When the importance of the find became known, Life Inns Ltd invested £90,000 in the examination of the site. Items recovered include 17th century coins, imported pottery as well as pottery made in Belfast.

The archaeologist leading the dig, Ruairi O' Baoill, said the fragments found were without doubt the "most significant archaeological finds in Belfast to date".

"The artefacts which we have recovered from the site are something which both archaeologists and residents of Belfast can treasure forever," said Mr O'Baoill. more>>