Excavation in progressA portion of a cemetery was excavated in April/May 2005 by Aegis Archaeology Ltd at Sir Harry’s Mall, Limerick in advance of development of a site by Kenrite Construction Ltd, who funded the excavation. This cemetery was located just outside the medieval town of Limerick, to the south of King’s Island. The excavations were confined between the medieval Town Wall which ran east-west along the north of the site and a later quay wall running parallel at the south. The medieval Town wall and quay wall were recorded, and remain in situ.

A total of 96 skeletons was recovered during the excavation and the osteo-archaeological analysis is ongoing at present. There was significant truncation of a large number of skeletons in antiquity, primarily through repeated burials in the location, thus indicating the longevity of the site. A wide demographic profile was apparent in this cemetery from the on-site investigations, from foetal remains through to older adult (45+ years), with both male and females represented.

One unusual burial was that of an adult (sex undetermined at present) who had been buried in a crouched position on her/his left side. The burial position of this individual is, in itself, unusual compared with the majority of the skeletons from the site. Serious pathological lesions were noted on the spine, with destruction and collapse, and subsequent curvature of the spine. Initial indications are that this may be a case of tuberculosis.

At Sir Harry’s Mall then there is a peripheral area outside the town wall used as a cemeteryat two different stages. It cannotbe ascertained conclusively if it fell out of use between these phases. Thesite itself has also seen at least 2 Skeleton with curvature of spinephases of building since it fell our of use as a cemetery. What is intriguing from the discovery and excavation of this cemetery is that a population group can be buried in a particular location, as recently as the last few centuries, and memory of this place as a burial ground can slip from local knowledge, until such time as archaeological excavations bring them to light.

Further reading: Lynch, L.G. and Wilkinson, F. 2005 To Live and Die in Limerick, ArchaeologyIreland, 3, 5-6.

Posted: January 2006 (aegis ref. 1/2006; 137-4).