Download - Archaeological Report - Ballinglanna North 1, Co. Cork (Ireland)

Issue 10 [ISSN 2009-2237]

Archaeological Excavation ReportE2414 - Ballinglanna North 1, Co. Cork

Burnt Mound, Metalworking Area& Post-Medieval Settlement

Eachtra Journal

May 2011

Archaeological Excavation ReportBurnt Mound, Metalworking Area& Post-Medieval Settlement

Co Cork

Cork County Council

Nick Garland, Jacinta Kiely and John Tierney

Ballinglanna North 1

EACHTRAArchaeological Projects

E No:

:

Project:

Client:

E2414

N8 Fermoy to Mitchelstown

John TierneyExcavation Director

Written by:

CORKThe Forge, Innishannon, Co. Cork

tel: 021 4701616 | web: www.eachtra.ie | email: [email protected]

GALWAY Unit 10, Kilkerrin Park, Liosbain Industrial Estate, Galway

tel: 091 763673 | web: www.eachtra.ie | email: [email protected]

Archaeological Excavation ReportBurnt Mound, Metalworking Area

& Post-Medieval Settlement

Ballinglanna North 1Co Cork

Excavation Director

John Tierney

Written By

Nick Garland, Jacinta Kiely and John Tierney

EACHTRAArchaeological Projects

© 2011 The Forge, Innishannon, Co Cork

Set in 12pt Garamond

Printed in Ireland

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Table of ContentsSummary�� v

Acknowledgements�� vi

1 Scopeoftheproject�� 1

2 Routelocation�� 1

3 Receivingenvironment�� 3

4 Archaeologicalandhistoricalbackground�� 4

5 SiteLocationandTopography�� 11

6 Excavationmethodology�� 13

7 Excavationresults�� 15Fulacht�fiadh��15

Large�pits��19

Metalworking�area��23

Ditch��25

Group�of�post-holes�and�stake-holes��26

Features�associated�with�Glencorra�Stream��30

Structure�1��36

Animal�burials��36

Agricultural�features��37

Miscellaneous�features��37

Plant�remains��37

Lithics��37

Slag��38

Animal�bone��39

Radiocarbon�dates��39

8 Discussion��40Prehistoric�occupation�� 40

Early�medieval�occupation��42

Modern�occupation�� 44

9 References��45

Appendix1 StratigraphicIndex��48

Appendix2 Sitematrix��72

Appendix3 Groupsandsubgroups��78

Appendix4 FindsRegister��104

Appendix5 Plantremains��109

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Appendix6 Lithicsreport�� 118

Appendix7 Archaeometallurgicalresidues��123

Appendix8 Animalremainsreport��154

Appendix9 Findscatalogue��156

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List of FiguresFigure1: TherouteoftheN8FermoytoMitchelstownBypassoverlainontheOrdnance

SurveyDiscoverySeriesmap�� 2

Figure2: TherouteoftheN8FermoytoMitchelstownBypassoverlainonthefirsteditionOrdnanceSurveymapCO010,011,019,020,027and028�� 5

Figure3: TherouteoftheN8FermoytoMitchelstownBypassoverlainontheRMPmapCO010, 011, 019, 020, 027 and 028� The map is based on the second editionOrdnanceSurveymaps��10

Figure4: Post-excavationplanofBallinglannaNorth1�� 12

Figure5: Post-excavationplanofthefulachtfiadharea�� 14

Figure6: SectionoftroughC�183��16

Figure7: SectionofgullyC�229andwellC�230��20

Figure8: Post-excavationplanofthemetalworkingfeatures��21

Figure9: SectionofpitsC�213,C�215andC�220��22

Figure10: SectionofditchC�126��27

Figure11: SectionofditchC�376��28

Figure12: Post-excavationplanofthegroupofpost-holesandstakeholes��29

Figure13: Post-excavationplanofthelinearsC�340,C�354,C�370andC�372��31

Figure14: Post-excavationplanofthemodernstructure��32

Figure15: LateBronzeAgesitesonandintheenvironsoftheN8FermoyMitchelstown��33

Figure16: MedievalsitesonandintheenvironsoftheN8FermoyMitchelstownroad��34

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List of TablesTable1: Dimensionofthetroughs��15

Table2: Dimensionofthepost-holes��19

Table3: Dimensionofthepits��19

Table4: Dimensionofthepits�� 25

Table5: Dimensionofthepost-holes�� 30

Table6: Radiocarbondates�� 39

Table7: RadiocarbondatesfromtheburntmoundsitesontheN8FermoytoMitchelstown��41

List of PlatesPlate1: ViewofGlencorraBridgefromnorth��11

Plate2: ViewofareaofexcavationatBallinglannaNorth1fromnorth-east�NotelocationofGlencorraBridge��13

Plate3: Viewofmid-excavationatBallinglannaNorth1fromthesurfaceofGlencorraBridge��17

Plate4: ViewofwesternextentofareaofexcavationatBallinglannaNorth1fromnorth�ThetworangingrodssetatrightanglesmarkthelocationofthetroughC�183��17

Plate5: ViewoftroughC�183fromeast��18

Plate6: ViewofwellC�230inforegroundandgullyC�229andunexcavatedtroughC�183inbackgroundfromsouth-east��18

Plate7: ViewofmainlayerofmoundmaterialC�183fromnorth-west�� 23

Plate9: Viewofeast-facingsectionofpitC�292�� 24

Plate8: ViewofpitC�268�� 24

Plate10: ViewofnorthernsectionofditchC�378fromsouth-west�� 25

Plate12: MicrodiscflintscraperE2414:214:2�� 35

Plate11: ViewoflinearC�390fromnorth-east�� 35

Plate13: EarlyMesolithicflintbladeE2414:US:1�� 38

Plate14: EarlyMesolithicflintbladeE2414:US:1�� 39

Ballinglanna north 1-E2414

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http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2414-ballinglanna-north1-co-cork/

SummaryThe excavation of the site at Ballinglanna North 1 revealed a range of features dating to the Late Bronze Age, the early medieval period and the modern period. The site was located on the western bank of the Glencorra Stream and most of the activity recorded on site was associated with this water source. The earliest evidence, a single flint blade, from the site dated to the Mesolithic. A small group of stone tools including flint debit-age was dated to the Early Bronze Age but none of the features recorded on site could be assigned to the Early Bronze Age. A fulacht fiadh was dated to the Late Bronze Age. The mound overlay a substantial rectangular trough. The trough was connected to a well. A small number of post-holes were located to the south of the trough. The site was suitable as a location for metalworking, specifically iron smithing, in the early medieval period. A large ditch was excavated parallel and to the west of the Glencorra Stream. A large quantity of slag was recovered from the fills of the ditch and a small amount from a small group of pits on the eastern edge of the ditch. No certain features of metallurgical origin were recorded at the site. Two large storage pits and an area of domestic occupation are associated with the early medieval phase of activity. Finally the site was occupied in the modern period. A small stone structure, some linear features and a revetment wall on the western side of the Glencorra Stream date to the modern period.

Project Details

Road project name N8 Fermoy to MitchelstownSite name Ballinglanna North 1Ministerial Order no. A040E no. E2414Site director John TierneyTownland Ballinglanna NorthParish KilcrumperBarony Condons & ClangibbonOS Map Sheet No. CO027National Grid Reference 181463, 103192Chainage 2050-2100

iSSUE 10: Eachtra JoUrnal - iSSn 2009-2237 archaEological Excavation rEport

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AcknowledgementsThe senior archaeologist was John Tierney and the post-excavation managers were Penny Johnston and Jacinta Kiely. Administration of the project was by Choryna Kiely and Fiona Greene. Illustrations are by Ben Blakeman and Maurizio Toscano. Photographs are by John Sunderland, Hawkeye and Eachtra Archaeological Projects. Specialist analysis was carried out by Mary Dillon, Penny Johnston, Farina Sternke, Tim Young and the 14 Chrono Centre at Queen’s University Belfast. The project was funded by the Irish Government under the National Development Plan 2007-2013 and was commissioned by Cork County Council on behalf of the National Roads Authority. The project archaeolo-gist was Ken Hanley.


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1 Scope of the project The archaeological works associated with the N8 Fermoy to Mitchelstown Bypass was carried out on behalf of Cork County Council, National Road Design Office, Rich-mond, Glanmire, Co. Cork. The project was funded by the Irish Government under the National Development Plan 2007-2013. The total archaeological cost was administered by the National Roads Authority through Cork County Council as part of the Author-ity’s commitment to protecting our cultural heritage. The purpose of the archaeological services project was to conduct archaeological site investigations within the lands made available, to assess the nature and extent of any potential new sites uncovered and to preserve by record those sites of agreed archaeological significance, as approved by the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government in consultation with the National Museum of Ireland.

Phase 1 of the project (archaeological testing of the route) was carried out in October 2005 under licence 05E1150 issued by Department of the Environment Heritage and Lo-cal Government (DoEHLG). The principal aim of this phase of the project was to test for any previously unknown sites by a programme of centreline and offset testing and to test sites of archaeological potential identified in the EIS and geophysical surveying. Five Cul-tural Heritage Sites were tested under individual excavation licences 05E1122-05E1126.

Phase 2 of the project (resolution) involved the resolution of all archaeological sites identified within the proposed road corridor prior to commencement of the construction of the bypass. This phase of the project was carried out from September 2006 to Septem-ber 2007 and excavations were conducted under the management of a Senior Archaeolo-gist. A total of 28 sites were excavated during this phase of works under separate licences issued by DoEHLG.

A post-excavation assessment and strategy document was prepared in Phase 3 of the project to present a management strategy for dealing with post-excavation work arising from archaeological works along the route of the new N8 Fermoy to Mitchelstown By-pass. It included a proposal for post-excavation and archiving work and a budget for the works. The document detailed the location of the route, the receiving environment, the archaeological and historical background, the scope of the project and the circumstances and scope of fieldwork. The document presented a scheme-wide summary of the archaeo-logical findings, a research framework within which the findings were dealt with and a publication plan and dissemination strategy for the end results.

2 Route locationThe route of the N8 Fermoy to Mitchelstown road is located in the rich pastureland of North Cork (Figure 1). The project involves the construction of c. 16 km of the N8 from Gortore north of Fermoy to Carrigane north-east of Mitchelstown. The N8 Fermoy to Mitchelstown road passes through the townlands of Gortore, Ballynacarriga, Glenwood, Ballinglanna North, Ballinrush, Caherdrinny, Gortnahown, Ballybeg, Turbeagh, Glena-

Sligo

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Galway

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Leitrim

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Longford

Westmeath

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WexfordKilkenny

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Donegal Antrim

Armagh

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Gortore 1BE2410

Gortore 2E3973

Ballynacarriga 1E2411


Ballinglanna North 1E2414




Ballinrush 1E2419

Caherdrinny 1E2420

Caherdrinny 2E2421

Caherdrinny 3E2422

Gortnahown 1E2423

Gortnahown 2E2426

Gortnahown 3E2477

Glenatluckly 1E2427

Ballynamona 2E2429

Ballynamona 1E2428

Garryleagh 1E2433

Carrigane 1E2434

Kilshanny 3E2432

Kilshanny 2E2431

Kilshanny 1E2430

Kildrum 1E3971



Gortnahown 4E3832



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0km 2km

Prehistoric Settlement Site

Post Medieval

Early Medieval

Prehistoric Site

Burnt Mound

Non-archaeological


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Figure1: TherouteoftheN8FermoytoMitchelstownBypassoverlainontheOrdnanceSurveyDiscoverySeriesmap�


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tlucky, Ballynamona, Kilshanny, Corracunna, Kildrum, Garryleagh, and Carrigane. The townlands are located in the parishes of Kilcrumper, Glanworth and Brigown and Barony of Condons & Clangibbon, with the exception of Gortore, and Glenwood, which are located in the Barony of Fermoy.

The route begins at the northern end of the Fermoy Bypass at Gortore, c. 2km north of Fermoy, and continues northwards across the River Funshion, and to the west of the Glencorra Stream, a tributary of the Funshion, for 4 km. At Caherdrinny, it crosses over the western extremities of the Kilworth Mountains. From there it descends north-east-wards onto the broad plain that extends east and north-eastwards from Mitchelstown. It crosses the existing N8 at Gortnahown and passes to the east of Mitchelstown, crossing the R665 Mitchelstown-Ballyporeen road and links up with the N8 Cashel Mitchelstown Road at Carrigane south of Kilbeheny and 2 km west of where the borders of the Cork, Limerick and Tipperary counties meet.

3 Receiving environmentThe topography of East Cork and Waterford consists of east/west valleys separated by in-tervening ridges. The ridges consist of sandstones and mudstones of the Devonian Period (Old Red Sandstone) laid down 355-410 million years ago and the valleys of Carbonifer-ous limestones laid down 290-355 million years ago. The sediments covering many of the rocks are mainly of glacial origin deposited by glacial ice or meltwater (Sleeman and McConnell 1995, 1).

The landscape of the area is dominated by the Galtee Mountains to the north, the Ballyhoura Mountains to the north-west, the Kilworth Mountains to the east and the Nagles to the south. The landscape is drained by the Blackwater River, the Funshion River (which flows into the Blackwater River c. 2 km north-east of Fermoy), and the Glencorra Stream, a tributary of the Funshion River. The largest population centres in the area, Fermoy and Mitchelstown, have developed on the banks of the River Blackwater and Gradoge (a tributary of the Funshion), respectively.

The route begins at Gortore, c. 2 km north of Fermoy, at an elevation of c. 40 m OD. At Caherdrinny, it rises to its maximum elevation of c. 180 m OD as it crosses over the western extremities of the Kilworth Mountains, before descending onto the broad plain that that extends east and north-eastwards from Mitchelstown, at an elevation of 100-120 m OD.

The soils on the southern portion of the route are characterised by acid brown earths derived from mixed sandstone and limestone glacial till. These soils occur generally in the valleys of Cork and Waterford (Gardiner and Radford 1980, 61), and have a wide use range, being suitable for tillage and grass production. The soils on the western limits of Kilworth Mountains are characterised by brown podzolics derived from sandstone. The soils on the northern portion of the route are characterised by brown podzolics derived from sandstone and shale glacial till. They have a wide range of potential uses and are well


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suited to arable and pastoral farming (ibid., 67). Land use along the route was almost en-tirely grassland devoted to intensive dairying and cattle-rearing, with only an occasional tillage field.

4 Archaeological and historical backgroundArchaeological sites of numerous periods were discovered along the route of the new road (Figure 2). The periods are referred to as follows: Mesolithic (c. 8000 to 4000 BC), Neolithic (c. 4000 to 2000 BC), Chalcolithic (Beaker) (c. 2500-2000 BC), Bronze Age (c. 2000 to 500 BC), and Iron Age (c. 500 BC to AD 500), early medieval period (c. AD 500 to 1100), medieval period (c. AD 1100 to 1650), post-medieval period (c. AD 1650 to the present).

A number of Giant Irish Deer (Megaloceros giganteus) skulls, large antlers, antler frag-ments and various long-bones were retrieved from the clay sediments, c. 1.5 m below the peat stratum at Ballyoran Bog (04E1014) on the route of the N8 Rathcormac Fermoy. A radiocarbon date of cal BC 11201-10962 was returned for the Giant Irish Deer. Gi-ant Irish Deer are extinct but are known to have inhabited Ireland during two separate periods in the Pleistocene (from 37,000-32,000 BP and 11,750-10,950 BP), with examples from lake deposits beneath peat bogs frequently dating to the period between 11,750 BP and 10,950 BP (Woodman et al. 1997). The Ballyoran Bog examples were found in this typical location of lacustrine (lake) sediments beneath peat and they therefore pre-date the beginnings of bog formation and the first human settlement of the area.

Mesolithic (c. 8000 to 4000 BC)The earliest known human settlement in Ireland dates from the Mesolithic period (c. 8000 BC - 4000 BC). In Munster, the majority of the evidence (flint scatters) for Meso-lithic occupation has ‘come from the Blackwater valley in Co. Cork’ (Woodman 1989, 116). Flint scatters were recorded in the townlands of Kilcummer Lower (CO034-060) on the northern bank of the Blackwater c. 13 km to the south-west of the route and in Ballynamona (CO018-099) and Wallstown (CO018-100) on the northern and southern sides of the Awbeg river respectively c. 20 km to the west of the route (Power et al. 2000, 2). Mesolithic sites and find spots were recorded on other road schemes in Co. Cork, these included; Rath-healy 3 03E1678 and Curraghprevin 3 03E1138 (N8 Rathcormac Fermoy Bypass), Ballynacarriaga 1 01E0567 (N25 Youghal Bypass), Ballinaspig More 5 01E0546 (N22 Ballincollig Bypass) and Carrigrohane 3 02E0431 (N22 BG).

Mesolithic activity was recorded on the route of the N8 Fermoy-Mitchelstown at Gortore E2410 and at Caherdrinny 3 E2422 and Mesolithic stone tools were recovered from Ballinglanna North 1 E2414, Ballinglanna North 3 E2416 and Ballinglanna North 6 E3972.

Sligo

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Gortore 1BE2410

Gortore 2E3973







Ballinrush 1E2419

Caherdrinny 1E2420

Caherdrinny 2E2421

Caherdrinny 3E2422

Gortnahown 1E2423

Gortnahown 2E2426

Gortnahown 3E2477

Glenatluckly 1E2427

Ballynamona 2E2429

Ballynamona 1E2428

Garryleagh 1E2433

Carrigane 1E2434

Kilshanny 3E2432

Kilshanny 2E2431

Kilshanny 1E2430

Kildrum 1E3971



Gortnahown 4E3832



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Post Medieval

Early Medieval

Prehistoric Site

Burnt Mound

Non-archaeological


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Figure2: The route of the N8 Fermoy to Mitchelstown Bypass overlain on the first edition Ordnance Survey mapCO010,011,019,020,027and028�


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Neolithic (c. 4000 to 2000 BC)The Neolithic Period is characterised by the introduction of agriculture and the begin-nings of the clearance of the woodlands. The population increased and became more sedentary in nature. A substantial Neolithic settlement site has been recorded at Lough Gur, Co. Limerick. Previously the nearest known Neolithic house was located in Pepper-hill (CO016-226/01) c. 30 km to the northwest of the route. It was recorded during the construction of the Bruff-Mallow gas pipeline (Gowen 1988, 44-51).

The material culture includes the manufacture of pottery, flint and stone arrowheads, scrapers, axes etc. The range of monuments types includes Megalithic tombs, single burial graves and stone circles. Megalithic tombs can be sub-divided into court tombs, portal tombs, passage tombs and wedge tombs. There are few wedge tombs or stone circles known from north or east Cork. Two of the exceptions are wedge tombs located at Lab-bacallee (CO027-086), which is one of the largest wedge tombs in the country, and at Manning (CO027-091) both located c. 4 km west of the N8.

Recent infrastructural work on the N8 Rathcormac to Fermoy and the Ballincollig Bypass have added significantly to the number of Neolithic sites in the county. A Neo-lithic house was excavated at Gortore (E2119), on the N8 Rathcormac to Fermoy road and another Neolithic house was excavated at Barnagore (02E0384), along the route of the Ballincollig Bypass. Both of these Cork examples produced essentially the same ra-diocarbon results (cal BC 3940-3620 at Barnagore and cal BC 3928-3655 from Gortore) and they represent the oldest known houses in the county. A single pit at Fermoy town-land (05E0078), located c. 3 km to the south of Gortore, produced 12 sherds of a Middle Neolithic Globular bowl, and another site at Curraghprevin (c.12 km south of Gortore) produced Western Neolithic (Early Neolithic) pottery and a radiocarbon date of 3090-2580 BC (Late Neolithic).

Rectangular Neolithic houses were recorded on the route of the N8 FM at Gortore 1b (E2410), Ballinglanna North 3 (E2416) and Caherdrinny 3 (E2422). A large enclosure containing several structures associated with Late Neolithic pottery was excavated at Bal-lynacarriaga 3 (E2412). Activity dating to the Neolithic was also recorded at Ballynamona 1 (E2428), Ballynamona 2 (E2429), and Gortnahown 2 (E2426) and Gortore 2 (E3973).

Bronze Age (c. 2000 to 500 BC)The Bronze Age is characterised by the introduction of metallurgy and an increase in settlement and burial sites. Copper ores were mined and copper, bronze and gold items manufactured. The range of burial site types includes cist graves, pit and urn burials, cremation cemeteries, barrows, ring-ditches and wedge tombs. Stone circles and stand-ing stones also date to the Bronze Age. Both enclosed and unenclosed settlement sites are known. The most prolific Bronze Age site type is the fulacht fiadh; over 2,000 examples have been recorded in County Cork alone. These monuments survive as low mounds of charcoal rich black silt, packed with heat-shattered stones, and generally situated close to a water source. Fulachta fiadh are generally classified as ‘cooking places’, whereby stones


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were heated in a hearth and subsequently placed in a trough of water, the water continued to boil with the addition of hot stones and wrapped food was cooked within the hot wa-ter. The trough eventually filled with small stones, ash and charcoal that were removed, forming the basis of the familiar mound.

The Bronze Age cemetery site at Mitchelstowndown West, c. 16 km to the north of Mitchelstown, contains 53 small barrows. The Discovery Programme Report 1 (Daly and Grogan 1992, 44) selected four of this group for excavation.

Until recently, Bronze Age settlement sites were a rarity in North Cork. A Bronze Age occupation site was recorded underlying the medieval ringfort Lisleagh I (CO027-158) c. 2.5 km to the west of the N8 (Power et al. 2000, 210). A house site was excavated at Killydonoghoe on the route of the N8 Glanmire-Watergrasshill Bypass (Sherlock 2003). Three circular houses dating to the Middle Bronze Age were excavated at Mitchelstown (04E1072) on the N8 Mitchelstown Relief Road. A large Bronze Age settlement site con-sisting of three circular enclosures and three circular houses was excavated in 2003 at Ballybrowney (03E1058), on the route of the N8 Rathcormac-Fermoy (Cotter 2005, 40).

Bronze Age round houses were recorded on the route of the N8 Fermoy – Mitchel-stown at Kilshanny 1 (E2432) and Ballynamona 2 (E2429). Burnt mounds/fulachta fiadh sites were recorded at Ballinglanna North 1 (E2414), Ballinglanna North 3 (E2416), Ball-inglanna North 6 (E3972), Ballynamona 2 (E2429), Caherdrinny 1 (E2420), Kilshanny 3 (E2432) and Kildrum 1 (E3971). Two ring ditches and associated cists and pits burials were recorded at Ballynacarriga 3 (E2412). Portions of several encrusted urns and food vessels dating to the Early Bronze Age were recorded in association with the burials. A cremation burial and associated Early Bronze Age urn were also recorded at Glenatlucky (E2427).

Iron Age (c. 500 BC to AD 500)Until the last decade there was little evidence of a significant Iron Age presence in the Cork region. Settlement sites are few and far between as well as being difficult to identify (Woodman, 2000) while the material culture of this period is limited. Linear earthworks, believed to have marked tribal boundaries, and hillforts are two of the most visible monu-ments of the period.

Three separate stretches of a linear boundary, the Claidh Dubh, have been recorded in County Cork. The longest stretch, c. 24 km in length extends from the Nagle Mountains, across the Blackwater valley and into the Ballyhoura Hills. Radiocarbon dating following excavation of a section of it revealed it dated to some time before AD100 (Doody 1995, 23).

Two of the four hillfort sites in Cork are located in North Cork (Power et al. 2000, 205). Caherdrinny (CO019:97/01&03) is located at the western end of the Kilworth Mountains, c. 700 m to the west of the N8, Corrin (CO035:49/01) is located at the east-ern end of the Nagle Mountains, overlooking a pass between the Blackwater and Bride river valleys just south of Fermoy.


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Iron Age dates were returned from a roundhouse at Ballinaspig More 5 01E0546, a possible bowl furnace at Curraheen 1 01E1209 and the fulacht fiadh at Curraheen 4 02E1297 on the N22 Ballincollig Bypass; the Iron Age structure at Muckridge 1 01E0429 on the N25 Youghal Bypass; iron working sites at Kilrussane 01E0701 and Trabstown 01E0501 on the N8 Glanmire Watergrasshill Bypass; the iron working site at Lisnagar De-mesne 1 03E1510, the pit at Maulane East 1 03E1286, the pit at Scartbarry 3 03E1800, the corn-drying kiln at Rath-healy 1 03E1139, the burnt mound at Fermoy Wood 04E1014 and the ring ditch at Ballybrowney Lower 3 05E0233 all on the M8 Rathcormac Fermoy.

Activity dating to the Iron Age was recorded on the route of the N8 Fermoy – Mitch-elstown at Ballinglanna North 3 E2416, Ballinglanna North 4 E2417, Ballynacarriaga 3 E2412, Gortnahown 1 E2423, Gortnahown 3 E2477 and Caherdrinny 3 E2422. The sites, with the exception of a single fire pit at Ballinglanna North 4 E2417, did not date exclusively to the Iron Age.

Early medieval period (c. AD 500 to 1100)The early medieval period is characterised by the arrival of Christianity to Ireland. The characteristic monument type of the period is the ringfort. Ringforts are the most nu-merous archaeological monument found in Ireland, with estimates of between 30,000 and 50,000 illustrated on the first edition of the Ordnance Survey 6” maps of the 1840’s (Barry 1987). As a result of continued research, the construction of these monuments has a narrow date range during the early medieval period between the 7th and 9th centuries AD. Although there are some very elaborate examples of ringforts, they often take the form of a simple earth or stone enclosure functioning as settlements for all classes of secu-lar society (Stout 1997).

A major research excavation of two ringforts was undertaken at Lisleagh, c. 2.5 km to the west of the N8 route, in the late 1980s/early1990s. Structural, domestic and industrial evidence was recorded at both sites. A number of stake and wattle round houses, and ironworking were recorded in Lisleagh I, which had two phases of occupation, ranging from the early 7th century to the 9th century AD (Monk 1995, 105-116).

Souterrains, frequently associated with ringforts and enclosures, are man made un-derground chambers linked by narrow passageways. The concealed entrance is located at ground level. It is thought souterrains were used for storage or places of refuge during times of trouble (Clinton 2001). It has also been hypothesised that some may have been used for housing slaves.

The monastery of Brigown (which gave the name to the modern parish in Mitchel-stown) was founded in the 7th century by Fanahan. Fanahan is reputed to have com-missioned seven smiths to make seven sickles which were used by him for self-mortifica-tion. The new monastery was named, Brí Gabhann, for the smiths (Power 1996, 3). The ecclesiastical remains comprise a church, graveyard, holy well and site of round tower (CO019:30/01-05). A possible enclosure site with evidence of metalworking was excavated


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by John Purcell in Brigown. This was possibly the enclosure of Brigown. No dates were obtained from the site (John Purcell personal communication).

A horizontal-wheeled mill (CO027-108) was located on the northern side of the Glen-corra Stream c. 120 m north of the confluence with the River Funshion.

A ringfort and associated souterrain (CO027-109) were excavated on the route of the N8 Fermoy – Mitchelstown at Ballynacarriga 2 (E2413). Two circular houses and a com-prehensive range of metalworking activities were excavated at Gortnahown 2 (E2426). Sites with evidence of metalworking activities were also excavated at Ballynamona 2 (E2429) and Ballinglanna North 1 (E2412).

High and later medieval periods (c. AD 1100 to 1650)This period is characterized by the arrival of the Anglo-Normans and the building of tower houses. Mitchelstown was formerly known as Brigown / Mitchelstown (CO019-149). It was listed as a market town in 1299 and was located on the southern bank of the Gradoge River, to the east of Mitchelstown Castle (Power et al. 2000, 595). The town developed under the patronage of the House of Desmond. It passed into the hands of the Earls of Kingston in the 17th century (Power 1996, 23).

The Condon family controlled the barony of Condons and Clongibbon. Two of their castles are located in close vicinity to the route of the N8 FM. Cloghleagh Castle (CO027:113) is located on the northern bank of the Funshion River to the east of the new route. It was built on an outcrop of limestone bedrock. It is a 5-storey tower with associated bawn wall (Power et al. 2000, 537). Caherdrinny Castle (CO019:97/02) is lo-cated to the west of the route. It was a 5-storey tower built within the hillfort enclosure (CO019:97/01&03). Glanworth Castle (Boherash CO027-42) is located on a sheer lime-stone cliff overlooking the River Funshion 5 km to the west of the route. The 13th-century hall house is associated with a four-sided walled enclosure (ibid. 516).

Post-medieval period (c. 1650 to the present).The post-medieval period is characterised by mills, limekilns, workhouses, country hous-es and associated demesnes, vernacular buildings and field systems (Figure 3). Three de-mesnes associated with country houses are within the route of the N8 at Moorepark, Ballynacarriga and Glenwood. The estate system was dismantled in Ireland in the early 20th century. Demesnes usually comprise of a large country house with associated stables, farm buildings and gate lodges, areas of woodland and ornamental gardens etc. The de-mesne was usually enclosed by a high stone wall such as that associated with Moorepark. Moorepark house and demesne was the seat of the Earls Mountcashell (Lewis 1988, 312). The Moorepark Estate covered an area around 800 acres and extended both north and south of the river Funshion. The house was sold to the British War Office c. 1903 by the 5th Earl’s daughter (Bence-Jones 1996, 211). It burned down in 1908 and was never rebuilt. No trace of it now survives The demesne is clearly defined by woodland on the

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Kilshanny 1E2430

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Gortnahown 4E3832



N

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Post Medieval

Early Medieval

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Burnt Mound

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10

Figure3: TherouteoftheN8FermoytoMitchelstownBypassoverlainontheRMPmapCO010,011,019,020,027and028�ThemapisbasedonthesecondeditionOrdnanceSurveymaps�


11


1841-2 and 1906 edition Ordnance Survey maps, which was most likely enclosed by a wall. It is likely that the demesne walls are contemporary with the mansion house and therefore date to the 18th century. The Cork to Dublin mail coach road originally ran to west of the demesne walls as it appears on the 1841-2 and 1906 Ordnance Survey maps.

The site of a workhouse (C0019-11301-) built in 1852 is located in Kilshanny townland to the east of Mitchelstown. The complex of buildings, including a hospital chapel and mortuary, was enclosed within a three-metre high limestone wall and could accommo-date up to 600 people. Closed in 1916 and burned by the IRA in 1922, only the boundary wall and main entrance way survive today (Power 2002, 48).

A late 19th century bridge of rubble limestone, approached by a causeway at either end, carries a tertiary road from Kilworth-Glanworth over the Glencorra Stream. A road crosses the stream at the same location on the 1841-2 Ordnance survey map, but the bridging structure is not named. The site is named Glencorra Bridge on the 1906 edition of the Ordnance Survey map and is of local architectural significance.

5 Site Location and TopographyThe site at Ballinglanna North 1 is located on the western bank of the Glencorra Stream and the northern side of the Glencorra Bridge. The Glencorra Bridge (Plate 1) crosses the southern end of the Glencorra Stream c. 400 m before it joins the River Funshion. The site is located on the flood plain of the river (Plate 2). The western side of the Glencorra valley, which is mostly wooded, rises steeply to the west.

Plate1: ViewofGlencorraBridgefromnorth

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372

378

390

296

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6 Excavation methodologyThe excavation was carried out under E-Number E2414 and complied with the method statement approved by the Department of Environment, Heritage, and Local Govern-ment, in consultation with the National Museum of Ireland. The site was mechanically stripped of topsoil under strict archaeological supervision. Stripping was done with a tracked machine with a flat toothless bucket. Where appropriate mini-diggers were used, and in the larger areas to be stripped multiple large tracked machines were used; all strip-ping operations involved the use of multiple dumpers for topsoil mounding. Topsoil strip-ping commenced in the areas of identified archaeology and continued radially outward until the limit of the road take was reached or until the limit of the archaeological re-mains was fully defined. A grid was set up in the excavation area(s) and all archaeological features were sufficiently cleaned, recorded and excavated so as to enable an accurate and meaningful record of the site to be preserved. The excavation, environmental sampling, site photographs, site drawings, find care and retrieval, on-site recording and site archive was as per the Procedures for Archaeological works as attached to the licence method statements for excavation licences.

The site was excavated over a 19 week period from 6 October 2006 to 7 March 2007 by a crew of six people. Only areas within the CPO were resolved. The full extent of the area of excavation measured 4,500 m2. The full record of excavated contexts is recorded in the context register (Appendix 1) and the stratigraphic matrix (Appendix 2). Detailed stratigraphic descriptions are found in the groups and sub-groups text (Appendix 3).

Plate2: ViewofareaofexcavationatBallinglannaNorth1fromnorth-east�NotelocationofGlencorraBridge�

183

274

219

187

229

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231225

168

176

185

251

243

174

249

247

245

272

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233

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181431

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88

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94

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Fulacht Fiadh

Structure

Trough


14

Figure5: Post-excavationplanofthefulachtfiadharea�


15


7 Excavation resultsThis site comprised of a range of features including a fulacht fiadh, a substantial ditch, pits associated with metalworking, an area of occupation comprising a group of post-holes, stake-holes and pits, a post-medieval structure and a group of linear features associ-ated with the Glencorra Stream (Figure 4, Plates 3 and 4). A layer of colluvium covered the western half of the site up to a depth of 0.7 m. It originated from the western side of the Glencorra valley and spread across the flood plain of the river.

Fulacht fiadhThe fulacht fiadh was located at the western side of the site on low lying ground at the base of the side of the valley of the Glencorra Stream. The stream itself, flowing in a southerly direction, was located 50 m to the east.

The trough (C.183) measured 2.2 m in length, 1.8 m in width and 0.8 m in depth. It was rectangular in shape with a flat base, with some stone lining still evident (Figures 5 and 6, Plate 5). It was connected to a water management system which extended from the south-east corner to the south. The trough directly connected to a gully (C.229) which measured 2.22 m in length, 1.46 m in width and 0.27 m in depth. The basal fill of the gully was sandy and the upper fills were a mixture of burnt mound material. A flint blade (E2414:US:1) dating to the Early Mesolithic was recovered from the area of the north-west corner of the trough.

The gully in turn was connected to a well (C.230) (Figure 7, plate 6). The well was located 2.28 m south of the trough. It measured 2.16 m in length, 1.66 m in width and 0.51 m in depth. It was consistently full of water during the process of excavation. This may have been used as a water supply to fill the large trough.

The trough, gully and well were truncated by cut features, which were interpreted as possible troughs (C.187, C.191 and C.219). The trough (C.187) lay directly over the fill of the gully (C.229), while the second trough (C.191), truncated both the fills of gully (C.229) and well (C.230). The third trough (C.219) truncated the intersection of the main trough and the water gully. All were of a later date than the water management system but may have been used as a later phase of activity in connection with the main trough C.183. The fills of all of the troughs were a mixture of burnt mound material.

Context Length (m) Width (m) Depth (m) Volume (m3)183 2.2 1.8 0.8 3.168187 1.72 1.05 0.28 0.505191 1.27 0.9 0.18 0.205219 0.92 0.56 0.48 0.247

Table1:Dimensionofthetroughs

There were six post-holes (C.174, C.176, C.185, C.225, C.231 and C.233), five stake-holes (C.234, C.245, C.247, C.249 and C.251) and three pits (C.168, C.178 and C.181) associated with the fulacht fiadh. Of these three post-holes (C.225, C.231 and C.233) and

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Plate4: ViewofwesternextentofareaofexcavationatBallinglannaNorth1fromnorth�Thetworang-ingrodssetatrightanglesmarkthelocationofthetroughC�183�


18

Plate5: ViewoftroughC�183fromeast�

Plate6: ViewofwellC�230infore-ground and gully C�229and unexcavated troughC�183inbackgroundfromsouth-east�


19


all five stake-holes (C.243, C.245, C.247, C.249 and C.251) were associated with the main trough C.183, suggesting that the trough was timber lined. Three of the post-holes cut the corners of the trough, the south-western corner being the exception. The fill of post-hole C.231 returned a Late Bronze Age date of cal BC 766-537 529-524 (UB-12969). Three of the stake-holes (C.243, C.245 and C.247) cut the post-hole C.233 on the south-eastern edge of the trough. A fourth stake-hole C.251 was located immediately to the east. The fifth state-hole C.249 was located to the east of post-hole C.231. All the stake-holes may have supported the post-hole C.233.

The other three post-holes (C.174, C.176 and C.185) and three pits (C.168, C.178 and C.181) were located beneath the spread of burnt mound material. The post-holes were located to the south-west of the trough and two of the pits to the north-east. The post-holes were similar in plan and size and may have formed part of a temporary structure associated with the trough.

Context Diameter (m) Depth (m)174 0.32 0.27176 0.4 0.24185 0.3 0.2

Table2:Dimensionofthepost-holes

The pits varied in terms of size, plan and contents. None of the fills were derived from the burnt mound material.

Context Length (m) Width (m) Depth (m)168 1.07 0.2 0.15178 1.3 0.62 0.21181 0.58 0.52 0.34

Table3:Dimensionofthepits

The burnt mound material (C.163) was composed of charcoal and heat shattered stone (Plate 7). It overlay the trough and all of the cut features mentioned above. It measured 15.6 m in length, 7.75 m in width and was a maximum of 0.4 m in depth. A retouched flint artefact (E2414:163:1) dating to the Early Bronze Age was recovered from the layer. Two layers (C.164, C.166) of colluvium, overlaid the burnt mound material. Charred plant remains were recovered from layer C.163, a fill of the well C.230 and a post-hole C.225. They were predominantly barley but also included rye and a small percentage of wheat and oat.

Two pits (C.171, C.257) and a post-hole (C.211) truncated the burnt mound material after the abandonment of the fulacht fiadh. The three features were located in the vicinity of the trough C.183 and may have been associated with modern agriculture.

Large pitsThere were two large pits (C.268 and C.292), in close proximity, on the south-western edge of the area of excavation. The largest pit C.268 measured 2.42 m in length by 1.4 m

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in width, with a depth of 1.22 m (Plate 8). A moderate quantity of cereal grains was re-covered from the fills of the pit. In contrast to the percentage breakdown of plant remains from the other areas of the site, oat was the most common cereal type in these deposits, representing 55% of the identifiable cereal count. Rye and barley were also present in smaller amounts. A small quantity of iron slag was recovered from one of the fills.

The smaller pit C.292, located to the north-east of pit C.268, measured 1.56 m in length, by 1.77 m in width with a depth of 0.76 m (Plate 9). The pit was only partially excavated as it extended beyond the edge of the excavation. One of the fills returned an early medieval date of cal AD 664-782 789-811 847-854 (UB-12970).

A single stake-hole C.266 was located to the south of large pit C.268 at a distance of approximately 1.5 m. A single post-hole C.270 was located 2 m north of the pit C.292. The post-hole could be related to the three post-holes (C.174, C.176 and C.185) that were associated with the burnt mound. It was similar in size.

Metalworking areaFive pits (C.213, C.215, C.220, C.241 and C.255) were concentrated in a group on the eastern side of the ditch (Figures 8 and 9). These pits were all located within a 6 m diam-eter of one another. The pits were generally sub-rectangular in shape. Charcoal, iron nails (E2414:217:2 and E2414:221:1) and iron slag was recovered from fills of four of the pits (C.213, C.220, C.241 and C.255). Two retouched lithics (E2414:214:1 and E2414:214:2), dating to the Early Bronze Age, were recovered from the fill of pit C.213.

Plate7: ViewofmainlayerofmoundmaterialC�183fromnorth-west�


24

Plate8: ViewofpitC�268�

Plate9: Viewofeast-facingsectionofpitC�292�


25


Context Length (m) Width (m) Depth (m)213 1.87 0.61 0.18215 0.6 0.35 0.15220 0.6 0.5 0.2241 1.3 0.35 0.2255 0.49 0.27 0.24

Table4:Dimensionofthepits

There were two linear feature (C.260 and C.264) located in the immediate area around the pits described above. Both features were aligned in an east to west direction and lay par-allel to each other at a distance of c. 3 m. Linear C.260 measured 2.56 m in length, 0.38 m in width and 0.17 m in depth while linear C.264 measured 2.9 m in length, 0.72 m in width and 0.17 m in depth. Iron slag was recovered from the fills of both linears. A clay pipe stem and a fragment of an iron blade (E2414:265:1 and 2) was recovered from linear C.264. It is likely that the linears are modern agricultural furrows which truncated the metalworking area.

DitchA ditch ran north to south across the site for c. 60 m and extended beyond the edge of the area of excavation to both the north and south. The ditch was approximately 1.5 m wide and ranged in depth from 0.55 m to 1.4 (Plate 10). The ditch was deepest at the northern end of the site and, following the topography of the landscape, became shallower to the south. The ditch was cut into the underlying natural clay and river gravel deposits and the surface was obscured by the layer of colluvium that extended across the site from the west.

Plate10:ViewofnorthernsectionofditchC�378fromsouth-west�


26

The sides of the ditch were splayed wider at the top forming a partially stepped profile. The lower half of the sides of the ditch was steeper and sharper that the upper ditch sides.

Eight distinct phases of deposition within the ditch cut was recorded in the excavated sections of the ditch including silting, re-deposited burnt mound material, several dumps of metalworking residues and colluvium deposits. Structure 1 cut the colluvium overlying the southern area of the ditch. The evidence from the ditch fills, suggests intense occupa-tion of the area, particularly to the east of the ditch on the flatter terrain.

Five sections were excavated in the ditch (C.92, C.126, C.382, C.378 and C.376) (Figures 4, 10 and 11). The excavated sections revealed a series of complex deposits repre-senting the construction, erosion, truncation of earlier activity and re-use of the ditch. A basal layer of occupation material was recorded in ditch section C.92 only. It underlay the deposits at the very base of the ditch which were probably derived from natural silting. These accumulated at the base of the ditch from both the inside and outside edges and the erosion of the ditch sides from weathering. These deposits were recorded in four of the ditch sections. A layer of burnt mound material was recorded on the western edge of the ditch in section C.379. It was up to 0.66 m in depth.

A series of layers of metalworking residues overlay the silt in four of the ditch sections, ditch section C.126 being the exception. The layers were brown silty clays with inclu-sions of charcoal and slag. An early medieval date of cal AD 684-784 787-827 839-864 (UB12968) was returned from the primary metalworking layer C.338 in ditch section C382. A secondary layer C.222 overlay the primary metalworking residue in ditch sec-tion C.376 only. It measured at least 4 m by 2 m by 0.25 m in depth and extended beyond the area of the section. C. 73 kg of slag was recovered from this layer alone. An iron tool (E2414:222:1) was also recovered from the fill. Layers of silt overlay the primary layer of metalworking residues in all of the ditch sections. They were deepest in the northern sections, particularly in ditch section C.126, and shallowest in the two southern ditch sections C.378 and C.376. It may indicate a period of inactivity at the site or have ac-cumulated from flooding of the Glencorra Stream. Overlying the silting episode were secondary layers of metalworking residues. They occurred in all of the ditch sections except the southernmost ditch section C.376. The amount of metalworking residues in these layers was considerably smaller in size, c. 18 kg, than the primary layers. The ditch was sealed by a layer of colluvium, ranging in depth from 0.3-0.45. It represents the final phase of activity associated with the ditch.

Group of post-holes and stake-holesA total of eleven post-holes (C.10, C.14, C.17, C.30, C.33, C.35, C.39, C.64, C.72, C.315, C.318), 14 stake-holes (C.4, C.6, C.8, C.22, C.27, C.29, C.41, C.42, C.63, C.74, C.75, C.78, C.82 and C.83), a linear slot C.144 and two small pits (C.37, C.43) were excavated in the eastern area of the site (Figure 12). In addition nine irregular features (C.20, C.24, C.61, C.70, C.88, C.284, C.325, 331 and C.333) located in the midst of the area of occupa-tion may have been truncated post-holes, stake-holes or small shallow pits.

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Context Length (m) Width (m) Depth (m)10 0.37 0.25 0.2314 0.26 0.24 0.0617 0.36 0.30 0.2330 0.18 0.15 0.0633 0.26 0.20 0.1835 0.40 0.30 0.3039 0.30 0.26 0.2764 0.31 0.25 0.272 0.42 0.31 0.25315 0.15 0.14 0.08318 0.57 0.34 0.20

Table5:Dimensionofthepost-holes

Flecks of charcoal and burnt bone were common in the fills of many of these features indicating some domestic activity in the immediate vicinity. Small quantities of plant remains including hazelnut shell fragments, oat grains, barley grains, and indeterminate cereal grains were recovered from fills of eight (C.10, C.17, C.20, C.30, C.33, C.42, C.64 and C.75) of the features. The recovery of a small assemblage of faunal and plant remains would suggest that this was an area of domestic occupation. There was no discernable pattern evident in these remains and it was not possible to determine whether a structure occupied this area.

Features associated with Glencorra Stream Ballinglanna North 1 is located on the western bank of the Glencorra Stream. The stream was diverted and straightened in the 19th century. The alteration of the Glencorra Stream may have been associated with the construction of the Glencorra bridge.

A group of features located towards the east of the site were associated with the 19th century work on the Glencorra stream. Four linear features (C.340, C.354, C.370 and C.372) were located in the south-east corner of the area of excavation, all orientated north-east to south-west (Figure 13). All four linear features were parallel to one another at vary-ing spaces and were approximately 1 m in width and 0.28 m in depth. The length of these linear features varied from 4.37 m to 9.25 m. Slag, post-medieval glass (E2414:371:1), clay pipe bowl (E2414:359:1), iron tools (E2414:359:2) and charcoal flecks were recovered from the fills of these linears. Linear C.340 was truncated by the burial of a complete horse C.301. The skeleton of the horse was complete and extended. Sherds of 18th/19th century pottery, transfer print ware (E2414:307:1), was recovered from the fill of the burial. Two stake-holes (C.342 and C.344) were located along the northern edge of the linear feature.

It is likely that the linear features represent drainage channels connected with the Glencorra Stream. They run from higher ground to the north-east to the lower more wa-terlogged area to the south-west next to the Glencorra Bridge and are probably associated with the diversion and straightening of the Glencorra stream.

A linear feature C.390 was located to the north on the eastern edge of the site on the bank of the Glencorra Stream (Plate 11). It measured 14.2 m in length, 1.2 m in width

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and 0.6 m in depth. The linear contained the base of a wall C.322 which revetted the western edge of the Glencorra Stream. The foundation trench for the wall (C.50) was c. 2.5 m in width and 0.55 m in depth. The mortared stone wall c. 1.3 m in width was con-structed into this trench and extended the length of the Glencorra stream in this area. The wall straightened and maintained the course of the stream after it was re-channelled into

Plate11: ViewoflinearC�390fromnorth-east�

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36

this new location. Sherds of post-medieval pottery, glazed red earthenware (E2414:322:1) were recovered from in between the stone courses and sherds of pearlware and transfer print ware (E2414:391:2) from the fill of the foundation cut.

Structure 1A rectangular modern structure (Structure 1) was located to the south-west corner of the site (Figure 14, Plate 12). It was aligned north-west to south-east and it measured at least 7.7 m in length and 4.9 m in width. A foundation trench C.274 was evident on the north-ern and western sides of the structure. A dry stone wall survived within this foundation trench. While no stone walls remained on the southern and eastern sides of the structure, a foundation trench (C.296) was still visible. The structure cut the layer of colluvium that extended across the site.

The construction cut C.274 was best preserved on the western side of the structure. It cut the burnt mound layers. It was 12 m by 0.46 m by 0.5 m in depth. A dry stone wall was contained within the cut. It survived to a height of three courses. Tiny amount of charred cereal grains were recovered from the fills. Two pits (C.303 and C.305) were located underneath the occupation layers of the structure. The pits may have been associ-ated with the construction of the structure.

Ten layers were found within the structure, representing three phases of deposition; pre-construction, occupation and abandonment. Natural gravels (C.286 and C.289) rep-resent pre-construction of the structure and acted as a base layer used for the building of the structure. An iron blade (E2414:286:1) was recovered from the gravel. Re-deposited natural (C.295) and re-deposited burnt mound material (C.288 and C.377) represent the disturbance caused by construction of the building. Layer C.285 was the main occupa-tion layer within the structure. It measured 4.8 m by 3 m by 0.25 m in depth. It included modern pottery, sherds of jugs, plates and cups of glazed red earthenware, decorated slipware, transfer print ware, creamware and stoneware, glass, nails and clay pipes. Two fragments of flint debitage (E2414:285:1 and 2) were also recovered from the layer. The entire structure was sealed by layers of silt.

Animal burialsThere were two animal burials (C.301 and C.320) located to the south-east corner of the area of excavation (Figures 4 and 13). The burial cut (C.301) measured 2.2 m in length, 1.5 m in width and 0.74 m in depth. The pit cut the linear C.328. The burial contained an articulated horse skeleton, with horseshoes and associated nails still attached. Post-medieval pottery was also recovered from this fill. The burial (C.320) measured 2 m in length, 1.2 m in width and 0.5 m in depth and it contained an articulated bovine skeleton, probably a calf.

These burials date to the modern period as modern pottery was found within the fill of the horse burial. In addition, the bones from the burials were in relatively good condi-


37


tion, indicating a relatively recent origin. However, the landowner had no memory or recall of these burials or of tales associated with them.

Agricultural featuresTwo parallel linear agricultural furrows (C.258 and C.323) were aligned north-west to south-east. These were regular in shape and parallel, suggesting that they were plough furrows. A sherd of modern pottery (E 2414:327:1) was recovered from furrow C.323. A field drain C.279 truncated the south-west corner of the modern structure. It measured 1.6 m wide by 0.45 m in depth. The field drain was cut by a pit C.353.

Miscellaneous featuresTwo isolated pits were located on the western side of the area of excavation (Figure 4). A large pit C.375 was located at the north-western corner of the area of excavation, west of the ditch. It measured 4.64 m by 1.9 m by 0.6 m in depth. A fragment of flint debit-age E2414:361:1 was recovered from one of the fills. The smaller shallow pit C.272 was located to the west of the burnt mound.

Plant remainsThe plant remains were examined by Penny Johnston (Appendix 5). The burnt mound deposits and associated features contained charred plant remains. These included the burnt mound deposit (C.163) and the fill of a well (C.230) and a post-hole (C.225). The cereals were predominantly barley, but a significant portion of rye was also found along with a small percentage of wheat and oat. A moderate quantity of cereal grains were also recovered from the large pit C.268. Oat was the most common cereal type in these depos-its, representing 55% of the identifiable cereal count. Rye was also present, as was barley. Charred seeds, primarily barley were identified in the fills of three of the pits and a linear (C.213, C.241, C.255 and C.264) associated with metalworking. The charred cereals may have been burnt for fuel.

Lithics The lithics were examined by Farina Sternke (Appendix 6). The eight lithic finds from the archaeological excavation at Ballinglanna North 1 (E2414) are seven flaked pieces of flint and a natural chunk of flint. The flaked assemblage contains one blade, three retouched artefacts (E2414:163:1, E2414:214:1 and E2414:214:2 (Plate 13)) and three pieces of deb-itage. The presence of three pieces of debitage suggests that a limited amount of knapping took place at the site. The assemblage is dominated by an Early Bronze Age typologi-cal and technological component which includes the fragment of a possible micro disc scraper (E2414:214:2). In addition, a residual Early Mesolithic element in the assemblage


38

comprising one blade (E2414:US:1) was recovered from the area of the burnt mound, but may have been re-deposited (Plate 14).

SlagThe assemblage was examined by Tim Young (Appendix 7). The assemblage is unusual in many respects and provides a unique insight into iron production on a large scale in early medieval times. Two radiocarbon dates are relevant to the iron working activity, both with calibrated ranges spanning the late 7th to mid 9th centuries. The residues are almost entirely from the smithing of iron. The smithing hearth cakes (SHCs) are large, the aver-age weight is the largest for any assemblage investigated by the specialist to date. The high weights suggest that the site was a specialist bloomsmithing operation on a large scale. While the weights of the SHCs were very variable the internal textures exhibited were rather constant. This factor is unusual. The only exception was the fill of pit C.255, located in the metalworking area, which contained a small quantity of possible iron smelting slag.

This assemblage is indicative of smithing but not iron-smelting. The large size of the smithing hearth cakes, with an average weight of almost 3kg (almost double that of any other described early medieval assemblage), is indicative of a site specialising in bloom refining, rather than end-use blacksmithing. The highest mean weight for an assemblage yet recorded in Ireland. The occurrence of this assemblage in association with a large stream and parallel ditch raises the possibility that water power was being harnessed for hammering the blooms. The waste from the smithing process ended up in various cut features but no certain features of metallurgical origin were identified. It may be that that

Plate13:MicrodiscflintscraperE2414:214:2


39


the smithing took place outside the excavated area or that it was conducted on waist level hearths.

Animal boneThe animal bone assemblage was examined by Margaret McCarthy (Appendix 8). The sample of recovered faunal material was small. A total sample of 83 animal bones was recovered from the fills of the ditch. Identified bones included sheep/goat, cow and do-mestic goose. All of the bone from the ditch had been in contact with intense heat and were totally calcined. 80 fragments of bone were recovered from the pit C.331. The bone was totally calcined and could not be identified to species. The partial skeleton of a horse and a calf were recovered from two modern pits.

Radiocarbon datesRadiocarbon analysis was carried out by the 14 Chrono Centre in Queen’s University Belfast. Dates were calibrated using Calib Rev 5.0.2 (©1986-2005 M. Stuiver & P.J. Re-imer) and in conjunction with Stuiver & Reimer 1993 and Reimer et al. 2004.

Lab code

Context Material Un-calibrated date

δ 13 C 2 sigma calibration

1 sigma calibration

UB-12968

338 Hazel/alder charcoal from ditch C.382

1245+/-21 -29.7 cal AD 684-784 787-827 839-864

cal AD 693-748 764-779 795-798

UB-12969

232 Willow/poplar char-coal from post-hole C.231 in trough

2589+/-21 -26.1 cal BC 766-537 529-524

cal BC 756-734 690-684 669-662 649-606 601-546

UB-12970

299 Hazel nut shell from pit C.292

1270+/-29 -23.2 cal AD 688-726, 737-771

cal AD 664-782 789-811 847-854

Table6:Radiocarbondates

Plate14:EarlyMesolithicflintbladeE2414:US:1


40

8 Discussion

Prehistoric occupationEvidence of many phases of activity, closely associated with the Glencorra Stream, were recorded at Ballinglanna North 1. The site, located on the narrow flood plain of the Glencorra Stream was utilised during the Early Mesolithic period. An Early Mesolithic blade was recovered from the site. Early Mesolithic stone tools have also been recovered at Gortore 1 E2410, on the bank of the River Funshion, c. 1.5 km to the south and at Ballin-glanna North 6 E3972, on the bank of the Glencorra Stream, c. 1.2 km to the north. The Glencorra Stream probably served as a route way in early prehistoric times.

The site was later occupied in the Early Bronze Age. A small assemblage of stone tools, including three retouched artefacts and three pieces of debitage were recovered from the area of the excavation. The lithic assemblage is dominated by an Early Bronze Age typo-logical and technological component. Only one of the lithics was recovered from the area of the fulacht fiadh. The presence of the debitage would indicate that a limited amount of knapping took place at the site. None of the features recorded on site could be assigned to the Early Bronze Age.

A fulacht fiadh was recorded on the western edge of the flood plain of the river. The layers of burnt mound material covered a substantial rectangular trough which was con-nected to a small well. Many theories speculate as to the actual use of burnt mound/fulacht fiadh sites (e.g. O’Kelly 1954; Ó Drisceoil 1988). We recognise the sites archaeo-logically by the remains of charcoal and heat shattered stones but as Ó Néill (2004) points out, these are the remains of a technology (the use of hot stones known as ‘pyrolithic technology’), rather than specific indications of the aims of the process. The large trough and smaller pits indicate that there was extensive use of hot stone technology at this site and that it was probably used for heating water.

Burnt mounds are the most common Bronze Age sites found in Ireland. Estimates suggest that at least 4,500 examples are known, over 3,000 in Co. Cork and an usual high density specifically in North Cork (Power 2000). The characteristic site-type is found in low-lying and damp ground and consists of a mound of charcoal-rich black sediment that is packed with heat shattered stones and forms a horse-shoe shape around a pit or trough that filled with water. In many cases all that survives to the present day are black charcoal rich deposits with fragments of shattered stones visible in ploughed fields.

These sites are associated with the process of roasting stones to heat water. The remains of these ‘pyrolithic technologies’ (terminology follows Ó Néill 2004) produce the tell-tale deposits rich in charcoal and heat-affected stone. Debate continues about their use, as hot water is required for many processes including cooking, brewing, washing, dyeing and, most recently it has been argued that some burnt mounds were primarily used to boil and cure meat for long term storage (Roycroft 2006).


41


Traditionally these sites have been interpreted as ancient cooking places, where large stones were heated in fires and then added to the water filled trough the extreme heat of the stones eventually heating the water in the trough until it reached boiling point. Experimental cooking at reconstructed sites such as Ballyvourney (O’Kelly 1954) has demonstrated that meat wrapped in straw and placed into a boiling trough can be cooked quite effectively. The perceived lack of any animal bones from these excavated sites has been used as an argument against this theory. More recently however there is a growing corpus of sites which have produced animal bone (Tourunen 2008).

The traditional perception of the burnt mound site is that they are isolated features on the landscape situated on marginal ground away from settlement. Recent studies how-ever are requiring a re-evaluation of this perception. It can be regarded as certain that the settlement sites and associated burnt mounds are only one part of a wider prehistoric landscape which also includes lithic production and metalworking sites as well as burial sites (Sternke 2009).

The inventory for North Cork lists over 1600 burnt mounds located in North Co. Cork. (Power 2002) (Figure 15). Many more have been recorded since the inventory was published. A total of seven burnt mounds including Ballinglanna North 1 were excavated on the N8 Fermoy to Mitchelstown. Three burnt mound sites were excavated on the N8 Mitchelstown Relief Road, and 12 on the N8 Mitchelstown to Cashel.

Site Name E No. Radiocarbon date (2 sigma) cal BC PeriodBallinglanna North 1 E2414 cal BC 766-537 529-524 Late Bronze AgeBallinglanna North 3 E2416 cal BC 2293-2140 Early Bronze AgeBallinglanna North 3 E2416 cal BC 1750-1628 Early Bronze AgeBallinglanna North 3 E2416 cal BC 1740-1627 Early Bronze AgeBallinglanna North 6 E3972 cal BC 1902-1737 1710-1696 Early Bronze AgeBallynamona 2 E2429 2 dates pendingKildrum E3971 cal BC 2138-2011 2000-1978 Early Bronze AgeKildrum E3971 cal BC 2434-2421 2404-2379 2349-2199 Early Bronze AgeKilshanny 3 E2432 cal BC 978-829 Late Bronze Age

Table7:RadiocarbondatesfromtheburntmoundsitesontheN8FermoytoMitchelstown

Most dated burnt mound sites have a focus of activity in the Middle to Late Bronze Age (Brindley and Lanting 1990; and see graph of dates in Ó Néill 2003/2004). In all ten radiocarbon dates were obtained from the burnt mound sites on the route of the N8 Fermoy Mitchelstown Bypass. The majority of the sites are Early Bronze Age in date. The Late Bronze Age date from Ballinglanna North 1 is the latest date in the sequence.

There are six main types of archaeological features encountered at burnt mound sites; wells/springs, layers/deposits, hearths, trough/boiling pits, smaller pits, and stakeholes/postholes. Five of the six feature types were recorded at Ballinglanna North. The lowlying site on the banks of the Glencorra Stream was eminently suitable as a location for a burnt mound. Two other burnt mound sites, Ballinglanna North 3 E2416 and 6 E3972 were located on the banks of the Glencorra. One of the necessary raw materials, an available source of water, was readily available. In addition to the proximity of the stream a well


42

close to the trough was utilised as an additional water source. The mound at Ballinglanna survived to a general height of 0.5 m. It was composed of layers of heat shattered stone mixed with charcoal. It was truncated during the early medieval period by the excavation of a substantial ditch. No formal hearth was identified in association with the mound.

The trough at Ballinglanna was a substantial rectangular trough that showed evidence of lining. The other three possible troughs had a limited capacity for boiling water, less that 1 m³. If a trough was too small the water would boil off very quickly. They may have held containers made from organic material such as baskets or wooden buckets. Stakeholes and postholes, regularly found at burnt mound sites, were associated with the trough at Ballinglanna. In addition a few post-holes, located to the south of the trough, may have formed a structure which was truncated by the modern stone built structure.

Ballinglanna North 1 is one of the few burnt mound sites that yielded a moderate por-tion of charred cereal grains. The majority were recovered from the mound itself. Barley was the most common cereal type, representing 83% of the identifiable grains. However the presence of rye (13%) and oat (2%) would suggest that the mound was disturbed by the excavation of the ditch and subsequent metalworking activities at the site. The lithic artefacts from the burnt mound indicate the use of the area in the Mesolithic and the Early Bronze Age but are not residual to the activities associated with the mound itself.

Early medieval occupationEvidence for iron working in the early medieval period was recorded at Lisleagh I and II ringforts (Monk ibid.). New evidence for iron metalworking was recorded at two sites on the N8 Fermoy Mitchelstown at Ballinglanna North 1 and Gortnahown 2 E2426 (Figure 16). The following discussion on early medieval ironworking is largely based on the ac-count in Tim Young specialist report (Appendix 7).

While it is true to say that the lowlying site on the banks of the Glencorra Stream was eminently suitable as a location for a burnt mound, it was also suitable as a location for metalworking, specifically iron smithing, in the early medieval period. As one of the necessary raw materials, an available source of water, was readily available. A large ditch was excavated on the western side and parallel to the Glencorra Stream. Charcoal from the ditch returned an early medieval date (cal AD 684-784 787-827 839-864). The full extend of the ditch was not known. It is possible that the ditch was constructed to func-tion as a water channel or race associated with the processing of iron working. 90% of the assemblage was recovered from the fills of the ditch and over 60% was from the two southernmost sections. Slag was also recovered from the small group of pits on the eastern edge of the ditch. There were no certain features of metallurgical origin but it is possible that two of the pits may have functioned as a furnace and hearth.

Bloomsmithing involves the reworking of the iron by repeated heating and hammer-ing to draw the iron out into a bar. According to Tim Young there are four broad styles of SHC assemblages from early medieval Irish sites.

1. Sites concerned with the end use of iron e.g. Coolamurry 7 04E0323, Navan.


43


2. Sites with evidence for iron smelting and smithing e.g. Gortnahown 2 E2426, Clonmacnoise WWS and Woodstown 6.

3. Sites with evidence for a wide range of activities e.g. Clonmacnoise NG and Clonfad.

4. Specialist bloomsmithing sites e.g. Ballinglanna North 1, Borris and Lismore/Bushfield 1 E2220.

The residues from bloomsmithing at Borris occurred mainly in a large ditch. Most of the residues at Lismore/Bushfield 1 were recovered from a single undated pit associ-ated with a ringfort, containing a 6th-7th century cemetery. Multiple smithing hearths were located adjacent to a linear ditch at Borris. 200 kg of slag was recovered from the ditch which was fully excavated and over 100 m in length. In contrast 235 kg of slag was recovered from the ditch at Ballinglanna which was 60 m in length and only c. 20 % was excavated.

The quantity of large, similar bloomsmithing slag cakes suggests a level of activity above that of typical early medieval iron production sites in Ireland. It is more reminis-cent of sites in Britain some 600 years younger that Ballinglanna, when bloomsmithies adopted water power. It is possible the ditch represents a leat supplying power for the water hammer. No water powered bloomsmithing of this period has been recognised in Ireland but all the components of the technology would have been available in contempo-rary corn mills. It is interesting that a horizontal-wheeled mill (CO027-108) was located on the northern side of the Glencorra Stream c. 120 m north of the confluence with the River Funshion and c. 100 m south of the Ballinglanna North 1. The site was discovered in 1948. No mill structure was recorded but what appears to be an ancient headrace ex-tended for some distance up the glen (Power 2000, 473). The range of dates for early Irish mills is between the early 7th and late 10th centuries (Rynne 1989, 110-14).

Two large storage pits located in the south-western corner of the site are associated with this phase of activity. Charcoal from one of the pits returned an early medieval date (cal AD 688-726, 737-771). In addition the area of domestic occupation, including post-holes, stake-holes and pits located to the north-east of the metalworking area probably dates to the early medieval period. The small assemblages of charred cereal and faunal remains are indicators of domestic activity. No inclusions of slag were recovered from this area.

Charcoal flecks and flecks of burnt bone were common in the fills of many of these features indicating some domestic activity in the immediate vicinity. Small quantities of plant remains including hazelnut shell fragments, oat grains, barley grains, and inde-terminate cereal grains were recovered from fills of eight (C.10, C.17, C.20, C.30, C.33, C.42, C.64 and C.75) of the features. There was no discernable pattern evident in these remains and it was not possible to determine whether a structure occupied this area. The recovery of a small assemblage of faunal and plant remains would suggest that this was an area of domestic occupation.


44

Modern occupationThe last phase of activity at the site dates to the nineteenth century. A stone structure, measuring at least 8 m in length and 5 m in width, overlay the southern end of the ditch. The structure is probably associated with the construction of the Glencorra Bridge and the straightening and revetment of the stream. Clay pipe fragments, iron nails, pottery and the burial of a complete horse and calf date to this phase of activity on site. A group of post-holes, stake-holes, pits and linear features are associated with this phase of activity.


45


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Cotter, E., Buckley, K. & Drumm, M. (2006) N8 Fermoy Mitchelstown Phase 1 – final archaeological testing report, unpublished report for licence no. 05E1150.

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O’Kelly, M (1954) ‘Excavations and experiments in Irish cooking places.’ Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, Vol 84, 105-55.

Ó Néill, J. (2003/2004) Lapidibus in igne calefactis coquebatur: The historical burnt mound “tradition”, Journal of Irish Archaeology Vol. XII & XIII.

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Power, B. (1996) From the Danes to Dairygold A History of Mitchelstown. Mount Cashell Books.

Power, B. (2002) Images of Mitchelstown, Stories and pictures from my own place. Mount Cashell Books.

Reimer, P.J., Baillie, M.G.L., Bard, E., Bayliss, A., Beck, J.W., Bertrand, C., Blackwell, P.G., Buck, C.E., Burr, G., Cutler, K.B., Damon, P.E., Edwards, R.L., Fairbanks, R.G., Friedrich, M., Guilderson, T.P., Hughen, K.A., Kromer, B., McCormac, F.G., Manning, S., Bronk Ramsey, C., Reimer, R.W., Remmele, S., Southon, J.R., Stuiver, M., Talamo, S., Taylor, F.W., van der Plicht, J. and Weyhenmeyer, C.E. (2004) ‘IntCal04 Terrestrial Radiocarbon Age Calibration, 0–26 Cal Kyr BP’, Radiocarbon 46, 1029-1058.

Roycroft, N (2006) Boiled bull and burnt mounds. Seanda 1, 38-43.

Rynne, C. (1989) Archaeology and the early Irish watermill, Archaeology Ireland 3, 110-14.

Stuiver, M., and Reimer, P.J. (1993) ‘Extended (super 14) C data base and revised CALIB 3.0 (super 14) C age calibration program’, Radiocarbon 35, 215-230.

Sherlock, R. (2003) ‘Killydonoghoe’ Bennett, I. (Ed) Excavations 2001. Bray, Wordwell.

Sleeman, A.G., & McConnell, B. (1995) Geology of East Cork-Waterford. Dublin, Geological Survey of Ireland.

Sternke, F. (2009) More than meets the eye burnt mounds and lithics on the N7 Seanda 4, 30-31.

Stout, M. (1997) The Irish Ringfort. Dublin, Four Courts Press.


47


Tourunen, A (2008) ‘Fauna and fulachta fiadh: animal bones from burnt mounds on the N9/N10 Carlow Bypass.’ In J. O’Sullivan and M. Stanley (eds.), Roads, Rediscovery and Research. Archaeology and the National Roads Authority Monograh Series No. 5. Wordwell.

Woodman, P. McCarthy, M. and Monaghan, N.T. (1997) ‘The Irish Quaternary Fauna Project’, Quaternary Science Reviews 16 (2), 129-159.

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48

Appendix 1 Stratigraphic Index

Context #

Context Type

Fill of Strat Above

Strat Below

Short Description Dimensions (m)

1 Layer 2 Mid brown clayey silt, soft in compaction. Moderate sub-angular and angular fine pebbles. Moderate sub-angular small and medium stones. Occasional large stones. Frequent flecks of charcoal.

across site (0.4m depth)

2 Layer 1 Mid brown clayey silt, firm in compaction. Occasional sub-angular coarse pebbles and small and medium stones.

across site (0.15m depth)

3 Deposit 2 Mid orangish brown pebbly sand, loose in compaction. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded fine, medium and coarse pebbles. Occasional sub-angular and sub-rounded small stones. Moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

1.68 x 1.41 x 0.05

4 Stakehole Cut

5 59 Sub-circular in shape with rounded corners and sharp break of slope top and base. Base sub-circular in plan and tapered rounded point in profile. Slightly undercut on W side.

0.18 x 0.14 x 0.21

5 Stakehole Fill

4 2 4 Dark orangish brown clayey silty sand, soft compaction. Occasional inclusions of coarse sub-rounded pebbles and sub-round-ed and rounded small stones.

0.18 x 0.14 x 0.21

6 Stakehole Cut

7 59 Sub-circular in shape with rounded corners and gradual break of slope top and base. Base sub-circular in plan and concave in profile.

0.17 x 0.16 x 0.03

7 Stakehole Fill

6 2 6 Mid-orangish brown silty clay, soft compaction. Occasional inclusions of fine sub-rounded pebbles. Occasional charcoal flecks.

0.17 x 0.16 x 0.03

8 Stakehole Cut

16 59 Circular in shape with rounded corners and sharp to gradual slope top and base. Base sub-circular in plan and tapered rounded point in profile.

0.20 x 0.20 x 0.11

9 Stakehole Fill

8 2 16 Dark brown sandy silt, firm compac-tion. Occasional flecks and large charcoal inclusions.

0.18 x 0.16 x 0.02

10 Posthole Cut

13 59 Oval in shape with rounded corners and sharp break of slope top and base. Base oval in plan and flat in profile.

0.37 x 0.25 x 0.23

11 Posthole Fill

10 2 12 Light pinkish brown sandy silt, loose compaction. Occasional inclusions of fine, medium and coarse sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Occasional charcoal flecks.

0.40 x 0.28 x 0.07

12 Posthole Fill

10 11 13 Mid orangish brown sandy silt, loose compaction. Moderate inclusions of fine, medium and coarse sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles and small sub-angular stones. Occasional flecks and small inclu-sions of charcoal.

0.28 x 0.20 x 0.15


49


Context #

Context Type

Fill of Strat Above

Strat Below


13 Posthole Fill

10 12 10 Dark greyish black sandy clay, friable compaction. Occasional inclusions of fine and medium angular, sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles, and small sub-rounded and rounded stones. Frequent charcoal flecks and moderate small and occasional medium charcoal inclusions.

0.28 x 0.20 x 0.06

14 Posthole Cut

15 59 Sub-circular in shape with rounded corners and gradual to sharp break of slope at top and base. Base sub-circular in plan and concave in profile.

0.26 x 0.24 x 0.06

15 Posthole Fill

14 2 14 Mid greyish/orangish brown clayey silt, soft compaction. Occasional inclusions of fine sub-angular pebbles and medium sub-angular stones.

0.26 x 0.24 x 0.06

16 Stakehole Fill

8 9 8 Mid orangish brown sandy silt, firm compaction.

0.20 x 0.18 x 0.09

17 Posthole Cut

26 59 Sub-circular in shape with rounded corners and sharp break of slope top and base. Base sub-circular in plan and flat in profile.

0.36 x 0.30 x 0.23

18 Posthole Fill

17 2 26 Dark brown sandy silt, firm to soft com-paction. Occasional inclusions of coarse sub-rounded pebbles and medium sub-angular stones. Occasional flecks and small charcoal inclusions.

0.38 x 0.31 x 0.12

19 VOID20 Cut 21 59 Irregular in shape with rounded corners,

gradual break of slope at top and impercep-tible at base. Base irregular in plan and flat in profile.

0.30 x 0.29 x 0.06

21 Fill 20 2 20 Mid orangish brown sandy silt, loose compaction. Occasional fine sub-angular pebbles and small sub-angular stones. Occasional flecks and small charcoal inclusions. Occasional flecks and small inclusions of cremated bone.

0.30 x 0.29 x 0.06

22 Stakehole Cut

23 59 Sub-circular in shape with rounded to square corners. Break of slope gradual to sharp at top and base. Base circular in plan and concave in profile.

0.15 x 0.14 x 0.06

23 Stakehole Fill

22 2 22 Mid orangish brown clayey silt, soft compaction. Occasional inclusions of fine sub-rounded pebbles. Occasional charcoal flecks.

0.26 x 0.24 x 0.06

24 Cut 25 59 Irregular in shape with rounded corners. Gradual to imperceptible break of slope top and sharp to imperceptible break of slope base. Base sub-circular in plan and tapered blunt point in profile.

0.30 x 0.15 x 0.06

25 Fill 24 2 24 Mid orangish brown sandy silt, loose compaction. Occasional fine and medium sub-angular pebbles.

0.30 x 0.15 x 0.06

26 Posthole Fill

17 18 17 Dark brown sandy silt, firm to soft compaction. Frequent inclusions of coarse sub-rounded pebbles, and moderate small sub-rounded stones. Occasional charcoal flecks.

0.38 x 0.31 x 0.21

27 Stakehole Cut

28 59 Oval in shape with rounded corners and sharp break of slope top and base. Base oval in plan and flat to pointed in profile.

0.12 x 0.09 x 0.07


50

Context #

Context Type

Fill of Strat Above

Strat Below


28 Stakehole Fill

27 2 27 Mid orangish brown sandy silt, loose com-paction. Occasional inclusions of coarse sub-rounded pebbles.

0.12 x 0.09 x 0.07

29 Stakehole Cut

32 59 Sub-circular in plan with rounded to square corners and sharp to gradual break of slope top and base. Base is sub-circular in plan and flat in profile.

0.2 x 0.19 x 0.14

30 Posthole Cut

31 59 Sub-circular in shape with rounded corners, sharp break of slope top and imperceptible break of slope base. Base sub-circular in plan and flat in profile.

0.18 x 0.15 x 0.06

31 Posthole Fill

30 2 30 Mid orangish brown silty clay, friable compaction. Occasional coarse sub-angular pebbles. Occasional flecks of charcoal and burnt bone.

0.18 x 0.15 x 0.06

32 Stakehole Fill

29 2 29 Mid orangish brown silty clay, soft com-paction. Occasional inclusions of medium and coarse sub-rounded pebbles, moderate small sub-rounded stones and occasional medium sub-rounded stones.

0.2 x 0.19 x 0.14

33 Posthole Cut

34 59 Sub-circular in shape with sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. Base sub-circular in plan and concave in profile.

0.26 x 0.20 x 0.18

34 Posthole Fill

33 35 33 Dark brownish black silty sand, loose com-paction. Occasional inclusions of medium sub-rounded pebbles and small sub-angular stones. Occasional flecks of cremated bone.

0.32 x 0.08 x 0.13

35 Posthole Cut

36 34 Sub-circular in shape with sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. Base sub-circular in plan and concave in profile.

0.40 x 0.30 x 0.30

36 Posthole Fill

35 37, 43 35 Mid brownish black silty sand, loose com-paction. Occasional inclusions of medium sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles and small angular and sub-angular stones. Oc-casional flecks of cremated bone.

0.52 x 0.35 x 0.10

37 Pit Cut 38 36 Sub-circular in shape with sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. Base sub-circular in plan and concave in profile.

0.60 x 0.30 x 0.25

38 Pit Fill 37 2 37 Dark brownish black silty sand, loose com-paction. Moderate inclusions of medium sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles and occasional small sub-angular stones. Moderate flecks of cremated bone.

0.60 x 0.52 x 0.17

39 Posthole Cut

40 59 Sub-circular in shape with rounded to square corners and sharp break of slope top and base. Base is circular in plan and concave in profile.

0.30 x 0.26 x 0.28

40 Posthole Fill

39 2 39 Dark brown sandy silt, firm to soft com-paction. Occasional inclusions of medium sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles and moderate small sub-angular and sub-rounded stones. Moderate flecks and small inclusions of charcoal. Occasional small bone fragments.

0.31 x 0.26 x 0.28

41 Stakehole Cut

46 59 Irregular in shape with rounded to square corners. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. Base irregular in plan and concave in profile.

0.15 x 0.12 x 0.16


51


Context #

Context Type

Fill of Strat Above

Strat Below


42 Stakehole Cut

47 59 Sub-circular in plan with rounded corners and gradual to sharp break of slope top and base. Base sub-circular in plan and concave in profile. .

0.18 x 0.16 x 0.14

43 Pit Cut 44 36 Sub-circular in shape with gradual to sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. Base sub-circular in plan and irregular concave in profile.

0.45 x 0.35 x 0.20

44 Pit Fill 43 2 43 Light orangish brown silty sand, loose com-paction. Occasional inclusions of medium sub-angular pebbles and small sub-angular stones. Occasional flecks of cremated bone.

0.46 x 0.36 x 0.09

45 VOID46 Stakehole

Fill41 2 41 Mid brown clayey silt, soft compaction.

Occasional inclusions of small sub-angular stones.

0.15 x 0.12 x 0.16

47 Stakehole Fill

42 2 42 Mid greyish brown clayey silt, firm com-paction. Occasional inclusions of small sub-angular stones.

0.18 x 0.16 x 0.14

48 Fill 50 2 49, 322

Mid brown pebbly stony clay, firm com-paction. Moderate inclusions of fine sub-angular pebbles and occasional medium sub-angular stones.

0.70 x 0.35

49 Fill 50 48 50 Mid pinkish brown clayey sand, compact. Moderate inclusions of medium sub-angular stones.

0.3 x 0.15

50 Cut 49, 322

51 Irregular in shape. Visible in section of a slot.

0.55

51 VOID52 VOID53 Layer 50 54 Light yellowish greyish brown sandy pebbly

silt, friable compaction. Moderate inclu-sions of fine and coarse sub-angular pebbles and frequent medium sub-angular pebbles. Occasional small sub-angular stones.

1.95 x 0.1

54 Layer 53 55 Mid reddish orangish brown sandy peb-bly silt, friable compaction. Moderate to frequent inclusions of fine, medium and coarse sub-angular stones. Occasional small sub-angular stones.

1.6 x 0.08

55 (56) Layer 54 Light yellowish greyish brown sandy peb-bly silt, friable compaction. Moderate to frequent inclusions of fine and medium sub-angular pebbles. Moderate small and medium sub-angular stones.

2.0 x 0.11

56 (53) Layer 54 Dark brownish black silt, friable compac-tion. Frequent inclusions of fine sub-an-gular pebbles. Moderate to frequent flecks and small charcoal inclusions.

0.6 x 0.04

57 VOID58 VOID59 Layer 2 Light orangish brown sandy silt, firm

compaction. Occasional inclusions of me-dium and coarse sub-angular pebbles, and occasional medium sub-angular and large sub-rounded stones. Moderate flecks and occasional small charcoal inclusions.

11.0 x 15.0


52

Context #

Context Type

Fill of Strat Above

Strat Below


60 Fill 61 2 61 Mid greyish brown silt, soft compaction. Occasional flecks of charcoal and cremated bone. 0.14m x 0.13m x 0.04m.

0.14 x 0.13 x 0.04

61 Cut 60 59 Irregular in shape with sharp to gradual break of slope top and base. Base irregular in plan and irregular in profile.

0.12 x 0.13 x 0.03

62 Stakehole Fill

63 2 63 Mid greyish brown sandy clay, soft com-paction. Charcoal flecks.

0.14 x 0.10 x 0.05

63 Stakehole Cut

62 59 Sub-circular in shape with rounded corners and gradual break of slope top and base. Base sub-circular in plan.

0.14 x 0.10 x 0.05

64 Posthole Cut

76 59 Square to sub-circular in shape with sharp to rounded corners. Break of slope sharp at top and gradual to sharp at base. Base square to sub-circular in plan and flat in profile.

0.31 x 0.25 x 0.2

65 Layer 2 66 Mid greyish brown clayey stony sand, weakly cemented. Frequent inclusions of small sub-angular stones.

4.36 x 0.72

66 Layer 65 68 Mid yellowish brown stony sand, loose compaction. Occasional to frequent inclu-sions of small to medium sub-angular stones.

1.44 x 0.26

67 Layer 66 Mid yellowish brown stony sand, loose compaction. Occasional to frequent small, medium and large sub-angular stones.

1.6 x 0.50

68 Layer 66 A light pinkish grey stony clay, stiff in compaction. Moderate sub-angular small and medium stones.

? x 4.36 x 0.72

69 Pit Fill 70 2 70 Mid greyish brown silt, very soft compac-tion. Occasional charcoal flecks.

0.2 x 0.16 x 0.05

70 Pit Cut 69 59 Rounded to square corners. Break of slope varied at top, and gradual to sharp at base.

0.21 x 0.18 x 0.05

71 Posthole Fill

72 2 84 Dark greyish brown silty pebbly clay, soft compaction. Occasional inclusions of fine and medium sub-angular pebbles and small sub-angular stones. Moderate flecks and small inclusions of charcoal and cremated bone.

0.42 x 0.31 x 0.07

72 Posthole Cut

84 59 Oval in shape with rounded corners and sharp break of slope top. Base oval in plan and flat in profile.

0.42 x 0.31 x 0.25

73 VOID74 Stakehole

Cut 77 59 Irregular in shape with rounded corners

and gradual break of slope top and base. Base oval in plan and concave in profile.

0.12 x 0.08 x 0.13

75 Stakehole Cut

80 59 Sub-circular in plan with rounded corners, sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. Base sub-circular in plan and tapered rounded point in profile.

0.15 x 0.13 x 0.27

76 Posthole Fill

64 2 64 Dark orangish brown clayey silt, soft compaction. Moderate inclusions of fine sub-angular and occasional medium sub-rounded pebbles. Occasional inclusions of small and medium sub-rounded stones. Moderate flecks and small inclusions of cremated bone.

77 Stakehole Fill

74 2 74 Mid greyish brown clayey sand, loose com-paction. Occasional charcoal flecks.

0.12 x 0.08 x 0.13


53


Context #

Context Type

Fill of Strat Above

Strat Below


78 Stakehole Cut

79 59 Stakehole cut, circular in shape with verti-cal and smooth sides and a flat circular base. Sharp break of slope at top and bot-tom except on S side - gradual.

0.15 x 0.14 x 0.12

79 Stakehole Fill

78 2 78 Dark brown sandy silt, firm to soft in com-paction. Occasional medium sub-rounded pebbles and charcoal flecks.

0.15 x 0.14 x 0.12

80 Stakehole Fill

75 2 75 Mid greyish brown sandy clay, soft compaction.

0.15 x 0.13 x 0.27

81 VOID82 Stakehole

Cut 91 59 Irregular in shape with rounded corners,

sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. Base irregular in plan and concave in profile.

0.08 x 0.07 x 0.13

83 Stakehole Cut

85 59 Oval in shape with rounded corners, sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. Base circular in plan and tapered rounded point in profile.

0.15 x 0.10 x 0.17

84 Posthole Fill

72 71 72 Dark brownish black sandy silt, friable compaction. Moderate inclusions of fine and medium sub-angular pebbles and occasional small sub-angular stones. Mod-erate flecks, frequent small and moderate medium inclusions of charcoal.

0.40 x 0.29 x 0.05

85 Stakehole Fill

83 2 83 Mid greyish brown sandy clay, soft in com-paction. Occasional sub-angular medium stones.

0.15 x 0.1 x 0.17

86 VOID87 VOID88 Cut 89 59 Oval in shape with vertical and smooth

sides. Sharp break of slope at top. Sharp break of slope at base except gradual on S side. Oval and flat base.

0.32 x 0.19 x 0.12

89 Fill 88 2 88 Dark orangish brown sandy silt, firm in compaction. Occasional sub-rounded fine pebbles. Occasional sub-angular and sub-rounded medium pebbles.

0.32 x 0.19 x 0.12

90 VOID91 Stakehole

Fill82 2 82 Mid orangish brown clayey sand, loose

compaction. Occasional inclusions of small sub-angular stones.

0.08 x 0.07 x 0.13

92 Cut 93 Linear ditch cut. Moderate and stepped sides, with a linear and concave base. Gradual break of slope at both N and S sides for top and bottom of slope.

? x 5.9 x 2.25

93 Fill 92 94 92 Dark brownish grey silty clay, firm in com-paction. Occasional medium sub-angular pebbles and small to medium sub-rounded stones. Moderate flecks and occasional small pieces of charcoal.

? x 5.9 x 0.41

94 Fill 92 95 93 Mid greyish brown silty clay, soft in compaction. Occasional fine and medium sub-rounded pebbles.

? x 5.9 x 0.22

95 Fill 92 96 94 Light greyish brown silty clay, firm in compaction. Occasional sub-rounded me-dium and coarse pebbles and small stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

? x 5.9 x 0.28


54

Context #

Context Type

Fill of Strat Above

Strat Below


96 Fill 92 97 95 Mid greyish brown clayey silt, firm in compaction. Occasional sub-rounded small and large stones (approx 0.5m). Moderate medium stones and occasional small pieces of charcoal. Occasional small and medium decomposed stones.

? x 5.9 x 0.58

97 Fill 92 98 96 Mid brown silty clay, stiff in compaction. Moderate sub-angular coarse pebbles and small stones. Frequent sub-angular medium stones.

? x 5.9 x 0.85

98 Fill 92 2 97 Light greyish/orangish brown sandy silt, stiff in compaction. Moderate sub-rounded medium and coarse pebbles. Occasional sub-rounded small stones.

? x 5.9 x 0.31

126 Cut 135 136, 155, 148

Cut of ditch. Moderate and smooth slope on N side, moderate and stepped slope on S side. Sharp break of slope at top, gradual at base. Flat base.

? x 6.13 x 1.84

127 VOID128 Fill 126 137 129 Fill of ditch. Mid reddish, yellowish brown

sandy silt, friable in compaction. ? x 2.0 x 0.29

129 Fill 126 128 130 Fill of ditch. Light to mid yellowish brown sand, loose in compaction.

? x 2.3 x 0.31

130 Fill 126 129 138 Fill of ditch. Light pinkish brown sand, loose in compaction. Occasional rounded medium pebbles.

? x 3.6 x 0.3

131 Fill 126 138 132 Fill of ditch. Mid greyish brown silty clay, firm in compaction. Occasional sub-angu-lar small stones.

? x 4.1 x 0.47

132 Fill 126 131 139 Fill of ditch. Dark greyish black silty clay, soft in compaction. Moderate small pieces of charcoal.

? x 3.54 x 0.35

133 Fill 126 140 134 Fill of ditch. Mid greyish brown sandy silt, soft in compaction. Moderate sub-angular medium pebbles and small and medium stones.

? x 1.92 x 0.18

134 Fill 126 133 135 Fill of ditch. Mid greyish brown sandy stony silt. Frequent sub-angular small and medium stones. Soft in compaction.

? x 4.34 x 0.53

135 Fill 126 134 126 Fill of ditch. Mid pinkish brown silty stony clay, soft in compaction. Frequent sub-angular medium pebbles.

? x 2.0 x 0.18

136 Layer 126 A layer of natural material in slot 4. Light bluish grey silt, very soft in compaction

? x 1.2 x 0.18

137 Fill 126 2 128 Fill of ditch. Mid reddish brown silty sand, soft in compaction.

? x 5.18 x 0.42

138 Fill 126 130 131 Fill of ditch. Mid greyish brown silty clay, stiff in compaction. Moderate sub-angular small stones.

? x 1.4 x 0.3

139 Fill 126 132 140 Fill of ditch. Mid greyish brown sandy stony silt, soft in compaction. Occasional sub-angular small stones.

? x 1.18 x 0.52

140 Fill 126 139 133 Fill of ditch. Mid yellowish brown sandy stony silt, soft in compaction. Moderate sub-rounded small stones.

? x 1.4 x 0.2


55


Context #

Context Type

Fill of Strat Above

Strat Below


141 Layer 146 A layer of natural material in slot 4. Mid brown stony sand, loose in compaction. Frequent sub-angular small and medium stones. Occasional sub-angular large stones (approx. 0.3m diameter).

? x 5.78 x 0.52

142 VOID143 Layer 145 142 Layer of natural material in slot 4 . Light

pinkish yellowish brown silty clay, soft in compaction. Moderate sub-angular small stones, occasional sub-angular medium stones.

? x 3.26 x 0.48

144 Linear Cut

153 59 Cut of linear feature. Steep and smooth on NE side, moderate and stepped on SE side, gentle and smooth on SW side, steep and concave on NW side. Gradual break of slope at top on NE and SE, sharp on SW and NW. Irregular at base.

1.12 x 0.26 x 0.1

145 Layer 2 143, 137

Layer of subsoil in slot 4. Dark brown silt, firm in compaction.

? x 10.65 x 0.25

146 Layer 147 141 Layer of natural material in slot 4. Light pinkish brown sandy clay, soft in compaction.

? x 5.03 x 0.58

147 VOID148 Layer 126,

149147 Layer of natural material in slot 4. Mid

brownish red stony sand, very soft in com-paction. Moderate sub-angular medium stones.

? x 1.45 x 0.47

149 VOID150 Layer 142 149 Layer of natural material in slot 4. Mid red-

dish brown silty sand, firm in compaction. ? x 0.83 x 0.23

151 VOID152 VOID153 Linear

Fill144 2 144 Fill of linear feature. Mid greyish orangish

brown silty clay, soft in compaction. Occa-sional sub-angular coarse pebbles and small stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

1.12 x 0.26 x 0.1

154 VOID155 Layer 126,

149156 Layer of natural material in slot 4. Light

brownish pink silty clay, hard in compac-tion. Occasional sub-angular small stones and small pieces of charcoal.

? x 0.4 x 0.2

156 Layer 155 Layer of natural material in slot 4. Mid brown stony sand, loose in compaction. Frequent sub-angular small and medium stones.

? x 1.1 x 0.35

157 Layer 158 Layer of subsoil material in southern baulk. Mid greyish brown clay, firm in compaction.

? x 0.67 x 0.1

158 Layer 157 159 Layer of material in southern baulk. Dark brown silty clay, firm in compaction. Oc-casional sub-angular small stones.

? x 2.3 x 0.4

159 Layer 158 160 Layer of material in southern baulk. Mid yellowish brown silty clay, firm in compac-tion. Occasional sub-angular medium pebbles and small stones.

? x 2.3 x 0.14

160 Layer 159 161 Layer of material from S baulk. A mid orangish brown sandy pebbly silt, friable in compaction. Frequent sub-angular fine pebbles.

? x 2.3 x 0.14


56

Context #

Context Type

Fill of Strat Above

Strat Below


161 Layer 160 Levelling layer (possibly for construction of bridge). A mid orangish brown silty stony clay, firm in compaction. Frequent sub-angular and sub-rounded small and medium stones. Occasional angular large stones (diameter 0.3m).

? x 2.3 x 0.1

162 Layer 2 Modern levelling layer at N end of Slot 3. Mid yellowish brown silty clay, soft in com-paction. Moderate angular and sub-angular medium pebbles. Moderate sub-angular medium stones.

? x ? x 0.6

163 Layer 164 Burnt mound material from Fullacht Fiadh. Dark brownish black stony silt, soft in compaction. Frequent angular small and medium burnt stones. Moderate flecks and occasional small pieces of charcoal.

15.6 x 7.75 x 0.4

164 Layer 2 163 Layer of subsoil material overlying burnt mound material. Mid brownish orange stony sand, loose in compaction. Frequent sub-angular coarse pebbles and small stones.

? x 0.45 x 0.1

165 Layer 163 167 Transference layer. Mid greyish brown sandy pebbly clay, firm in compaction. Moderate angular and sub-angular coarse pebbles. Occasional sub-angular small stones.

? x 0.9 x 0.07

166 Layer 2 163 A layer of sub-soil (possible culluvium). Mid brown silty stony clay, firm in com-paction. Frequent angular and sub-angular small stones. Moderate sub-angular medium stones.

? x 5.0 x 0.1

167 Layer 165 A layer of natural underlying Fullacht Fiadh. Light orangish brown sandy clay, firm in compaction.

168 Linear Cut

169 167 Cut of linear. Sides: gentle and irregular to N; gentle and stepped to S; gentle and con-cave to E; steep and concave to W. Gradual break of slope at top and base. Concave and irregular base.

1.07 x 0.2 x 0.15

169 Linear Fill

168 163 168 Fill of linear. Light reddish brown silty sand, loose in compaction. Occasional sub-angular small stones.

1.07 x 0.2 x 0.15

170 VOID171 Cut 180 167 Possible cut. Gentle and smooth edges on

all sides. Gradual break of slope at top, imperceptible break of slope at base. Flat sub-circular base, oval in shape.

2.2 x 1.25 x 0.25

172 Fill 171 163 180 Fill of possible feature. Dark black silty clay, firm in compaction. Occasional angular and sub-angular fine pebbles and small stones. Moderate angular and sub-angular medium stones.

2.0 x 1.1 x 0.25

173 VOID174 Posthole

Cut 175 167 Cut of posthole. Circular in shape. Steep

and smooth on all sides. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Circular and flat at base.

0.32 x 0.31 x 0.27


57


Context #

Context Type

Fill of Strat Above

Strat Below


175 Posthole Fill

174 163 174 Fill of posthole. Dark brownish black stony silt, soft in compaction. Frequent angular medium stones. Occasional sub-angular large stones (diameter 0.2m). Occasional small pieces of charcoal.

0.32 x 0.31 x 0.27

176 Posthole Cut

177 167 Cut of posthole. Sub-rectangular in shape. Sides: steep and smooth on N; vertical and smooth on S and E; moderate and smooth on W. Gradual break of slope top on W side; sharp elsewhere. Base sub-rectangular in plan, flat in profile.

0.4 x 0.28 x 0.24

177 Posthole Fill

176 163 176 Fill of posthole. Dark greyish brown silty clay, soft in compaction. Moderate sub-angular small and medium stones. Oc-casional sub-angular large stones.

0.4 x 0.28 x 0.24

178 Pit Cut 179 167 Cut of pit. Sub-rectangular in plan. Steep and smooth on all sides. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Sub-rectangular and flat base.

1.3 x 0.62 x 0.21

179 Pit Fill 178 163 178 Fill of pit. Mid greenish brown silty clay, soft in compaction. Moderate sub-angular and angular medium and large stones (diameter 0.1 to 0.15m).

1.3 x 0.62 x 0.21

180 Fill 171 172 171 Fill of possible feature. Mid brownish black silty clay, firm in compaction. Occasional angular and sub-angular fine pebbles and small stones.

0.2 x 0.15 x 0.1

181 Pit cut 182 167 Cut of pit. Sub-circular in shape. Vertical and smooth on all sides. Sharp break of slope top, gradual break of slope base. Sub-circular and concave at base.

0.58 x 0.52 x 0.34

182 Pit Fill 181 180 181 Fill of pit. Mid brown silty clay, soft in compaction. Occasional sub-angular and sub-rounded medium pebbles. Frequent sub-angular and angular medium stones.

0.58 x 0.52 x 0.34

183 Trough Cut

163 167 Cut of trough. Rectangular in shape. Sides: gentle and stepped to N and S; moderate and smooth to E; steep and smooth to W. Sharp break of slope at top on N and W; gradual on S and E. Sharp break of slope at base. Rectangular and flat at base.

2.2 x 1.3 x 0.8

184 Pit Fill 257 211 197 Fill of pit. Mid brown sandy silt, firm in compaction. Sub-angular and sub-rounded stones. Occasional medium pebbles. Moderate coarse pebbles and small stones. Frequent medium stones.

2.8 x 1.2 x 0.8

185 Posthole Cut

186 167 Cut of posthole. Square in shape. Vertical and smooth on all sides. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Square and flat base.

0.3 x 0.28 x 0.2

186 Posthole Fill

185 163 185 Fill of posthole. Dark brownish greyish black stony silt, very soft in compaction. Frequent angular and sub-angular small stones. Moderate angular and sub-angular medium stones. Occasional sub-angular large stones.

0.3 x 0.28 x 0.2

187 Cut 188 189, 192, 193

Cut of feature. Oval in shape. Sides: mod-erate and smooth to SE; steep and steeped to NW. Gradual break of slope at top and base. Flat base.

1.72 x 1.05 x 0.28


58

Context #

Context Type

Fill of Strat Above

Strat Below


188 Fill 187 163 187 Fill of feature. Dark bluish black stony silt, soft in compaction. Occasional angular small and medium stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

1.72 x 1.05 x 0.28

189 Fill 230 187 190 Fill of feature. Mid greyish brown stony silt, loose in compaction. Occasional sub-angular small and medium stones.

1.66 x 1.1 x 0.26

190 Fill 230 189 230 Fill of feature. Dark greyish black silty sand, soft in compaction.

1.66 x 0.8 x 0.3

191 Cut 195 192, 193

Cut of feature (possibly re-cut of linear [229]). Sides: gentle and convex on SE; gentle and concave on NW. Gradual break of slope at top and base. Concave base.

? x 0.9 x 0.18

192 Linear Fill

229 191 194 Fill of linear. Dark black stony silt, soft in compaction. Moderate angular small and medium stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

1.46 x 0.7 x 0.2

193 Linear Fill

229 191 194 Fill of linear. Dark black stony silt, soft in compaction. Moderate angular small and medium stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

1.46 x 0.26 x 0.1

194 Linear Fill

229 192, 193

229 Fill of linear. Light reddish brownish orange silty sand. Loose in compaction.

1.46 x 1.3 x 0.14

195 Fill 191 196 191 Fill of feature. Mid brownish greyish black stony silt, soft in compaction. Occasional sub-angular small stones.

? x 0.92 x 0.14

196 Fill 191 163 195 Fill of feature. Dark greyish black stony silt, soft in compaction. Moderate angular small and medium stones.

? x 0.9 x 0.1

197 Pit Fill 257 198 (184)

199 Fill of pit. Mid greyish brown sandy silt, firm in compaction. Occasional sub-rounded fine pebbles.

0.6 x 0.3 x 0.5

198 (184)

Pit Fill 257 211 197 Fill of pit. Light yellowish orangish brown clayey sand, compact.

0.8 x 0.6 x 0.25

199 Pit Fill 257 197 257 Fill of pit. Mid yellowish brown sandy clay, firm in compaction. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded small stones. Frequent sub-angular and sub-rounded medium stones.

2.8 x 1.1 x 0.7

200 Layer 59, 201

Layer of possible re-deposit. Mid orangish brown silty pebbly sand, loose in compac-tion. Frequent sub-angular and sub-round-ed fine, medium and coarse pebbles and small and medium stones.

? x 3.28 x 0.56

201 Layer 202 200 Layer of possible bank slippage. Mid brownish yellow sandy pebbly silt, friable in compaction. Frequent sub-angular, sub-rounded and rounded fine, medium and coarse pebbles and small and medium stones.

? x 2.2 x 0.6

202 Ditch Cut

239 201, 208

Cut of ditch. Steep and smooth on N and S sides. Sharp break of slope at top; gradual at base on N side. Sharp break of slope at base on S side. Base flat.

? x 1.72 x 0.56

203 Ditch Fill 202 238, 205

239 Fill of ditch. Light greyish pink silty sand, compact. Occasional sub-angular small and medium stones.

? x 2.0 x 0.34

204 VOID


59


Context #

Context Type

Fill of Strat Above

Strat Below


205 Ditch Fill 202 206, 207

203 Fill of ditch. Light greyish orangish brown silty pebbly sand, friable in compaction. Frequent sub-angular and sub-rounded fine and medium pebbles. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded coarse pebbles and small stones.

? x 1.54 x 0.26

206 Layer 2 237, 205

Layer of sub-soil material in slot 9. Mid greyish brown silty clay, firm in compac-tion. Occasional sub-angular small stones.

? x 3.14 x 0.18

207 Layer 2 237, 205

Layer of sub-soil material in slot 9. Mid greyish brown silty clay, firm in compac-tion. Occasional sub-angular small stones.

? x 2.9 x 0.12

208 Layer 202 Layer of natural material in slot 9. Light greyish brown silty pebbly sand, loose in compaction. Frequent sub-angular, sub-rounded and rounded fine and medium pebbles. Occasional sub-rounded medium stones.

? x 0.96 x 0.36

209 Fill 219 163 219 Fill of feature associated with trough [183]. Dark greyish black stony silt, soft in compaction. Moderate angular and sub-an-gular small and medium stones. Occasional flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.92 x 0.56 x 0.48

210 Posthole Fill

211 2 211 Fill of posthole. Light brownish grey sand clay, soft in compaction. Moderate sub-angular medium stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

0.36 x 0.36 x 0.34

211 Posthole Cut

210 184, 198

Cut of posthole. Circular in shape. Steep and concave on all sides. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Circular and concave at base.

0.36 x 0.36 x 0.34

212 VOID213 Pit Cut 217 167 Cut of pit. Sub-rectangular in shape. Sides:

steep and smooth to N; gentle and concave to S; vertical and smooth to E; steep and concave to W. Gradual break of slope at base. Sub-rectangular and concave at base.

1.87 x 0.61 x 0.18

214 Pit Fill 213 2 217 Fill of pit. Mid brownish orange sandy silt, soft in compaction. Occasional sub-angu-lar medium pebbles and small stones.

0.85 x 0.61 x 0.13

215 Pit Cut 216 167 Cut of pit. Sub-rectangular in shape. Sides: vertical and smooth on N and S; steep and smooth on W; gentle and smooth on E. Gradual break of slope at top on E, sharp elsewhere. Gradual break of slope at base. Sub-rectangular and flat base.

0.6 x 0.35 x 0.15

216 Pit Fill 215 2 215 Fill of pit. Mid yellowish greyish brown silty stony clay. Occasional sub-angular small stones. Moderate sub-rounded and sub-angular medium stones.

0.6 x 0.35 x 0.15

217 Pit Fill 213 214 213 Fill of pit. Dark brown sandy silt, soft in compaction. Occasional fine sub-angular pebbles. Occasional angular small stones.

1.08 x 0.61 x 0.1

218 Deposit 2 167 Deposit of redeposited natural. Mid yel-lowish brown silty clay, firm in compac-tion. Moderate sub-angular coarse pebbles. Occasional sub-angular small and medium stones.

0.75 x 0.6 x 0.15


60

Context #

Context Type

Fill of Strat Above

Strat Below


219 Cut 209 183, 192, 193

Cut of feature associated with trough [183]. Sides: gentle and smooth to NW; steep and smooth to SE; moderate and concave to N; moderate and undercut to S. Gradual break of slope at top and base. Oval base, flat in profile.

0.92 x 0.56 x 0.48

220 Pit Cut 221 167 Cut of pit. Oval in shape. Sides: gentle and concave to N; steep and convex to S; gentle and convex to E; steep and smooth to W. Gradual break of slope at top and base for N and E sides; sharp break of slope at top and base for S and W sides. Base oval in plan, tapered rounded point in profile.

0.6 x 0.5 x 0.2

221 Pit Fill 220 2 220 Fill of pit. Mid reddish brown clayey sand, loose in compaction. Moderate sub-angular small stones. Moderate angular and sub-angular medium stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

0.6 x 0.5 x 0.2

222 Ditch Fill - Slot 8

376 373 278 Fill of ditch. Dark brownish black clayey silt, soft in compaction. Occasional sub-an-gular small and medium stones. Frequent flecks, small, medium and large pieces of slag material.

? x 2.8 x 0.25

223 VOID224 VOID225 Posthole

Cut 226 183 Cut of posthole. Sides: steep and undercut

to N and E; vertical and smooth to W; open to S. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Base sub-circular in plan, flat in profile.

0.33 x 0.21 x 0.22

226 Posthole Fill

225 163 225 Fill of posthole. Dark greyish black stony silt, soft in compaction. Occasional sub-angular and sub-rounded small stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

0.33 x 0.21 x 0.22


Cut 194 167 Cut of linear. Steep and smooth sides on

the NE and SW. Sharp break of slope at top and bottom. Flat base.

2.22 x 1.46 x 0.27

230 Cut 190 167 Cut of feature. Oval in plan. Steep and concave sides. Sharp break of slope at top, gradual at base. Base oval in plan, flat in profile.

2.16 x 1.66 x 0.51

231 Posthole Cut

232 167 Cut of posthole. Sides: gentle and undercut on N and W; steep and irregular on E; open on S. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Base sub-circular in plan, flat in profile.

0.5 x 0.33 x 0.35

232 Posthole Fill

231 163 231 Fill of posthole. Dark greyish black stony silt, firm in compaction. Occasional sub-angular and sub-rounded small stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

0.5 x 0.33 x 0.35

233 Posthole Cut

234 183 Cut of posthole. Sub-circular in shape. Steep and smooth on N and E sides; steep and irregular on S; open on W. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Sub-circular and flat base.

0.46 x 0.29 x 0.33


61


Context #

Context Type

Fill of Strat Above

Strat Below


234 Posthole Fill

233 243, 245, 247

233 Fill of posthole. Dark greyish black stony silt, soft in compaction. Moderate sub-angular coarse pebbles and small stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

0.46 x 0.29 x 0.33

235 VOID236 VOID237 Ditch Fill 202 206,

207238 Fill of ditch. Dark brownish black silty clay,

friable in compaction. Occasional small sub-angular stones. Frequent small pieces of charcoal.

? x 2.9 x 0.16

238 Ditch Fill 202 237 203 Fill of ditch. Dark brown sandy silt. Oc-casional sub-angular and sub-rounded fine and medium pebbles.

? x 2.0 x 0.3

239 Ditch Fill 202 203 202 Fill of ditch. Mid greyish brown stony sand, strongly cemented in compaction. Moderate sub-angular medium pebbles. Moderate sub-rounded coarse pebbles and small stones. Occasional sub-rounded medium stones.

? x 0.98 x 0.08

240 VOID241 Linear

Cut 242 167 Cut of linear. Sides: gentle and smooth

on N and S; steep and convex on E; steep and concave on W. Gradual break of slope at top on N and S; sharp on E and W. Gradual break of slope base. Base oval in plan, concave in profile.

1.3 x 0.35 x 0.2

242 Linear Fill

241 2 241 Fill of linear. Mid orangish brown silty sand, compact. Occasional sub-angular small stones. Moderate sub-angular me-dium stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

1.3 x 0.35 x 0.2

243 Stakehole Cut

244 234 Cut of stakehole. Circular in shape. Verti-cal and undercut to N and E; vertical and irregular to S; open to W. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Irregular and concave at base.

0.05 x 0.04 x 0.25

244 Stakehole Fill

243 163 243 Fill of stakehole. Dark greyish black stony silt, soft in compaction. Occasional sub-angular coarse pebbles and small stones. Moderate flecks of charcoal.

0.05 x 0.04 x 0.25

245 Stakehole Cut

246 234 Cut of stakehole. Circular in shape. Sides: vertical and smooth to N and E; vertical and irregular to S; open to W. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Circular and flat at base.

0.07 x 0.05 x 0.27

246 Stakehole Fill

245 163 245 Fill of stakehole. Dark greyish black stony silt, soft in compaction. Occasional sub-angular coarse pebbles and small and me-dium stones. Moderate flecks of charcoal.

0.07 x 0.05 x 0.27

247 Stakehole Cut

248 234 Cut of stakehole. Circular in shape. Verti-cal and smooth sides; open to W. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Circular and concave at base.

0.06 x 0.05 x 0.27

248 Stakehole Fill

247 163 247 Fill of stakehole. Dark greyish black stony silt, soft in compaction. Occasional sub-angular medium and coarse pebbles. Moderate flecks of charcoal.

0.06 x 0.05 x 0.27


62

Context #

Context Type

Fill of Strat Above

Strat Below


249 Stakehole Cut

250 183 Cut of stakehole. Oval in shape. Vertical and smooth sides to N and W; steep and undercut to E; steep and smooth to S. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Oval and concave at base.

0.10 x 0.07 x 0.11

250 Stakehole Fill

249 163 249 Fill of stakehole. Dark greyish black stony silt, soft in compaction. Occasional sub-angular and sub-rounded small stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

0.10 x 0.07 x 0.11

251 Stakehole Cut

252 183 Cut of stakehole. Oval in shape. Steep and concave sides, except steep and smooth to N. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Oval and flat base.

0.09 x 0.08 x 0.14

252 Stakehole Fill

251 163 251 Fill of stakehole. Dark brownish grey silt, soft in compaction. Occasional sub-angu-lar small and medium stones.

0.09 x 0.08 x 0.14

253 VOID254 VOID255 Pit Cut 256 167 Cut of pit. Sub-rectangular in shape.

Vertical and concave side to N; steep and smooth side to S; gentle and smooth side to E; steep and smooth side to W. Sharp break of slope top except gradual on E side. Gradual break of slope at base. Sub-rectan-gular and flat base.

0.49 x 0.27 x 0.24

256 Pit Fill 255 260 255 Fill of pit. Dark black silty sand, compact. Occasional sub-angular small stones. Frequent small pieces of charcoal.

0.49 x 0.27 x 0.24

257 Pit Cut 199 163 Cut of pit. Sub-rectangular in shape. Gen-tle and smooth sides to N and S; moderate to steep smooth side to W. Gradual break of slope at top. Sharp break of slope at base. Sub-rectangular and flat base.

3.0 x 1.0 x 0.8

258 Furrow Cut

259 167 Cut of furrow. Linear in shape. Gentle and concave sides to N and S; steep and smooth side to W. Gradual break of slope top except on W side. Imperceptible break of slope at base. Irregular and concave at base.

2.07 x 0.31 x 0.12

259 Furrow Fill

258 2 258 Fill of furrow. Mid brown sandy silt, soft in compaction. Moderate sub-angular and angular medium pebbles and small stones.

2.07 x 0.31 x 0.12

260 Linear Cut

261 256 Cut of linear. Gentle and smooth side to S; steep and irregular sides to E and W. Break of slope top imperceptible to N; gradual to S; sharp to E and W. Break of slope base imperceptible to N; gradual to S, E and W. Base irregular and flat.

2.56 x 0.38 x 0.17

261 Linear Fill

260 2 260 Fill of linear. Mid brownish orange silty sand, compact. Frequent sub-angular small and medium stones. Moderate flecks of charcoal.

2.56 x 0.38 x 0.17


Cut 265 167 Cut of linear. Gentle and concave sides

to SE and NW; steep and smooth side to E. Sharp break of slope at top on E side; gradual break of slope top on SE and NW sides. Gradual break of slope at base on E side; imperceptible break of slope at base on SE and NW sides. Irregular and flat base.

2.9 x 0.72 x 0.17


63


Context #

Context Type

Fill of Strat Above

Strat Below


265 Linear Fill

264 2 264 Fill of linear. Mid brown silty clay, soft in compaction. Moderate sub-angular and rounded fine pebbles. Moderate angular and sub-angular medium pebbles and small and medium stones.

2.9 x 0.72 x 0.17

266 Stakehole Cut

267 167 Cut of stakehole. Sub-circular in shape. Gentle and irregular side to N; gentle and concave to E and S; gentle and smooth to W. Sharp break of slope top on N and W; gradual break of slope on S and E. Gradual break of slope at base. Base sub-circular in plan, tapered rounded point in profile.

0.17 x 0.13 x 0.07

267 Stakehole Fill

266 2 266 Fill of stakehole. Mid orangish brown sandy silt, soft in compaction. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

0.17 x 0.13 x 0.07

268 Pit Cut 269 167 Cut of possible fire pit. Irregular in shape. Vertical and undercut on N and S sides. Vertical and irregular on E and W sides. Sharp break of slope at top. Gradual break of slope at base, except sharp on N side. Ir-regular and tapered rounded point at base.

2.42 x 1.4 x 1.22

269 Pit Fill 268 276 268 Fill of pit. Dark black sandy silt, friable in compaction. Moderate angular and sub-angular small and medium stones. Frequent flecks, small and medium pieces and occasional large pieces of charcoal.

1.47 x 1.1 x 1.22

270 Posthole Cut

271 167 Cut of posthole. Oval in shape. Vertical and smooth on N side; vertical and concave on S and W sides; moderate and concave on E side. Sharp break of slope top on W, N and S sides; gradual on E side. Sharp break of slope at base. Sub-circular and flat base.

0.32 x 0.17 x 0.32

271 Posthole Fill

270 2 270 Fill of posthole. Dark greyish black silt, soft in compaction. Occasional angular small and medium stones. Moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.32 x 0.17 x 0.32

272 Cut 273 167 Cut of feature. Sub-rectangular in shape. Gentle and smooth sides, except moderate and smooth on W. Imperceptible break of slope on N and E sides at top and base. Gradual break of slope on S side at top and base. Sharp break of slope on W side at top and base. Sub-rectangular and flat base.

0.49 x 0.46 x 0.08

273 Fill 272 2 272 Fill of feature. Dark black silt, firm in com-paction. Frequent large pieces of charcoal.

0.49 x 0.46 x 0.08

274 Cut 291 163, 286, 289

Construction cut. Rectangular in shape. N and W sides vertical and smooth. Sharp break of slope at top. Orientation N-S then turns E-W.

12.0 x 0.46 x 0.5

275 Fill 274 310 291 Fill of construction cut. Mid orangish brown silty sand, weakly cemented. Oc-casional sub-angular medium pebbles. Moderate sub-rounded small stones. Frequent sub-rounded large stones (0.25m diameter) = wall.

12.0 x 0.46 x 0.5

276 Pit Fill 268 277 269 Fill of pit. Mid greyish brown silty sand, compact. Moderate angular and sub-angu-lar small and medium stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

2.42 x 1.2 x 0.35


64

Context #

Context Type

Fill of Strat Above

Strat Below


277 Pit Fill 268 2 276 Fill of pit. Mid orangish brown sandy silt, firm in compaction. Moderate sub-angular small and medium stones. Occasional small pieces of charcoal.

2.42 x 1.4 x 0.35


376 222 374 Fill of ditch. Dark greyish brown silt, soft in compaction. Occasional sub-angular and sub-rounded coarse pebbles. Oc-casional sub-rounded small and medium stones. Moderate flecks and small pieces and occasional medium pieces of slag.

? x 2.13 x 0.18

279 Field Drain Cut

281 167 Cut of field drain. Linear in shape. Moder-ate and concave on N and S sides. Gradual break of slope at top and base. Linear and concave at base.

? x 1.6 x 0.45

280 Field Drain Fill

279 302 281 Fill of field drain. Dark greyish brown silt, soft in compaction. No inclusions.

? x 1.6 x 0.45


279 280 279 Fill of field drain. Mid greyish stone deposit. Frequent sub-angular medium stones.

? x 1.6 x 0.45

282 VOID283 Fill 284 2 284 Fill of natural feature. Light brownish

grey sandy silt, compact. Occasional sub-rounded small stones. Frequent small pieces of charcoal.

0.68 x 0.48 x 0.12

284 Cut 283 167 Cut of natural feature. Sub-circular in shape. Gentle and smooth on all sides. Sharp break of slope top on N and S sides. Imperceptible break of slope top on E and W sides. Sub-circular and flat base.

0.68 x 0.48 x 0.12

285 Layer 312 297 Layer associated with structure. Dark brown clayey silt, soft in compaction. Mod-erate sub-angular and sub-rounded small stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

4.8 x 3.0 x 0.25

286 (289)

Layer 296 / 288,295, 305 / 274

Layer associated with structure. Light or-angish brown silty sand, weakly cemented. Moderate sub-angular medium and coarse pebbles. Occasional sub-rounded small and medium stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

2.8 x 2.7 x ?

287 VOID288 Layer 310 286,

289Layer associated with structure. Mid brownish black pebbly silt, firm in compac-tion. Moderate sub-angular coarse pebbles and small and medium stones. Moderate flecks of charcoal.

2.4 x 1.75 x 0.15

289 (286)

Layer 296 / 288/295, 305 / 274

Layer associated with structure. Light or-angish brown pebbly silt, weakly cemented. Moderate sub-angular coarse pebbles. Oc-casional sub-rounded small and medium stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

0.4 x 0.25 x 0.08

290 Deposit 274 310 291 Deposit associated with structure. Dark brownish black clayey silt, soft in compac-tion. Frequent flecks, small and medium pieces of charcoal.

0.3 x 0.2 x 0.05

291 Wall 274 275 274 Walls defining structure. Vertical and smooth sides to N and W. Sharp break of slope top on N and W sides. Orientated N to S then turning E to W.

12.0 x 0.46 x 0.5


65


Context #

Context Type

Fill of Strat Above

Strat Below


292 Pit Cut 298 167 Cut of pit. Sub-circular in shape. Steep and smooth for all sides. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Sub-circular and flat base.

1.77 x 1.56 x 0.76

293 Pit Fill 292 294 300 Fill of pit. Dark greyish brown silty clay, soft in compaction. Frequent angular and sub-angular medium stones. Frequent flecks, small and medium pieces of char-coal. Occasional flecks of burnt bone.

? x 1.4 x 0.55

294 Pit Fill 292 2 293 Fill of pit. Dark greyish brown silty clay, soft in compaction. Moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal. Occasional flecks and small pieces of wood.

? x 1.4 x 0.05

295 Layer 310 286, 289

Layer associated with structure. Light yel-lowish brown silt, soft in compaction.

0.6 x 0.5 x 0.1

296 Linear Cut

297 286, 289

Cut of linear. Moderate and smooth sides to N and S. Gradual break of slope at top and base. Base sub-rectangular and flat.

4.1 x 0.74 x 0.1

297 Linear Fill

296 285 296 Fill of linear. Dark brown silty clay, soft in compaction. Occasional sub-angular small and medium stones.

4.1 x 0.74 x 0.1

298 Pit Fill 292 299 292 Fill of pit. Mid pinkish brown silty clay, soft in compaction. Frequent small and medium pieces of charcoal. Frequent small and medium pieces of wood.

? x 0.9 x 0.1

299 Pit Fill 292 300 298 Fill of pit. Dark black clayey silt, soft in compaction. Frequent medium and large pieces of charcoal.

? x 1.1 x 0.04

300 Pit Fill 292 293 299 Fill of pit. Light orangish brown silty clay, soft in compaction. Moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

? x 0.3 x 0.35

301 Pit Cut 307 59 Cut of pit. Sub-rectangular in shape. Steep and convex side to N; vertical and smooth sides to S and E; steep and smooth side to W. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Sub-rectangular and flat base.

2.2 x 1.5 x 0.74

302 Layer 2 280 Layer associated with structure. Light yellowish brown silty clay, firm in compac-tion. Moderate angular and sub-angular medium and coarse pebbles.

? x 1.1 x 0.29

303 Pit Cut 304 286, 289

Cut of pit. Oval in shape. Gentle and smooth side to N; steep and smooth sides to S and W; moderate and smooth side to E. Imperceptible break of slope at top and base on N. Sharp break of slope at top and base on E and S. Gradual break of slope at top and base on W. Oval and flat base.

1.1 x 0.68 x 0.25

304 Pit Fill 303 310 303 Fill of pit. Dark brown silty clay, soft in compaction. Occasional sub-angular, sub-rounded and rounded small, medium and coarse pebbles. Frequent sub-angular, sub-rounded and rounded medium stones. Frequent flecks and moderate small pieces of charcoal. Occasional flecks of burnt bone.

1.1 x 0.68 x 0.25


66

Context #

Context Type

Fill of Strat Above

Strat Below


305 Pit Cut 306 286, 289

Cut of pit. Irregular in shape. Steep and irregular sides to N and W; moderate and smooth side to E; gentle and irregular side to S. Sharp break of slope top and base on N and W. Imperceptible break of slope at top and base on S. Gradual break of slope at top and base on E. Irregular and flat at base.

0.39 x 0.36 x 0.11

306 Pit Fill 305 296 305 Fill of pit. Dark brownish grey/black silt, firm in compaction. Occasional sub-angular small stones. Occasional flecks and moderate small pieces of charcoal.

0.39 x 0.36 x 0.11

307 Pit Fill 301 2 301 Fill of pit. Mid orangish brown sandy silt, firm in compaction. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded small and medium stones. Occasional large stones (0.65m diameter). Occasional small pieces of char-coal. Included articulated horse skeleton.

2.2 x 1.5 x 0.74

308 VOID309 VOID310 Layer 311 288,

295, 304, 275

Layer associated with structure. Mid grey-ish brown silty clay, firm in compaction. Moderate angular and sub-angular small and medium stones.

? x 1.0 x 0.2

311 Layer 297 310 Layer associated with structure. Mid pinkish/yellowish brown sandy silt, soft in compaction. Occasional sub-angular small and medium stones.

? x 0.9 x 0.18

312 Layer 279 285 Layer associated with structure. Mid grey-ish brown silty clay, firm in compaction. Occasional sub-angular fine, medium and coarse pebbles and small stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

? x 2.2 x 0.23

313 VOID314 VOID315 Posthole

Cut 316 59 Cut of posthole. Sub-circular in plan. Steep

and smooth sides. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Sub-circular and flat base.

0.15 x 0.14 x 0.08

316 Posthole Fill

315 2 315 Fill of posthole. Mid brownish grey silty sand, soft in compaction. Occasional sub-angular small stones.

0.15 x 0.14 x 0.08

317 VOID318 Posthole

Cut 319 59 Cut of pit. Steep and undercut on all sides.

Irregular in shape. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Irregular and flat at base.

0.57 x 0.34 x 0.2

319 Posthole Fill

318 2 318 Fill of pit. Dark brownish/greyish black silt, firm in compaction. Occasional rounded coarse pebbles. Moderate rounded and sub-angular small stones. Occasional sub-angular and sub-rounded medium stones. Occasional sub-rounded large stones (0.3m diameter).

0.57 x 0.34 x 0.2

320 Pit Cut 321 59 Cut of pit. Irregular in shape. Steep and smooth side to N; moderate and smooth side to S; vertical and smooth side to E; steep and irregular side to W. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Irregular and flat base.

2.0 x 1.2 x 0.5


67


Context #

Context Type

Fill of Strat Above

Strat Below


321 Pit Fill 320 2 320 Fill of pit. Dark orangish brown sandy silt, firm in compaction. Occasional sub-angular and sub-rounded fine pebbles and small stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal. Included articulated calf skeleton.

2.0 x 1.2 x 0.5

322 Wall 48 50 Wall canalising Glencora River. Vertical and concave on E side. Sub-rectangular and flat base. Linear in shape.

1.33 x 1.0 x 0.23

323 Linear Cut

327 59 Cut of linear. Moderate and smooth sides. Gradual break of slope at top and base. Sub-rectangular and flat base.

2.35 x 0.45 x 0.12

324 Layer 2 355 Layer at S end of Area 1. Dark brownish black silty sand, loose in compaction. Mod-erate angular and sub-angular small stones. Moderate flecks of charcoal.

1.5 x 0.9 x 0.01

325 Cut 326 59 Cut of natural feature. Sub-rectangular in shape. Steep and concave sides to N and W; moderate and concave side to S; vertical and irregular side to E. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Oval and flat base.

0.41 x 0.28 x 0.19

326 Fill 325 2 325 Fill of natural feature. Mid greyish brown silty sand, soft in compaction.

0.41 x 0.28 x 0.19

327 Linear Fill

323 2 323 Fill of linear. Mid greyish brown silty clay, soft in compaction. Occasional sub-angular small stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

2.35 x 0.45 x 0.12

328 Pit Cut 330 59 Cut of pit. Sub-rectangular in shape. Verti-cal and irregular to NW side; moderate and smooth sides to NE and SE. Gradual break of slope at top and base. Sub-rectangular and concave base.

1.5 x 0.95 x 0.35

329 Pit Fill 328 2 330 Fill of pit. Mid brownish orange sandy silt, firm in compaction. Occasional sub-angular and sub-rounded small stones. Occasional large pieces of slag material.

1.25 x 0.45 x 0.25

330 Pit Fill 328 329 328 Fill of pit. Dark greyish brown sandy silt, firm in compaction. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded small and medium stones.

1.5 x 0.5 x 0.12

331 Cut 332 59 Cut of feature. Sub-circular in shape. Gentle and smooth sides to N, E and W; moderate and smooth side to S. Gradual break of slope top. Gradual break of slope base, except sharp on S side. Sub-circular and flat base.

0.8 x 0.62 x 0.08

332 Fill 331 2 331 Fill of feature. Dark greyish brown silty clay, firm in compaction. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded medium pebbles and small and medium stones. Frequent sub-angular and sub-rounded coarse peb-bles. Frequent flecks and small pieces of charcoal. Moderate flecks and small pieces of burnt bone.

0.8 x 0.62 x 0.08

333 Linear Cut

334 59 Cut of linear. Gentle and smooth sides to N and E; moderate and smooth sides to S and W. Imperceptible break of slope at top and base on N side. Gradual break of slope at top and base on S, E and W sides. Irregular and flat base.

0.89 x 0.38 x 0.06


68

Context #

Context Type

Fill of Strat Above

Strat Below


334 Linear Fill

333 2 333 Fill of linear. Mid brownish grey sandy silt, soft in compaction. Occasional flecks and moderate small pieces of charcoal.

0.89 x 0.38 x 0.06

335 VOID336 VOID337 Ditch Fill

- Slot 6382 383 339 Fill of ditch. Mid orangish brown sand,

compact. Occasional sub-rounded medium stones.

? x 7.2 x 0.38


382 384 382 Fill of ditch. Dark black silty clay, firm in compaction. Sub-angular medium stones.

? x 3.38 x 0.44


382 337 385 Fill of ditch. Mid greyish brown clayey sand, weakly cemented. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded medium pebbles. Frequent sub-angular and sub-rounded medium stones.

? x 5.2 x 0.3

340 Linear Cut

341 59 Cut of linear. Gentle and irregular sides. Gradual break of slope at top and base. Ir-regular and flat at base. Same cut as linear [351].

5.3 x 0.7 x 0.17

341 Linear Fill

340 2 340 Fill of linear. Mid greyish black silt, soft in compaction. Occasional sub-angular small and medium stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

5.3 x 0.7 x 0.17

342 Posthole Cut

343 59 Cut of posthole. Circular in shape. Steep and smooth sides to S, E and W; vertical and smooth side to N. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Circular and concave base.

0.12 x 0.12 x 0.08

343 Posthole Fill

342 2 342 Fill of posthole. Mid greyish brown sandy silt, firm in compaction. Occasional sub-rounded medium pebbles.

0.12 x 0.12 x 0.08

344 Posthole Cut

345 59 Cut of posthole. Circular in shape. Vertical and smooth sides to N and E; steep and smooth sides to S and W. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Circular and concave at base.

0.16 x 0.15 x 0.12

345 Posthole Fill

344 2 344 Fill of posthole. Mid greyish brown sandy silt, firm in compaction. Moderate sub-angular small stones.

0.16 x 0.15 x 0.12

346 VOID347 Linear

Fill372 368 359 Fill of linear. Dark black clayey sand, com-

pact. Occasional angular and sub-angular small stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

10.64 x 1.13 x 0.1

348 VOID349 VOID350 Layer 372 356 Layer of natural material. Light yellowish

brown stony sand, loose in compaction. Frequent angular and sub-angular small stones.

? x ? x 0.12

351 VOID352 VOID353 Pit Cut 360 363,

365Cut of pit. Linear in shape. Moderate and smooth sides to NE and SE; vertical and smooth side to SW; steep and smooth side to NW. Gradual break of slope at top and base, except sharp on SW side. Square and flat base.

2.07 x 1.4 x 0.24


69


Context #

Context Type

Fill of Strat Above

Strat Below


354 Linear Cut

365 355 Cut of linear. Steep and smooth sides. Gradual break of slope at top and base on E side. Imperceptible break of slope at top and base on SW side. Sharp break of slope at top and base on SE and NW sides. Sub-rectangular and flat base.

9.25 x 1.0 x 0.28

355 Layer 356 / 369/354 / 370, 324

Layer of natural material. Light orangish brown pebbly sand, loose in compaction. Frequent sub-angular and sub-rounded fine and medium pebbles.

? x ? x 0.19

356 Layer 350 355 Layer of natural material. Mid brown silty sand, compact. Moderate sub-angular small and medium stones.

? x ? x 0.3

357 Pit Fill 375 358 361 Fill of pit. Light brown silty clay, firm in compaction. Occasional small pieces of charcoal. Occasional sub-angular fine pebbles. Occasional sub-angular and sub-rounded medium pebbles.

4.05 x 1.5 x 0.2

358 Pit Fill 375 2 357 Fill of pit. Dark greyish brown silty clay, friable in compaction. Occasional angular, sub-angular and sub-rounded medium and coarse pebbles. Occasional sub-angular small stones. Moderate flecks and occasion-al small and medium pieces of charcoal.

2.4 x 0.8 x 0.3

359 Linear Fill

372 347 372 Fill of linear. Light pinkish grey silty clay, soft in compaction. Occasional sub-rounded fine pebbles and small stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

? x 0.85 x 0.18

360 Pit Fill 353 2 353 Fill of pit. Mid brown silty clay, firm in compaction. Occasional sub-angular and sub-rounded fine, medium and coarse peb-bles. Occasional sub-rounded small stones.

2.07 x 1.4 x 0.24

361 Pit Fill 375 357 375 Fill of pit. Light brownish yellow sandy silt, firm in compaction. Occasional angular and sub-angular coarse pebbles. Occasional sub-angular small and medium stones. Oc-casional flecks of charcoal.

4.64 x 1.35 x 0.10

362 VOID363 VOID364 VOID365 Linear

Fill354 353 354 Fill of linear. Mid greyish brown silty

pebbly clay, firm in compaction. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded medium and coarse pebbles and small stones. Moder-ate flecks and occasional small pieces of charcoal.

9.25 x 1.04 x 0.3

366 VOID367 VOID368 Layer 2 347 Layer of subsoil material. Mid greyish

brown sandy silt, weakly cemented. Oc-casional sub-angular medium pebbles and medium stones.

6.0 x 6.0 x 0.3

369 VOID370 Linear

Cut 371 355 Cut of linear. Gentle and smooth side to

N; moderate and smooth sides to E and W; steep and smooth side to S. Gradual break of slope at top and base, except sharp on S side. Sub-rectangular and flat base.

4.37 x 0.94 x 0.26


70

Context #

Context Type

Fill of Strat Above

Strat Below


371 Linear Fill

370 2 370 Fill of linear. Dark brownish/greyish black clayey silt, soft in compaction. Occasional sub-angular small and medium stones. Oc-casional flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

4.37 x 0.94 x 0.26

372 Linear Cut

346, 359

350 Cut of linear. Steep and smooth side to W; gentle and smooth to E. Sharp break of slope at top. Gradual break of slope at base. Linear and flat to concave base.

9.7 x 1.72 x 0.3


376 386 222 Fill of ditch. Light pinkish brown sandy silt, soft in compaction.

? x 1.75 x 0.05


376 278 376 Fill of ditch. Mid reddish brown pebbly/stony sand, loose in compaction. Frequent sub-angular and sub-rounded fine, me-dium and coarse pebbles and small stones.

? x 2.0 x 0.45

375 Pit Cut 361 167 Cut of pit. Linear in shape. Steep and smooth sides to N and W; steep and ir-regular side to E; moderate and smooth to S. Gradual break of slope at top to S; sharp to N, E and W. Gradual break of slope base except sharp on E. Sub-rectangular and concave base.

4.64 x 1.9 x 0.6

376 Ditch Cut - Slot 8

374 167 Cut of ditch. Linear in shape. Moderate and smooth sides to E and W. Gradual break of slope at top and base. Linear and concave base.

? x 2.4 x 0.55

377 Deposit 310 286, 289

Deposit associated with structure. Dark greyish black stony sand, strongly cemented in compaction. Moderate sub-angular medium and coarse pebbles. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded small and medium stones. Frequent flecks, moderate small and occasional medium pieces of charcoal.

0.82 x 0.45 x 0.04


389, 388

167 Cut of ditch (Slot 7). Linear in shape. Gentle and smooth side to E; moderate and smooth/stepped side to W. Gradual break of slope top on E; sharp on W. Sharp break of slope at base. Linear and flat base.

? x 8.2 x 1.25


378 386 389 Fill of ditch. Dark black stony sand, com-pact. Frequent angular and sub-angular small and medium stones. Frequent flecks of charcoal.

? x 2.2 x 0.66


378 2 386 Fill of ditch. Mid reddish brown silty sand, compact. Moderate angular, sub-angular and sub-rounded medium stones and mod-erate angular large stones (0.29m diameter).

? x 7.6 x 0.45


378 387 388 Fill of ditch. Mid greyish brown sandy silt, soft in compaction. Occasional sub-angular medium stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

? x 2.76 x 0.64


338 167 Cut of ditch. Linear in shape. Gentle and irregular side to E; moderate and concave side to W. Gradual break of slope at top and base. Linear and concave base.

? x 7.95 x 1.40


382 2 337 Fill of ditch. Mid reddish brown clayey sand, weakly cemented. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded medium pebbles. Occasional sub-angular and sub-rounded small stones.

? x 7.3 x 0.36


71


Context #

Context Type

Fill of Strat Above

Strat Below



382 385 338 Fill of ditch. Mid yellowish brown silty sand, weakly cemented. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded medium pebbles. Occasional angular and sub-angular medium and large stones.

? x 3.5 x 0.4


382 339 384 Fill of ditch. Dark brown clayey sand. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded medium stones. Occasional sub-angular and sub-rounded large stones.

? x 2.0 x 0.44


378 380 379, 387

Fill of ditch. Mid brown sandy silt, firm in compaction. Occasional sub-angular and sub-rounded small and medium stones.

? x 2.3 x 0.26


378 386 381 Fill of ditch. Light yellowish brown sandy silt, firm in compaction.

? x 2.44 x 0.18


378 381 378 Fill of ditch. Light orangish brown silty sand, compact. Frequent sub-angular and sub-rounded medium pebbles. Moder-ate sub-angular and sub-rounded coarse pebbles. Occasional sub-angular and sub-rounded small stones.

? x 2.78 x 0.46


378 379 378 Fill of ditch. Light yellowish brown silt, soft in compaction.

? x 2.0 x 0.24

390 Field Drain Cut

391 Cut of field drain. Linear in shape. Steep and smooth sides to E and W. Sharp break of slope at top. Imperceptible break of slope at base. Linear and flat base.

14.2 x 1.2 x 0.6


390 2 390 Fill of field drain. Mid reddish brown clayey silt, firm in compaction. Moderate sub-angular medium and coarse pebbles. Frequent sub-angular and sub-rounded medium stones. Frequent angular and sub-rounded large stones.

14.2 x 1.2 x 0.6


72

Appendix 2 Site matrix


73



74


75



76


77



78

Appendix 3 Groups and subgroups

Group 1 Natural DepositsThis group describes the natural geological deposits identified across the area of excavation.

Subgroup 1 Natural SubsoilsList of Contexts; C. 1, 2, 206, 207, 368Description This subgroup describes the natural sub-soils that have formed across the area of excava-tion. They are in general a mid brown clayey silt. Post-medieval finds including ceramics, glass and clay pipes were recovered from layer (2).

Subgroup 2 Natural GravelsList of Contexts; C. 53, 54, 55, 56, 59, 65, 66, 67, 68, 200, 201, 208, 350, 355, 356.Description This subgroup describes the natural gravels, most probably associated with alluvial depo-sition, located to the eastern half of the site. They are in general a light orangish brown pebbley silt or stony sand.

Subgroup 3 Natural layers associated with ditchList of Contexts; C. 136, 141, 143, 145, 146, 148, 150, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162.Description This subgroup describes the natural layers associated with the cut of the ditch. They are in general a light grey to a mid reddish brown in colour, and stony sand to silty clay in composition.

Subgroup 4 Natural deposit List of Contexts; C. 167.Description This subgroup describes the natural deposit to the western side of the site. It is a light orangish brown sandy clay.

Group 2 Fulacht FiadhThis group describes a fulacht fiadh, including all associated features and modern distur-bances, located to the west of the area of excavation.

Subgroup 1 Burnt Mound material and associated layersPlates: 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 176, 177, 178, 171, 172. List of Contexts; C.163, 164, 165, 167


79


Description This subgroup describes the burnt mound material covering the features described in subgroups {2002} to {2006}. It also describes the associated layers uncovered during exca-vation of the mound.

Burnt mound material (163) measured 15.6 m in length, 7.75 m in width and 0.4 m in depth. It was a dark black stony silt with moderate flecks and occasional small pieces of charcoal inclusions. One worked flint flake was also recovered from this deposit.

Layers (164) and (166) overlay burnt mound material (163) and lay underneath sub-soil layer (002). Layer (164) measured 0.45 m in width and 0.1 m in depth. It was a mid brownish orange stony sand. Layer (166) measured 5 m in width and 0.1 m in depth. It was a mid brown silty stony clay.

Layer (165) overlay the natural in this area and lay underneath the burnt mound mate-rial (163). It measured 0.9 m in width and 0.07 m in depth. It was a mid greyish brown sandy pebbley clay.InterpretationThese layers represent a sequence of stratigraphy from the occupation of the fulacht fiadh to long after its abandonment. Layer (165) appears to be a transference layer between the burnt mound material and the natural layer, possibly a layer of occupation while the mound was in use. Layer (163) represents the waste material produced from the use of the fulacht while it was occupied. This may have originally been located further up the slope to the west and may have slipped over time due to colluvium activity. Layers (164) and (166) represent naturally deposited layers of material long after the abandonment of the fulacht. They may have been deposited through colluvium action or possibly natural silting.

Subgroup 2 Trough and associated structural featuresPlates: 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364, 261, 262, 263, 264, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 283, 284, 285, 286, 287, 290, 291. List of Contexts; C. [183], [225], 226, [231], 232, [243], 244, [245], 246, [247], 248, [249], 250, [251], 252, [233], 234.DescriptionThis subgroup describes the trough of the fulacht fiadh, in which the main activity took place, as well as related structural elements.

The trough [183] measured 2.2 m in length, 1.8 m in width and was 0.8 m in depth. It was aligned east to west It was rectangular in shape, with generally steep and smooth sides. The sides of the trough to the north and south of the feature appear to have been stepped. The base was rectangular in shape and flat in profile. Some large flat stones were uncovered in the base of the trough. It was filled by burnt mound material (163) as described in subgroup {2001}.

Posthole [225] was located in the north west corner of the trough [183]. It meas-ured 0.33 m in diameter and was 0.22 m in depth. It was sub-circular in shape and had


80

steep and undercut sides except to the south east which was open to the interior of the trough. Its base was flat in profile. It was filled by a dark greyish black stony silt (226) with occasional flecks of charcoal inclusions.

Posthole [231] was located in the north east corner of the trough. It measured 0.5 m in diameter and 0.35 m in depth. It was sub-circular in shape and had steep and un-dercut sides except to the south west which was also open to the interior of the trough. Its base was flat in profile. It was filled by a dark greyish black stony silt (232) with occasional flecks of charcoal inclusions.

Posthole [233] was located in the south east corner of the trough. It measured 0.46 m in diameter and 0.33 m in depth. It was sub-circular in shape and had steep and ir-regular sides except to the north west which was also open to the interior of the trough. Its base was flat in profile. It was filled by a dark greyish black stony silt (234) with occasional flecks of charcoal inclusions.

Three stakeholes [243], [245] and [247] appeared to truncate the edge of posthole [233]. They were circular in shape with a diameter of approximately 0.06 m and a depth of 0.26 m. They had vertical and undercut sides and all three stakeholes had an open side to the interior of the posthole. They were filled by a dark greyish black stony silt, (244), (246) and (248) respectively. All contained occasional flecks of charcoal inclusions.

Two stakeholes lay just outside of the trough to the east. Stakehole [249] is located 0.06 m to the east of posthole [231]. It measured 0.1 m in diameter and 0.11 m in depth. It was oval in shape with steep sides and a concave base. It was filled by a dark greyish black stony silt (250) with occasional flecks of charcoal inclusions. Stakehole [251] was located 0.12 m east of posthole [233]. It measured 0.09 m in diameter and 0.14 m in depth. It was oval in shape with steep sides and a flat base. It was filled by a dark greyish black stony silt (252) with occasional flecks of charcoal inclusions.InterpretationThese features represent the main area of activity for the fulacht fiadh. The trough was large in size and included the possible remnants of a stone lining on the base. The post-holes are later additions as they truncate three of the corners of the trough however, to what extent they were later is difficult to determine. These postholes represent a structure that was probably constructed over the trough itself, possibly for shelter or as some enclos-ing element for the usage of the trough. The three postholes appear to have constructed so that part of the posts themselves were open to the interior of the trough. The stakeholes that truncate posthole [233] probably represent structural supports for that particular post, most likely also incorporating stakeholes [249] and [251] as well. While it appears the posts on the eastern end of the trough needed more support than those on the western end as shown by the stakeholes, truncation by later activity (see subgroup {2007}) may have removed any trace of structural support at the western end.

The fills of all of these features appear to represent redeposited burnt mound ma-terial, probably originating from the main trough. The similarities of these fills tend to suggest that these features were contemporary not only in use but also in abandonment.


81


Subgroup 3 Water Management SystemPlates: 214, 215, 216, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259. List of Contexts; C.[229], 192, 193, 194, [230], 189, 190.DescriptionThis subgroup represents a water management system that is connected to the trough as described in subgroup {002}. Protruding from the south of the trough lay linear gully [229] leading onto the possible well [230].

Linear gully [229] measured 2.22 m in length, 1.46 m in width and 0.27 m in depth. The sides to the east and west were steep and smooth and the base was flat in profile. It was filled primarily by a light reddish brownish orange silty sand (194). The secondary fills were both a dark black stony silt (193) and (194), with occasional flecks of charcoal inclusions.

Possible well [230] was located to the south of gully [229] connecting it with the trough [183]. It measured 2.16 m in length, 1.66 m in width and 0.51 m in depth. It was oval in shape with steep and concave sides and a flat base. Its primary fill was a dark black silty sand (190) whiles its secondary fill was a mid greyish brown stony silt (189). Some wood material was recovered from fill (190).InterpretationThese features represent a water management system connected to the filling and usage of the trough described in subgroup {2002}.

Linear gully [229] appears to have been the water delivery system, possibly in order to keep the trough filled for its usage. While the later fills of this feature are redeop-sited burnt material from the use of the trough, the primary fill appears to be redeposited natural material. This may have originated from the erosion of the sides of the gully due to water action while it was in use. The deposit of this fill possibly suggests a continuous use of this feature over a lengthy period of time.

Pit [230] may represent a possible well, used in connection with the gully [29] to supply the trough with water for use. The feature was continuously full of water post-excavation and preserved wood recovered from the primary fill suggests that it had been a waterlogged deposit for a lengthy period of time. The secondary deposit appears to be natural silting of the feature, most probably once it had gone out use. This may suggest that this feature had been out of use before the burnt mound was deposited in this area.

Subgroup 4 Re-cutsPlates: 214, 215, 216, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259. List of Contexts; C. [187], 188, [191], 195, 196, [219], 209.DescriptionThis subgroup represents three re-cuts associated with the trough and water management system as described in subgroups {2002} and {2003}.


82

Cut [191] was located directly over the linear gully [229]. It measured 0.9 m in length and 0.18 m in depth. It was sub-circular in shape with gently sloping sides and a concave profile. It was primarily filled by a mid brownish black stony silt (195) and later filled by a dark greyish black stony silt (196).

Cut [187] truncated the linear gully [229] and possible well [230]. It was located just to the west of these two features. It measured 1.72 m in length, 1.05 m in width ad 0.28 m in depth. It was oval in shape with moderate to steeply sloping sides and flat profile. It was filled by a dark black stony silt (188) with occasional flecks of charcoal inclusions.

Cut [219] was located just south of the trough [183]. It truncated the connection between the trough and the linear gully [229]. It measured 0.92 m in length, 0.56 m in width and 0.48 m in depth. It was oval in shape with moderately sloping sides and a flat profile. It was filled by a dark greyish black stony silt (209) with occasional flecks and small pieces of charcoal inclusions.InterpretationThis sub-group represents a later phase of activity associated with the occupation of the fulacht fiadh. While cut [219] may have contemporary with the use of the linear gully [229] and may have represented a sump or drainage area for water being moved into the trough for use, the other cuts appear to have been excavated after the water management system had gone out of use. The water management system may have gone out of use eventually due to the close proximity of the fulacht fiadh to the Glencorra Stream. There-fore cuts [187] and [191] may just represent later waste pits for burnt mound material or otherwise, but probably were still used contemporarily with the main trough.

Subgroup 5 PostholesPlates: 189, 193, 194, 197, 198, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 219, 220, 221, 222. List of Contexts; C. [174], 175, [176], 177, [185], 186.DescriptionThis subgroup describes three postholes that were located to the south west of the trough as described in subgroup {2002}.

Posthole [176] was located 1.45 m south west of the trough [183]. It measured 0.4 m in diameter and 0.24 m in depth. It was sub-circular in shape with vertical sides and a flat base. It was filled by a dark greyish black silty clay (177).

Posthole [174] was located 2.15 m south west of posthole [176]. It measured 0.32 m in diameter and 0.27 m in depth. It was circular in shape with steep sides and a flat base. It was filled by a dark brownish black stony silt (175) with occasional small pieces of char-coal inclusions.

Posthole [185] was located 1.3 m south of posthole [176]. It measured 0.3 m in diam-eter and 0.2 m in depth. It was square in shape with vertical sides and a flat base. It was filled by a dark greyish black stony silt (186).Interpretation


83


These three postholes located to the south east of the trough probably represent a struc-ture, either in connection to the structural elements surrounding the trough or a com-pletely separate entity. The fairly substantial diameter and depth of the postholes indicate that this structure was most likely semi-permanent during the occupation of the fulacht fiadh. Further structural elements, probably in connection with these features, have most probably since been destroyed by the construction of the structure to the south.

Subgroup 6 PitsPlates: 182, 183, 186, 191, 192, 217, 218. List of Contexts; C. [168], 169, [178], 179, [181], 182.DescriptionThus subgroup describes three pits that surround the location of the trough as described in subgroup {2002}.

Pit [168] was located 1.75 m to the south of the trough. It measured 1.07 m in length, 0.2 m in width and 0.15 m in depth. It was irregular in shape, with gentle and concave sides and a concave profile. It was filled by a light reddish brown silty sand (169).

Pit [181] was located 1.85 m north of the trough. It measured 0.58 m in length, 0.52 m in width and 0.34 m in depth. It was sub-circular in shape with vertical sides and a concave profile. It was filled by a mid brown silty clay (182).

Pit [178] was located 3.5 m north east of pit [181]. It measured 1.3 m in length, 0.62 m in width and 0.21 m in depth. It was sub-rectangular in shape with steep sides and a flat profile. It was filled with a mid greyish brown silty clay (179).InterpretationThe function of these three pits is difficult to determine. Although fairly similar in shape, all three are filled with differing fills that do not correspond to the deposition of burnt mound material. This tends to suggest that their used may have pre-dated the occupation of the fulacht fiadh, however, with no finds from the fills of these pits, this is impossible to determine. While these pits are in close proximity to the trough and lay underneath the burnt mound material (163) suggesting their association with the fulacht fiadh, their function and therefore relationship is difficult to identify.

Subgroup 7 Modern DisturbancePlates: 173, 174, 175, 185, 188, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 204, 205. List of Contexts; C. 218, [171], 172, 180, [211], 210, [257], 184, 189, 198, 199DescriptionThis subgroup describes the various later disturbances, which affected the fulacht fiadh and its associated features.

Pit [257] was located directly on top of the location of the trough, truncating the burnt mound material which filled it, but not the cut of the trough. It measured approxi-mately 3 m in length, 1 m in width and 0.8 m in depth. It was sub-rectangular in shape with gently sloping sides and a flat profile. It was filled by four deposits ranging in colour


84

from light yellowish brown to mid greyish brown and ranging in composition from silty clay to sandy silt. No finds were recovered from these fills.

Posthole [211] was located 0.05 m to the east of the trough. It truncated fills (184) and (198), the later deposits of pit [257]. It measured 0.36 m in diameter and 0.34 m in depth. It was circular in shape with steep sides and a concave profile. It was filled by a light brownish grey sand clay (210) with occasional flecks of charcoal inclusions.

Pit [171] was located 0.4 m north of the trough. It measured 2.2 m in length, 1.25 m in width and 0.25 m in depth. It was oval in shape with gently sloping sides and a flat profile. Its primary fill was a mid brownish black silty clay (180) and its secondary fill was a dark black silty clay (172). No finds were recovered from these fills.

Deposit (218) was located within the north to south running baulk across the fulacht fiadh. It was located just south of posthole [176]. It measured 0.6 m in width and 0.15 m in depth. It was a mid yellowish brown silty clay, very similar to natural material (167).InterpretationThis subgroup represents a later phase of occupation in this area, truncating burnt mound material (163) and earlier features associated with the use of the fulacht fiadh. The pits, posthole and the deposit, which appears to be the remnants of a field drain, truncated the burnt mound material representing the abandonment of the fulacht fiadh and therefore must be later features. While no finds were recovered from the fills of any of these features they most likely relate to some agricultural use of this area much later than the occupa-tion of the fulacht fiadh.

Group 3 Large Pits And Associated StakeholeThis group describes two large pits, containing possible in-situ burning, and an associated stakehole and posthole located to the far west of the area of excavation.

Subgroup 1 Large PitsPlates: 313, 318, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 457, 458, 459, 461 List of Contexts; C.[268], 269, 276, 277, [292], 293, 294, 298, 299, 300Description This subgroup describes two large pits, one obscured by the far western baulk, located to the far south west corner of the area of excavation. Pit [268] measured 2.42 m in length, 1.4 m in width and 1.22 m in depth. It was irregular in shape with vertical and undercut sides and was tapered in profile. Its primary fill was a dark black sandy silt with moder-ate small and medium stone inclusions (269), its secondary fill was a mid greyish brown silty sand (276) and its tertiary fill was a mid orangish brown sandy silt (277). Charcoal was recovered from fill (269), slag material was recovered from fill (277), burnt clay was recovered from fill (276) and burnt bone was recovered from fills (269) and (277).

Pit [292] was not fully excavated as it lay partially underneath the western baulk. It measured 1.56 m in length (as excavated), 1.77 m in width and 0.76 m in depth. It was


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sub-circular in shape with steep and smooth sides and a flat profile. Its primary fill was a mid pinkish brown silty clay (298) while its secondary fill was a dark black clayey silt (299). Overlying fill (299) was a light orangish brown silty clay (300) which was in turn was overlain by a dark greyish brown silty clay (293). The latest fill was dark greyish brown silty clay (294). Wood was recovered from fills (293) and (298) while charcoal and burnt bone was also recovered from fill (293).InterpretationThis subgroup represents two large pit features, which are similar in nature and in close proximity to one another. Apart from probable natural silting or redeposition from ex-cavation represented by fill (298), the primary fills of these features were a dark black in-situ burning layer, represented by fills (269) and (299). Stone inclusions within fill (269) suggest that these features were used as hearths, however, the unusual depth and size of the cuts of these pits does not support this. Apart from a small quantity of burnt bone suggesting a domestic use, the lack of finds in these layers makes their function difficult to determine. Slag material was recovered from the fill of pit [268], however, this was from a later deposit and most probably originated from metal working activity occurring elsewhere in this area. This may indicate that these pits were constructed earlier than the metal working occurring to the east.

Subgroup 2 Associated StakeholePlates: 307, 308, 309 List of Contexts; C.[266], 267Description This subgroup describes a single stakehole located to the south of large pit [268] at a dis-tance of approximately 1.5 m. It measured 0.17 m in length, 0.13 m in width and 0.07 m in depth. It was sub-circular in shape with gentle and concave sides and a tapered base. The fill was a mid orangish brown sandy silt (267) containing occasional flecks of charcoal.InterpretationThis feature represents a possible structural element associated with the large pit [268] as described in subgroup {3001}. While this subgroup only describes a single stakehole which is quite ephemeral in nature, others may have existed but have been truncated or destroyed by water action in this waterlogged area of the site. Charcoal within the fill of the feature indicates further evidence of occupation.

Subgroup 3 PostholePlates: 314, 315. List of Contexts; C.[270], 271.Description This subgroup consists of a single posthole located along the western side of the area of excavation, approximately 1.8 m north east of pit [292]. It measured 0.32 m in length, 0.17 m in width and 0.32 m in depth. It was oval in shape with vertical and concave sides


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and a flat profile. It was filled by a dark greyish black silt (271) with moderate flecks and occasional small pieces of charcoal inclusions. InterpretationThis feature appears to represent a posthole along the western edge of the site. While it is close in proximity to the large pits no other structural features were located in this area. The dark fill and charcoal inclusions indicate that this feature is archaeological rather than natural in origin, however, without further information it is difficult to determine its significance.

Group 4 Metal Working AreaThis group describes the possible metal working activity located to the east of the post-medieval structure in the southern end of the site.

Subgroup 1 PitsPlates: 260, 288, 576, 577, 265, 266, 269, 267, 268, 271, 281, 282, 289, 292, 293, 302 List of Contexts; C.[213], 214, 217, [215], 216, [220], 221, [241], 242, [255], 256.Description The pits listed above were all located within a 6 m diameter of one another as well as the linear features described in subgroup {4002}. The pits varied widely in length, width and depth. Lengths varied from 0.49 m to 1.87 m, widths varied from 0.27 m to 0.61 m and depths varied from 0.15 m to 0.24 m. The pits were in general sub-rectangular in shape but varied from flat to concave in profile. The sides varied from gentle to vertical in gradi-ent. The fills of these pits varied from a mid yellowish brown to a dark black in colour and from a sandy silt to a clayey sand in composition. Charcoal was recovered from two of the six pits. Iron objects were found in fills (214), (217), (242) and (256). An iron nail was found in fill (221). Slag material was recovered from fills (214), (217), (221) and (256). Flint flakes were found in fills (214) and (217), both fills of pit [213]. Pit [255] was truncated by later linear [260] as described in subgroup {4002}.InterpretationThese pits represent features that are associated with metal working in this area. Evidence of metal working can be seen in metal objects, charcoal and slag material recovered from the fills of the majority of these features. The flint debitage recovered from pit [213] may be redeposited activity rather than indication of date. However, while there is evidence of metal working, there is no in-situ burning present to suggest that primary metal-working activities took place in this area. This indicates that these pits were most probably dump-ing or rubbish pits associated with this industrial activity.

Subgroup 2 Linear featuresPlates: 295, 303, 301, 302, 304, 305, 306. 310, 311, 312 List of Contexts; C.[260], 261, [264], 265.Description


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The two linear features listed above were located in the immediate area around the pits described in subgroup {4001). Both features were aligned in an east to west direction and lay parallel to each other at a distance of approximately 3 m. Linear [260] measured 2.56 m in length, 0.38 m in width and 0.17 m in depth. The sides were steep and irregular in gradient and it had a flat base. This linear truncated an earlier pit [255] as described in subgroup {4001}. The fill of this linear was a mid brownish orange silty sand (261). Charcoal flecks and slag material were recovered from this fill. Linear [264] measured 2.9 m in length, 0.72 m in width and 0.17 m in depth. The sides were gentle and concave in gradient and it had a flat base. The fill of this linear was a mid brown silty clay (265). Slag material, an iron object and a clay pipe were recovered from this fill.InterpretationThese two linear features represent a later phase of activity in the metal working area. The truncation of pit [255] by linear [260] supports this interpretation. The inclusions of slag material and metal objects indicate that these features have a relationship to the metal working in this area. However, due to their shape and location they are more likely unre-lated plough furrows containing redeposited metal working material, possibly originating from the pits in subgroup {4001}.

Group 5 Linear DitchThis group describes a ditch running in a north east to south west direction across the area of excavation. During the excavation 5 sections of varying widths were excavated across the line of the ditch. Plates: 494, 495, 496, 497, 498, 759, 760, 761, 762, 763, 764, 797, 798, 799, 800, 801, 802, 803, 804, 805, 806, 807, 808, 809, 810, 811, 745, 746, 747, 748, 749, 750, 751, 752, 753, 754, 755, 756, 757, 758, 778, 779, 780, 781, 782, 783, 784, 785, 786, 787, 788, 789, 790, 791, 792, 793, 794, 795, 796, 772, 773, 774, 775, 776, 777.

Subgroup 1 ditch cutList of Contexts; C. [92], [126], [382], [378], [376].DescriptionThe linear ditch was sizeable in length and generally concave in profile. Along the length of the ditch the sides were stepped outwards towards the top of the cut, creating a stepped profile. The ditch measures approximately 60 m in length and disappeared underneath the edge of excavation to both the north and south limits of the area of excavation. The ditch was approximately 1.5 m wide and ranged in depth from 0.55 m to 1.4 m. It was deepest to the north of site, shallowing out as it approached to the south. The ditch was cut into the underlying natural clay and river gravel depositsInterpretationThe varying depth of the ditch is connected to the topography of the landscape; higher to the north of the site than the south. The ditch is large in nature suggesting its function was to enclose an area, however, no evidence of the ditch curving to suggest an interior


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was observed. Despite its size, its linear form suggests a boundary, possibly significant in nature considering the effort that would be required to construct a ditch of this size. The evidence from the ditch fills, as described in subgroups {5002} to {5009}, suggests occu-pation of the area, most likely to the east of the ditch on the flatter terrain, however, the relationship between this occupation and the ditch is difficult to determine.

Subgroup 2 Early activity deposit List of Contexts; C.93DescriptionThe deposit listed above was a dark brownish grey silty clay with moderate flecks and occasional small pieces of charcoal inclusions. This deposit was located within slot 3, the most northern section excavated through the ditch.InterpretationThis fill appears to represent a very early area of activity to the north of the excavated ditch. It pre-dates the slippage of the edges of the ditch as described in subgroup {5003}. It is a thin layer of material, abundant in charcoal suggesting activity, possibly deposited within the ditch cut shortly after its excavation.

Subgroup 3 slippage materialList of Contexts; C. 94, 135, 388, 389, 374.Description The deposits listed above are generally all light brown silty clays or sands with moderate amounts of fine pebble inclusions. They were located within the ditch either at the base or along the eastern edge of the cut. No archaeological finds were recovered from any of these fills.InterpretationThe fills formed during the primary silting of the ditch. Due to their position at the base of the ditch or along the eastern edge they may represent slippage of the material excavated from the ditch when it was first constructed. This is supported by the lack of archaeological material from these fills compared to the abundant material recovered from later deposits.

Subgroup 4 Redeposited fulacht materialList of Contexts; C.379DescriptionThe deposit listed above was a dark black stony sand with frequent angular and sub-angular small and medium stones and frequent flecks of charcoal inclusions. This deposit was located in slot 7 along the western edge of the cut of the ditch at the location of the truncation of the fulacht fiadh.Interpretation

This deposit represents redeposited burnt mound material originating from the fulacht fiadh to the west of ditch slot 7. This material was most probably excavated during the


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construction of the ditch and may have been mounded to the west of the ditch cut, slip-ping into the cut after primary slippage material had formed (see subgroup {5003}).

Subgroup 5 Primary dump of metal working residueList of Contexts; C.95, 338, 384, 381, 278.DescriptionThe deposits listed above were in general mid greyish brown in colour and silty clay in composition. Flecks of charcoal inclusions were recovered from fills (95) and (381). Slag material was recovered from all of the fills listed above except for fill (95). They were lo-cated within the cut of the ditch along its entire length.InterpretationThese contexts represent a primary dump of material associated with metal working origi-nating in close proximity. With the majority of the fills containing a fair quantity of slag material, the ditch must have been close to primary metal working features and used as a dumping area for the residues produced from the manufacture of metal (probably iron)..

Subgroup 6 Large deposit of metal working residueList of Contexts; C.222DescriptionThe deposit listed above was a dark brownish black clayey silt with occasional sub-angular small and medium stones. Frequent flecks, small, medium and large pieces of slag mate-rial were recovered from this fill. This deposit was contained within ditch slot 8 to the south end of the ditch, however it also extended out of the cut to the eastern side. This was in close proximity to the metal working area as described in group 4. In plan this deposit measured approximately 4 m in length and 2 m in width.InterpretationThis deposit represents a intense area of metal working residue associated with nearby industrial activities. Stratigraphically later than the deposits listed in subgroup {5005} this material may have originating due to an increase production of iron in the immedi-ate area. The fact that this deposit stretches beyond the confines of the cut and is heavily dumped in one area indicates that not only was there an abundance of metal working activity but that also the primary focus of the metal working must have been in close proximity to this deposit.

Subgroup 7 SiltingList of Contexts; C.96, 133, 134, 139, 140, 385, 387, 373.DescriptionThe deposits listed above were all in general a sandy or stony silt composition and varied in colour from a light yellowish brown to a dark brown. They were located along the length of the ditch, generally along the sides of the ditch cut from both the eastern and western sides. They varied in thickness from 0.05 m to 0.58 m. No archaeological finds were recovered from these ditch fills.


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InterpretationThese deposits indicate a period of natural silting within the ditch cut. Present along the entirety of the ditch and located on either side of the cut, these deposits most probably originated from natural processes through possible weather action. The sterile nature of the deposits supports this interpretation and indicates a lengthy period of the halting of dumping of material occurring in connection with the ditch.

Subgroup 8 Secondary dump of metal working residueList of Contexts; C.97, 130, 131, 132, 138, 337, 339, 386DescriptionThe deposits listed above were all generally silty clay in composition and varied in colour from light pinkish brown to dark greyish black. They were located in the upper fills of the ditch along its length. Slag material was recovered from six of the eight deposits listed including possible bronze slag from the fill of slot 4, excavated across the centre of the ditch within the area of excavation.InterpretationThese deposits represent a second phase of metal working processes close to the location of the ditch. The abundance of slag material within the fills indicates another phase of dumping after the natural silting within the ditch represented by subgroup {5007}. This indicates a halt and resumption of metal working activities in this location.

Subgroup 9 Culluvial depositsList of Contexts; C.98, 128, 129, 137, 383, 380.DescriptionThe deposits listed were all mid reddish brown in colour and silty sand in composition. They were located along within the length of the ditch as the latest fills of the ditch cut. No archaeological finds were recovered from these fills. InterpretationThese deposits represent culluvial action masking the top of the ditch. They all lay as the last fill of the ditch and are sterile of any archaeological material. They represent a period of culluvial action originating from the topography of the river valley covering and mask-ing the top of the ditch after it went out of use.

Group 6 Stream CannalisationThis group represents the features associated with the canalisation of the Glencorra Stream in association with the construction of the Glencorra Bridge.

Subgroup 1 Linear FeaturesPlates: 683, 684, 706, 707, 708, 709, 710, 711, 712, 713, 714, 715, 716, 717, 718, 719, 720, 721, 723, 724, 725, 726, 727, 728, 729, 730, 731, 732, 733, 734, 735, 736, 737, 738, 739, 743, 744, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121.


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List of Contexts; C. [354], 365, [370], 371, [372], 359, 347, [202], 239, 203, 238, 205, 237.Description This subgroup describes three linears, all orientated north-east to south-west that were located to the far south east corner of the site. Linear [354] measured 9.25 m in length, 1 m in width and 0.28 m in depth. It had steeply sloping sides and a flat base. It was filled by a mid greyish brown silty pebbley clay (365) with moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal inclusions. This linear was truncated by later pit [353] as described in group 12.

Linear [370] was located 0.5 m south east of linear [354]. It measured 4.37 m in length, 0.94 m in width and 0.26 m in depth. It had moderately sloping sides and a flat base. It was filled by a dark greyish brown/black clayey silt (371). Slag material and a piece of post-medieval glass was recovered from this fill.

Linear [372] was located 2.1 m south east of linear [370]. Cut [202] and associated fills represent the same linear feature as seen through the excavation of slot 9. It measured 9.7 m in length, 1.13 m in width and 0.3 m in depth. It had moderately steep sloping sides and a flat to concave base. Its primary fill was a light pinkish grey silty clay (359) with occasional flecks of charcoal inclusions. A clay pipe was also recovered from this fill. Its secondary fill was a dark black clayey sand (247) with occasional flecks of charcoal inclu-sions, comparable to layer (324) as described in subgroup {6005}. InterpretationThese linears represent drainage channels in connection with the linears described in sub-group {002} and {003}. They appear to be parallel in nature and run from higher ground to the north east to the lower more waterlogged area to the south west next to the Glen-corra Bridge. They are possibly associated with the canalisation of the Glencorra stream, used as a method to relocate it from its original course to the course that it runs presently. The post-medieval finds recovered from the fills of these channels possibly relate these features to the construction of the Glencorra bridge.

Subgroup 2 Linear feature and associated stakeholesPlates: 630, 631, 632, 633, 640, 641, 642, 644, 645, 646, 647, 648, 691, 692, 693, 694, 695, 696, 697, 698, 677, 678, 679, 680. List of Contexts; C.[328], 329, 330, [340], 341, [342], 343, [344], 345.DescriptionThis subgroup describes a linear feature and associated stakeholes located to the north of the linears described in subgroup {6001}. Linear [340] was orientated north-east to south-west and measured 5.3 m in length, 0.7 m in width and 0.17 m in depth. It has gently sloping sides and a flat profile. It was filled by a mid greyish black silt (341) with occa-sional flecks of charcoal inclusions. Slag material was recovered from this fill. This linear was truncated by animal burial [301] as described in group 9. On the northern side of [301] lay pit [328] which represents the northern termius of this linear. Pit [328] measured 1.5 m in length, 0.95 m in width and 0.35 m in depth. It had moderately sloping sides and a concave base. The primary fill was a dark greyish brown sandy silt (330) comparable to


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fill (341). The secondary fill was a mid brownish orange sandy silt (329). A large piece of slag material was recovered from this fill.

Two postholes were located on the northern edge of this cut. Posthole [342] meas-ured 0.12 m in diameter and 0.08 m in depth. It was circular in shape with steeply sloping sides and a concave base. It was filled by a mid greyish brown sandy silt (343). Posthole [344] was located 1.35 m to the south west. It measured 0.16 m in diameter and 0.12 m in depth. It had vertical sloping sides and a concave base. It was filled by a mid greyish brown sandy silt (345).InterpretationThese features represent a drainage linear closely related to those described in subgroup {001}. This linear is similar in size and shape and appears to be aligned along the same orientation as those described above. Postholes [342] and [344] may then represent a structural element to this drainage channel, however, to what function is unknown. The fill of these features represents possible metal working residues, in this case charcoal and slag material, dumped into this linear once it went out of use.

Subgroup 3 Stone Lined LinearPlates: 812, 813, 814, 815, 816, 817, 818, 819, 820, 821, 822, 823, 824. List of Contexts; C. [390], 391Description This subgroup describes a linear feature lying along the far eastern edge of excavation of the area. Linear [390] measured 14.2 m in length, 1.2 m in width and 0.6 m in depth. It had steep and smooth sides with a flat base. It was filled by a mid reddish brown clayey silt (391). Post-medieval pottery and clay pipe fragments were recovered from this fill. At the base of the cut a number of large stones were placed on end along the length of the linear. This linear was later truncated by construction cut [50] as described in subgroup {6004}.InterpretationThis feature represents another drainage channel in the series as described in subgroups {001} and {002}. It appears to run parallel to the Glencorra stream and may represent drainage in connection with the straightening of the stream possibly in relation to the construction of the Glencorra bridge. The stone lined aspect of this channel suggest a semi-permanent nature to this feature and the fact that it was truncated by later construc-tion cut [50] indicates that it pre-dated the final placement of the stream.

Subgroup 4 Wall Plates: 12, 13, 14, 39, 40, 559, 560, 569, 570, 571, 572, 573, 578. List of Contexts; C. [50], 49, 48, 322Description This subgroup describes the construction cut for, and the remains of, a wall that runs along the length of the Glencorra stream. The construction cut [50] was approximately 2.5 m in width and 0.55 m in depth. It was linear in shape with moderately steep sides and a flat base. It was primarily filled by wall (322). This was a mortared stone wall ap-


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proximately 1.3 m in width which ran the length of the Glencorra stream in this area. Post-medieval pottery came from in between the courses of this wall. Construction cut [50] was also filled by a mid pinkish brown clayey sand (49). Both the wall (322) and fill (49) were overlain by a mid brown stony clay (48).InterpretationThis feature represents a wall that lies along the length of the Glencorra stream on both banks. This feature must have been used in order to straighten and maintain the course of the stream after its re-channelling into this new location. The post-medieval pottery recovered from the wall as well as the mortared construction of the wall itself indicates a post-medieval date for this feature. This coincides with the construction of the Glencorra bridge in the mid 19th century.

Subgroup 5 LayerPlates: 742. List of Contexts; C. 324Description This subgroup describes a layer of material that was located 0.5 m north of linear feature [372]. It measured 1.5 m in length, 0.9 m in width and 0.01 m in depth. It was a dark brownish black silty sand with moderate flecks of charcoal inclusions. InterpretationThis layer represents the remains of an area of burning possibly associated with occupa-tion of the immediate area around the drainage channels as described in subgroups {001} and {002}. This deposit may have a connection with the movement of the Glencorra stream of the construction of the Glencorra bridge, however, with so little information available this is difficult to determine.

Group 7 Habitation AreaThis group describes the elements of a possible area of habitation on a raised plateau to the east of the site. The elements of this habitation are divided into four categories; postholes, stakeholes, pits and natural features.

Subgroup 1 PostholesPlates: 1, 10, 7, 9, 11, 17, 24, 35, 34, 36, 37, 38, 18, 41, 49, 53, 80, 50, 56, 57, 58, 81, 99, 105, 77, 86, 95, 508, 509, 511, 554, 574. List of Contexts; C.[10], 11, 12, 13, [14], 15, [17], 18, 26, [30], 31, [33], 34, [35], 36, [39], 40, [64], 76, 71, [72], 84, [315], 316, [318], 319.

Context Grid E Grid N Dimensions (m)10 137.7 127.25 0.37 x 0.25 x 0.2314 135.5 126.45 0.26 x 0.24 x 0.0617 133.04 119.72 0.36 x 0.30 x 0.2330 137.4 124.65 0.18 x 0.15 x 0.06


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Context Grid E Grid N Dimensions (m)33 134.32 120.24 0.26 x 0.20 x 0.1835 134.58 120.36 0.40 x 0.30 x 0.3039 132.66 120.75 0.30 x 0.26 x 0.2864 133.7 121.32 0.31 x 0.25 x 0.272 132.1 122.04 0.42 x 0.31 x 0.25315 135.92 104.3 0.15 x 0.14 x 0.08318 134.36 116.4 0.57 x 0.34 x 0.2

Table1-Postholedimensions–Subgroup1

DescriptionThe eleven postholes listed above were all located to the east of the site on the raised plat-form immediately next to the Glencorra Stream. They were all located within a 10 metre diameter of one another, in close proximity to the stakeholes in subgroup {7002}. The postholes differed in length, width and depth as seen in the above table. The shapes of the postholes varied from sub-circular to oval while their bases varied from concave to flat in profile and the sides were in general all sharp and steep. The fills of the postholes were mid orangish brown to dark greyish black in colour and sandy silt to silty clay in composition. Charcoal flecking was a common inclusion in the fills of the majority of these postholes, while burnt bone was recovered from the fills of six of the eleven. Posthole [33] truncates posthole [35] possibly representing a re-cut of this feature.InterpretationThese features, in connection with the stakeholes described in subgroup {7002}, represent the remains of a structure or series of structures in this area, however, no discernable pat-tern could be recognised. The evidence of a re-cut represented by posthole [33] indicates a lengthier period of occupation, however the lack of depth of the majority of these post-holes suggest a temporary structure. This is supported by the occasional charcoal flecking and occasional inclusions of burnt bone which suggests only a short period of occupation. No datable evidence was recovered to isolate these features to a specific time period.

Subgroup 2 StakeholesPlates:2, 4, 3, 5, 6, 8, 15, 19, 22, 29, 30, 31, 32, 29, 33, 48, 44, 46, 51, 45, 47, 52, 60, 61, 65, 69, 72, 76, 70, 74, 78, 79, 88, 90, 92, 94, 83, 87, 106, 107, 108, 109. List of Contexts; C.[4], 5, [6], 7, [8], 9, 16, [22], 23, [27], 28, [29], 32, [41], 46, [42], 47, 62, [63], [74], 77, [75], 80, [78], 79, [82], 91, [83], 85, [144], 153.

Context # Grid E Grid N Dimensions (m)4 133.7 119 0.18 x 0.14 x 0.216 135.15 126.6 0.17 x 0.16 x 0.038 134.28 118.4 0.20 x 0.20 x 0.1122 136.2 126.85 0.15 x 0.14 x 0.0627 138.5 125.75 0.12 x 0.09 x 0.0729 136.6 126.85 0.2 x 0.19 x 0.1441 135.04 104.5 0.15 x 0.12 x 0.1642 135.3 104.38 0.18 x 0.16 x 0.1463 135 125 0.14 x 0.10 x 0.05


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Context # Grid E Grid N Dimensions (m)74 135.2 108.42 0.12 x 0.08 x 0.1375 137.04 108.28 0.15 x 0.13 x 0.2778 132.3 142.4 0.15 x 0.14 x 0.1282 139.1 111.96 0.08 x 0.07 x 0.1383 136.93 108.13 0.15 x 0.10 x 0.17144 137.26 126 1.12 x 0.26 x 0.1

Table2-Stakeholedimensions–Subgroup2

DescriptionThe 14 stakeholes listed above were all located within a 10 metre diameter of one another and close in proximity to the postholes described in subgroup {7001}. The stakeholes dif-fered in length, width and depth as shown in the table above but in general were circular to oval in shape. Their sides varied from gradual to vertical in gradient while their bases varied from tapered to concave in profile. The fills of the stakeholes varied from a mid orangish brown to a mid greyish brown in colour and from a silty clay to a sandy silt in composition. Six of the 14 contained charcoal flecking within their fills.

Cut [144] describes a linear feature that is irregular in shape with steep and smooth sides and a linear base. Several possible circular cuts appeared in the base of this feature. The fill of this feature was a mid orangish brown silty clay (153) with occasional flecks of charcoal.

Cut [331] was located in close proximity to the habitation features described in group 7. It measured 0.8 m in length, 0.62 m in width and 0.08 m in depth. It was sub-circular in shape, had gently sloping sides and a flat base. It was filled by a dark greyish brown silty clay (332) with frequent flecks and small pieces of charcoal inclusions. An iron nail was also recovered from this fill.

Cut [333] was located just to the north of the habitation features as described in group 7. It measured 0.89 m in length, 0.38 m in width and 0.06 m in depth. It was irregular in shape with gently sloping sides and a flat base. It was filled by a mid brownish grey sandy silt (334) with occasional flecks and moderate small pieces of charcoal inclusions.InterpretationThese stakeholes represent a structure or series of structures, probably related to the post-holes in subgroup {7001}. Again no discernable pattern for a structure could be identified, however, occasional charcoal flecking within the fills of the stakeholes suggest a period of occupation in this area. Linear features [144, 331 and 333] probably represent small slot trenches, again related to a possible structure.

Subgroup 3 PitsPlates: 18, 49, 53, 80. List of Contexts; C.[37], 38, [43], 44.DescriptionThe two pits listed above were located to the east of the site on a raised plateau imme-diately to the west of the Glencorra stream. They lay in close proximity to the postholes within subgroup {7001} and the stakeholes within subgroup {7002}. Pit [37] measured 0.6


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m in length, 0.3 m in width and 0.25 m in depth. It was sub-circular in shape, concave in profile with vertical and smooth sides. Its fill was a dark brownish black silty sand (34) with moderate flecks of burnt bone. Pit [43] measured 0.45 m in length, 0.35 m in width and 0.2 m in depth. It was sub-circular in shape, concave in profile with gentle and con-cave sides. Its fill was a light orangish brown silty sand (44) with occasional flecks of burnt bone. Both of these pits truncates earlier posthole [35] from subgroup {7001}.InterpretationThese pits represent possible rubbish pits associated with the structure or series of struc-tures as defined by the postholes and stakeholes from subgroup {7001} and {7002} re-spectively. This is supported by the burnt bone recovered from the fills of these pits. Both pits also truncate earlier posthole [35] and therefore indicate a later date and possible continual occupation of this area.

Subgroup 4 Natural featuresThis group describes seven features located in the habitation area of the area as described in group 7. These features are likely to have a natural origin.Plates: 16, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, 59, 62, 63, 64, 73, 75, 740, 741, 367, 368, 369, 370, 620. List of Contexts; C. [20], 21, [24], 25, [61], 60, [70], 69, [88], 89, [284], 283, [325], 326.

Context # Grid_E Grid_N Dimensions (m)20 135 125 0.30 x 0.29 x 0.0624 138.85 125.8 0.30 x 0.15 x 0.0661 135 125 0.12 x 0.13 x 0.0370 138.45 123 0.21 x 0.18 x 0.0588 132.3 117.4 0.32 x 0.19 x 0.12284 115.38 111.27 0.68 x 0.48 x 0.12325 137.94 118.12 0.41 x 0.28 x 0.19

Table3-Naturalfeaturesdimensions

DescriptionThe seven features listed above were all located to the east of the site in the same location as the habitation features as described in group 7. The features differed in length, width and depth as seen in the above table. Their shapes varied from irregular to oval in shape while their bases varied from irregular to flat in profile. The sides of the features varied in gradient from gradual to steep. The fills of the features varied from light brownish grey to dark orangish brown in colour and were in general sandy silt in composition. The major-ity of these features were void of archaeological finds, however, some charcoal flecking and burnt bone were recovered from three of the fills of these features.InterpretationThe irregularity and lack of depth within the features suggests that they are natural. The sterile fills also suggest a natural origin within the majority of these features, while the charcoal and burnt bone inclusions in a minority of the fills probably originated from the occupation of this area.


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Group 8 StructureThis group describes the structure, including the construction features, depositional lay-ers and associated features located to the south west corner of the excavation area.

Subgroup 1 Construction featuresPlates: 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 482, 483, 484, 485, 486, 487, 488, 489, 490, 491, 492, 493, 384, 385, 417, 418, 419, 420, 421, 422. List of Contexts; C.[274], 275, 290, 291, [296], 297Description This subgroup describes the buildings main structural elements including the construc-tion cuts and fills, the walls and any associated deposits.

Construction cut [274] measured 12 m in length, 0.46 m in width and 0.5 m in depth. It was rectangular in shape with vertical and smooth sides. The cut extends north to south for 4.6 m before turning sharply to extend east to west for 7.7 m. A dry stone wall (291) was constructed within this cut and backfilled by a mid orangish brown silty sand (275). Slag material was recovered from this fill. A dark brownish black clayey silt deposit (290) with frequent flecks and small and medium pieces of charcoal also filled cut [274].

The wall (291) was of a fairly rough dry-stone construction, surviving to a height of three courses on the northern and western extents. The stones used in the construc-tion of the wall were sub-angular in shape and varied in diameter from 0.25 m to 0.6 m. This wall only survived as foundations to the eastern extent, observed only as frequent amounts of small and medium sub-angular stones in a linear alignment. The wall ap-peared to be faced to the interior of the structure.

Linear [296] measured 4.9 m in length, 0.74 m in width and 0.1 m in depth. The linear was aligned in an east to west direction. It had moderate and smooth sides with a flat base. Its fill was a dark brown silty clay (297), which included a pottery sherd and faunal remains.InterpretationThis subgroup represents the main construction features in the building of the structure to the south west of the site.

Construction cut [274] truncates burnt mound material (163), in which the drys-tone wall (291) was built and backfilled by fill (275). The stones appear to be faced to the interior of the building suggesting a slightly sunken building. While the walls of the building survive to the northern and western extents, their absence from the southern and eastern extents suggest they were robbed out or destroyed by later action, possibly agri-cultural. The linear [296] probably represents the remains of the construction cut to the south and the absence of any stones probably indicates robbing out of the wall in this part of the structure. This is backed up by the continuation of apparent foundation material to the west, connecting with the standing wall in the south west corner of the building.


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Deposit (290) appears to be further back filled material into construction cut [275], pos-sibly originating from the burnt mound and redeposited during building.

Subgroup 2 LayersPlates: 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 579, 580, 581, 582, 583, 584, 585, 586, 587, 588, 589, 590, 591, 592, 593, 594, 595, 596, 597, 598, 599, 600, 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606, 607, 608, 609, 610, 611, 612, 613, 614, 615, 616, 617, 618, 619, 549, 550, 551, 552, 553, 485, 486, 487, 490, 551, 552, 553. List of Contexts; C.285, 286, 288, 289, 295, 302, 310, 311, 312, 377.DescriptionThis subgroup describes the layers located within the walls of the structure.

Layers (286) and (289) represent natural gravels located underneath the structure. Layer (286) was located to the eastern end of the structure and measured 2.8 m in length and 2.7 m in width. Layer (289) was located to the western end of the structure and meas-ured 0.4 m in length and 0.25 m in width. They are light orangish brown silty sand layers with occasional charcoal inclusions.

Layer (295) was a small patch of redeposited natural material located to the western end of the structure. It measured 0.6 m in length, 0.5 m in width and 0.1 m in depth. It was a light yellowish brown silt.

Layers (288) and (377) represent possible redeposited burnt mound material. Layer (288) measured 2.4 m in length, 1.75 m in width and 0.15 m in depth. It was a mid brownish black pebbley silt with moderate flecks of charcoal inclusions. Layer (377) measured 0.82 m in length, 0.45 m in width and 0.04 n in depth. It was a dark greyish black stony sand with frequent flecks and moderate small and medium pieces of charcoal inclusions.

Deposit (310) was located against the base of the standing wall to the northern side. It measured 1.3 m in width and 0.16 m in depth. It was a mid greyish brown silty clay.

Layer (311) was located along the inside edge of the northern line of the wall. It measured 0.9 m in width and 0.18 m in depth. It was a mid yellowish brown sandy silt.

Layer (285) represented the main bulk of material located within the walls of the structure. It measured 4.8 m in length, 3 m in width and 0.25 m in depth. It was a dark brown clayey silt with occasional flecks of charcoal inclusions. Finds including nails, pot-tery, glass, clay pipe, flints, animal bone and slag material were all recovered from this fill.

Layers (302) and (312) represent natural silting over the layers already described. Layer (312) was a mid greyish brown silty clay with occasional flecks of charcoal inclu-sions, while layer (302) was a light yellowish brown silty clay. InterpretationThis subgroup describes a series of layers of material which account for phases of the structure in three distinct groups; pre-construction, occupation and abandonment.

Layers (286) and (289) account for the pre-construction phase of the structure. They represent a layer of natural gravels that underlies the structure and was used as a base for


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its construction. The occasional flecks of charcoal indicate archaeological activity over these deposits possibly during the building of the structure.

The construction phase of the structure incorporated layers (295), (288), (377) and (310). Layer (295) appeared to be redeposited natural material, while layers (288) and (377) were redeposited fulacht material, probably originating from the excavation of the construction cut. This is supported by the fact that layers (288) and (377) were located to the west end of the structure in the area where cut [374] had truncated the burnt mound material (163).

Layer (310) may represent backfill of the construction cut to the interior of the structure.

The abandonment phase of the structure incorporates layers (311), (285), (312) and (302). Layer (311) probably represents silting of material on the inside edge of the wall, while layer (285) represents the main baulk of material deposited within the structure, which may represent a culluvial deposit or possibly purposeful backfilling of material. The varied post-medieval finds in this deposit gives a relatively recent date for the filling of the structure. Layers (312) and (302) probably represent further silting of material over this back fill, as limited archaeological inclusions are present.

Subgroup 3 PitsPlates: 423, 427, 453, 454, 424, 428. List of Contexts; C. [303], 304, [305], 306.DescriptionThis subgroup describes two pits located underneath the layers described in subgroup {8002}. Pit [303] measured 1.1 m in length, 0.68 m in width and 0.25 m in depth. It was oval in shape with moderate to steep sides and a flat profile. Its fill was a dark brown silty clay (304) with frequent flecks and moderate small pieces of charcoal inclusions. Burnt bone was also recovered from this fill.

Pit [305] measured 0.39 m in length, 0.36 m in width and 0.11 m in depth. It was irregular in shape with moderate to steep sides and a flat profile. Its fill was a dark brown-ish grey/black silt (306) with occasional flecks and moderate small pieces of charcoal inclusions.InterpretationThese pits seem to represent features that pre-date the construction of the building as described in subgroup {8001}. Pit [305] is truncated by the linear [279] which represents the foundation trench for the robbed out wall of the structure on the southern side. Both pits seem to share similar fills including flecks of charcoal suggesting a close relationship, however, there is little evidence to suggest their function or period of use.

Group 9 Animal BurialsThis group describes two animal burials, including articulated remains, located to the south end of the area of excavation.


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Plates: 408, 409, 410, 411, 429, 430, 431, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436, 437, 438, 439, 440, 441, 442, 443, 444, 445, 446, 447, 448, 449, 450, 451, 452, 462, 463, 464, 466, 467, 510, 555, 556, 557, 558, 584, 622, 623, 624. List of Contexts; C. [301], 307, [320], 321.Description Burial [301] was located to the south of the excavation area, truncating linear feature [340] as described in group 6. It measured 2.2 m in length, 1.5 m in width and 0.74 m in depth. It was sub-rectangular in shape with steep and smooth sides and a flat profile. It was filled by a mid orangish brown sandy silt (307) with occasional small pieces of char-coal inclusions. An articulated horse skeleton was recovered from the fill including horse shoes still attached to the front legs and associated nails. Post-medieval pottery was also recovered from this fill.

Burial [320] was located 7.2 m to the north east of burial [301]. It measured 2 m in length, 1.2 m in width and 0.5 m in depth. It was irregular in shape with steep and smooth sides and a flat profile. It was filled by a dark orangish brown sandy silt (321) with occasional flecks of charcoal inclusions. An articulated bovine skeleton, probably a calf due to its size and minimal tooth wear, was also recovered from the fill.InterpretationThese features represent the burial of the remains of agricultural animals, most probably due to the steep gradient of the river valley in which they were situated. A post-medieval date can be established for these burials due to the pottery recovered from fill (307) as well as the good condition of the bones and the close relationship between the two. This sug-gests a possible connection between these features and the construction of the Glencorra Bridge. Animals would have been essential in the building of the bridge and would have been easier to bury than to attempt to remove the remains from the steep sided valley.

Group 10 Cultivation FurrowsThis group describes two linear features, representing cultivation furrows, located to the southern half of the area of excavation, most probably excavated by plough due to their regular shape. They are parallel to one another at a distance of 8.6 m, suggesting that other furrows would have been present in the area also, however, due to the natural to-pography of the area an intensive area of cultivation is unlikely most probably excavated by plough due to their regular shape. They are parallel to one another at a distance of 8.6 m, suggesting that other furrows would have been present in the area also, however, due to the natural topography of the area an intensive area of cultivation is unlikely. The pot-tery finds from the fill (327) suggests a post-medieval date.Plates: 294, 296, 575, 621. List of Contexts; C.[258], 259, [323], 327Description This group describes the remains of two furrows both orientated in a north-west to south-east direction. Furrow [258] measured 2.07 m in length, 0.31 m in width and 0.12 m in


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depth. It was linear in shape with gentle and concave sides and a concave profile. It was filled by a mid brown sandy silt (259). Furrow [323] measured 2.35 m in length, 0.45 m in width and 0.12 m in depth. It was linear in shape with moderate and smooth sides and a flat profile. It was filled by a mid greyish brown silty clay (327) with occasional flecks of charcoal inclusions. A sherd of post-medieval pottery was also recovered from this fill.InterpretationThese features represent the remains of a set of agricultural furrows, most probably exca-vated by plough due to their regular shape. They are parallel to one another at a distance of 8.6 m, suggesting that other furrows would have been present in the area also, however, due to the natural topography of the area an intensive area of cultivation is unlikely. The pottery finds from the fill (327) suggests a post-medieval date.

Group 11 Miscellaneous FeaturesThis group is composed of eight features located across the excavation area. A field drain was located to the south west corner of the site, a pit was located to the far north of the site to the west of ditch slot 3, a pit was located to the south east corner of the site. Four areas of burning were also located across the area of excavation. Due to the lack of information that could be gathered from these features and due to their isolated locations they could not be grouped with any of the other features on site.

Subgroup 1 Field DrainPlates: 326, 327, 328, 385, 398. List of Contexts; C.[279], 280, 281.Description This subgroup consists of a field drain that truncated the south east corner of the struc-ture towards the south west corner of the area of excavation. It measured 1.6 m in width and 0.45 m in depth. It was linear in shape with moderately steep sides and a concave base. Its primary fill was a layer of frequent sub-angular stones (281) while its secondary fill was a dark greyish brown silt (280). InterpretationThis field drain truncates the wall of the post-medieval structure to the south west corner. It appears that it may have continued to the interior of the structure but was not observed during excavation. This feature must relate to a fairly modern agricultural feature in this area, most probably abandoned due to rearrangement of the field system.

Subgroup 2 PitsPlates: 681, 682, 686, 690, 722, 765, 768, 769, 770, 771. List of Contexts; C.[353], 360, [375], 361, 357, 358Description This subgroup describes two pits, [353] which were located to the south east corner of the excavation area, and [375] which was located to the north of the excavation area.


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Pit [353] was located to the south east of the excavation area, truncating drainage feature [354], as described in group 6. It measured 2.07 m in length, 1.4 m in width and 0.24 m in depth. It was sub-rectangular in shape with moderately steep sides and a flat profile. It was filled by a mid brown silty clay (360).

Pit [375] was located to the north of the excavation area immediately to the north of slot 3 excavated through the linear ditch as described in group 5. It measured 4.64 m in length, 1.9 m in width and 0.6 m in depth. It was sub-rectangular in shape with steeply sloping sides and a concave profile. It was filled by three deposits. The primary deposit was a light burnish yellow sandy silt (361) with occasional flecks of charcoal inclusions. The secondary deposit was a light brown silty clay (357) with occasional small pieces of char-coal inclusions. The final deposit was a dark greyish brown silty clay (358) with moderate flecks and occasional small and medium pieces of charcoal inclusions. InterpretationBoth of these pits represent a modern phase of activity in this area. Pit [353] truncates the drainage feature as described in group 6, which was modern in date. Pit [375] may also be modern.

Subgroup 3 Areas of BurningPlates: 766, 767, 316, 317, 319, 625, 627, 628, 626. List of Contexts; C.3, [272], 273, [331], 332, [333], 334.Description This subgroup describes two features and a deposit located in close proximity to the habi-tation area features described in group 3 as well as one feature located to the far west of the excavation area.

Deposit (003) was located to the far eastern area of the site. It measured 1.68 m in length, 1.41 m in width and 0.05 m in depth. It was a mid orangish brown pebbely sand with moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal inclusions.

Cut [272] was located on the far west of the site, approximately 13 m north of large pit [292] as described in group 3. It measured 0.49 m in length, 0.46 m in width and 0.08 m in depth. It was sub-rectangular in shape, had gently sloping sides and a flat base. It was filled by a dark black silt (273) with frequent amounts of large pieces of charcoal inclusions. An unidentified object, possibly ceramic, was recovered from this fill.

Cut [331] was located in close proximity to the habitation features described in group 7. It measured 0.8 m in length, 0.62 m in width and 0.08 m in depth. It was sub-circular in shape, had gently sloping sides and a flat base. It was filled by a dark greyish brown silty clay (332) with frequent flecks and small pieces of charcoal inclusions. An iron nail was also recovered from this fill.

Cut [333] was located just to the north of the habitation features as described in group 7. It measured 0.89 m in length, 0.38 m in width and 0.06 m in depth. It was irreg-ular in shape with gently sloping sides and a flat base. It was filled by a mid brownish grey sandy silt (334) with occasional flecks and moderate small pieces of charcoal inclusions.


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InterpretationThese features represent areas of single activity fires across the area of excavation. The abundance of burnt material in the form of charcoal indicate human interaction, how-ever, the irregular and shallow nature of these deposits suggest that they were temporary areas of burning rather than those for multiple re-use. They may have been burnt out vegetation as some sort of field clearance, however, the finds within the fills possibly sug-gest single areas of burning associated with occupation. Without further information it is difficult to determine the function of these features and their relationship to the rest of the archaeology in this area.


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Find

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16 1 1 Glass Bottle Fragment Post-Medieval 08/11/2006 NG9 1 2 Ceramic Clay Pipe Stem fragment 07/11/2006 NG9 1 3 Ceramic Clay Pipe Stem fragment 07/11/2006 NG10 1 4 Ceramic Pottery Sherd Post-Medieval

sherds (x7) - Glazed red earthen-ware (x4), Transfer printed ware (x3)

07/11/2006 NG

11 1 5 Metal Iron Lump Lumps of possible iron (x3)

07/11/2006 NG

13 1 6 Metal Iron Ring Iron ring object - heavily corroded

07/11/2006 NG

17 1 7 Metal Iron Nails Iron nail fragments (x2)

08/11/2006 NG

8 2 1 Glass Bottle Fragment Post-Medieval 02/11/2006 NG70 2 2 Glass Bottle Fragment Post-Medieval 24/01/2007 NG31 2 3 Glass Bottle Fragment Post-Medival bot-

tle neck glass from cleaning over ditch

08/12/2006 RW

23 2 4 Ceramic Clay Pipe Stem fragment 17/11/2006 NG29 2 5 Ceramic Clay Pipe Stem fragment 04/12/2006 NG29 2 6 Ceramic Clay Pipe Stem fragment 04/12/2006 NG29 2 7 Ceramic Clay Pipe Bowl fragment 04/12/2006 NG7 2 8 Ceramic Clay Pipe Stem fragment 01/11/2006 NG7 2 9 Ceramic Clay Pipe Stem fragment 01/11/2006 NG86 2 10 Ceramic Clay Brick Fragment of brick

from east side of Area 2

06/03/2007 EMC

69 2 11 Ceramic Pottery Sherd Post-Medieval sherds (x2) - Glazed red earthenware

24/01/2007 NG

32 2 12 Ceramic Pottery Sherd Post-Medieval sherds - Pearlware (x1), Decorated slipware (x1)

14/12/2006 NG

18 2 13 Metal Iron Object Iron lump 15/11/2006 NG1 2 14 Metal Iron Nail Broken in2pieces,

badly corroded - recovered from SW part of Area 1

02/11/2006 AMB

33 2 15 Metal Iron Objects Iron nail 14/12/2006 NG33 2 16 Metal Iron Lumps Iron lumps (x2) 14/12/2006 NG2 2 17 Metal Iron Possible slag -

recovered from SW part of Area 1

02/11/2006 AMB

27 2 18 Metal Iron Object Two pieces of iron 24/11/2006 JAC

Appendix 4 Finds Register


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Find

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5 2 19 Stone Sand-stone?

Fragment Stone fragment with possible scouring marks

01/11/2006 NG

4 48 1 Ceramic Clay Pipe Fragment of bowl recovered from poss ditch in slot 11

02/11/2006 LG

3 48 2 Metal Iron Nail Very corroded - Recovered from poss ditch in slot 11

02/11/2006 LG

19 132 1 Metal Bronze? Object Possible bronze lump

13/11/2006 JM/JA

25 132 2 Metal Bronze? Object Two pieces of pos-sible bronze (cast off slag??)

22/11/2006 IM

22 132 3 Metal Bronze? Object Possible bronze mold casting (x2pieces)

14/11/2006 IM

24 162 1 Ceramic Pottery Sherd Post-Medieval sherds (x2) - Glazed red earthenware

21/11/2006 AMB/JC

26 162 2 Metal Iron Object Probable agricul-tural tool fragment

21/11/2006 AMB/JC

26 162 3 Metal Iron Nails Iron nails (x3) 21/11/2006 JC&AMB28 163 1 Stone Flint Worked

flakeOne piuece of worked flint - recovered from fulacht material

29/11/2006 JAC

34 214 1 Stone Flint Flake Flint debitage from fill of possible metal working feature [213]

20/12/1006 NG

35 214 2 Stone Flint Flake Flint debitage from fill of possible metal working feature [213]

20/12/2006 NG

40 214 3 Metal Iron Knife Iron knife 05/01/2007 AMB41 217 1 Stone Flint Flake One piece of flint

(possibly part of scraper) from fill of possible metal working pit [213]

05/01/2007 AMB

42 217 2 Metal Iron Nail Iron nail from fill of possible metal working pit [213]

08/01/2007 AMB

36 221 1 Metal Iron Nail Iron nail from fill of possible metal working feature [220]

05/01/2007 AMB

49 222 1 Metal Iron Wedge Iron tool 16/01/2007 RW39 242 1 Metal Iron Lump iron lump 05/01/2007 JAC


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47 263 1 Ceramic Pottery Body Sherd

Post-Medieval sherd - Glazed red earthenware

25/01/2007 RW

45 265 1 Ceramic Clay Pipe Stem fragment 11/01/2007 JA44 265 2 Metal Iron Object Possible blade from

fill of linear feature [264]

09/01/2007 AMB

85 278 Metal Iron Furnace Base

Furance base from fill of ditch [376] - slot 8

61 285 1 Stone Flint Flake One small reduc-tion flake recov-ered from base of wall [291] in W half of structure

18/01/2007 JL

60 285 2 Stone Flint Flake One small pos-sible flint flake (debitage)

18/01/2007 JL

53 285 3 Glass Bottle? Fragment Post-Medieval 18/01/2007 JL54 285 4 Ceramic Clay Pipe Stem fragment 18/01/2007 JL57 285 5 Ceramic Clay Pipe Stem fragment 18/01/2007 JL57 285 6 Ceramic Clay Pipe Stem fragment 18/01/2007 JL57 285 7 Ceramic Clay Pipe Stem fragment 18/01/2007 JL57 285 8 Ceramic Clay Pipe Stem fragment 18/01/2007 JL57 285 9 Ceramic Clay Pipe Stem fragment 18/01/2007 JL57 285 10 Ceramic Clay Pipe Stem fragment 18/01/2007 JL57 285 11 Ceramic Clay Pipe Stem fragment 18/01/2007 JL65 285 12 Ceramic Pottery Handle Post-Medieval

sherds (x2) - Glazed red earthenware

19/01/2007

56 285 13 Ceramic Pottery Sherd Post-Medieval sherds (6) - Transfer printed ware (x3), Deco-rated slipware (x1), Creamware (x1), Stoneware (x1)

18/01/2007 JC

64 285 14 Metal Iron Lump Iron lump 19/01/2007 JC51 285 15 Metal Iron Nail Iron nail 18/01/2007 JC51 285 16 Metal Iron Nail Iron nail 18/01/2007 JC51 285 17 Metal Iron Object Possible blade

fragment18/01/2007 JC

58 285 18 Metal Iron Nails Iron nails frag-ments (x3)

18/01/2007 JC

58 285 19 Metal Iron Nails Iron nails (x3) 18/01/2007 JC63 285 20 Metal Iron Object Possible blade

fragment19/01/2007 JC

50 285 21 Metal Iron Object Possible horseshoe fragment

18/01/2007 JC


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Find

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62 285 22 Stone Lime-stone?

Fragment One possible cut stone associated with construction of wall [291]

18/01/2007 JC

286 1 Metal Iron Blade Blade fragments (x3)

68 296 1 Ceramic Pottery Sherd Post-Medieval sherds (x2) - Glazed red earthenware (x1), Stoneware (x1)

23/01/2007 AMB

67 296 Bone Object Piece of animal tooth?

76 297 1 Ceramic Clay Pipe Bowl fragment from linear feature [296]

06/02/2007 RW&IM

71 307 1 Ceramic Pottery Sherd Post-Medieval sherds (x4) - Trans-fer printed ware

29/01/2007 JC/JAC

74 307 2 Metal Iron Nails Horseshoes nails (x2) from right back leg of horse skeleton from cut [301]

29/01/2007 JC&JAC

73 307 3 Metal Iron Horseshoe Horseshoe from right front and back legs of horse skeleton from cut [301]

29/01/2007 JC&JAC

73 307 4 Metal Iron Horseshoe Horseshoe from right front and back legs of horse skeleton from cut [301]

29/01/2007 JC&JAC

314 1 Metal Iron Blade Iron tool77 322 1 Ceramic Pottery Sherd Post-Medieval

sherds (x2) - Glazed red earthenware

08/02/2007 JAC/DW

79 327 2 Ceramic Pottery Sherd Post-medieval sherd from linear feature [323] - Glazed red earthenware

07/02/2007 RW

80 332 1 Metal Iron Nail Iron nail from feature [331]

08/02/2007 RW

81 338 1 Metal Iron Nail Iron nail from fill of ditch [382] - slot 6

12/02/2007 RW

82 359 1 Ceramic Clay Pipe One fragment including part of stem and bowl

21/02/2007 JW&JC

359 2 Metal Iron Iron wedge

Iron tool


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Find

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84 361 1 Stone Flint Flake One annomolous flint fragment from fill at base of pit [375]

01/03/2007 IM

83 371 1 Glass Bottle Fragment Post-Medieval 22/02/2007 JA 87 391 1 Ceramic Clay Pipe Bowl fragment 06/03/2007 EMC88 391 2 Ceramic Pottery Sherd Post-Medieval

sherds - Transfer printed ware (x1), Pearlware (x1)

06/03/2007 JAC

37 U/S 1 Stone Flint Flake Flint debitage from vicinity of NW corner of main trough within full-acht fiadh [183]

20/12/2006 LD

38 U/S 2 Metal Lead Disc Disc of lead. From SE corner of site

20/12/2006 LD

12 U/S 3 Metal Iron Chain Iron chain -re-covered from trial trench 2 by bridge

07/11/2006 NG

14 1 DISCARDED 08/11/2006 NG15 1 DISCARDED 08/11/2006 NG6 2 DISCARDED 01/11/2006 NG30 2 DISCARDED 04/12/2006 NG75 2 DISCARDED 01/02/2007 JC&JAC21 130 CHANGED TO

SAMPLE # 29416/11/2006 IM/JA

20 131 CHANGED TO SAMPLE # 295

16/11/2006 IM/JA

43 256 DISCARDED 08/01/2007 JAC

66 256 DISCARDED 08/01/2007 JAC46 273 DISCARDED 12/01/2006 JM171 276 DISCARDED 15/01/2007 JAC52 285 DISCARDED 18/01/2007 JL55 285 DISCARDED 18/01/2007 JL59 285 DISCARDED 18/01/2007 JL72 307 DISCARDED 29/01/2007 JC&JAC78 322 DISCARDED 06/02/2007 DW/JAC48 222 Metal Iron Furnace

BaseCHANGED TO SAMPLE # 296


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Appendix 5 Plant remains

By Penny Johnston

IntroductionThis short report details the results of plant remains analysis from Ballinglanna North 1, Co. Cork (E2414). The site comprised a post-medieval structure, a habitation area, a drainage system, a ditch a metal-working area, two large pits and a burnt mound/fulacht fiadh.

MethodologyThe samples were collected on site as bulk soil and were processed using machine-as-sisted floatation (following guidelines in Pearsall 2000). The floating material (or ‘flot’) from each sample was collected in a stack of geological sieves (the smallest mesh size was 250mm). When all the carbonised material was collected the flot was then air-dried in paper-lined drying trays prior to storage in airtight plastic bags. The samples were scanned under low-powered magnification (x 10 to x 40) using a binocular microscope. Nomen-clature and taxonomic order follows Stace (1997).

ResultsThe results of preliminary scanning are presented in Table 1 at the end of this report. A total of 65 samples were scanned. Plant remains were present in 38 of the samples.

The identifications are presented in Table 2. Plant remains were present in samples from Groups 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8 and 11. They were most common in samples from Groups 2, 3 and 4 and this analysis will concentrate on material from these groups.

Group 2 (Fulacht fiadh/burnt mound)

The burnt mound deposits and associated features at Ballinglanna North 1, contained charred plant remains. These included the burnt mound deposit (C.163) and the fill of a well (C.230) and a post-hole (C.225). This result is relatively unusual because charred seeds are not common finds in fulacht fiadh/burnt mound deposits. Studies of plant remains from 132 burnt mound sites indicate that cereal remains were recorded at less than 8% of examined sites. The remains were always preserved by charring and were re-corded in very small quantities (IADG 2007). At three burnt mound sites excavated along the route of the N8 Fermoy to Mitchelstown (Ballinglanna North 1, Kildrum 1 and Kilshanny 3), charred seeds were recovered in small amounts. The charred remains from Ballinglanna North 1 were more frequent than at the other sites and included a moderate portion of charred cereal grains. The cereals were predominantly barley (83% of identifi-able grains), but a significant portion of rye (13%) was also found along with a small per-centage of wheat (2%) and oat (2%). The presence of oat and rye is surprising, as these two cereal types do not become common in archaeological deposits until the medieval period


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(Monk 1986, 34) and burnt mound deposits are usually considered to be Bronze Age in date. As the site at Ballinglanna North 1 was subject to quite a significant amount of later disturbance it is possible that these seeds are later and re-deposited.

Group 2

Oat 2%

Barley83%

Rye 13%

Wheat 2%

Oat

Barley

Rye

Wheat

Group 3 (Large pit to the west of the burnt mound)

The material from Group 3 was primarily from a large pit C.268 to the west of the burnt mound contained a moderate quantity of cereal grains. Oat was the most common cereal type in these deposits, representing 55% of the identifiable cereal count. Rye was also present (26%), as was barley (19%). The recovery of small amounts of slag from the depos-its in these pits suggest that these were used as a repository for waste from metalworking (a metalworking area classified as Group 4 was located some metres to the east). It is pos-sible that the seeds from this deposit were also associated with metalworking. However, the assemblage from this part of the site was predominantly made up of oat, while the assemblages from the other areas of the site, including the metalworking features, were predominantly made up of barley. The percentage breakdown of the material from this pit therefore distinguishes it from the plant remains found in the other areas of the site.


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Gr oup 3

Oat 55%

Bar ley19%

Ry e 26%

Oat

Bar ley

Rye

Group 4 (Metalworking area)

The material from Group 4 was associated with an area of metalworking located to the east of the burnt mound deposits. These were taken from contexts C.214, C.242, C.256 and C.265, three pit fills and one fill of a linear feature. The plant remains from these deposits were primarily barley (97% of identifiable cereal grains), where identifiable they were largely naked barley, and a small quantity of wheat (3%).

Group 4

Bar ley97%

Wheat 3%

Bar ley

Wheat

It is often recognised by archaeobotanists that charred cereals make their way into archaeological deposits as a result of being burnt as fuel. For example, Monk and Kelleher (2005, 93) briefly discuss the likelihood that some cereals from grain drying kilns came from fuel. The most usual fuel-types discussed are crop processing residues (such as chaff, weed seeds and occasional cereal grains) which can be used as tinder. However, cereal


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grains themselves can provide a reliable, heat-efficient source of fuel: an early medieval metalworking furnace in Co. Kerry (Deerpark Lispole 05E1097) produced large quanti-ties of burnt oat grain from firing contexts (Johnston 2006). A large deposit of charred grain was also recovered from a site at Ahanaglogh in Co. Waterford (Brewer 2008, 146) and both sites demonstrate the possibility that surplus grain was used as a source of fuel. This may also be the case in the metalworking deposits found at Ballinglann North 1.

Sample Context Charcoal Seeds % scanned4 11 High Low 1006 13 Medium Absent 1007 15 Low Absent 10015 18 Low Absent 10018 26 Low Low 10020 31 High Low 10021 40 High Low 10032 12 Low Low 10038 76 Medium Absent 10040 44 High Low 10040 34 Medium Low 10040 226 Low Low 10047 71 Medium Low 10048 84 Low Absent 10050 93 High Low 10051 94 Low Absent 10052 95 High Low 10053 96 Low Low 10054 97 Low Low 10055 75 Low Low 10055 96 Low Low 10058 137 Low Low 10059 128 Low Absent 10061 138 Low Low 10063 131 Low Absent 10064 132 Low Absent 10065 139 High Medium 10098 188 High Absent 100102 175 Medium Absent 100103 177 Low Absent 100107 182 High Absent 100110 190 High Absent 100111 189 High Low 100112 196 High Absent 100115 192 High Absent 100126 222 Medium Low 100130 216 Low Absent 100131 214 Medium Low 100144 ? High Absent 100145 242 Low Low 100149 256 High Medium 100154 261 Low Absent 100


113


Sample Context Charcoal Seeds % scanned157 265 Medium Low 100187 294 Low Medium 100196 300 Medium Low 100198 298 High High 100217 132 Low Absent 100225 339 Low Absent 100234 352 Low Low 100250 275 Medium Low 100260 290 High Absent 100261 377 High Absent 100274 379 High Absent 100275 380 Low Low 100276 381 Low Low 100277 386 Low Low 100278 387 Low Absent 100279 388 Low Absent 100279 388 Low Low 100281 337 Medium Low 100283 339 Low Low 100285 384 Low Absent 100286 389 Low Absent 100? 163 High Medium 100? 134 Low Absent 100

Table1:ScannedsamplesfromBallinglannaNorth1,Co�Cork(E2414)


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Group 7 7 11 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 5 5Context 11 12 21 26 31 34 44 47 75 76 93 93Sample 4 32 40 18 20 40 40 72 55 38 50 50Hazelnut shell fragments (Corylus avellana L.)

46 23 4 6 6 1 1 2

Fat-hen (Chenopo-dium album L.)

Indeterminate seeds from the goosefoot family (Chenopodiaceae)

Black bindweed (Fallopia convolvulus (L.) Á. Löve)

Probable Sheep’s sorrel (Rumex cf acetosella L.)

1

Indeterminate seeds from the Knotgrass family (Polygonaceae)

1

Wild radish (Rapha-nus raphanistrum L.) capsule

Indeterminate seeds from the mint fam-ily (Lamiaceae)

Plantain (Plantago L. species)

Burnt mound, metal-working area and post-medieval settlement

Indeterminate seeds from the sedge fam-ily (Cyperaceae)

Oat grains (Avena L. species)

1 1 1 2 9

Possible oat grains (cf Avena species)

1

Barley grains (Hor-deum vulgare L.)

3 3 2

Naked barley grains (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Rye grains (Secale cereale)

1

Possible rye grains (cf Secale cereale)

Rye rachis inter-nodes (cf Secale cereale)

Wheat grains (Triti-cum L. species)

1 2

Wheat/Rye grains (Triticum/Secale)

Indeterminate cereal grains

1 1 1 1 7 6 1 2 3

Indeterminate grass seeds (Poaceae)

Indeterminate weed seeds

1 2

Table2:IdentifiedseedsfromBallinglannaNorth1,Co�Cork(E2414)


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Group 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 2 2 4 5 2 4Context 95 96 96 97 137 138 139 163 189 214 222 226 242Sample 52 52 55 54 58 61 65 ? 111 131 126 40 145Hazelnut shell fragments (Corylus avellana L.)

16


1



4



1 8


1




5


2 1 5 1


1


2 1 4 2 1 38 3 1 1


1


5


1 2


3


1 1 1 1


1 2


3 1 4 1 2 82 1 1



1 1

Table2:IdentifiedseedsfromBallinglannaNorth1,Co�Cork(E2414)continued


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Group 4 4 8 8 3 3 3 5 5 ? 5 5 5Context 256 265 275 286 294 298 300 337 339 352 380 381 388Sample 149 157 250 277 187 198 196 281 283 234 275 276 279Hazelnut shell fragments (Corylus avellana L.)

1 5 5 1 2


1


1 2


2 5 1


7


5 22 6 3


1 2


1


1



2 4 16 9 1 2



1 3 1 6 4 1


27


9 5





2 4


1 1 2 16 7 1


2 2


2 1 1

Table2:IdentifiedseedsfromBallinglannaNorth1,Co�Cork(E2414)continued


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ReferencesBrewer, A. Plant remains, pp.143 – 7 in Johnston, P., Kiely, J. and Tierney, J. Near the

Bend in the River. Dublin, National Roads Authority.

IADG (Irish Archaeobotanists Discussion Group) 2007. Brewing and fulachta fiadh, Archaeology Ireland 21 (7).

Johnston, P. 2006 Analysis of Charred Plant Remains from Deerpark, Lispole, Co. Kerry (05E1097). Unpublished technical report for Eachtra Archaeological Projects.

Pearsall, D. 2000 Paleoethnobotany: a Handbook of Procedures. New York, Academic Press.

Stace, C.A. 1997 New Flora in the British Isles. (2nd edition) Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.


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Appendix 6 Lithics report

by Dr. Farina Sternke

IntroductionEight lithic finds from the archaeological excavations of a prehistoric site in the townland of Ballinglanna North 1, Co. Cork were presented for analysis (Table 1). The finds are associated with the remains of a possible fulacht fiadh and possibly associated pits.

Find

No.

Con

text

Mat

eria

l

Type

Cor

tex

Con

diti

on

Leng

th (m

m)

Wid

th (m

m)

Thi

ckn.

(mm

)

Com

plet

e

Ret

ouch

E2414:163:1 163 Flint Retouched Artefact No Lustred 30 25 8 No right edge direct semiabrupt

E2414:214:1 214 Flint Retouched Artefact? No Patinated 13 11 5 No distal direct semiabrupt

E2414:214:2 214 Flint Retouched Artefact No Patinated 6 16 7 No distal direct abrupt

E2414:217:1 217 Flint Natural Chunk

E2414:285:1 285 Flint Debitage



E2414:US:1 U/S Flint Blade Yes BurntPatinated

27 10 3 No No

Table1:CompositionofthelithicassemblagefromBallinglannaNorth1(E2414)

MethodologyAll lithic artefacts were examined visually and catalogued using Microsoft Excel. The following details were recorded for each artefact which measured at least 2 cm in length or width: context information, raw material type, artefact type, the presence of cortex, artefact condition, length, with and thickness measurements, fragmentation and the type of retouch (where applicable). The technological criteria recorded are based on the termi-nology and technology presented in Inizan et al. 1999. The general typological and mor-phological classifications are based on Woodman et al. 2006. Struck lithics smaller than 2 cm were classed as debitage and were not analysed further. The same applies to natural chunks and pebbles. The condition of macro tools was not noted, as they are rarely af-fected by the elements due to their raw material composition.


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Quantification

The lithics are seven flaked pieces of flint and one natural chunk of flint (Table 1). Four artefacts are larger than 2 cm in length and width and were therefore recorded in detail. The natural chunk is misleading in it nature since it has been damaged by plough action and looks like a flaked artefact; however, it is clearly not.

Provenance

The artefacts were recovered from a layer associated with burnt mound material, three pit fills and a layer associated with a structure (Table 2).

Find Number Context Description TypeE2414:163:1 163 Layer, Burnt mound material Retouched ArtefactE2414:214:1 214 Pit Fill Retouched Artefact?E2414:214:2 214 Pit Fill Retouched ArtefactE2414:217:1 217 Pit Fill Natural ChunkE2414:285:1 285 Layer associated with structure DebitageE2414:285:2 285 Layer associated with structure DebitageE2414:361:1 361 Pit Fill DebitageE2414:US:1 U/S Unknown Blade

Table2:ContextInformationfortheAssemblagefromBallinglannaNorth1(E2414)

Condition:

The lithics survive in variable condition. None of the artefacts is complete. The lustre ob-served on 1 artefact (E2414:163:1) is a direct result of their exposure to heat, i.e. they did not directly come into contact with fire, but where perhaps strewn around a hearth. All artefacts are patinated and blade E2414:US:1 is burnt and bears the remnants of cortex.

Technology/Morphology:

The worked artefacts represent two types of flaking products, three retouched artefacts and one natural piece of flint (Table 3).

Type Amount

Blade 1

Debitage 3

Retouched Artefact 3

Natural Chunk 1

Total 673

Table3:AssemblageCompositionfromBallinglannaNorth1(E2414)


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0

5

10

15

20

25

30

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

Length

Wid

th

Blade Retouched Artefact

Figure 1: Dimensions (mm) of the Blades, Flakes and Retouched Artefacts from Ballinglanna North 1(E2414

BladesThe blade (E2414:US:1) measures 27 mm long, 10 mm wide and 3 mm thick. It is burnt and heavily patinated and was produced using a direct single platform technology with a soft stone. It is a classic Early Mesolithic blade which may have been re-deposited and represents a residual Early Mesolithic component.

DebitageThe presence of three pieces of debitage suggests that a limited amount of knapping took place at the site.

Retouched Artefacts:The three identified retouched artefacts (E2414:163:1, E2414:214:1 and E2414:214:2) are a fragment of a convex end scraper or micro disc scraper which was produced on a bipolar flake and two miscellaneous retouched artefacts, one of which (E2414:163:1) may have been used as a convex end scraper or side scraper.

Dating:It can be divided into two groups: (1) one blade associated with the Early Mesolithic and (2) three retouched artefacts produced on bipolar flakes which date the Early Bronze Age.

ConservationLithics do not require specific conversation, but should be stored in a dry, stable environ-ment. Preferably, each lithic should be bagged separately and contact with other lithics


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should be avoided, so as to prevent damage and breakage, in particular edge damage which could later be misinterpreted as retouch. Larger and heavier items are best kept in individual boxes to avoid crushing of smaller assemblage pieces.

Comparative MaterialThe size and composition of the assemblage is typical for Irish burnt mounds. Recent ex-cavations in the south-east of Ireland revealed a similar pattern of very small assemblages found in associated fulachta fiadh, e.g. the N25 Waterford By-Pass (Woodman 2006). These assemblages are dominated by the use of beach pebble flint which is often worked using the bipolar method or a very simple platform technology (see also O’Hare 2005).

The Early Mesolithic is reminiscent of those recently recovered at Gortore (E2410), Co. Cork.

DiscussionFlint is available in larger and smaller nodules along the Cork coast or in the glacial tills. The use of a limited single platform and bipolar technology on small to medium sized pebbles is in parts the result of this availability. The majority of these flint nodules are rather small pebbles with an average dimension of 4-6 cm and often only permit the use of a bipolar or scalar technology to efficiently reduce the nodule achieving a maximum outcome, i.e. the largest possible amount of suitable and usable blanks. The result is the regionally dominant split pebble scalar (Late Neolithic) and bipolar (Later Neolithic and Bronze Age) character of the south-western lithic assemblages. Given the technological composition of the Late Neolithic/ Bronze Age component of the Ballinglanna North 1 assemblage, i.e. predominantly production debris, it is safe to assume that they were produced at the site.

Similarly, the Early Mesolithic blade was probably produced at or nearby the site.

SummaryThe eight lithic finds from the archaeological excavation at Ballinglanna North 1 (E2414), Co. Cork are seven flaked pieces of flint and a natural chunk of flint.

The flaked assemblage contains one blade, three retouched artefacts and three pieces of debitage.

The assemblage is dominated by an Early Bronze Age typological and technological component which includes the fragment of a possible micro disc scraper. In addition, a re-sidual Early Mesolithic element in the assemblage comprising of one blade was recovered, but may have been re-deposited.

Together with the discarded retouched tools, the recovered debitage and blade repre-sent waste from lithic production and the immediate use of lithic tools at the site, possibly in predominantly domestic activities connected with the possible fulacht fiadh.

This site makes an important contribution to the evidence for prehistoric settlement and land use in the area between the Funchion and Awbeg rivers in north Co. Cork.


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ReferencesInizan, M.-L., M. Reduron-Ballinger, H. Roche and J. Tixier 1999. Technology and

Terminology of Knapped Stone 5. CREP, Nanterre.

O’Hare, M. B., 2005. The Bronze Age Lithics of Ireland. Unpublished PhD Thesis. Queen’s University of Belfast.

Woodman, P.C. 2006. The significance of the lithic assemblages from the archaeological excavations on the Waterford By-Pass. Unpublished Report for Headland.

Woodman, P. C., Finlay, N. and E. Anderson, 2006. The Archaeology of a Collection: The Keiller-Knowles Collection of the National Museum of Ireland. National Museum of Ireland Monograph Series 2. Wordwell, Bray.


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Appendix 7 Archaeometallurgical residues

by Dr T.P. Young

AbstractThe assemblage from Ballinglanna North 1 is unusual in many respects and provides a unique insight into iron production on a large scale in early medieval times. Two 14C dates are relevant to the iron working activity – both with calibrated ranges spanning the late 7th to mid 9th centuries. The residues are almost entirely from the smithing of iron. The smithing hearth cakes (SHCs) are large (the average weight for an SHC in the assemblage is the largest, 2854g, for any assemblage yet investigated by the author). The SHCs are of very variable weights, with no strong clustering, and with weights ranging up to 9.3kg. The high weights strongly suggest that the site was a specialist bloomsmith-ing operation, and with 260kg of slag recovered from the fraction excavated, the activ-ity was clearly undertaken on a large scale. Although the weights of the SHCs were very variable, the internal textures exhibited were rather constant. Coarse, equant grains, funnel- shaped vesicles and a rather diffuse-appearing upper margin to the crust of the SHC, which passes up into a “clotted” slag texture, were all common characteristics, the recognition of which was enhanced by the similarity in the preservation of much of the assemblage. Similar textures do occur on other sites, but it was the regularity of occur-rence of the texture which was unusual at Ballinglanna North. The residue assemblage is apparently homogeneous, creating an impression of a large volume of waste which ended up in various cut features. There were no certain features of metallurgical origin, which may indicate that the smithing was undertaken outside the excavated area, or just pos-sibly, that it was conducted on waist level hearths, not the usual floor-level hearths.

The one exception to the homogeneous residue assemblage was the fill of pit [c255] which contained a small quantity of possible iron smelting slag.

Much of the assemblage (90% by weight) was recovered from the fill of a ditch run-ning approximately parallel to the modern stream. The large quantity of large, similar, bloomsmithing slag cakes suggests a level of activity above that of typical early medieval iron production sites in Ireland, and is more reminiscent of sites in Britain some 600 years younger than Ballinglanna, when bloomsmithies adopted water power. It is pos-sible the ditch represents a leat supplying power for water hammer (and even bellows). In such a model the slag in the ditch should be viewed as dump material entering the leat on its disuse. Unfortunately the slags on their own are not capable of distinguishing the harnessing of water power, which would require the recognition of actual structures. No water powered bloomsmithy of this period has been recognised in Ireland, but all the ma-jor components of the technology would have been available in contemporary corn mills.


124

MethodsAll investigated materials were examined visually, using a low-powered binocular micro-scope where necessary. For microscopic residues a general statement of the nature of each assemblage was recorded (Table 1). As an evaluation, the materials were not subjected to any high-magnification optical inspection, nor to any other form of instrumental analy-sis. The identifications of materials in this report are therefore necessarily limited and must be regarded as provisional.

ResultsDescription of the dense smithing slags

The most abundant components of the assemblage were smithing hearth cakes (SHCs), with a total weight of 235kg (of the total assemblage of approximately 260kg). The outline statistics of the weight-frequency distribution for those SHCs which were intact, or suf-ficiently intact for their original weight to be estimated, are given in Table 2. The mean weight, 2854g, is the highest mean weight for an Irish SHC assemblage to date.

The larger SHCs were relatively plano-convex, but the upper surface often showed concentric rings and the friable upper slag may rise centrally above the bowl rim. The largest cakes were about 300mm in diameter, with thickness of up to 140mm (of which the bowl comprised 100mm). The development of the crust within the bowl was variable, generally it was thick, but typically the crusts appeared to show a rather moderate grain size, with apparently equant crystals, with a vesicular texture, including some large tubu-lar/conical vesicles. The crust typically graded into more open-textured slags above. Very few of the large SHCs showed evidence for a smooth, blown patch on the top, and shiny upper surfaces were only seen in fairly small cakes. These features were so common that those SHCs showing these features are indicated by a “t” (for typical) in the catalogue (Table 1) and the facies summary (Table 3). This type of SHC represented only 1 out of 20 SHCs below 1500g, but 20 out of 28 of those over 3000g. The 29 SHCs identified as having the “typical” texture had an average weight of 4.1kg. The 36 SHCs for which this texture was not identified (which may include examples with the texture but which was not identifiable in the particular state of preservation of the sample) had an average weight of 1.8kg. Thus smaller SHCs may show rather more conventional features.

There is an occurrence throughout the assemblage of a small proportion of reddened material. Some of this is clearly from oxidation of the proximal lip of the SHC through impingement of the air blast on the top of the SHC. The reason for this is unclear – it may be because of upward growth of the slag accumulation, but equally the changing geom-etry of the blast produced by the erosion of the tuyère tip during use may also play a part.

Some of the reddened material shows a red (haematised?) glaze on “normal” SHC material, in some cases covering fracture surfaces in the slags. This oxidation may be hap-pening at the extraction stage, rather than during normal use.


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One slag facies which commonly shows haematisation are the dense slag flows which are generated just below the tuyère. Not only are there flows alongside of the tuyère, but in some instances lobate flows on the proximal face of the SHC.

One well preserved SHC shows a 40mm deep bowl (in the “t” fabric described above), with 15-20mm of more open-textured slag above. At the proximal end a raised slag mass with dense prilly slags rises 70mm above the bowl top. This presumably indicates that the base of the tuyère lay at about 130mm above the base of the bowl.

Isolated sub-tuyère flowed slags are grouped with hte “other smithing slags” in Table 3, as are charcoal-rich masses attached to tuyère tips.

One common feature of the SHCs at Ballinglanna is the occurrence of “tool-marks”. These are developed as ridges or flanges on the underside of the larger SHCs. They are interpreted as the product of fluid slag settling into the holes created by the use of a poker, or similar tool, to lever the SHC out of the hearth while it is still hot. Where most strongly developed, these ridges can extend beyond the limits of the main slag bowl, giv-ing the slag cake a palmated appearance in plan.

Description of the tonguesThe assemblage contains several examples of slabby lining slags similar to material de-scribed elsewhere (e.g. Young 2009a) as pro-tuyère tongues. In this assemblage several examples show apparent attachment zones to tuyère faces. Of the 7 items listed in the database as tongues (not including small fragments of probable tongues), there are just 4 that mesh entirely with typical tongues (with weights of 116g ,120g, 158f and 160g), the other 4 are substantial larger (with weights of 368g, 438g and 456g). These larger masses may perhaps be better considered as lining-rich SHCs.

Description of tuyèresSmall fragments of tuyères occurred widely, but there were only a five fragments which gave useful morphological data:

[c278] 50mm wide flat base[c381] 200mm effective diameter over 60° segment[c381]110mm high?[c222] 160mm diameter based on 60° segment[c285] flat bottomedPlus part of a tuyère margin embedded in the proximal end of a slag block:[c222] 160 diameter based on margin in slagIf all of these observations were taken from identical objects, then the best fit for the

face of the tuyère would be transverse, approximately 120mm high, 170mm wide, with a flat (or very gently curved) central zone to the base and a gently-curved top. Alterna-tively, there may be a variety of tuyères present, with a more circular cross section, with diameters between 110 and 200mm, Although this is a very small sample, it does appear more likely from the material that the tuyères were quite small and the 200mm diameter


126

reflects a less-strongly curved part of a small object rather than the general curvature of a large one. None of the tuyère sherds preserves information about the bore.

Description of the indeterminate slagThe indeterminate slag category embraces several distinct slag classes, all of which lack clear morphological criteria to all interpretation. In particular this category includes frag-ments of vesicular slag without morphological criteria which might have allowed them to be recognised as SHC fragments had they been larger. The category also includes most slag fragments smaller than 20mm diameter.

Description of the iron oresA very small quantity of iron ore was recovered from the residues. Two pieces of botry-oidal goethite ore, with a brown dense ore with yellow cavity fills/coatings were probably fragments of bog ore. A single piece of red coloured ore appeared more homogeneous and may have been a similar material, or just possibly a claystone ironstone, that had been roasted. There was no evidence that these materials had been brought on to the site delib-erately, but it may be significant that all three fragments came from the same pit [c213], which lies very close to pit [c255] which yielded possible smelting residues.

Description of the flow slagsItems categorised as “flow slags” are those slags with evidence for lobate or prilly flow, but which cannot be recognised as being sub-tuyère flows (i.e. either the low flow lobes, often with a concave top to the aggregated lobes, that shows along the underside of the tuyère, or the stacked lobate slag that occurs down the proximal side of some SHCs).

Rather this category includes flowed blebs and prills, particularly prills with a more circular cross section than the sub-tuyère flows, and prills which were clearly descending vertically.

This type of flow slag is very rare at Ballinglanna North, with the only significant occurrence being in the fill [c256] of pit [c255]. Here the prills are delicate and a sieved sample contains both prills and “coffee bean spheroids”. The “coffee bean spheroids” are droplets of slag that have cooled against a fuel particle, creating a dimple in their surface. They are typical of, but not unique to, the basal pits of slagpit smelting furnaces.

The same context contains a large block of internally prilly charcoal-rich slag.This assemblage could be generated in a smithing hearth, but there is a possibility that

it represents a smelting assemblage from the basal pit of a slag pit smelting furnace.

Distribution of the residuesThe residues occur mainly in the large ditch, with a concentration close to the area of the slag-filled features to its east. The ditch appeared to have received slag-rich deposits during two phases separated by almost sterile silts. There appeared to be no significant difference between the slag assemblage of the different phases of fill in the ditch.


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The adjacent features, pits [c213] and [c255] contained slag. Neither feature was re-corded as showing evidence for in-situ burning, but the concentration of features in this area, close to the maximum quantity of slag within the adjacent ditch, raised the suspi-cion that this might be the focus of metallurgical activity.

The fill of [c255] contained an assemblage of delicate flow slags that might possibly be a smelting assemblage. The pit was truncated by linear (furrow?) [c260] so its morphology was unclear. The fill [c256] contained large stones, so clearly was not a primary in-situ smelting residue, but might conceivably have been a mixture of a stone-rich backfill with some surviving residue.

Nearby pit [c213] also shows a stone-rich upper fill [c214], but this overlies a darker deposit [c217] that might just possibly be an in-situ context. The residue assemblage from the upper fill [c214] contained mainly identifiable smithing slags, which are supplement-ed by the only smithing micro residue assemblage form the site. The lower fill [c217] contained a small assemblage of rather blebby slags of indeterminate origin, together with a single piece of flow slag.

Pit [c220] was also recorded as containing slag, but none found in the collections.Other features in the SE part of the site are interpreted as significantly post-dating

the metalworking and in general contained small quantities of slag similar to that in the ditch, as did a couple of contexts associated with the post-medieval building.

In the SW of the site, west of the ditch, there were two large pits, apparently with indications of in-situ burning. A small quantity of slag was recovered from one of these structures [c268]. The undercut profile of the pit and the central pad of stones, more closely resembles a small well than any metallurgical feature (which are never so deep). It is suggested that the “in-situ” black deposit, may not have been from burning but may perhaps have been either organic material or manganese wad associated with waterlogged conditions.

InterpretationDating of this site hinges on two 14C dates (from the metallurgical phase), one from the primary slag dump [c338] within the ditch and the other from a deposit [c299] low in one of the SW pits (wells? – see above).

The dates are very similar: [c338] = cal AD 684-784/ 787-827/839-864; [c299] = cal AD 664-782/789-811/ 847-854.

The slag from this site is dominated by SHCs of rather variable size, but of distinctive and relatively constant texture. These SHCs are typically large – the assemblage of SHCs as a whole has an average weight of 2.8kg (the highest mean weight for an assemblage yet recorded in Ireland), for those identified as having the distinctive texture the average rises to 4.1kg!

SHCs of such large size have been associated with the processes of bloom consoli-dation (bloomsmithing; Young 2009). The raw bloom produced in a bloomery furnace requires significant reworking in order to transform it into usable iron. Often the focus


128

of that process is seen as closing of gaps in the bloom and the expulsion of excess slag and charcoal clasts – and indeed this is an important initial stage, but bloomsmithing also involves the reworking of the iron (typically be repeated heating and hammering to draw the iron out into bar, or more rarely, sheet form). This working of the iron not only works to clean the iron of major impurities, but also to draw-out and align the slag inclusions, which have such a strong influence on the mechanical and forming properties of the finished iron.

There appear to be, very broadly, four styles of SHC assemblage from early medieval Irish sites (Table 2). There are those sites which appear to be concerned almost entirely with the end of use of iron (e.g. Coolamurry, Navan). Such assemblages are dominated by large numbers of small SHCs, particularly those of less than 600g and reflected by weight-frequency distributions with around 90% of the SHCs with weights below 1000g. The inclusion, even within these assemblages of a small proportion of SHCs with weights above 2000g (typically interpreted as from bloomsmithing) has been proposed (Young 2009) as representing the frequent distribution of iron to smiths in the form of unfinished iron – requiring further working before use.

A second group of sites have evidence for iron smelting as well as smithing (e.g. Gort-nahown 2, Carrigoran, possibly Parknahown 5, Clonmacnoise WWS and Woodstown 6). These sites show a decrease in the proportion of SHCs at the small end of the distri-bution, with both more large cakes and an increase in size of the largest. The maximum SHC size varies from 3.5kgs at Gortnahown 2 up to 6.3kg at Woodstown.

A related group of sites shows no indication of the presence of iron smelting, but has evidence for a wide range of activity, suggesting that iron was processed on the site from raw bloom through to final artefact. This group includes Clonmacnoise NG and Clonfad. At Clonmacnoise smelting was demonstrably undertaken in the area (e.g.at the Clonmac-noise WWS site) and it is assumed that primary smelting took place at Clonfad, or in an adjacent area of the monastic estate.

The fourth group of sites (e.g. Borris, Lismore/Bushfield 1 and Ballinglanna North 1) shows little or no sign for the end-use of iron, such that the proportion of SHCs below 500g falls below 20%. They show a very high proportion of SHCs above 1000g – typi-cally 60% or more. These sites appear to have been specialist bloomsmithing sites. The sites show little similarity in terms of what is known of the context of the metalworking, although the residues at Borris also occurred mainly in a large ditch (which gave a 14C date on animal bone from its lower fills of 7-8th century and 9-10th century for a bone from its upper fill). Lismore/Bushfield 1 yielded most of its SHCs from a single undated pit as-sociated with a ringfort containing a 6th-7th century cemetery. Of the three sites, not only are the SHCs larger at Ballinglanna, but there also appears to be much more slag in total. At Borris, although multiple smithing hearths were located close to a major linear ditch, the slag recovered amounted to approximately 200kg from 100% excavation of 105m of the ditch, compared with the approximately 15% excavation of the 65m length of ditch at Ballinglanna which yielded 235kg.


129


Despite their differences, these sites indicate a degree of specialisation within the chaîne operatoire of iron production. The geographical segregation of bloomsmithing from both smelting and the end use of the iron is something which is seen not uncommonly. Various factors may drive the segregation: in some instances it may be a need to spread the load of charcoal production across the countryside, in some instances (particularly in the later medieval period) it may reflect the adoption of new technologies for the hammers, either olivers (mechanical treadle hammers) or water-powered hammers, but it may fre-quently reflect the use of a fixed permanent forge, often near habitation, for the smithing, while the smelting moved through the woodlands, following the charcoal production.

In this instance, the reasons behind the focusing of bloomsmithing on this one local-ity are unknown. However, it may be significant that the segregation appears more ex-treme in this case than elsewhere. The large size of the SHCs suggests that large blooms, or pieces of blooms, were being worked on a regular basis. The possibility that the ditch was associated with a water-powered hammer should be considered. No other site in Ire-land (or probably in western Europe) has evidence of such technology at this period, but that does not mean it did not exist. The early adoption of water power for corn mills in Ireland means that the major components of the technology were well-established.

If the ditch is functionally related to the metalworking, then he filling of the ditch by slag is unlikely to be contemporary. Slag-rich fills might indicate primary dumping into a disused ditch, secondary clearance involving the levelling of slag dumps into the ditch on the abandonment of the site or possibly collapse of slag into the ditch. The latter interpre-tation was adopted by the author for a medieval water- powered bloomery in the English West Midlands (Cinder Mill, Chorley, Shropshire), where it is believed that decomposi-tion of a timber lining to the tail-race allowed collapse of the adjacent slag dumps into the watercourse (author’s unpublished data). On the other hand there are examples where metalworking has taken place within a ditch (e.g. Navan, Woodstown 6). At Woodstown iron smelting was undertaken within the butt-end of one of the segments of one of the major enclosure ditches and the ditch was rapidly filled with smithing waste, possibly fol-lowing clearance of an adjacent smithy.

The detailed interpretation of the features to the east of the ditch is not possible at the current level of information. There is a slight hint that [c255] might have been a smelting furnace, but the lack of smelting slags from the other features might imply that if it is a furnace it is not coeval with the other features on the site. The pit [c213] might be an elongate smithing hearth, but the evidence is far from clear.

The large pits to the west of the ditch are more likely to have been wells than to have been directly associated with the metalworking.

Evaluation of potentialThe slags from Ballinglanna are of enormous significance, representing largest scale spe-cialist early medieval bloomsmithing operation yet found. The similarity of texture of a large proportion of the material has the potential to allow recognition of slag from a


130

particular process technology, which can feed back into recognising that process at other sites. The apparent level of homogeneity in the assemblage is remarkable, and will allow closer interpretation than for more mixed assemblages.

It is recommended that a full analysis of a suite of SHCs is undertaken, to character-ise the large “typical” bloomsmithing slags and establish their genetic relationship to the smaller SHCs.

Whether the bloomsmithing operation was entirely manual, or whether it had a com-ponent of water power is not known. The answer to that fundamental question must come, if possible, from the interpretation of the archaeological features. If water-powered, the site would be unique in Ireland at the current level of understanding.


131


ReferencesYOUNG, T.P. 2005. Metallurgical Residues from Clonmacnoise, Part 1: Evaluation

of material from the waste water treatment works (02E1407). GeoArch Report 2005/08. 29pp.

YOUNG, T.P. 2006. Evaluation of archaeometallurgical residues from Carrigoran, Co. Clare (98E0338). GeoArch Report 2005/18. 12pp.

YOUNG, T.P. 2007. Evaluation of metallurgical residues from the Navan Inner Relief Road project, Site 1 (06E274), Co. Meath. GeoArch Report 2007/09. 10pp.

YOUNG, T.P. 2008a. Archaeometallurgical residues from Coolamurry 7, 04E0323. GeoArch Report 2006/10. 46pp.

YOUNG, T.P. 2008b. Evaluation of archaeometallurgical residues from Moneygall, Co. Offaly, 06E0321. GeoArch Report 2008/10. 15pp.

YOUNG, T.P. 2008c. Evaluation of Archaeometallurgical residues from the M7/M8 Contract 2: Lismore-Bushfield 1 (E2220). GeoArch Report 2008/27.

YOUNG, T.P. 2008d. Evaluation of Archaeometallurgical residues from the M7/M8 Contract 3: Trumra 4 (E2281). GeoArch Report 2008/33.

YOUNG, T.P. 2009a. Archaeometallurgical residues from Clonfad 3, Co. Westmeath (A001: 036 E2723). GeoArch Report 2008/17. 173pp.

YOUNG, T.P. 2009b. Archaeometallurgical residues from Ballykilmore, Co. Westmeath, E2798, GeoArch Report 2009/16, 81 pp.

YOUNG, T.P. 2009c. Evaluation of Archaeometallurgical residues from the M7/M8 Contract 1: Parknahown 5 (E2170). GeoArch report 2009/21. 21pp.

YOUNG, T.P. 2009d, Ferrous archaeometallurgical residues from Woodstown 6. GeoArch report 2009/22. 66pp.

YOUNG, T.P. 2009e. Evaluation of Archaeometallurgical Residues from the M8/N8 Cullahill-Cashel: AR36 (E2941), GeoArch Report 2009/31, 17 pp.

YOUNG, T.P. 2009f. Evaluation of archaeometallurgical residues from the N8 Fermoy-Mitchelstown, Gortnahown 2, Co. Cork, (E2426). GeoArch Report 2009/41, 41

YOUNG, T.P. ( forthcoming) . Chapter 6. Exploiting the bog: iron production and metalworking in: N6-N52 NRA Monograph.


132

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hich

bow

l 50m

m) p

art o

f lar

ge S

HC

with

hol

low

blo

wn

smoo

th g

lass

y ce

ntre

and

stro

ngly

raise

d lip

, max

imum

of 6

0% p

roba

bly

less

6049

33

t

1650

1bl

ock

from

cen

tre o

f ver

y th

ick

crus

t SH

C

97

31

edge

of d

eepl

y ho

llow-

topp

ed S

HC

, den

se sh

iny

(unu

sual

for t

his s

ite) w

ith la

rge

blad

e-lik

e too

l mar

k ex

tend

ing

100m

m o

utsid

e SH

C

t

354

1pa

ir of

tool

mar

ks fr

om ed

ge o

f SH

C

t33

25

SHC

frag

men

ts

159

222

ditc

h 37

6t

1465

6SH

C fr

agm

ents

with

thic

k cr

ust

836

5ot

her S

HC

frag

men

ts

76

6tu

yère

sher

ds

45

217

smal

l sla

g pi

eces

- m

ainl

y ro

unde

d bl

ebs

543

bleb

s of d

impl

ed li

ning

slag

186

3de

nse s

lag

in lo

bate

flow

s - 1

set s

how

s cur

ve o

f tuy

ère b

ase o

n th

e top

368

1lu

mp

of c

harc

oal-r

ich

slag

with

impr

essio

ns o

n su

rfac

e, lin

ing

slag

influ

ence

d on

su

rfac

e - p

roba

bly

larg

e ton

gue 6

0x60

x90m

m

112

1fra

gmen

t of c

harc

oal-r

ich

slag

with

ver

y sli

ghtly

flow

ed b

ase -

pro

babl

y fro

m

belo

w th

e tuy

ère

15

922

2di

tch

376

71

622

slag

fragm

ents

t

1010

9fra

gmen

ts of

thic

k cr

ust S

HC

s

22

2tu

yère

sher

ds

t99

61

part

of t

hick

crus

t cak

e (11

0)x(

120)

x60m

m (o

f whi

ch b

owl 3

0mm

) ver

y lit

tle

slag

on to

p of

crus

t in

depr

esse

d bo

wl,

base

smoo

th30

3320

324

195

x75x

40m

m (o

f whi

ch b

owl 3

0mm

) pos

sible

smal

l SH

C w

ith ed

ges m

issin

g (th

ough

cou

ld b

e sm

aller

par

t of i

rreg

ular

larg

er o

ne) t

ool m

arks

on

base

6054

0

438

1de

nse p

rilly

mas

s with

shee

t of g

lass

thro

ugh

cent

re -

prob

ably

a de

nse f

orm

of

tong

ue 7

0x90

x70m

m

244

3de

nse s

lag

fragm

ents

with

roun

ded

mar

oon

blow

n su

rfac

es -

prob

ably

from

bl

owin

g lip

of d

ense

SH

Cs

346

1SH

C fr

agm

ent

146

1po

rous

slag

with

one

smoo

th b

low

n su

rfac

e


138

sam

ple

cont

ext

feat

ure

wei

ght

nono

tes

prop

nor

ig

31

46

roun

ded

dens

e sla

g bl

ebs,

prob

ably

flow

lobe

s fro

m b

elow

tuyè

re

sa

mpl

eco

ntex

tfe

atur

ew

eigh

tno

note

spr

opn

orig

704

low

den

sity

flow

lobe

s fro

m tu

yère

are

a

13

41

60x6

0x20

mm

den

se sh

eet o

f sla

g w

ith sm

ooth

top

and

impr

essio

ns o

n ba

se, o

ne

brok

en en

d, c

ould

be a

den

se to

ngue

or c

ould

be a

smal

l SH

C in

its o

wn

right

100

134

159

222

ditc

h 37

6t

2025

1(1

60)x

(100

)x10

0mm

SH

C w

ith th

in (5

mm

) dist

inct

out

er cr

ust,

entir

e bow

l fil

led w

ith q

uite

ves

icul

ar sl

ag b

ecom

ing

mor

e ves

icul

ar u

p, c

ulm

inat

ing

in c

or-

allin

e top

, no

mor

e tha

n 40

% -

this

coul

d be

rela

ted

to th

in cr

ust t

ypes

4050

63

t

688

1SH

C fr

agm

ent

t

1335

1(1

50)x

(130

)x80

mm

(of w

hich

bow

l 70m

m) c

rust

to 4

0mm

. Con

cavo

-con

vex,

va

riabl

e am

ount

of r

ough

slag

in b

owl,

smal

l too

l mar

ks o

n ba

se

208

1irr

egul

ar lu

mp

of S

HC

mat

eria

l, ha

s flo

wn

loba

te ed

ges t

o lo

wer

“cru

st” -

so

coul

d be

entir

e sm

all S

HC

, but

cou

ld b

e lum

p fro

m m

argi

n of

a la

rger

cak

e

15

922

2di

tch

376

74

01

sem

i-con

ical

slag

atta

ched

to sk

im o

f tuy

ère f

ront

. Top

con

cent

ric, c

linke

ry, b

ase

a ser

ies o

f cru

de fl

ow lo

bes d

irect

ed h

oriz

onta

lly b

ack

unde

r tuy

ère -

nea

tnes

s in

crea

sing

to to

p, tu

yère

pro

babl

y c 1

60m

m d

iam

eter

. Mas

s 75x

120x

80m

m, t

op

prob

ably

tipp

ed 4

5 de

gree

s int

o he

arth

, tuy

ère f

ace i

nclin

ed fo

rwar

d 70

deg

rees

to

hor

izon

tal

120

1sm

all t

ongu

e - li

ning

slag

shee

t dim

pled

gla

ssy

top,

lobe

s on

base

, 80x

50x3

5mm

t

1565

5SH

C fr

agm

ents

- all

fairl

y de

ep b

owl

t

470

2SH

C fr

agm

ents

- pro

babl

y sim

ilar b

ut n

ot so

muc

h se

en

66

65

slag

lum

ps w

ith d

impl

ed su

rfac

es -

som

e may

be S

HC

frag

men

ts, b

ut o

ther

s se

em to

be n

ubs

t

236

1tw

isted

mar

gin

of sm

all S

HC

with

smoo

th to

p

159

222

ditc

h 37

6

1985

1de

nse c

rust

to 6

0mm

with

tubu

lar v

esic

les i

n lo

wer

par

t, m

ore g

ranu

lar s

lag

to

60m

m o

n to

p, (

110)

x(14

0)60

?33

08

1230

1bl

ock

of w

ide S

HC

with

den

se cr

ust t

o 45

mm

, ove

rlain

by

thin

laye

r with

elon

-ga

te u

nroo

fed

void

s (lo

bes?)


139

sam

ple

cont

ext

feat

ure

wei

ght

nono

tes

prop

nor

ig

68

21

dens

e cru

st to

35m

m w

ith o

pen

text

ured

slag

on

top

654

1de

nse c

rust

to 3

5mm

268

2SH

C fr

agm

ents

136

1m

aroo

n su

rfac

ed sl

ag w

ith v

ery

varia

ble d

ensit

y, ha

ngin

g fro

m m

argi

n of

tuyè

re

174

222

ditc

h 37

6

221

perfe

ctly

flow

n, m

irror

-fini

sh sl

ag sh

eet

17

422

2di

tch

376

36

81

100x

100x

20m

m p

lano

-con

vex

SHC

with

gla

ssy

top

and

grav

el - c

ould

be

clas

sed

as a

flat t

ongu

e, ba

se sl

ight

ly lo

bate

but

nea

t10

036

8

t

1020

111

0x13

0x80

mm

(of w

hich

bow

l 60m

m) s

light

ly in

com

plet

e SH

C w

ith m

oder

-at

ely th

ick

crus

t and

por

ous u

pper

100

1020

250

11tu

yère

sher

ds10

030

0

30

01

90x9

5x30

mm

con

vent

iona

l den

se S

HC

with

smoo

th d

impl

ed to

p an

d ro

ugh

base

100

300

442

11sla

g fra

gmen

ts pr

obab

ly fr

om S

HC

298

6sm

ooth

skin

ned

dens

e sla

gs, 1

goo

d lip

, oth

ers p

arts

of fl

ows

41

delic

ate d

esce

ndin

g pr

ill o

f den

se re

ddish

slag

602

com

plex

dim

pled

and

loba

te m

aroo

n de

nse s

lag

shee

ts

sa

mpl

eco

ntex

tfe

atur

ew

eigh

tno

note

spr

opn

orig

238

13hi

gh- t

o lo

w-de

nsity

bleb

s and

flow

ed sh

eets

with

dim

ples

17

422

2di

tch

376

24

61

tuyè

re sh

erd

c 160

mm

dia

met

er fr

om 6

0° sl

ice

t

3460

2br

oken

pro

xim

al en

d of

larg

e thi

ck cr

ust c

ake (

prop

ortio

n is

max

imum

)60

5767

t

782

1th

ick

crus

t SH

C fr

agm

ent

226

4SH

C fr

agm

ent

29

622

2di

tch

376

t80

851

335x

280x

80m

m S

HC

has

slig

htly

dep

ress

ed to

p be

com

ing

mor

e mar

ked

to

prox

imal

end,

tria

ngul

ar in

pla

n w

ides

t nea

r pro

xim

al en

d, u

pper

surf

ace s

light

ly

conc

entr

ical

ly ri

nged

, with

ver

y th

in la

yer o

n to

p of

crus

t, ba

se h

as sl

ight

hin

t of

mul

tiple

low

poi

nts a

long

axi

s

100

8085


140

sam

ple

cont

ext

feat

ure

wei

ght

nono

tes

prop

nor

ig

129

256

pit c

255

15

6as

sm.

fine-

scal

e flo

w sl

ag a

ssem

blag

e - c

ould

be s

melt

ing

but t

hese

are

ver

y fin

e film

s, pr

ills a

nd c

offe

e bea

ns

15

225

6pi

t c25

5

478

1bl

ock

of c

harc

oal-r

ich

slag

with

lobe

s and

pril

ls on

bas

e

152

256

pit c

255

32

863

smal

l pie

ces o

f den

se, b

rittle

, flo

w sl

ags i

n de

licat

e arr

ange

men

ts

155

261

linea

r c26

018

21

SHC

frag

men

t26

4sla

g sc

raps

158

265

linea

r c26

428

3sla

g sc

raps

160

265

linea

r c26

426

1tu

yère

sher

d24

1in

dete

rmin

ate s

lag

fragm

ent

251

275

fill o

f slo

t tre

nch

c274

t15

701

140x

140x

80m

m (o

f whi

ch b

owl 6

0mm

) SH

C, b

owl d

eepe

ns to

pro

xim

al si

de a

s to

p lif

ts lik

ewise

100

1570

170

277

poss

ible

firep

it c2

6878

2lo

bate

gla

ssy

mat

eria

l lik

e ton

gue b

ut in

smal

l pie

ces

562

slag

scra

ps31

064

dens

e flo

w sl

ags i

n bl

ebs.

Prill

s and

flow

s71

0c1

50sla

g sc

raps

122

2de

nse l

obat

e sla

gs53

26

open

text

ured

slag

s, so

me s

how

hin

ts of

flow

lobe

st

812

6SH

C fr

agm

ents

441

tuyè

re sh

erd

8527

8di

tch

376

1st d

ump

5430

1la

rge t

hinn

ish cr

ust S

HC

, slig

htly

twist

ed a

nd w

ith u

pper

par

ts co

rrod

ed, b

ut

othe

rwise

inta

ct 1

80x2

80x1

40m

m10

054

30


141

sam

ple

cont

ext

feat

ure

wei

ght

nono

tes

prop

nor

ig28

727

8di

tch

376

slot 8

, 1st

dum

p20

01

forw

ard

incl

ined

tuyè

re fr

agm

ent w

ith fl

at b

ase o

ver 5

0mm

t32

051

larg

e wid

e SH

C w

ith c

oral

line t

op a

nd tw

o se

para

te lo

bes t

o bo

wl,

250x

200x

60m

m10

032

05

sam

ple

cont

ext

feat

ure

wei

ght

nono

tes

prop

nor

ig

t22

451

larg

e pie

ce o

f thi

ck cr

ust b

owl,

crus

t to

40m

m, c

oral

line o

n to

p56

82

SHC

frag

men

ts

287

278

ditc

h 37

6 slo

t 8, 1

st du

mp

t28

301

190x

140x

90, p

c cak

e top

pos

sibly

lobe

d, cr

ust 3

5, lu

mpy

bas

e75

%37

7337

201

larg

e SH

C st

rong

ly d

efor

med

on

extr

actio

n, m

ultip

le to

ol m

arks

on

base

- lo

oks

like 6

5% o

f lar

ge S

HC

with

ope

n bo

wl w

ith p

artia

l cor

allin

e fill

. But

cou

ld b

e la

tera

lly c

ompr

esse

d, 2

90x1

60x1

40m

m

6557

23

534

1bl

ock

from

som

ewha

t thi

n cr

ust S

HC

641

SHC

frag

men

t

287

278

ditc

h 37

6 slo

t 8, 1

st du

mp

t12

051

mar

gin

of a

typi

cal S

HC

with

larg

e tub

ular

ves

icle

s in

low

er h

alf o

f 40m

m cr

ust.

Stro

ngly

raise

d rim

of c

oral

line s

lag

to c

ake w

ith tw

o ve

ry la

rge t

ool m

arks

exi

t-in

g un

der d

istal

edge

t18

301

160x

(160

)x10

0mm

den

se S

HC

with

thic

k cr

ust t

o 50

mm

, ope

n cr

ysta

lline

slag

on

top

8521

53

644

1de

form

ed g

ranu

lar s

lag

mas

s - u

pper

par

t of a

n SH

C28

01

irreg

ular

slag

lum

p co

ntai

ning

pie

ce o

f tuy

ère

t23

201

larg

e blo

ck o

f SH

C w

ith v

ery

thic

k cr

ust (

80m

m) i

rreg

ular

mic

ro-b

lebby

top,

ba

se sm

ooth

on

side t

o di

mpl

ed at

bot

tom

, (13

0)x(

150)

x100

mm

pro

port

ion

dif-

ficul

t to

asse

ss

60?

3867

901

roun

ded

slag

nub

with

gra

vel

302

1pa

rt o

f sla

g m

ass f

rom

tuyè

re ti

p

181

285

laye

r (W

of d

itch)

456

1fla

t bot

tom

tuyè

re fa

ce w

ith la

rge t

ongu

e atta

ched

, 11

0x90

x50m

m to

ngue

ap-

pear

s ver

y ob

lique

to tu

yère

t39

01

thic

k cr

ust S

HC

frag

men

t58

4sla

g sc

raps


142

sam

ple

cont

ext

feat

ure

wei

ght

nono

tes

prop

nor

ig36

62

SHC

frag

men

ts

284

corr

oded

and

frag

men

ted

piec

e of s

heet

iron

202

309

void

1315

1SH

C, b

asal

25m

m h

as tu

bula

r ves

icles

, upp

er 6

0mm

of b

owl f

ill is

mor

e irr

egu-

lar,

both

bot

h la

yers

cha

ract

erise

d by

ver

y co

arse

crys

tals

- top

slig

htly

loba

te70

1879

218

309

void

(top

laye

rs o

f ditc

h?)

t10

202

larg

e pie

ce o

f bro

ken

SHC

524

tuyè

re sh

erd

1035

9SH

C fr

agm

ents

205

314

cut c

313

67

61

very

wea

ther

ed sl

ag b

lock

534

1SH

C cr

ust t

hat s

eem

s to

have

bee

n fra

ctur

ed a

nd b

laste

d, 1

20 (8

0)x3

5mm

sli

ghtly

dish

-topp

ed, b

ase m

icro

prill

y, cr

ust t

o 30

mm

, rem

elted

crus

t flo

wn

dow

n sid

es in

pla

ces

206

1de

nse w

ith re

ddish

flow

lobe

s

10

01

dens

e with

redd

ish fl

ow lo

bes

216

1de

nse w

ith re

ddish

flow

lobe

s

8

1vi

trifi

ed c

eram

ic

sa

mpl

eco

ntex

tfe

atur

ew

eigh

tno

note

spr

opn

orig

t

592

1pr

obab

le pr

oxim

al en

d of

SH

C w

ith th

ick

crus

t

t49

83

SHC

frag

men

ts w

ith fa

irly

thic

k cr

ust

492

1pr

obab

le op

en-te

xtur

ed S

HC

frag

men

t

81

822

asso

rted

slag

frag

men

ts

205

314

cut c

313

40

01

very

fine

gra

ined

thic

k cr

ust S

HC

frag

men

t with

smoo

th b

low

n to

p

t22

309

thic

k cr

ust S

HC

frag

men

ts

23

31

thin

crus

t SH

C fr

agm

ent -

thin

crus

t, th

en c

oral

line i

nter

ior

116

1de

nse S

HC

frag

men

t with

smoo

th b

low

n m

aroo

n to

p

27

41

90x6

5x40

mm

, pos

sible

smal

l den

se S

HC

100

274


143

sam

ple

cont

ext

feat

ure

wei

ght

nono

tes

prop

nor

ig

16

44

inde

term

inat

e sla

g fra

gmen

ts

219

329

pit c

328

1840

1(1

80)x

(110

)x60

mm

thic

k cr

ust S

HC

irre

gula

r on

top,

bow

l 45m

m50

3680

220

337

ditc

h c3

82, s

lot 6

, 2nd

du

mp

1505

1SH

C, r

athe

r wea

ther

ed so

pro

babl

y lig

ht, 1

90x1

80x1

00m

m (o

f whi

ch b

owl

50m

m) s

light

ly d

ished

top

with

cha

rcoa

l hol

es, b

ase i

rreg

ular

, rai

sed

on p

roxi

-m

al si

de w

ith e

ven

slope

into

bow

l

100

1505

222

338

ditc

h c3

82, s

lot 6

, 1st

dum

p12

851

130x

160x

65m

m sl

ight

ly d

ished

-topp

ed v

ery

neat

SH

C, t

op sm

ooth

, bas

e sm

ooth

, bot

h w

ith so

me o

rgan

ics

100

1285

648

1bl

ock

from

thin

crus

t SH

C

259

338

ditc

h c3

82, s

lot 6

, 1st

dum

p (u

nder

wat

er)

t74

251

(230

)x(2

30)x

140m

m (o

f whi

ch b

owl 9

0mm

) ver

y la

rge S

HC

with

thic

k cr

ust,

poss

ibly

con

cent

rical

ly-s

truc

ture

d on

top

9082

50

1140

1fa

irly

conv

entio

nal S

HC

with

dee

ply

dim

pled

mat

eria

l on

bow

l, ris

ing

to in

clude

sm

all 4

5° a

ngled

crus

t fra

gmen

t with

in ra

ised

prox

imal

are

a70

1629

t

1055

114

0mm

thic

k SH

C, b

owl 5

5mm

, abo

ve is

ope

n cr

ysta

lline

mat

eria

l, th

ick

crus

t SH

C c

entr

e

224

2tw

isted

dim

pled

slag

shee

t fra

gmen

ts

17

4

bits

27

333

8di

tch

c382

, slo

t 6, 1

st du

mp

(und

erw

ater

)36

601

dens

e bow

l to

60m

m, 4

0 m

m c

harc

oal r

ich

slag,

30m

m ru

sty

slab

with

dim

ples

an

d gr

een

glas

s on

top

(170

)x17

0x13

0mm

7548

80

2050

117

0x14

0x70

mm

SH

C w

ith c

onve

ntio

nal c

rust

20m

m th

ick,

ove

rlain

by

ch

arco

al-ri

ch m

ater

ial w

ith ru

sty,

ashy

dim

pled

top

with

gre

en g

lass

at p

roxi

mal

en

d - a

real

ly g

ood

doub

le la

yer c

ake

100

2050

27

333

8di

tch

c382

, slo

t 6, 1

st du

mp

(und

erw

ater

)44

901

very

thic

k cr

ust S

HC

with

crud

ely a

nd c

oars

ely lo

bate

top

(to ju

dge b

y ra

ised

divi

ders

?) 19

0x21

0mm

frag

men

t 100

mm

thic

k, p

lano

-con

vex

7559

87

27

333

8di

tch

c382

, slo

t 6, 1

st du

mp

(und

erw

ater

)t

1075

1(1

30)x

(120

)x90

mm

(of w

hich

bow

l 60m

m) S

HC

with

dee

p bo

wl a

nd ra

ised

prox

imal

side

4026

88

t

554

1SH

C fr

agm

ent


144

sam

ple

cont

ext

feat

ure

wei

ght

nono

tes

prop

nor

ig

13

21

curv

ed b

lock

of l

inin

g sla

g w

ith la

rge i

nclu

sions

547

dens

e flo

w sl

ags

sam

ple

cont

ext

feat

ure

wei

ght

nono

tes

prop

nor

ig

252

12tu

yère

sher

ds, v

itrifi

ed a

nd so

me h

eavi

ly sl

agge

d - o

ne a

ppea

rs to

show

flow

slag

s be

low

281

low

den

sity

mar

oon

slag

lobe

328

6SH

C fr

agm

ents

594

37in

dete

rmin

ate s

lag

fragm

ents

223

339

ditc

h c3

82, s

lot 6

, 2nd

du

mp

t99

81

70m

m d

eep

plan

o-co

nvex

cak

e - a

ll cr

ust o

f typ

ical

type

, top

has

wisp

y ra

ised

hollo

w lo

bes a

nd c

harc

oal i

mpr

essio

ns, b

ase r

ough

4024

95

896

1ro

unde

d en

d of

incr

edib

ly d

ense

slag

with

larg

e rou

nded

voi

ds, t

op d

impl

ed a

nd

poss

ible

dim

ples

on

end

too.

Rem

inisc

ent o

f the

real

ly d

ense

blo

cks a

t Clo

nfad

846

1sla

b fro

m c

entr

e of c

ake w

ith th

inni

sh cr

ust a

nd h

igh-

piled

den

se sl

ag -

tota

l 60

mm

thic

k

t

912

3SH

C fr

agm

ents

with

fairl

y th

ick

crus

ts

17

22

linin

g sla

g in

pril

ly d

impl

ed b

lock

s - p

roba

bly

tong

ue fr

agm

ents

581

dim

pled

slag

lum

p - p

roba

bly

SHC

frag

men

t

57

819

open

-text

ured

coa

rsely

crys

talli

ne sl

ag fr

agm

ents

- pro

babl

y up

per p

arts

of S

HC

s

265

339

ditc

h c3

82, s

lot 6

, 2nd

du

mp

t20

551

look

s lik

e hal

f a b

icon

vex

SHC

, bas

e is n

orm

al tu

bula

r-ves

icul

ar cr

ust t

o 50

mm

, up

per i

s str

ongl

y in

clin

ed sl

ab o

f rou

gh m

ater

ial -

may

hav

e sto

pped

ther

e not

ar

ched

ove

r, lea

ving

rest

of b

owl o

pen?

40%

is m

axim

um

4051

38

142

1fra

gmen

t fro

m cr

ust o

f sm

all S

HC

with

ver

y la

rge b

lade

d ol

ivin

e in

crus

t

70

4sla

g sc

raps

230

341

linea

r c34

063

01

10m

m cr

ust w

ith 6

0mm

irre

gula

r sla

g on

top

- pro

babl

y fro

m n

ear t

he m

argi

n of

a la

rge S

HC

, pla

nar d

impl

ed b

ase,

inte

rnal

ly th

e upp

er la

yers

are

pril

ly -

so

may

be f

rom

just

belo

w tu

yère

?t

342

1fra

gmen

t fro

m en

d of

fairl

y co

nven

tiona

l cak

e, co

uld

be fr

om sm

all c

ake

821

loba

te d

ense

slag

from

nea

r tuy

ère


145

sam

ple

cont

ext

feat

ure

wei

ght

nono

tes

prop

nor

ig

256

359

linea

r c37

2t

684

1ed

ge o

f thi

ck cr

ust S

HC

(110

)x(9

0)x5

5mm

4017

1010

21

dens

e lob

ate s

lag

atta

ched

to tu

yère

mar

gin

221

slag

fragm

ent

861

conc

retio

n ar

ound

iron

254

371

linea

r c37

0t

1375

1th

ick

crus

t SH

C fr

agm

ent ,

crus

t to

40m

m, b

ut d

efor

med

so p

ropo

rtio

n no

t cle

ar39

81

20m

m b

owl o

verla

in b

y 50

mm

of p

orou

s sla

g, p

ossib

ly ju

st pr

oxim

al en

d of

SH

C62

21

poss

ible

doub

le la

yer S

HC

, but

ver

y w

eath

ered

263

381

ditc

h c3

82, s

lot 6

, 1st

dum

p28

55 1

larg

e blo

ck o

f ves

icul

ar sl

ag, n

o re

al fe

atur

es -

poss

ibly

a ho

t def

orm

ed S

HC

?

t27

90 1

SHC

with

med

ium

thic

knes

s cru

st gr

adin

g up

into

larg

e thi

ckne

ss o

f “co

ralli

ne

mat

eria

l”, to

p of

cak

e miss

ing,

180

x190

x80m

m lo

oks a

bit

defo

rmed

8034

88

110

1ve

sicul

ar sl

ag lu

mp

106

1ve

sicul

ar sl

ag lu

mp

178

1ve

sicul

ar sl

ag lu

mp

sam

ple

cont

ext

feat

ure

wei

ght

nono

tes

prop

nor

ig

222

vesic

ular

slag

lum

p

263

381

ditc

h c3

82, s

lot 6

, 1st

dum

p19

351

140x

140x

80m

m (o

f whi

ch b

owl 3

0mm

) thi

ck cr

ust c

ake w

ith ir

regu

lar c

rust,

cr

ysta

l ter

min

atio

ns o

n up

per s

urfa

ce, t

ool m

ark

on b

ase

50?

3870

816

114

0x11

0x70

mm

(of w

hich

bow

l 40m

m) t

rans

vers

e SH

C w

ith sm

ooth

top

in

stran

ge fo

lds t

o cr

eate

flat

hol

low

- ve

ry fl

uid,

alm

ost l

ike t

ap sl

ag o

n to

p, c

on-

vent

iona

l belo

w, m

icro

dim

pled

bas

e

100

816

730

1bl

ock

from

cen

tre o

f fai

rly th

ick

crus

t SH

C, m

icro

dim

pled

bas

e, co

ralli

ne to

p,

prop

ortio

n un

know

n

858

1fo

lded

blo

ck o

f gre

y ho

mog

eneo

usly

ves

icul

ar a

nd c

oars

ely cr

ysta

lline

slag

302

1ce

ntre

of s

mal

l den

se S

HC

with

blo

wn

top

372

1th

in cr

ust f

ragm

ent


146

sam

ple

cont

ext

feat

ure

wei

ght

nono

tes

prop

nor

ig

28

61

grey

ves

icul

ar sl

ag

14

1gr

ey v

esic

ular

slag

26

338

1di

tch

c382

, slo

t 6, 1

st du

mp

1915

115

0x11

0x10

0mm

(of w

hich

bow

l 50m

m) b

icon

vex

cake

with

slag

pile

d hi

gh.

Bow

l has

coa

rse c

rysta

lline

top,

pla

no-c

onve

x fo

rm, p

roba

bly

som

e def

orm

atio

n80

2394

812

1bl

ock

from

cen

tre o

f lar

ge th

ick

crus

t cak

e

30

21

nub,

hal

f pril

ly sl

ag, h

alf p

orou

s

46

81

defo

rmed

SH

C w

ith v

ery

coar

se g

rain

ed th

ick

crus

t with

por

ous s

lag

abov

e

38

21

bloc

k fro

m sm

all t

hick

ish cr

ust S

HC

370

1ve

sicul

ar g

rey

slag

1065

113

0x10

0x70

mm

pro

babl

y co

mpl

ete S

HC

, but

def

orm

ed10

010

65

78

81

bloc

k w

ith lo

bate

top

abov

e cru

st w

hich

rest

on m

ore c

harc

oal r

ich

mat

eria

l

42

1ox

idise

d fir

ed c

eram

ic

263

381

ditc

h c3

82, s

lot 6

, 1st

dum

p60

81

slag

atta

ched

to lo

wer

face

of 2

00m

m d

iam

eter

tuyè

re (t

o ju

dge b

y 60

deg

ree

part

her

e). A

ll ox

idise

d fir

ed, j

ust t

urns

pal

e in

oute

r lay

er o

n th

e sid

e, bl

ow-

hole

not p

rese

rved

, som

e app

eara

nce o

f cur

ving

out

to b

ulbo

us ti

p, b

ut m

ay b

e ar

tefa

ct

352

1SH

C fr

agm

ent

132

165

x80x

20m

m, s

mal

l SH

C o

r den

se to

ngue

, pla

no-c

onve

x, g

lass

lobe

d bl

ack

top

100

132

t

1425

1ve

ry d

eep

SHC

, 160

dia

met

er o

rigin

ally,

120

mm

dee

p, 6

0mm

bow

l, fla

t pad

of

linin

g sla

g on

pro

xim

al si

de h

ints

at c

onta

ct w

ith st

one?

45?

3167

t

3095

1SH

C w

ith th

ick

dens

e pla

no-c

onve

x bo

wl,

with

hol

low

raise

d lo

bes o

n to

p.

180x

160m

m fr

agm

ent,

bow

l 50m

m th

ick

with

up

to 4

0mm

thic

k pi

le of

slag

on

top

at p

roxi

mal

end

and

up to

10m

m lo

cally

on

base

. Tub

ular

ves

icle

s, sm

ooth

bl

own

top

to lo

bes w

here

seen

75?

4127

26

338

1di

tch

c382

, slo

t 6, 1

st du

mp

t13

901

thic

k cr

ust S

HC

, bas

e rat

her d

iffus

e int

o cr

ust (

50m

m?)

top

of cr

ust p

lana

r with

cr

ysta

l ter

min

atio

ns, r

aise

d sla

g on

one

side

but

top

of c

ake n

ot se

en70

?19

86

t

446

1cr

ust t

o 35

mm

, pile

d hi

gh o

n to

p, d

efor

med

1300

117

0x12

0x10

0mm

(of w

hich

bow

l 50m

m) a

ppar

ently

bic

onve

x SH

C w

ith sl

ight

ly

loba

te b

ase a

nd c

harc

oal r

ich

top


147

sam

ple

cont

ext

feat

ure

wei

ght

nono

tes

prop

nor

ig

36

81

fragm

ent f

rom

the b

ase o

f cha

rcoa

l-ric

h sla

g ca

ke, b

ase s

tron

gly

prill

y

34

41

110x

80x3

0mm

smal

l SH

C w

ith d

ished

smoo

th to

p pa

rtly

infil

led p

roxi

mal

ly,

mic

ropr

illy

base

, mar

oon

100

344

sam

ple

cont

ext

feat

ure

wei

ght

nono

tes

prop

nor

ig

136

1SH

C m

argi

n fra

gmen

t

t50

41

thic

k cr

ust S

HC

with

slig

htly

loba

te to

p, a

lso h

as e

xtra

thin

crus

t adh

erin

g to

pa

rt o

f bas

e

t

636

1m

ediu

m si

zed

cake

frag

men

t with

tubu

lar v

esic

les

194

1in

tens

ely b

low

n lip

to b

owl -

mar

oon

surf

ace,

surf

ace c

urve

s som

ewha

t aro

und

edge

of p

iece

hin

ting

it m

ay n

ot h

ave b

een

part

of m

ain

bow

l?

26

338

1di

tch

c382

, slo

t 6, 1

st du

mp

t26

856

fragm

ents

of ty

pica

l typ

e of t

hick

crus

t SH

Cs,

crus

ts va

riabl

e up

to 6

0mm

578

1fra

gmen

t of t

hick

crus

t SH

C sh

owin

g de

nse f

low-

lobe

d up

per l

ayer

- po

ssib

ly

from

nea

r tuy

ère o

r may

be r

emelt

ed?

2400

8op

en te

xtur

ed sl

ag fr

agm

ents

- mos

t pro

babl

y eit

her t

op o

r edg

e of l

arge

r SH

Cs

472

1ro

unde

d de

nse l

ump

of sl

ag

14

06

slag

fragm

ents

26

338

1di

tch

c382

, slo

t 6, 1

st du

mp

3685

3SH

C b

roke

n in

to 3

pie

ces,

230x

230x

75m

m, s

light

ly ir

regu

lar c

rust

to a

bout

25

mm

with

rath

er li

ttle

fill i

n m

ost o

f the

big

bow

l, ris

e of c

harc

oal-r

ich

slag

on

one m

argi

n pr

ovid

es h

int o

f blo

win

g di

rect

ion

100

3685

903

scra

ps o

f sla

g

263

381

ditc

h c3

82, s

lot 6

, 1st

dum

pt

714

1th

ick

crus

t SH

C lu

mp

t

1385

1la

rge l

ump

from

cen

tre o

f thi

ck cr

ust S

HC

, cru

st to

50m

m

30

41

irreg

ular

lum

p, p

artly

pril

ly

t80

01

thic

k cr

ust S

HC

frag

men

t, cr

ust t

o 60

mm

1900

116

0x17

0x70

mm

, slig

htly

pal

mat

e sla

g be

caus

e of l

arge

und

ersid

e too

l-mar

ks.

Prob

ably

a sta

ndar

d SH

C b

ut b

low

n ha

rd a

nd c

over

ed o

ver m

ost o

f upp

er su

r-fa

ce in

ver

y un

usua

l mar

oon

glaz

e

100

1900


148

sam

ple

cont

ext

feat

ure

wei

ght

nono

tes

prop

nor

ig

t95

45

fragm

ents

of th

ick

crus

t SH

Cs

26

338

1di

tch

c382

, slo

t 6, 1

st du

mp

t21

001

(160

)x(1

50)x

85m

m,

thic

k cr

ust p

lano

-con

vex

base

50m

m th

ick

with

tool

mar

ks

on b

ase,

little

on

top

7030

00

1205

2(1

00)x

160x

50m

m sm

all S

HC

with

frac

ture

surf

ace s

ugge

stin

g ve

ry c

oars

e bla

ded

crys

tals

7020

08

302

1lip

from

larg

e SH

C

22

41

dens

e sla

g lu

mp

1105

112

0x12

0x70

mm

ver

y irr

egul

ar S

HC

, may

be d

efor

med

100

1105

458

1SH

C fr

agm

ent

101

slag

scra

p

263

381

ditc

h c3

82, s

lot 6

, 1st

dum

pt

1260

113

0x14

0x70

mm

frag

men

t, cr

ust 3

0mm

, to

ol-m

arks

on

base

, som

e rai

sed

lum

ps

on to

p, fl

at w

ide S

HC

, pro

port

ion

diff

icul

t to

asse

ss40

3125

t

2040

1th

ick

crus

t (to

60m

m) r

aise

d ru

bbly

lip

arou

nd S

HC

, rou

gh b

ase w

ith la

rge t

ool

mar

ks (1

30)x

(120

)x90

mm

5040

80

t

694

1ca

ke m

argi

n fra

gmen

t, to

p w

ith “

blist

ers”,

thic

k cr

ust b

elow

t

428

1m

argi

n of

cak

e, ra

ther

sim

ilar t

o ite

m b

elow,

but

pro

babl

y de

form

ed

t67

01

part

of S

HC

mar

gin,

crus

t thi

ns fr

om 2

5mm

to 0

tow

ards

edge

, lip

is g

ently

di

mpl

ed, t

op m

issin

g in

tern

ally

but

show

s coa

rse c

oral

line w

ith la

rge e

quan

t ol

ivin

e cry

stals

sam

ple

cont

ext

feat

ure

wei

ght

nono

tes

prop

nor

ig

t

670

1pa

rt o

f SH

C m

argi

n, cr

ust t

hins

from

25m

m to

0 to

war

ds ed

ge, l

ip is

gen

tly

dim

pled

, top

miss

ing

inte

rnal

ly b

ut sh

ows c

oars

e cor

allin

e with

larg

e equ

ant

oliv

ine c

rysta

ls

402

1bl

ock

with

10m

m th

ick

tubu

lar-v

esic

ular

crus

t ove

rlain

by

60m

m o

f mor

e ir-

regu

larly

text

ured

slag

26

338

1di

tch

c382

, slo

t 6, 1

st du

mp

2955

1cu

rious

blo

ck w

ith v

ery

thic

k cr

ust 6

0mm

, with

ove

rlyin

g ru

bbly

ope

n-te

xtur

ed

slag

poss

ibly

pus

hed

off a

nd to

one

side

dur

ing

extr

actio

n, p

ropo

rtio

n no

t de

term

inab

le


149

sam

ple

cont

ext

feat

ure

wei

ght

nono

tes

prop

nor

ig

76

41

slab

with

pro

xim

al m

argi

n of

mod

erat

ely d

ense

SH

C, w

ith th

is co

ntin

uatio

n of

m

ain

crus

t con

tinui

ng u

p to

war

ds tu

yère

atta

chm

ent.

1315

3op

en-te

xtur

ed S

HC

mat

eria

l, tw

o pr

obab

ly b

roke

n m

argi

ns, f

rom

cen

tre o

f SH

C

263

381

ditc

h c3

82, s

lot 6

, 1st

dum

pt

2530

1m

assiv

e blo

ck fr

om c

entr

e of t

hick

crus

t SH

C

47

01

irreg

ular

5m

m cr

ust a

roun

d bo

wl w

ith h

ighl

y ve

sicul

ar m

ater

ial i

nsid

e

t68

01

thic

k cr

ust c

ake f

ragm

ent

981

prill

y sla

gs at

tach

ed to

bas

e of t

uyèr

e, de

scen

ding

to fl

at su

rfac

e

t75

01

fragm

ent o

f thi

ck cr

ust S

HC

, bro

ken

and

rehe

ated

and

cov

ered

in m

aroo

n gl

aze

t

996

4th

ick

crus

t SH

C fr

agm

ents

246

1ro

unde

d br

own

slag

lum

p

43

411

slag

fragm

ents

26

338

1di

tch

c382

, slo

t 6, 1

st du

mp

t50

351

crus

t to

40m

m w

ith v

ery

larg

e tub

ular

ves

icle

s, bo

wl f

airly

ope

n, la

rge q

uant

ity

of m

ater

ial o

n pr

oxim

al si

de ri

sing

70m

m a

bove

bow

l top

, thi

s are

a has

hor

i-zo

ntal

laye

rs o

f rat

her p

rilly

slag

, upp

er su

rfac

e of b

owl w

ith ir

regu

lar s

moo

th

depr

essio

ns a

nd b

liste

rs in

the s

uper

ficia

l sla

g la

yer,

with

a to

p la

yer o

f 15-

20

mm

, bas

e fin

ely m

icro

dim

pled

- a v

ery

instr

uctiv

e pie

ce

7071

93

t

2025

116

0x(1

20)x

100m

m (o

f whi

ch b

owl 7

0mm

) thi

ck cr

ust S

HC

with

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gula

r mat

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l in

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ps o

n sm

ooth

ish to

p80

2531

26

338

1di

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c382

, slo

t 6, 1

st du

mp

t34

851

(170

)x(1

50)x

140m

m (o

f whi

ch b

owl 1

10m

) SH

C w

ith in

cred

ibly

thic

k cr

ust

whi

ch a

ppea

rs to

hav

e bee

n tw

o, ro

ughl

y eq

ual u

sage

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les,

prop

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n di

ffic

ult

to a

sses

s - 5

0% is

pro

babl

y a m

axim

um fi

gure

. Top

roug

h.

5069

72

550

8SH

C fr

agm

ents

27

638

1di

tch

c378

slot

7

as

sm.

som

e mag

netic

slag

frag

men

ts bu

t no

ham

mer

scal

e

272

384

ditc

h c3

82, s

lot 6

, 1st

dum

p (u

nder

wat

er)

258

1sla

gged

side

of l

arge

tuyè

re w

ith p

art o

f fac

e, su

gges

ts 11

0mm

hei

ght f

or tu

yère

1000

1bl

ock

from

cen

tre o

f lar

ge S

HC

with

mul

ti-fo

cus c

rust

to 2

0mm

ove

rlain

by

50m

m o

f por

ous o

pen

char

coal

-rich

slag


150

sam

ple

cont

ext

feat

ure

wei

ght

nono

tes

prop

nor

ig

88

41

sauc

epan

-shap

ed sl

ag b

lock

, pos

sibly

who

le sq

ueez

ed S

HC

100

884

706

1w

orn

bloc

k fro

m c

entr

e of t

hick

crus

t SH

C, t

ool m

arks

on

base

346

1(6

0)x(

90)x

35m

m p

roba

bly

70%

of s

mal

l con

vent

iona

l SH

C70

494

156

1fra

gmen

t fro

m sm

all c

onve

ntio

nal S

HC

130

1ro

unde

d sla

g lu

mp

- pos

sibly

tip

of c

onic

al S

HC

?

sa

mpl

eco

ntex

tfe

atur

ew

eigh

tno

note

spr

opn

orig

266

6de

nse s

lag

with

flow

lobe

s and

dim

ples

in v

ario

us sh

apes

142

4sla

g fra

gmen

ts

272

384

ditc

h c3

82, s

lot 6

, 1st

dum

p (u

nder

wat

er)

528

1pr

oxim

al en

d of

ver

y th

in cr

ust S

HC

, cru

st to

5m

m, o

verla

in b

y de

ep la

yer

with

pla

ty o

livin

e cry

stals

expo

sed,

pro

xim

al en

d ru

sty

with

con

cent

ric ri

ngs o

f sm

ooth

bleb

by sl

ag

t

1365

1la

rge b

lock

from

SH

C w

ith cr

ust t

o 40

mm

ove

rlain

by

50m

m o

pen

slag,

bro

-ke

nn in

hea

rth

and

uppe

r sla

g m

oved

on

extr

actio

n, p

ropo

rtio

n no

t ide

ntifi

able

1055

110

0x12

0x70

mm

, ste

ep-si

ded

SHC

with

cha

rcoa

l-ric

h bo

dy a

nd sl

ight

ly lo

bate

to

p10

010

65

Tabl

e1:

sum

mar

yca

talo

gue

byc

onte

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nds

ampl

e�“t

”=ty

pica

lSH

Cte

xtur

e,a

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=m

icro

resi

due

asse

mbl

age

from

sie

ving


151

C

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-m

urry

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van

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t-na

-ho

wn

2

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ey-

gall

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rig-

oran

Park

na-

how

n 5

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mra

4

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nmac

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e (N

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ds-

tow

n 6

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n-m

acno

ise

(WW

S)

Clo

nfad

Bor

ris

(AR

36)

Lism

ore/

B

ush-

field

1

Bal

lin-

glan

na

Nor

th 1

SHC

cou

nt41

1790

2218

8957

258

140

3838

188

2365

SHC

min

. w

t60

7811

486

9254

6860

154

426

86

SHC

max

. w

t25

8829

9034

5018

0038

6628

9831

6378

1563

1055

4011

000

7440

4390

9267

SHC

mea

n w

t38

650

751

952

755

356

772

776

210

6010

8713

0216

1817

3728

54

% <

500g

83%

82%

67%

55%

72%

70%

47%

52%

40%

39%

30%

22%

4%17

%%

<10

00g

95%

88%

91%

95%

89%

84%

75%

78%

71%

68%

61%

41%

39%

22%

% >

1000

g5%

12%

9%5%

11%

16%

25%

22%

29%

32%

39%

59%

61%

78%

% >

3000

g0%

0%2%

0%6%

0%2%

3%7%

8%9%

16%

13%

42%

Mod

al 1

00g

inte

rval

100-

200

100-

200

100-

200

200-

300

100-

200

400-

500

100-

300

200-

300

200-

300

300-

400

300-

400

200-

300

500-

600

300-

400

Tabl

e2�

Com

paris

ono

fSH

Cas

sem

blag

es,o

rder

edb

ym

ean

SHC

wei

ght�

Ass

embl

ages

ord

ered

by

mea

nSH

Cw

eigh

t�

Cool

amur

ryfr

omY

oung

,200

8a;N

avan

Site

1fr

omY

oung

200

7;G

ortn

ahow

n2

from

You

ng2

009f

;Mon

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llfr

omY

oung

200

8b;C

arrig

oran

from

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ng2

006;

Par

knah

own

5fr

omY

oung

200

9c;T

rum

ra

4fr

omY

oung

200

8d,C

lonm

acno

ise

New

Gra

veya

rdsi

tefr

omth

eau

thor

’sw

ork

inp

rogr

ess;

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dsto

wn

from

You

ng2

009d

;Clo

nmac

nois

eW

aste

Wat

erS

chem

efr

omY

oung

200

5;C

lonf

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omY

oung

20

09a;

Bor

ris(A

R36)

from

You

ng2

009e

,Lis

mor

e/Bu

shfie

ld1

from

You

ng2

008c

,Bal

lingl

anna

Nor

th1

this

stu

dy�

The

asse

mbl

ages

fro

mC

oola

mur

ry,N

avan

,Mon

eyga

ll,C

arrig

oran

and

Par

knah

own

are

inte

rpre

ted

asb

eing

dom

inan

tlyb

lack

smith

ing

resi

dues

�The

ass

embl

ages

fro

mG

ortn

ahow

n,C

arrig

oran

,

Trum

ra,C

lonm

acno

ise,

Woo

dsto

wn,

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nfad

,Bor

ris,L

ism

ore/

Bush

field

and

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anna

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tha

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oom

smith

ing

resi

dues

�


152

SHC t SHC tongue lining slag

smith indet. slag

tuyère flow slag

total

278 13635 10960 0 0 582 90 200 0 25467338 10109 13601 0 132 0 992 252 82 25168381 39653 34077 0 0 400 3006 650 0 77786384 1365 4805 0 0 0 0 666 0 6836{5005} primary dump total

64762 63443 0 132 982 4088 1768 82 135257

{5006} large dump [c222]

46782 18504 926 150 2224 2898 1062 1000 73546

{5007} intermediate silting [c134]

0 1028 0 20 0 408 72 262 1790

129/130 5884 0 0 0 0 322 0 0 6206130 486 2027 158 0 0 522 0 0 3193131 0 328 0 0 0 214 0 0 542337 0 1505 0 0 0 0 0 0 1505339 3965 2520 172 0 0 70 0 0 6727{5008} secondary dump total

10335 6380 330 0 0 1128 0 0 18173

Ditch context void 314

3320 2867 0 0 0 840 8 522 7557

214 (pit [c213]) 0 3350 274 0 0 176 294 82 4176217 (pit [c213]) 0 0 0 0 0 540 0 4 544256 ([pit [c255]) 0 0 0 0 0 634 0 328 962{4001} metallurgical pits total

0 3350 274 0 0 1350 294 414 5682

261 (linear [c260]) 0 182 0 0 0 26 0 0 208265 (linear [c264]) 0 0 0 0 0 52 26 0 78{4002}?plough fur-rows total

0 182 0 0 0 50 26 0 258

230 (linear [c340]) 342 630 0 0 82 0 0 0 1054254 (linear [c370]) 1375 1020 0 0 0 0 0 0 2395256 (linear [c372]) 684 0 0 0 102 22 0 0 808329 (pit [c328]) 0 1840 0 0 0 0 0 0 1840{6001} & {6002} drainage total

2401 3490 0 0 184 22 0 0 6097

275 1570 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1570285 390 366 456 0 0 58 0 0 1270structure total 1960 366 456 0 0 58 0 0 2840


153


SHC t SHC tongue lining slag

smith indet. slag

tuyère flow slag

total

{3001} pits ([c277] pit c268)

812 0 0 78 0 1298 44 432 2664

1 0 0 0 0 0 184 0 0 1842 436 0 0 0 242 698 0 0 13766 0 0 116 0 0 0 0 0 11619 0 1511 160 0 0 558 0 0 2229162 0 0 0 46 0 232 0 196 474309 1020 2350 0 0 0 0 52 0 3422unstratified & misc. total

1456 3861 276 46 242 1672 0 196 7801

overall totals 131828 103471 2262 426 3632 13812 3326 2908 261665Table3:distributionofresidueclassesbycontextandcontextgroups/subgroups�Possiblefragmentsofironoreandironmetalareexcludedfromthissummary�SHCt=SHCwith“typical”texture


154

Appendix 8 Animal remains report

by Margaret McCarthy

IntroductionArchaeological investigation at Ballinglanna North 1 revealed evidence of a range of

features dating to the Late Bronze Age, a fulacht fiadh, the early medieval period, a sub-stantial ditch and associated metalworking area and a 19th century structure and a group of linear drainage features associated with the nearby Glencorra stream. The sample of recovered faunal material is small with the majority of the bones coming from a single pit (C331) although this collection consists entirely of indeterminate pieces of burnt bone. No animal bones were recovered from the fulacht fiadh deposits and two partial skeletons were found in pits associated with post-medieval pottery. Animal bones were found in negligible amounts in deposits within a 19th century stone structure and also in the linear drainage features. Sample sizes throughout are very small and the quantities involved do not allow for a detailed analysis of diet and economy during the late-medieval and post-medieval periods in this area of North Cork. The results are summarised below in Table 1 and are described by each context grouping identified by the excavators.

Context Type No. Of BonesMedieval metalworking and ditch 83Post-medieval animal burials 16219th century stone structure 15 Linear features 7Pit – C331 80TOTAL 347

Table1:Distributionofanimalbonesacrossthemajorfeaturegroupings

Medieval metalworking

Three fills of the ditch extending north-south across the site and associated with medieval metalworking produced a total sample of 83 animal bones. These were mostly burnt with the largest individual sample (84%) coming from fill (C338). Identified bones from this deposit include sheep/goat, cow and domestic goose and all of the remains are totally calcined from being in contact with intense heat. Sheep/goat are represented by two lower teeth, the proximal portion of a humerus and a small piece of a scapula. The humerus is fused proximally indicating that this particular individual was at least three years of age at slaughter. There is one cattle tooth and the midshaft lateral portion of a tibio-tarsus is identified as goose, probably domestic. The remainder of the bones from this fill are not determinate to species and consist of 17 fragments from a medium-sized animal such as sheep, 18 fragments from a large-sized individual and 29 indeterminate bones. A total of 11 bones were recovered from ditch fill (C381) and all of these represent indeterminate


155


burnt fragments. Just two weathered fragments of bone from a large-sized animal, prob-ably cow, were found in fill (C162).

Animal burials

The partial remains of an adult horse skeleton along with horseshoes and nails were re-covered from a pit (C357) that cut one of the linear features associated with the Glencorra stream. Post- medieval pottery from the fill of the burial provides possible dating evidence for the skeleton but this may have been introduced during backfilling of the pit. The buri-al is more likely to be recent in date as it cuts one of the linear features associated with the 19th century redirection of the Glencorra stream. A total of 112 bones were recovered from the burial pit including most of the major long bones, skull, verterbrae, ribs and periph-eral elements. The withers height of the individual was established from measurements taken on complete long bones. A partial skeleton of a young calf was recovered from another pit (C320). No dating evidence was advanced for this feature though from the fresh condition of the bones, it would appear that the burial is recent in date. The remains presumably represent a natural fatality with the calf being buried here in relatively recent times. A total of 50 bones were collected including loose teeth, fragmented skull, pelves and most of the long bones and peripheral elements. None of the epiphyses have fused to the long bones and from the size of the elements it is estimated that the individual was less than six months of age at death.

Structure 1

A small sample of just five animal bones was recovered from a modern occupation de-posit (C285) inside Structure 1. Two of these are identified as cattle long bone fragments, the remainder are not determinate to species. The foundation trench for this building also contained some poorly preserved fragments of bone, including a cattle tooth, the distal end of a cattle tibia, three large mammal fragments and 10 indeterminate fragments of bone.

Linear cuts – 19th century

These 19th century linear trenches are interpreted as possible drainage features associ-ated with the re-direction and straightening of the Glencorra stream. A cow tooth was recovered from one of the linears (C354) and six eroded fragments of post-cranial bone from a large-sized mammal, probably cattle, were found in linear (C366/C372).

Pit – C331

This pit produced one of the largest samples of animal bones from the site but the 80 tiny fragments are totally calcined and none can be taken either to species level or classi-fied into a size-grouping.


156

Appendix 9 Finds catalogue

Clay Pipes

Stems

Stem (E2414:2:4) L. 18.1 mm, D. 9.4 mm. Incomplete.




Stem (E2414:285:8) L. 21.5 mm, D. 8 mm. Incomplete.







Stem (E2414:265:1) L. 27.7 mm, D. 8 mm. Incomplete.


Stem (E2414:1:3) L. 67.5 mm, D. 10 mm. Incomplete. Flat spur present. Probable dating: 19th Century.




157


Bowls*

Bowl Fragment (E2414:48:1) L. 23.5 mm, W. 14 mm. Incomplete.

Bowl Fragment (E2414:359:1) L. 37.8 mm, W. 14.6 mm, D. (of stem) 10 mm. Incom-plete. Final part of stem present. Part of the lip present. Dating: 19th Century. Cfr. Lane 1997a, pag. 229.

Bowl (E2414:2:7) L. 31.3 mm, W. 14.5 mm. Incomplete. Lip missing. Spur present. It seems to be a large straight-sided spurred bowl. Probable dating: 19th Century.

Bowl (E2414:297:1) L. 42.6 mm, W. 20.09 mm. Incomplete. Lip almost completely miss-ing. Flat spur present. Large bulbous bowl, trimmed on the rim. Probable dating: 19th Century.

Bowl (E2414:391:1) L. 38 mm, W. 19.1 mm. Incomplete. Lip missing. Small spur present. Large straight-sided bowl. Dating: Post-1800.

* The diameter considered is the maximum diameter of the bowl. When the bowl lip is present the diameter is taken on the rim of the bowl.

Bibliographic References

Lane 1997a. Lane S., Clay pipes, in “Skiddy’s Castle and Christ Church, Cork – Excavations 1974-77”, Cork 1997 (pages 224-238).

Lane 1997b. Lane S., Clay pipes, in “Excavations at North Gate – Cork 1994”, Cork 1997 (pages 102-105).

Lane 2003. Lane S., Clay pipes, in “Excavations in Cork City, 1984-2000”, Cork 2003 (pages 248-251).


158

Metal Finds

NailsNails (E2414:1:7) Fe. Average L. 49.5 mm., average Th. (of shank) 9.6 mm. Two incom-plete nails. Headless. Shanks straight, sub-rectangular in section. Very corroded.

Nail (E2414:2:14) Fe. L. 27.5 mm., D. (of shank) 7.3 mm., D. (of head) 16.2 mm. Incom-plete (broken in 2 parts). Shank straight, sub-circular in section. Flat sub-circular head. Very corroded.

Nail (E2414:2:15) Fe. L. 97.5 mm., Th. (of shank) 9 mm., D. (of head) 23.4 mm. Com-plete. Shank slightly bent, sub-rectangular in section. Sub-circular head. Very corroded.

Nail (E2414:48:2) Fe. L. 26.9 mm., Th. (of shank) 7 mm., D. (of head) 15 mm. Incom-plete (final part of shank missing). Shank straight, rectangular in section. Flat sub-circu-lar head. Very corroded.

Nails (E2414:162:3) Fe. Average L. 52.3 mm., average Th. (of shank) 8 mm. Three incom-plete nails. Headless. Shanks straight, rectangular in section. Very corroded.

Nail (E2414:217:2) Fe. L. 43 mm., Th. (of shank) 7.8 mm., D. (of head) 17 mm. Complete. Shank straight, sub-rectangular in section. Sub-circular head. Very corroded. Conserved.

Nail (E2414:221:1) Fe. L. 72.5 mm., Th. (of shank) 9.5 mm., D. (of head) 15.2 mm. Ap-parently complete. Shank straight, sub-rectangular in section. Sub-circular head. Very corroded. Conserved.

Nail (E2414:285:15) Fe. L. 31.9 mm., Th. (of shank) 5.7 mm., D. (of head) 10.09 mm. Complete. Shank straight, sub-rectangular in section. Sub-circular head. Very corroded.

Nail (E2414:285:16) Fe. L. 45.3 mm., Th. (of shank) 11 mm. Incomplete. Shanks straight, rectangular in section. Headless. Very corroded.

Nails (E2414:285:18) Fe. Average L. 26.8 mm., average Th. (of shank) 9.1 mm. Three incomplete nails. Headless. Shanks straight, rectangular in section. Very corroded.

Nails (E2414:285:19) Fe. Average L. 64.3 mm., average Th. (of shank) 13.5 mm. Three incomplete nails. Headless. Shanks straight, rectangular in section. Very corroded.

Nail (E2414:332:1) Fe. L. 57.4 mm., Th. (of shank) 8.6 mm., W. (of head) 22.3 mm. Com-plete. Shanks straight, rectangular in section. Head rectangular in shape. Very corroded.


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Nail (E2414:338:1) Fe. L. 55.5 mm., Th. (of shank) 7.9 mm. Incomplete. Shanks straight, rectangular in section. Headless. Very corroded.

Horseshoe Nails (E2414:307:2) Fe. Average L. 25.7 mm., average Th. (of shank) 6 mm., average D. (of head) 8.4 mm. Two complete nails. Shanks straight, sub-rectangular in section. Flat sub-circular head. Very corroded.

Other ObjectsMetal fragments (E2414:132:2) Fe. Average L. 21 mm., average Th. 7.3 mm. Two frag-ments, possible bronze. Irregular in shape. Corroded.

Casting mold (E2414:132:3) Fe. Average L. 44.45 mm., average Th. 22.1 mm. Two frag-ments, possible bronze. Irregular in shape. Corroded.

Disc (E2414:u/s:2) Pb. D. 24.3 mm., Th. 2.9 mm. Complete. Circular in shape and slightly corroded. Possible seal or gaming piece? Conserved.

Bar (E2414:2:18) Fe. L. 60.09 mm., W. 12.6 mm., Th. 6.1 mm. Sub-rectangular in shape. Very corroded.

Iron ring (E2414:1:5) Fe. Maximum D. 42 mm., minimum D. 21 mm. Complete. Sub-circular in section. Corroded.

Iron Chain (E2414:u/s:3) Fe. L. 220.7 mm., W. 30 mm., D. (of rings) 6.7 mm. Incom-plete. Part of chain. Three links present. Rings sub-elliptical in shape and circular in section. Corroded.

Horseshoe (E2414:307:3) Fe. L. 160.5 mm., W. 150.1 mm., Th. 17.5 mm. Complete. Very corroded.

Horseshoe (E2414:307:4) Fe. L. 160.2 mm., W. 140.9 mm., Th. 15 mm. Complete. Very corroded.

Lumps (E2414:1:5) Fe. Average D. 38.4 mm. Three iron lumps sub-circular in shape. Corroded.

Lump (E2414:2:1) Fe. L. 38.3 mm., Th. 23.2 mm. Sub-rectangular in shape. Slightly corroded.

Lump (E2414:2:13) Fe. L. 38.3 mm., Th. 23.2 mm. Sub-rectangular in shape. Corroded.


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Lumps (E2414:2:16) Fe. Average L. 55.5 mm., average W. 22.5 mm., average Th. 14 mm. Two iron lumps sub-rectangular in shape. Very corroded.

Lump (E2414:242:1) Fe. D. 22.6 mm. Sub-circular in shape. Corroded.

Lump (E2414:285:14) Fe. D. 36 mm. Sub-circular in shape. Corroded.

Iron Tool (E2414:162:2) Fe. L. 150.7 mm., W. 110.4 mm., Th. 11.4 mm. Incomplete. Possible part of an agricultural tool of some kind. Sub-triangular in shape with a hook on the top. Slightly bent. Very corroded.

Iron Knife (E2414:214:3) Fe. L. 61.8 mm., W. 16.6 mm., Th. 7.5 mm. Incomplete. Pos-sible blade. Sub-rectangular in shape. Very corroded. Conserved

Iron Wedge (E2414:222:1) Fe. L. 80 mm., Th. 40.08 mm. Sub-rectangular in shape. Probable part of a tool. Corroded. Conserved

Iron Wedge (E2414:359:2) Fe. L. 61.33 mm., Th. 10.71 mm. Sub-rectangular in shape. Probable part of a tool. Conserved.

Iron Blade (E2414:286:1) Fe. L. 51.97 mm., Th. 01.61 mm., L. 29.61 mm., Th. 02.53mm., L. 17.28 mm., Th. 11.59mm. Sub-rectangular in shape. Three fragments. Conserved.

Iron Object (E2414:265:2) Fe. L. 57.7 mm., W. 13 mm., Th. 8.4 mm. Possible blade frag-ment. Sub-rectangular in shape. Very corroded.

Iron Object (E2414:285:17) Fe. L. 56 mm., W. 13.9 mm., Th. 10.05 mm. Possible blade fragment. Sub-rectangular in shape. Very corroded.

Iron Object (E2414:285:20) Fe. L. 67 mm., W. 21.6 mm., Th. 8.4 mm. Possible blade fragment. Sub-rectangular in shape. Very corroded.

Iron Object (E2414:285:21) Fe. L. 67 mm., W. 21.6 mm., Th. 8.4 mm. Possible horseshoe fragment. Sub-rectangular in section, bent and slightly U-shaped. Very corroded.

Blade (E2414:314:1) Fe. L.72.30 mm., W. 18.18 mm., Th.4.81 mm. Possible knife. In-complete. Triangular blade. Conserved.

Modern GlassA total of 6 glass fragments were found on site. Three of them (E2414:1:1, E2414:2:1-2) and a bottle neck (E2414:2:3) presumably belong to the same bottle (col.5GY 4/1). An-


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other fragment (col.5G 6/2) from C.285 is a possible glass bottom. Part of a blue glass bottle neck was also recovered from C.371. They can all be considered modern (18th/19th Century).

Modern PotteryThirty modern pottery sherd in total were recovered from site.

Glazed red earthenwareTen sherds in total.Three body sherds and one rim sherd from topsoil (C.1). One bowl rim sherd and one body sherd from C.2. Two handles from C.285. One body sherd from C.296. Two pos-sible plate fragments from C.322. One body sherd from C.327.

PearlwareTwo sherds in total.One handle from C.2. One plate rim sherd from C.391.

CreamwareOnly one rim sherd from C.285 (crem and brown slip).

Decorated slipwareTwo sherds in total.One body sherd from C.2, decorated with a leaves motif in pink and light green. One rim sherd from C.285.

StonewareTwo sherds in total.One cup handle from C.285. One body sherd from C.296.

Transfer printed wareEleven sherds in total.Three body sherds from C.1, decorated in brown. Three body sherds from C.285, deco-rated in brown, green and purple. Four plate body sherds in blue decoration from C.307. One body sherd from C.391.

Salt glazed wareTwo sherds in total.One base sherd and one body sherd from C.162.


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Co.No. Find No. Type Dating Form1 4 Glazed Red Earthenware (x4)

Transfer Printed Ware (x3)18th/19th

19th/20thBowlPlate

2 1112

Glazed Red Earthenware (x2)Pearlware Decorated Slipware

18th/19th

19th 19th

BowlCupPlate/Cup

162 1 Salt Glazed Ware (x2) 20th Jugs?263 1 Glazed Red Earthenware 18th/19th Bowl285 12

13Glazed Red EarthenwareDecorated Slipware Transfer Printed Ware (x3)CreamwareStoneware

18th/19th

19th 19th/20th

19th L19th/20th

JugsPlatePlateCupCup

296 1 Glazed Red EarthenwareStoneware

18th/19th

L19th/20thBowlPlate?

307 1 Transfer Printed Ware (x4) 19th/20th Plate322 1 Glazed Red Earthenware (x2) 18th/19th Plate?327 2 Glazed Red Earthenware 18th/19th Plate391 2 Pearlware

Transfer Printed Ware19th

19th/20thPlatePlate