13th Century Corn Mill

13th Century Corn Mill

A significant archaeological excavation led by Claire Walsh, an expert from Archaeological Projects Ltd., uncovered remarkable insights into medieval Dublin’s urban landscape. The excavation was part of a major road widening and sewer project by Dublin Corporation, focusing on the River Poddle’s bed, which flows underground today.

Commencing on March 26 and concluding on July 20, the excavation revealed a treasure trove of historical artifacts and structures along the river’s course. Notably, a 13th-century corn mill was discovered near Patrick Street, constructed from wood and stone. This mill, active until the 15th century, highlights the sophisticated engineering used to harness the Poddle’s water power for milling and land reclamation, particularly adjacent to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The Poddle’s diversion, essential for mill operation, also underscored the city’s extensive medieval waterworks.

The excavation revealed additional significant finds. At Nicholas Street, features related to the town wall and moat construction were unearthed, including a limekiln pre-dating the Poddle’s channelling in the late 12th century. Along Patrick Street, early attempts to control flooding with post and wattle fences were followed by more effective 13th-century consolidations, including a cobbled roadway and a tanning pit.

Despite the historical significance of these findings, Dublin Corporation chose not to preserve the site. The primary goal was to investigate the Poddle’s source and document the findings before proceeding with the sewer project. The meticulous excavation process, including the careful study of wooden revetments, provided a deeper understanding of medieval Dublin’s advanced engineering and urban planning.

This discovery has added a vital chapter to Dublin’s history, revealing the complexities of medieval infrastructure and enhancing the city’s historical narrative. The excavation has paved the way for future research and public appreciation of Dublin’s rich medieval heritage.

Association with Poddle

The Poddle River, which once flowed more extensively through the city, was integral to the operation of the corn mill. The river’s water power was harnessed through a system of revetments—wooden barriers sunk along the river’s edge. These revetments were designed to control flooding, channel water into the city, and facilitate milling operations. They also played a crucial role in land reclamation, converting marshy areas into usable urban space.

The mill’s location and the accompanying diversion of the Poddle highlight the river’s historical importance. In the 15th century, the Poddle was diverted to power mills and to protect the surrounding land, including the area near St. Patrick’s Cathedral. This diversion helped to reclaim land for urban development and showcased the city’s advanced engineering capabilities.

What the Newspapers Say

  • Archaeologists excavating near Dublin’s Christchurch Cathedral along the River Poddle uncovered a medieval corn mill, the first of its kind found in the city. Led by Claire Walsh, the team discovered the 10-meter mill on the riverbank, a significant find as similar mills were previously only found in rural areas like Ferrycarrig and Bunratty Folk Park. The site also yielded well-preserved leather shoes, 12th-century coins, decorative bronze pins, oak beams, and skeletons, including a female found in a former lime kiln. Artefacts are being studied at Queens University, with excavations continuing until April.
  • In 1901, during drainage works near St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Mr. Spencer Harty, the City Surveyor, discovered the historic site of St. Patrick’s Well. The well’s location was confirmed by finding an ancient cross inscribed on a granite stone. The well had disappeared due to the diversion of the River Poddle by an arched culvert, likely built during the time of Charles II. This diversion redirected the Poddle’s waterpower along the cathedral’s west front, powering a corn mill attached to the cathedral. The discovery sheds light on the cathedral’s origins and the significance of the Poddle in Dublin’s history.
  • On April 14, 1929, it was noted that St. Patrick’s Cathedral, built on the site of a church constructed by St. Patrick in 448, once had an adjoining holy well. In 1901, archaeologists discovered the well’s location while excavating the Poddle River’s old course for a new tunnel. This diversion of the Poddle, which powered a corn mill at the cathedral’s west front, had buried the well. An ancient stone with Celtic crosses, found in the Poddle’s culvert, marked the well’s original site. This discovery highlights the historical significance of the Poddle and its influence on the cathedral’s development.
  • On April 26, 1990, archaeologist Claire Walsh uncovered 13th-century wooden revetments along the Poddle River in Patrick Street, Dublin. These stout timber barriers, used to control flooding and channel water into the city, offer a crucial glimpse into medieval Dublin’s layout, extending the city’s known boundaries. The revetments, made of oak beams and soil, were part of a major engineering project to protect St. Patrick’s Cathedral and reclaim marshy land. This excavation, part of a £1.5 million sewer and drainage scheme, is the first on Dublin’s southside beyond the old city walls. The findings are expected to provide valuable historical insights.
  • On July 16, 1990, archaeologists led by Claire Walsh uncovered a 13th-century corn mill during excavations of the River Poddle bed near Patrick Street. This significant discovery, made while assessing the area for a new sewer pipe, revealed remains of a mill built with wood and stone, which was active until the 15th century. The Poddle was diverted at that time, altering the river’s course. The National Museum’s Pat Wallace emphasized the mill’s potential to provide insights into medieval Dublin and boost tourism. Despite its importance, Dublin Corporation will not preserve the site but will document the findings before continuing with their project.
  • On July 17, 1990, it was reported that the discovery of a 13th-century corn mill along the River Poddle in Dublin’s Liberties is highly significant. Led by archaeologist Claire Walsh, the excavation revealed a mill crucial for understanding medieval Dublin and enhancing tourism. Viking expert Pat Wallace highlighted its historical value. Despite its importance, Dublin Corporation, as noted by spokesman Noel Carroll, will not preserve the site. Instead, the focus of the dig is to investigate the old Poddle River’s source, documenting the findings before proceeding with the planned sewer project.
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