Discovery of parch marks not linked to Old Bawn House
By Aideen O'Flaherty
FOLLOWING the recent discovery of parch marks in Aylesbury Park in Tallaght, which can be indicative of sub-surface features or archaeological sites, the National Monuments Service updated their record for Old Bawn House on the National Monuments website.
As previously reported by The Echo, the dry weather last May led to the appearance of parch marks in the park, with many locals believing the marks denoted the former location of Old Bawn House – which was built in 1635 and levelled in 1976.
The parch marks found on the pitch in Aylesbury
Last month, the council stated that they carried out a brief investigation at the location of the parch marks, but that they aren’t believed to be linked to Old Bawn House, as the house is located further east on historic maps.
The issue was back on the agenda at a recent meeting of the Tallaght Area Committee, where the council said staff from the National Monuments Service had visited the site of the parch marks, and updates had been made to the record of Old Bawn House on the National Monuments website as a result.
The local authority stated: “An assessment of the area in question was undertaken by council staff, confirming the location of the parch marks and determining that no elements of a structure existed on the surface of the soil.
“The feature is not listed on the council’s list of Protected Structures.
“The site of Old Bawn House is, however, listed as a recorded monument by the National Monuments Service and it is understood that a visit to the site was made by staff from that agency.
“Their record for Old Bawn House on the National Monuments website has now been updated and amended to reflect the evidence provided by the parch marks.
“Subject to restrictions under Covid-19, the Council’s Heritage Officer will be happy to follow up with the local community to discuss the issue further.”
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