known whether the current building is an enlargement of this structure or whether it was a complete rebuild EHS: Historic Buildings consider this building to be of essentially early Victorian date built in the Georgian tradition but inappropriate alterations and additions have cost much of the building s original character. Despite this, the building was awarded Grade B2 Listed protected status in The other Historic Building is approximately 425m to the north east of the proposed site. This is Lakeview (HB 20/15/016) which is located at No.99 Lurgan Road. It is a one and a half storey house with roughcast walls and hipped slated roof. The building was shown on the First Edition Ordnance Survey map (1832) though the precise date of construction is unknown. EHS: Historic Buildings describes the building as an 18 th century house in a Georgian style which has undergone some inappropriate alterations to the interior but retains its original exterior features, and displays an unusual arrangement of roof timbers The structure was awarded Grade B1 Listed protected status in 1976 and underwent a grant repair scheme during EHS: Historic Buildings resurveyed the building in 1999 and it was delisted in 2002 ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LTD. 15

16 Ulster Museum Topographical Record 4.35 The topographical and Recorded Specimen records of the Ulster Museum were also examined. These showed no record of any artefacts being uncovered within the townland of Ballyvorally. Aerial Photographs 4.36 The aerial photographic collection held by Ordnance Survey Northern Ireland was also consulted. The appropriate aerial photographs (F and F3 0018) were examined. Taken in June 1973, these aerial photographs did not show any cropmarks suggestive of subsurface archaeological deposits. Previous Archaeological Investigations 4.37 The Excavations Bulletin: Summary Accounts of Archaeological Investigations was examined. This showed that no archaeological investigation or testing has taken place during this period in the townland of Ballyvorally while only Brian William s previously mentioned investigations in 1984 have taken place within the adjacent townland of Ballyvollen. Cartographic Evidence 4.38 The Cartographic evidence held by both the Public Record Office Northern Ireland and the Monuments and Buildings Record was examined. The sources in the Public Record Office allowed a view of the proposed site going back to the late 16 th century. Unfortunately, most of these sources were at too great a scale for any specific detail to be shown The earliest map that showed the area of the proposed site in any detail was a Map of the Earl of Hertford s estate in the parishes of Tullyruck, Glenavy, Ballinderry, Aghagallon, Aghalee, Magheramesk (PRONI D/427/4) which was drawn up by John Sloane in No features were shown within the area of the proposed site though the area was marked as being owned or tenanted by Thomas Faloon. No archaeological features were shown within Ballyvorally though field boundaries in the middle of the townland curved perhaps suggesting a rath or enclosure. This may be an indication of the enclosure (ANT 058:014) One major feature within the area was Reid tuck mill and associated land which was marked in Ballyvollen townland to the north. This site appeared to be located by Leap Bridge (IHR 7346) Later maps relevant to the search area held in the PRONI collection were also drawn at a larger scale so that these did not show much detail either A Map of County Antrim by J. Lendrick (PRONI T/1971/1), drawn in 1780 and revised in 1808, showed little detail within the area of the proposed site though a house was shown south of the Glenavy River. However, it was unclear how close this was to the proposed development. 16

17 ROSE ENERGY PROJECT, GLENAVY CO. ANTRIM ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESKTOP ASSESSMENT 4.44 A Map of Lough Neagh by an unknown cartographer assisted by John Williamson (PRONI D/601/1) was drawn in This also showed the area of the proposed site though at a large scale. No detail was shown regarding the proposed site though Glenavy and the Glenavy River were marked as was Ramm s Island in Lough Neagh The First Edition Ordnance Survey map sheet (1834) showed the area of the proposed site towards the middle of the 19 th century (Fig 8). The site showed development with a laneway running northwest from the (unnamed) Ballyvannon Road. The laneway ran across the southeast of the proposed site and continued parallel to the northern boundary This linked two rectangular properties which were set in a possible yard approximately a third along the length of the laneway. The field system was portrayed and the proposed site was shown to occupy the entirety of two fields and part of two other larger fields. These boundaries were shown to be tree lined and linear with no evidence of curving around potential archaeological sites Apart for the laneway and buildings, the interior of the proposed site was largely featureless with no indications of either topography or possible archaeological features. The Ballyvannon Road was prominently marked as was the Glenavy River running to the north Many of the known archaeological sites within the vicinity were discovered through the examination of aerial photographs or from examination from the air. Therefore, they will not be shown on cartographic evidence. The only archaeological site clearly marked on this map sheet was the rath (ANT 058:013) though a slight bump was shown in the field boundary at the location of the enclosure (ANT 058:014) immediately to the south of the proposed site. This may have indicated the presence of the site The proposed site was bounded to the north east by large sub-triangular area which in turn was bounded by an area called Glenconway. This area was bounded by the Ballyvannon Road to the south, the (unnamed) Lurgan Road to the east and the Glenavy River to the north. The large sub-rectangular area is where the egress road and construction compund will be located The name Glenconway was associated with a complex of buildings within the centre of the area while the mill (IHR 7345) occupied the northwest corner. It is likely that it is the building shown on Lendrick s map of The mill (IHR 7345) was shown as a large L -shaped structure with several associated buildings within the immediate vicinity. Several other structures were marked throughout the area as was a planted area and all were linked by a network of paths that ran through the area. ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LTD. 17

18 4.51 Also marked adjacent to the Glenconway area was the Industrial Heritage site the Old Bridge (IHR 7344) as was the Historic Building Lakeview (HB 20/15/016). The precursor to Glenville (HB 20/15/017) was also clearly shown with its associated outbuildings The Second Edition Ordnance survey sheet (1858) showed the area of the proposed site 24years after the previous map sheet (Fig 9). It was largely unaltered and the buildings were still extant. However, the laneway had been reduced in size to roughly half its original size The field layout was also largely identical to the previous map sheet though it was marked in more detail. The large field to the south was now sub-divided into four smaller fields with the south east field forming the southeast boundary of the proposed site The field layout at the northwest extent of the proposed site was now also shown. This showed that this consisted of a single sub-rectangular field with the Glenavy River bounding the northwest corner. The southern boundary of the proposed development cut across a rectangular field to run into the southern boundary of a sub-rectangular north-northeast to south-southwest orientated field This map sheet showed that the proposed site largely follows field boundaries that were extant 150 years ago. These were all linear boundaries which did not show evidence of skirting around possible archaeological features The proposed site had quite dense planting in its southeast corner and the adjacent area to the southwest was also still heavily planted. However, this map sheet showed no indications of the enclosure (ANT 058:014) within this planted area The adjacent area to the north was still undeveloped though it had been subdivided into three smaller fields. The proposed area of the construction compound and egress road occupied part of the two western fieds. The Glenconway area was still well defined with the central complex of buildings now replaced by a large single structure. The mill (IHR 7345) was still shown though this was marked as being in ruins. The mill structure appeared different to how it was previously depicted though this may have been the result of the dereliction The old bridge (IHR 7344) was no longer marked though the Historic Building, Glenville (HB 20/15/017) had now been built and Lakeview (HB 20/15/016) was still clearly marked. There were no signs of possible archaeological features within the immediate area of the proposed site though the raths (ANT 058:13) and (ANT 059:070) were still marked to the north The Fourth Edition Ordnance Survey sheet (1933) showed the area of the proposed site towards the middle of the 20 th century (Fig 10). The site layout was largely as previously depicted though the southern boundary now conformed to the current layout 18

19 ROSE ENERGY PROJECT, GLENAVY CO. ANTRIM ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESKTOP ASSESSMENT 4.60 The laneway and linear buildings were still extant and another small square building was marked further along the laneway to the northwest. The remainder of the laneway, previously shown on the First Edition Ordnance Survey sheet, was reshown on this map sheet as a track The southeast extent of the proposed site towards the Ballyvannon Road was still shown as planted and the adjacent area to the south was also still under plantation. There was no evidence of the enclosure (ANT 058:014) The area to the immediate north of the proposed site, where the construction compound and egress road will be situated, was still formed by large open fields The Glenconway area was still extant with the large house still occupying the central area while the northwest extent was now dominated by the fl ock mill (IHR 7345). The northern, eastern and southern boundaries were marked as being quite densely tree lined though the planted area was no longer shown. The mill pond was clearly marked adjacent to this The Historic Buildings, Glenville (HB 20/15/017) and Lakeview (HB 20/15/016) were clearly marked. No possible archaeological features were marked within the vicinity with only the rath (ANT 059:070) clearly marked to the northeast. The other rath (ANT 058:013) was also still shown but only as circular hachure lines This Fourth Edition map is a reproduction of the six inch map sheet used by EHS: Built Heritage to mark archaeological features. As previously mentioned, there are many in the vicinity though these were identified through aerial photography and so would not be identified from cartographic evidence The current layout shows that the proposed site is largely unchanged (Fig 2). The field boundaries are largely as they were on the Fourth Edition map sheet though two rectangular fields in the middle of the proposed site have been amalgamated into one The trackway has also been removed as has a small boundary towards the north west corner. The laneway is still extant though the two linear buildings and small square structure have been removed. The linear buildings have been replaced with a central rectangular structure and two smaller structures (possibly out buildings) There are indications of tree cover within the site though this simply may not be shown. Similarly, the adjacent area to the south west shows no evidence of tree planting and farm buildings have been partially erected over the site of the possible enclosure (ANT 058:014). ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LTD. 19

20 4.68 The area immediately to the north where the construction compound and egress road will be located, is still comprised of two largely open fields. However, the north east extant of these have been developed. The adjacent Glenconway is still largely extant with the house still occupying the central area. However, the fl ock mill is no longer identified and, instead, has been replaced by a large complex of buildings that occupy the entire western extent. Two of these buildings are located beside the entrance and these are adjacent to the southeast corner of the proposed site No possible archaeological features are marked upon this plan though the Historic Buildings Glenville (HB 20/15/017) and Lakeview (HB 20/15/016) are discernible. THE SITE VISIT 5.1 The proposed site was visited by ADS Ltd in January The site is situated immediately to the northwest of the Ballyvannon Road and is accessed via a lane to the former dwelling, No.23 Ballyvannon Road (Plate 1). 5.2 The lane is bounded to the southwest by the southern boundary of the proposed site. This area is the highest point within the proposed development and affords good views to Lough Neagh to the west (Plate 2). 5.3 A small sub-rectangular field is located immediately to the northeast of the lane (Plate 3). This is fairly level and under marginal pasture. It is bounded to the northeast by the dwelling No. 25 Ballyvannon Road. 5.4 The ground level slopes to the northwest and the former dwelling No. 23 Ballyvannon Road. The lane runs adjacent to the southeast boundary of the property and appears consistent with the access shown on the cartographic sources. It is likely that this lane has been modernised and repaired during its lifetime. Evidence of drainage adjacent to the road is also visible (Plate 4). 5.5 There is a sub-rectangular area to the north of the lane adjacent to the former dwelling, No.23 Ballyvannon Road. This area currently houses a number of sheds and mobile homes which are used as pigeon coops (Plate 5). The ground level within this area sits well above the lane however; it has been heavily scarped in places (Plates 6&7). 5.6 There are no visible traces of the former structures shown on the cartographic evidence with the main current structure within the proposed site the former dwelling No. 23 Ballyvannon Road (Plate 8). This is a modern single storey bungalow with double glazing. 20

21 ROSE ENERGY PROJECT, GLENAVY CO. ANTRIM ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESKTOP ASSESSMENT 5.7 The proposed site widens at this point with a sub-triangular area located to the south west of the former dwelling. This sub-triangular area is currently divided into two by a hedge of mature trees (Plate 9). Both portions show signs of ground disturbance and have occupational debris spread over them (Plate 10). 5.8 A modern barn is located immediately northeast of the former dwelling and a mobile home is also located to the northwest of the barn. The lane formerly continued northwest across the sub-triangular area though there is little current evidence of it. 5.9 Cartographic evidence also showed a field boundary dividing the sub-triangular area from the field to the northwest. This field boundary has largely been removed though portions of it still remain (Plate 11). A group of trees to the southeast of the former boundary may indicate the remains of an orchard The topography within this area is fairly level though it does slope gently to the northwest. The ground is marginal pasture which shows evidence of cattle trampling. It is also very wet underfoot possibly indicating poor drainage The main portion of the site is formed by a sub-rectangular area which will house the proposed power plant (Plate 12). The majority of this area is very similar to the adjacent sub-triangular area. The ground is marginal pasture which slopes gently to the northwest. Again, this ground shows evidence of heavy cattle trampling and is very wet underfoot Both of these areas are bounded to the southwest by a drainage ditch/sheugh which is quite deep (Plate 13). The farm to the southwest is clearly visible from this area (Plate 14). The possible enclosure (ANT 058:014) is located under the farm complex The northwest corner is divided from the main portion of the sub-rectangular area with a tree line (Plate 15). The ground within this sub-division is level though wet and covered in reeds (Plate 16) The remaining area within the proposed site is a sub-rectangular field occupying the northwest corner (Plate 17). This field is a continuation of the main sub-rectangular field though cartographic evidence showed that it was a separate field at one time. The terrain consists of level, marginal pasture which is also very wet underfoot The Glenavy River runs to the north and is visible from the proposed site (Plate 18). The river is set at a lower level than the proposed development and the ground along the north boundary of the proposed development slopes away steeply to the river (Plate 19). It is unlikely that the proposed development could be fl ooded from the river and it is understood that a seperate flood risk assessment has bee prepared which sould indicate that the site is not liable to flooding The proposed site will be water cooled with water extracted from boreholes. A pipe will carry surplus attenuated cooling water for disposal in the Glenavy river. This pipe may run through this area. ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LTD. 21

22 5.17 The building of the proposed site will require a large construction team and these will be based in a site compound within the fields adjacent to the northeast (Plates 20) The proposed site will also require an egress route. This will run east from the main site skirting a band of mature tress to join the exsiting Ulster Farm plant (Plate 21) No obvious above ground archaeological features were noted during the site visit. ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT 6.1 The proposed site lies within an archaeologically sensitive area with 15 recorded archaeological sites within a 1.5km search radius. 6.2 The majority of these sites were identified due to intensive survey work carried out by QUB in response to a lignite mining scheme with the survey locating sites dating from the Early Christian period through to possibly the 17 th century. 6.3 Additionally, this survey work led to the excavation of several of the possible sites. The excavation of a possible cropmark (ANT 058:040) did uncover evidence of Early Christian metal working activity though no associated structural evidence was uncovered. 6.4 This archaeological excavation took place approximately 310m to the northwest of the proposed site on the northern side of the Glenavy River. The recorded archaeological sites suggest a great deal of Early Christian activity within the area and it is possible that other metal working sites were located along the Glenavy River. 6.5 The proposed site is located close to the Glenavy River and occupies a good location overlooking Lough Neagh and Ram s Island to the west before running northwest to lower level, ground close to the Glenavy River. It makes for an ideal location for an ancient settlement and/or industrial site. 6.6 The proposed site area would have made an attractive settlement site, occupying as it does, an area close to rich natural resources with the river and lough offering good communications. 6.7 The northwest half of the proposed site appears to have remained largely undisturbed and it is here that the bio mass fuelled power plant will be sited. It consists of agricultural ground that has probably seen disturbance only through ploughing although the various field boundaries have been erected and removed over the last 200 years. 22

23 ROSE ENERGY PROJECT, GLENAVY CO. ANTRIM ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESKTOP ASSESSMENT 6.8 The southeast area has been severely disturbed with the construction of the various dwellings and the laneway. Other areas show evidence of heavy scarping and it is likely that any archaeological deposits within the south east area, should they exist, have largely been destroyed. The only area that appears potentially undisturbed is the small sub-rectangular field in the southeast corner. 6.9 The access lane will be realigned under the proposed site and this will run through the small sub-rectangular field and continue through the former dwelling Therefore, if sub-surface archaeological deposits exist here, they would be impacted on during the groundworks associated with the proposed site Additional ground disturbance will be created by the digging of a single pipe trench which will dispose of surplus attenuated water in the Glenavy River. This will run through archaeologically sensitive areas close to the Glenavy River Similarly, the site will require a large construction crew who will be based in a compound which will be sited in the adjacent field to the north. The area of this compound will require topsoil stripping to create hard standing for accommodation and vehicles. Additionally, the compound will require some sub-surface run off for drainage and an electrical supply The area of the construction compound will be sited directly adjacent to the proposed site though the location of the pipe trench is at yet undecided. Both of these will create ground disturbance which could impact on sub-surface archaeological features or deposits. RECOMMENDATIONS Given the archaeological sensitivity of the environs, it is recommended that archaeological testing takes place on the site. 7.2 This is a fairly large greenfield site which will be heavily impacted upon by the proposed site while the archaeological excavation to the north (ANT 058:040) uncovered an occupation layer rather than archaeological features. 7.3 Given these facts and from previous experience, it is likely that DoE: EHS will require that the site is archaeologically tested by means of a full top soil strip. 7.4 Therefore, should this proposed site proceed and receives planning permission, it is recommended that the proposed site is top soil stripped by a backacting mechanical excavator, fitted with a toothless bucket, working under the constant direction and supervision of a suitably qualified archaeologist under licence to DoE:EHS in advance of groundworks commencing. ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LTD. 23

24 7.5 This archaeological testing would include the groundworks associated with the adjacent construction compound and also the water cooling pipes when the location of these is determined. 7.6 The results of the topsoil stripping operation will be written up in a report and presented to the client and DoE:EHS so that an agreed mitigation strategy can be developed. This may include the option of preservation in situ and / or the resolution of the remains by archaeological excavation. 7.7 If there is agreement between the developer and DoE: EHS that the archaeological deposits encountered can be resolved through archaeological excavation, then all such deposits will in the first instant, be cordoned off using high visibility tape and access to these areas by machinery and personnel denied until the deposits have been resolved. During the works the licensed director shall update the DoE:EHS case officer on a regular basis, either by phone or , followed up by letter. 7.8 The deposits will be hand excavated and time will be allowed for the archaeologist to undertake the appropriate level of recording. The level of recording will depend on the nature and extent of the archaeological remains encountered and in all cases sufficient time will be allowed by the developer for this purpose. 7.9 The licensed director shall inform the DoE:EHS case officer immediately of any new discoveries that may affect the archaeological programme, as new discoveries may also have planning implications Sampling strategies adopted will depend upon the dimensions, make up and complexity of any archaeological remains encountered and will be determined in consultation with the DoE:EHS Recording will be by means of the standard methods employed during archaeological fieldwork. A day book will be maintained while all archaeological features will be recorded in writing utilizing pro-forma context sheets by means of scaled field illustrations and by both print and colour slide photography Once all of the required fieldwork is completed, the results will be presented in the form of a data structure report within six weeks of the completion of the fieldwork. This will be accompanied by a detailed post-excavation research design, should such be necessary. The report will be prepared to a standard commensurate with the DoE: Excavations Standards Manual for such work. Copies of the data structure report will be supplied, as a minimum to the DoE: EHS the Monument and Building Record (Environment and Heritage Service) and the client. Disc copies of the report may be supplied in addition to paper copies if required and requested. Post-excavation analysis and the production of a publication standard report if required, represent a continuation of the overall archaeological programme, and are thus part of the archaeological condition(s) imposed on the site. Should a postexcavation programme and / or final report of publication standard be required, either or both documents require to be submitted for approval by the DoE: EHS and 24

25 ROSE ENERGY PROJECT, GLENAVY CO. ANTRIM ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESKTOP ASSESSMENT in the case of any publication standard report prior to publication by a suitable academic journal. Copies of any formal publication standard report will also be submitted to the Monuments and Buildings Record and the developer. BIBLIOGRAPHY Williams, B.B., Excavations at Ballyvollen townland, County Antrim in Ulster Journal of Archaeology, Third Series, Volume 48, W&G Baird Limited at the Greystone Press, Antrim. FOOTNOTES 1 Doctor David Chart was a historian with a distinguished academic and professional career in the Public Record Offices of both Northern and Southern Ireland. He carried out important work in the Southern Irish Public Record Office between 1902 and 1922 such as calendaring the late 18 th century State Papers and compiling the Heads of Household Index which assisted claimants for Old Age Pensions. Academically, his interest in the history of Dublin led to contributions to the Medieval Town Series and he was elected a member of the Royal Irish Academy and was appointed an inspector of the Historical Manuscript Commission in His contribution to Irish History was further recognised in 1922 when Trinity College conferred a D. Litt on him. Chart s association with Northern Ireland began in 1922 when he transferred to Belfast. He initially served as Principal in the Ministry of Finance before being appointed Deputy Keeper of the newly established Public Record Office of Northern Ireland where he set the groundwork towards establishing the extensive collections held by PRONI today. Doctor Chart also had the added responsibility for the care of Ancient Monuments and it is this that links him to this report. He was editor of A Preliminary Survey of the Ancient Monuments of Northern Ireland (PSAMNI) in 1941 and one of his other initiatives was the use of aerial survey in archaeological research (Sean Magee, 2001) Doctor Chart was able to use his connections to obtain flights from RAF Aldergrove where he used to opportunity to note potential archaeological sites in the vicinity of the air field. Unfortunately, he did not follow up his flights with on site visits and many of his sites have been proven to be natural features rather than archaeological sites 2 These recommendations are subject to the approval of the relevant archaeological authorities in the Environment & Heritage Service (DOENI). ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LTD. 25

26

27 FIGURES & PLATES

28

29 ROSE ENERGY PROJECT, GLENAVY CO. ANTRIM ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESKTOP ASSESSMENT site FIG 1: General Location of site on OS map. ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LTD. 29

30 site FIG 2: Current layout of site. 30

31 ROSE ENERGY PROJECT, GLENAVY CO. ANTRIM ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESKTOP ASSESSMENT 3: Proposed layout of site. ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LTD. 31

32 32 FIG 4: Proposed layout of site.

33 ROSE ENERGY PROJECT, GLENAVY CO. ANTRIM ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESKTOP ASSESSMENT 058: : : : : : : : : : : : :039 site 058: : :027 FIG 5: Archaeological sites within a 1.5km radius of the proposed development. ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LTD. 33

34 07344:000: :000:00 site FIG 6: Industrial Heritage sites within the vicinity of the proposed development 34

35 ROSE ENERGY PROJECT, GLENAVY CO. ANTRIM ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESKTOP ASSESSMENT HB20/15/16 HB20/15/17 site FIG 7: Historic Buildings within the vicinity of the proposed development. ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LTD. 35

36 sitesite FIG87: First edition Ordnance Survey sheet (1833). 36

37 ROSE ENERGY PROJECT, GLENAVY CO. ANTRIM ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESKTOP ASSESSMENT site FIG 9: Second edition Ordnance Survey sheet (1858). ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LTD. 37

38 site FIG 10: Third edition Ordnance Survey sheet (1933). 38

39 ROSE ENERGY PROJECT, GLENAVY CO. ANTRIM ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESKTOP ASSESSMENT PLATE 1: Current entrance to proposed development from the Ballyvannon Road. PLATE 2: Looking west at Lough Neagh from entrance to proposed development. PLATE 3: Small sub-rectangular field in south east extent of proposed development. ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LTD. 39

40 PLATE 4: Evidence of modern drainage adjacent to the lane. PLATE 5: Sub-rectangular area adjacent to south east of main building. PLATE 6: Looking north west along scarped area beside pigeon coops. Note original steep slope. 40

41 ROSE ENERGY PROJECT, GLENAVY CO. ANTRIM ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESKTOP ASSESSMENT PLATE 7: Looking south east across sub-rectangular area. Note height of original ground level. PLATE 8: The former dwelling, No.23 Ballyvannon Road. PLATE 9: South east part of sub-triangular area. ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LTD. 41

42 PLATE 10: The majority of the sub-triangular area. PLATE 11: The north west extent of the sub-triangular area. PLATE 12: Looking south east across main sub-rectangular area within proposed development. 42

43 ROSE ENERGY PROJECT, GLENAVY CO. ANTRIM ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESKTOP ASSESSMENT PLATE 13: Drainage ditch forming southern boundary of site. PLATE 14: Looking south west at farm where the possible enclosure (ANT 058:014) is located. PLATE 15: Line of trees forming sub-division within north west corner of subrectangular area. ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LTD. 43

44 PLATE 16: Area of small sub-division within north west corner of sub-rectangular area. PLATE 17: The north west corner of the proposed development. PLATE 18: Looking north at the Glenavy River. 44

45 ROSE ENERGY PROJECT, GLENAVY CO. ANTRIM ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESKTOP ASSESSMENT PLATE 19: Lower lying area to north of proposed development beside the Glenavy River. A single water pipe may run through this area. PLATE 20: General area where construction compound will be sited in adjacent field. PLATE 21: Proposed line of egress road which skirts a band of mature trees. ARCHAEOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LTD. 45