Archaeological Report - Caherdrinny 3, Co. Cork (Ireland)

Issue 10 [ISSN 2009-2237]

Archaeological Excavation ReportE2422 - Caherdrinny 3, Co. Cork

Neolithic house

Eachtra Journal

June 2011

Archaeological Excavation Report

Co. Cork

Cork County Council and National Roads Authority

Nicholas Bower, Linda Hegarty, Sebastian Lugowski and Magda Miciak.

Caherdrinny 3

EACHTRAArchaeological Projects

E No:

:

Project:

Client:

E2422

N8 Fermoy to Mitchelstown

Nicholas Bower and Linda HegartyExcavation Director

Written by:

Neolithic house

The Forge, Innishannon, Co. Corktel: 021 4701616 | web: www.eachtra.ie | email: [email protected]

Archaeological Excavation Report

Caherdrinny 3Co. Cork

Excavation Director

Nicholas Bower and Linda Hegarty

Written By

Nicholas Bower, Linda Hegarty, Sebastian Lugowski and Magda Miciak.

EACHTRAArchaeological Projects

© Eachtra Archaeological Projects 2011 The Forge, Innishannon, Co Cork

Set in 12pt Garamond

Printed in Ireland

i

Table of ContentsSummary�� vii

Acknowledgements��viii

1 Scopeoftheproject�� 1

2 Routelocation�� 1

3 Receivingenvironment�� 3

4 Archaeologicalandhistoricalbackground�� 4Mesolithic�(c��8000�to�4000�BC)�� 4

Neolithic�(c��4000�to�2000�BC)�� 6

Bronze�Age�(c��2000�to�500BC)�� 6

Iron�Age�(c��500�BC�to�AD�500)�� 7

Early�medieval�period�(c��AD�500�to�1100)�� 8

High�and�later�medieval�periods�(c��AD�1100�to�1650)�� 9

Post-medieval�period�(c��1650�to�the�present)�� 9

5 SiteLocationandTopography�� 11

6 Excavationmethodology�� 12

7 Excavationresults�� 12Mesolithic��12

Early�Neolithic�activity��14

Activity�to�the�south�of�Structure�1��28

Activity�in�the�eastern�section�of�Caherdrinny�3�� 48

Activity�in�the�northern�section�of�Caherdrinny�3��55

Late�medieval�activity�in�the�south-west�corner�at�Caherdrinny�3��67

Modern�agricultural�features�at�Caherdrinny�3��71

Specialist�results��71

8 Discussion�� 75Mesolithic�activity��75

Early�Neolithic�features��75

Late�Neolithic/Early�Bronze�Age�(Beaker)��77

Bronze�Age�activity��78

Iron�Age�activity��79

Medieval�activity�� 80

9 References��82

ii

Appendix1 StratigraphicIndex�� 87

Appendix2 StratigraphicMatrix��261

Appendix3 Groupsandsubgroups��262

Appendix4 FindsRegister��398

Appendix5 LithicsFindsReport�� 410

Appendix6 Potteryreport��435

Appendix7 AnimalBoneReport��454

Appendix8 Plantremains��457

Appendix9 MetalArtefactCatalogue�� 489

Appendix10 ModernPotteryCatalogue��491

Appendix11 Claypipescatalogue��494

iii

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-excavation plan of Caherdrinny 3 showing location of radiocarbon datesandStructures1-7�� 13

Figure5: Post-excavation plan of Caherdrinny 3 showing the distribution of lithicsrecoveredfromthesite�� 15

Figure6: E2422:1:9LateMesolithicMoynaghpointfromCaherdrinny3��16

Figure7: Post-excavationplanofCaherdrinny3showingthedistributionofpottery�� 17

Figure8: Post-excavationplanofStructure1atCaherdrinny3��18

Figure9: SectionplansofthefoundationtrenchC�410ofStructure1atCaherdrinny3��21

Figure10: Post-excavationplanoftheareatothesouthofStructure1atCaherdrinny3withoutlineoffigures8,12,13,14and16highlighted��25

Figure11: DistributionmapoflithicstothesouthofStructure1atCaherdrinny3��26

Figure12: Post-excavation plan of the activity located to the west of Structure 1 atCaherdrinny3��30

Figure13: Post-excavation plan of the activity located to the south of Structure 1 atCaherdrinny3��33

Figure14: Post-excavation plan of the activity located to the south of Structure 2 atCaherdrinny3��37

Figure15: Post-excavation plan of the activity located on the central southern edge atCaherdrinny3��43

Figure16: Post-excavation plan of the activity located in the vicinity of the kiln C�48 atCaherdrinny3��45

Figure17: Post-excavationplanoftheprehistoricactivitylocatedintheeasternareaofthesiteatCaherdrinny3��50

Figure18: Post-excavation plan of the prehistoric and medieval activity located in thenorthernareaofthesiteatCaherdrinny3��56

Figure19: Post-excavationplanofthemedievalactivitylocatedinthesouth-westcorneratCaherdrinny3��68

Figure20: PolishedstoneaxeE2422:287:1fromCaherdrinny3��72

Figure21: NeolithicflintcoreE2422:287:17fromCaherdrinny3��72

Figure22: Neolithicstrike-a-lightE2422:1:41fromCaherdrinny3��72

iv

List of PlatesPlate1: View of central area of excavation at Caherdrinny 3 with Caherdrinny hillfort

(CO019:97/01&03)andtowerhouseinthebackground�� 11

Plate2: EarlyMesolithicflintflakeE2422:476:2fromCaherdrinny3(PhotoJohnSunderland)�� 14

Plate3: Early Mesolithic mudstone axe E2422:287:1 from Caherdrinny 3 (Photo JohnSunderland)�� 14

Plate4: Late Mesolithic Moynagh point E2422:1:9 from Caherdrinny 3 (Photo JohnSunderland)�� 14

Plate5: Post-excavationviewofpitC�289datedtotheMesolithicatCaherdrinny3��16

Plate6: Mid-excavationofStructure1fromsouth-west(PhotoJohnSunderland)�� 19

Plate7: Mid-excavationofthefoundationtrenchinStructure1fromnorth-east(PhotoJohnSunderland)��22

Plate8: ViewofthesectionoftheslottrenchC�898inStructure1atCaherdrinny3��23

Plate9: Mid-excavationofoccupationlayersC�602atCaherdrinny3��27

Plate10: Mid-excavationofpost-holeC�501atCaherdrinny3��32

Plate11: Mid-excavationoffoundationtrenchC�506atCaherdrinny3��34

Plate12: Post-excavationviewofpost-holeC�40atCaherdrinny3�Notethepackingstoneandthestoneinclusionsfromthefillsonleft��35

Plate13: Post-excavationviewofpitC�258atCaherdrinny3��36

Plate14: Post-excavationviewofhearthC�372atCaherdrinny3��36

Plate15: Mid-excavationviewofpitC�331atCaherdrinny3�Thestonevisibleintherightbackgroundwasrecoveredfromthepit��38

Plate16: Mid-excavationviewofpitC�451atCaherdrinny3��39

Plate17: Mid-excavationviewofpitC�527atCaherdrinny3�� 41

Plate18: Post-excavationviewoffoundationtrenchC�278fromsouth-westatCaherdrinny3��42

Plate19: Mid-excavationviewofhearthC�294atCaherdrinny3��42

Plate20: Post-excavationviewofkilnC�48fromnorthatCaherdrinny3��46

Plate21: TwosidesofaflintscraperE2422:1649:1datedtotheNeolithicfromCaherdrinny3��47

Plate22: Post-excavationviewofpitC�1676atCaherdrinny3��48

Plate23: Mid-excavationofpitC�2521atCaherdrinny3��51

Plate24: Post-excavationviewofpitC�2646andsurroundingstake-holesatCaherdrinny3��52


Plate26: Mid-excavationviewofpost-holeC�2696atCaherdrinny3��54


Plate28: ViewofgroupoffeaturesdatedtotheIronAgefromwestatCaherdrinny3��55

v

Plate29: Mid-excavationoflinearC�2110atCaherdrinny3��57


Plate31: Post-excavationviewofStructure5atCaherdrinny3fromnorth-west��59

Plate32: Post-excavationviewofStructure6atCaherdrinny3fromsouth-east��60

Plate33: Mid-excavationviewoffoundationtrenchC�1397Structure6atCaherdrinny3�� 61

Plate34: Mid-excavationviewofthreepost-holes(C�1403,C�1405andC�1408)Structure6atCaherdrinny3�� 61

Plate35: Mid-excavationoffoundationtrenchC�3032Structure7atCaherdrinny3��62

Plate36: ViewofsectionoffoundationtrenchC�3032Structure7atCaherdrinny3��63


Plate38: Post-excavationviewofpitC�3117atCaherdrinny3fromsouth-west��65


Plate40: Post-excavationviewofpitC�3102andsurroundingstake-holesatCaherdrinny3��67

Plate41: ViewofditchesC�3118andC�3124onthenorth-westernedgeofCaherdrinny3��69

Plate42: ViewofmetalledsurfaceC�30intheinteriorofStructure4atCaherdrinny3��70

Plate43: Mid-excavationviewofpost-holeC�55atCaherdrinny3��70

vi

List of TablesTable1: Dimensions of the post-holes located in the foundation trench, in the interior

andtotheexteriorofStructure1��21

Table2: PhasesofactivityandassociateddatesandartefactsintheareasouthofStructure1atCaherdrinny3��28

Table3: Dimensionsofpost-holesassociatedwithStructure2��29

Table4: DimensionsofMiddleBronzeAgepost-holes��31

Table5: Dimensionsofthepost-holesassociatedwiththefoundationtrenchC�506��32

Table6: DimensionsofthefivelargepitsassociatedwiththefoundationtrenchC�506��34

Table7: Range of radiocarbon dates and artefacts recovered from six pits, a hearth, apost-holeandafoundationtrench��39

Table8: Dimensionsofpost-holesandpitsassociatedwithfoundationtrenchC�278�� 41

Table9: DimensionsoffourlinearfeaturesinthenorthernportionofCaherdrinny3��57

Table10: Dimensionsofmedievalditchesandfoundationtrenches��62

Table11: DimensionsofsomeoftheditchesrecordedatCaherdrinny3��71

Table12: RadiocarbondatesfromCaherdrinny3�� 74

Table13: DimensionsoflatemedievalhousesrecordedatCaherdrinny3��80

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

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http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e2422-caherdrinny3-co-cork/

SummaryThe excavation of the site at Caherdrinny 3 comprised several phases of activity. The main phase of activity dated to the Early Neolithic Period and comprised a large rectangular house and associated pits, occupation surfaces, hearths and post-holes. Early Neolithic pottery and lithics were recovered. The other phases of activity at Caherdrinny 3 included the Mesolithic, Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age (Beaker), Early Bronze Age, Iron Age and medieval.

Road project name N8 Fermoy to Mitchelstown BypassSite name Caherdrinny 3E no. E2422Site director Nicholas Bower and Linda HegartyTownland CaherdrinnyParish KilphelanBarony Condons & ClangibbonOS Map Sheet No. CO19National Grid Reference 180360 108157 – 181706 101813

iSSUe 10: eaChtra JoUrnal - iSSn 2009-2237 arChaeologiCal exCavation report

viii

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, Eoin Grogan and Helen Roche, Penny Johnston, Marga-ret McCarthy, Farina Sternke, and the 14 Chrono Centre at Queen’s University Belfast. The project was commissioned by Cork County Council and was funded by the National Roads Authority. The project archaeologist was Ken Hanley.

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

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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

MayoRoscommon

Galway

Clare

Leitrim

Cavan

Longford

Westmeath

Tipperary

Limerick

Kerry

Cork

WexfordKilkenny

Carlow

Wicklow

Kildare

Dublin

Meath

Louth

Laois

Donegal Antrim

Armagh

Derry

DownFermanagh

Tyrone

Clare

Offaly

Limerick

Kerry

Cork

Waterford

Antrim

N8

Key

Townland Boundaries

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


Caherdrinny 3E2422

N

0km 2km

Prehistoric Settlement Site

Post Medieval

Early Medieval

Prehistoric Site

Burnt Mound

Non-archaeological


2

Figure1: TherouteoftheN8FermoytoMitchelstownBypassoverlainontheOrdnanceSurveyDiscoverySeriesmap�

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

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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


4

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), Ballynacarriga 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

MayoRoscommon

Galway

Clare

Leitrim

Cavan

Longford

Westmeath

Tipperary

Limerick

Kerry

Cork

WexfordKilkenny

Carlow

Wicklow

Kildare

Dublin

Meath

Louth

Laois

Donegal Antrim

Armagh

Derry

DownFermanagh

Tyrone

Clare

Offaly

Limerick

Kerry

Cork

Waterford

Antrim

N8

Key

Townland Boundaries

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


Caherdrinny 3E2422

N

0km 2km


Post Medieval

Early Medieval

Prehistoric Site

Burnt Mound

Non-archaeological

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

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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�


6

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 500BC)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

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

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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. Recent infrastructural work on the N22 Ballincollig Bypass, the N8 Glanmire Watergrasshill Bypass and the M8 Rathcormac Fermoy has altered the picture considerably.

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-


8

ern end of the Nagle Mountains, overlooking a pass between the Blackwater and Bride river valleys just south of Fermoy.

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

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

9


(CO019:30/01-05). A possible enclosure site with evidence of metalworking was excavated by John Purcell in Brigown. This was possibly the enclosure of Brigown. No dates were obtained from the site (John Purcell personal communication).

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 1841-2 and 1906 edition Ordnance Survey maps, which was most likely enclosed by a

Sligo

MayoRoscommon

Galway

Clare

Leitrim

Cavan

Longford

Westmeath

Tipperary

Limerick

Kerry

Cork

WexfordKilkenny

Carlow

Wicklow

Kildare

Dublin

Meath

Louth

Laois

Donegal Antrim

Armagh

Derry

DownFermanagh

Tyrone

Clare

Offaly

Limerick

Kerry

Cork

Waterford

Antrim

N8

RMP Sheet No. CO10RMP Sheet No. CO11

MP Sheet No. CO19 RMP Sheet No. CO20

RMP Sheet No. CO27

RMP Sheet No. CO28

Key

Townland Boundaries

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


Caherdrinny 3E2422

N

0km 2km


Post Medieval

Early Medieval

Prehistoric Site

Burnt Mound

Non-archaeological


10

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

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

11


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 and carrying 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 Ordnance Survey map. This site is of local architectural significance.

5 Site Location and TopographyCaherdrinny was located to the north-east and within the shadow of Caherdrinny hillfort (CO019:97/01&03) at a height of 150 m OD (Plate 1).

Plate1: ViewofcentralareaofexcavationatCaherdrinny3withCaherdrinnyhillfort(CO019:97/01&03)andtowerhouseinthebackground�


12

6 Excavation methodologyThe site was mechanically stripped of topsoil under strict archaeological supervision. Stripping was done with a tracked machine with a flat toothless bucket. Where appropri-ate mini-diggers were used, and in the larger areas to be stripped multiple large tracked machines were used; all stripping operations involved the use of multiple dumpers for topsoil mounding. Topsoil stripping 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 remains 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 from 8 February 2007 to 31 August 2007. Only areas within the CPO were resolved. The full extent of the area of excavation measured 15,771 m2.

7 Excavation resultsThe 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).

The majority of the archaeology at Caherdrinny 3 dates to the Early Neolithic Period. It comprised a large rectangular house and associated activity comprising pits, hearths, post-holes and stake-holes located in the vicinity but particularly to the south and south-west of the house. Activity dating to the Mesolithic, Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age (Beaker), Iron Age and medieval periods were also recorded at Caherdrinny 3 (Figure 4).

MesolithicThree artefacts dated to the Mesolithic were recorded on the site (Figure 5).

Two of the artefacts, a flint flake (E2422:476:2, Plate 2) and a mudstone axe (E2422:287:1, Plate 3), dated to the Early Mesolithic were recovered from an occupation surface C.602. The occupation surface was located 5 m south-west of the Neolithic house (Structure 1). With the exception of Structure 1, the largest quantity of Early Neolithic pottery recovered from Caherdrinny 3 came from the occupation surface. The axe had been re-worked on all sides by an inexperienced knapper and re-used at a later date.

A Late Mesolithic Moynagh point (E2422:1:9, Figure 6 and plate 4) was recovered from the topsoil to the north of the Neolithic house (Structure 1). It is a fine but broken example and was made of shale and hafted. It broke during use. It was the same type of Moynagh point as the fragment recovered at Gortore 1b E2410.

BC1657-1498

AD1450-1631

BC 90AD 51

BC4685-4498

BC 106AD 51

BC1634-1496

BC1736-1536

BC4144-3963

AD1645-1951 BC

4034-3808

BC1871-1632

BC175-48

BC1606-1444

BC344-52

BC 107AD 48

AD1032-1161

BC3766-3650

BC3701-3639

0 50 m

AD1475-1635

Structure 1

Structure 2

Structure 3

Structure 4

Structure 5

Structure 6

Structure 7

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

13


Figure4: Post-excavationplanofCaherdrinny3showinglocationofradiocarbondatesandStructures1-7�


14

A Late Mesolithic date of 4685–4498 BC (UBA-13287) was obtained from a pit C.289, located c. 10 m south of the occupation surface (see Figure 4). The pit was large and irregular in size and measured 2.05 m by 1.4 m by 0.34 m in depth (Plate 5).

Early Neolithic activityThe main phase of activity at Caherdrinny 3 was Early Neolithic in date. A large rectangular house (Structure 1) and associated occupation material was located in the central part of the site (Figure 7). A concentration of features was located in the environs of the house, in particular to the south.

Structure 1 measured 10.1 m long by 7 m (ex-ternal dimensions) and 8 m by 5.7 m (internal dimensions). The long-axis of the building was aligned north-east to south-west. The structure was represented by a foundation trench that would have held planks and posts. The build-ing was rectangular in plan (Figure 8, plate 6).

Structure 1 comprised a foundation trench (C.410), 11 post-holes within the founda-tion trench (C.899, C.946, C.972, C.980, C.985, C.991, C.995, C.1002, C.1010, C.1030, and C.1056), two substantial internal postholes (C.886 and C.892) and 12 external post-holes (C.472, C.822, C.844, C.862, C. 871, C.877, C.921, C.939, C.947, C.955, C.974 and

Plate2: Early Mesolithic flint flakeE2422:476:2fromCaherdrinny3(PhotoJohnSunderland)�

Plate4: Late Mesolithic Moynagh pointE2422:1:9 from Caherdrinny 3(PhotoJohnSunderland)�

Plate3: Early Mesolithic mudstone axe E2422:287:1 fromCaherdrinny3(PhotoJohnSunderland)�

41305

152

17

265

39

410

121

3057

3118

463

3124

3032

506

239

27

103

3124

64

451

2739

2692

3127

27232696

1397

2052

118

1200

2730

48

10

2048

2566

1391

2794

3048

2688

308

439

1693

2110

1228

18

289

3117

2700

145

973

409

1401

1306

1689

3041

499

2154

842

1357

1597

2672

2657

84

341

258

32

2175

1193

2831

1252

2119

531

162

596

854

288

2061

2116

117

3056

2571

400

283

3016

892

2131

2141

372

2086

2603

1367

2585

2011

1356

2064

2167

1670

2646

1582

3021

2066

1222

3025

3092

3070

877

636

55

2660

602

Mesolithic, Flake [1]

Mesolithic, Moynagh Point [1]

Mesolithic, Polished Stone Axe [1]

Neolithic, Blade [13]

Neolithic, Core [7]

Neolithic, Debitage [30]

Neolithic, Flake [32]

Neolithic, Polished Stone Axe [1]

Neolithic, Retouched Artefact [4]

Neolithic, Rubbing/Hammer Stone [6]

LN/EBA, Blade [2]

LN/EBA, Core [2]

LN/EBA, Debitage [15]

LN/EBA, Flake [6]

LN/EBA, Retouched Artefact [4]

LN/EBA, Rubbing Stone [5]

BC1657-1498

AD1450-1631

BC 90AD 51

BC4685-4498

BC 106AD 51

BC1634-1496

BC1736-1536

BC4144-3963

AD1645-1951 BC

4034-3808

BC1871-1632

BC175-48

BC1606-1444

BC344-52

BC 107AD 48

AD1475-1635

AD1032-1161

BC3766-3650

BC3701-3639

0 50 m

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

15


Figure5: Post-excavationplanofCaherdrinny3showingthedistributionoflithicsrecoveredfromthesite�


16

Figure6: E2422:1:9 Late Mesolithic Moynagh pointfromCaherdrinny3�

Plate5: Post-excavationviewofpitC�289datedtotheMesolithicatCaherdrinny3�

41

305

152

17

265

39

410

121

3057

3124

3032

506

239

27

103

64

451

2739

2692

27232696

1397

2052

118

1200

2730

48

10

2048

2566

1391

2794

3048

2688

308

439

1693

2110

1228

18

289

2700

145

973

409

1401

1306

1687

3041

499

2154

842

1357

1597

2672

2657

84

341

258

32

1193

2831

1252

2119

531

162

596

854

288

2061

2116

117

3056

2571

400

283

892

2131

2141

372

2086

2603

1367

2585

2011

1356

2064

1670

1582

3021

2066

1222

3025

877

636

2660

Early Neolithic Carinated Bowl [229]

Middle Neolithic Globular Bowl [1]

Beaker Vessel [8]

Early Bronze Age Bipartite Vase [1]

Middle Bronze Age Cordoned Urn [50]

BC1657-1498

BC 90AD 51

BC4685-4498

BC 106AD 51

BC1634-1496

BC1736-1536

BC4144-3963

AD1645-1951

BC4034-3808

BC1871-1632

BC175-48

BC344-52

BC 107AD 48

BC3766-3650

BC3701-3639

0 50 m

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

17


Figure7: Post-excavationplanofCaherdrinny3showingthedistributionofpottery�

410 506

875

265

1693

898

842

946

602

1252

886

854

892

973

677

472

955

865

974

1002

1056

991

871

985

609

995

822

1028

849

978

1030

1320

877

480

1601

972

1095

769

939

1612

1365

921

1315

859

1651

1012

1323

844

899

905

686

482

862

1296

980

528

1685

1240

1182

1571

872

947

1010

917

505

932

928

524

1213

907

1135

860

698

754

1027

837

1088

835

845

453

738

489

830

929

828

826

1016

461 743

1328

612

988

1533

1350

1586

1281

1557

603

916

908

1102

1292

832

820

05m

Hearth


18

Figu

re8

:Po

st-e

xcav

atio

npl

ano

fStr

uctu

re1

atC

aher

drin

ny3

�

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

19


C.978). The entrance was located in the north-east corner. The south-eastern wall of the house was truncated by a modern field boundary (C.265).

Foundation trench

The foundation trench C.410 defined the entire perimeter of the building. The width of the trench ranged 0.5-0.85 m and the depth 0.25-0.6 m. The sides were generally steep and vertical and the base was generally flat. In some parts the bedrock was exposed at the base of the foundation trench (Figure 9). The sides and base of the foundation trench were reinforced by packing stones (C.846). Generally there was one row of large sub-rounded stones along the base and large flat upright stones lining the sides, in particular near the inner south-east and outer in north-west walls (Plate 7).

Two main fills were recorded within the foundation trench (C.411 and C.838). The primary fill (C.411) was a brown silt with frequent lumps of burnt clay and charcoal and included sherds of pottery, lithics, flecks of indeterminate burnt animal bone and hazelnut shells. The packing fill (C.838) was located mostly on the site of the foundation trench. It was a sandy silt and contained occasional flecks of charcoal and burnt clay. It closely resembles the material found within the post-holes that formed part of the wall of the house and in many cases it was difficult to distinguish the fill of the foundation trench from the fill of the post-holes. In several cases the stones packed around the posts were the main indicators of the presence of post-holes. Sherds of Early Neolithic pottery (Vessels 12-14, 19, 23-32) were recovered from the fills of the trench and the post-holes (see Figure 7).

Plate6: Mid-excavationofStructure1fromsouth-west(PhotoJohnSunderland)�


20

The northern wall

The northern wall measured 9.5 m in length and was relatively uniform in width meas-uring on average 0.7 m. Only one post-hole (C.1002) was identified within the northern foundation trench. Four external post-holes (C.472, C.877, C.939 and C.978) and one stake-hole (C.1016) were located to the north of the wall. Charcoal from one of the exter-nal posts (C.877) was dated to cal BC 3766–3650 (UB–13286).

The western wall

The western wall measured 7.3 m in length. A large stone (C.985) was located at the north-western corner. The northern portion of the wall was wider than the southern, measuring upto 1.2 m in width while the southern was 0.4 m wide on average. Seven post-holes (C.899, C.972, C.980, C.991, C.995, C.1010 and C.1056) were recorded within the foundation trench and six of them were set in pairs, post C.1056 may have replaced post C.899, post C.972 may have replaced post C.980 and post C.1010 may have supported the corner post C.991. Flecks of indeterminate burnt animal bone were recovered from the fill of the southern corner post (C.991). One external post C.947 was located outside the foundation trench opposite post C.972. Flecks of indeterminate burnt animal bone were recovered from the fill of the southern corner post (C.991). A flint flake (E2422:936:1) dated to the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age and a sherd of Early Neolithic pottery (Ves-sel 27) were recovered from one of the fills (C.936) of the foundation trench.

Three posts (C.844, C.862 and C.872) were located 0.5 m west of the north-western corner. They may have supported the north-west corner or been part of a fence line.

The southern wall

The southern wall measured 8.9 m in length. The foundation trench was more uniform on this side of the structure, it was almost the same width along the full length. There was a 90 degree angle at the south-western end and the trench curved slightly at the south-eastern end. One post-hole (C.1030) was located mid-way on the length of the foundation trench. Upto five external post-holes (C.822, C.871, C.921, C.955 and C.974) were located to the south of the wall.

The eastern wall

The foundation trench was continuous on the north, west and south sides but was inter-rupted in the north-eastern corner. This was the area of the entrance, though the gap was very narrow being only 0.2 m wide. It was flanked on the southern side by a large post-hole C.946. There were no external post-holes on this side of the foundation trench. Sherds of Early Neolithic pottery (Vessel 32) and a rubbing stone (E2422:992:1) dated to the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age were recovered from two fills of the trench (C.992 and C.996). Two fragments of flint debitage and a flint flake (E2422:945:1-3) dated to the Neolithic were recovered from a fill of the post-hole C.946.

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

21


Location Context Fills L x W x D (m)W wall C.899 C.888, C.997 1.1 x 0.83 x 0.29E wall C.946 C.944, C.945, C.1059, C.1060 1.5 x 1.2 x 0.3W wall C.972 C.963, C.964, C.965, C.966, C.1005 0.55 x 0.47 x 0.39W wall C.980 C.979 D. 0.55 x 0.22SW corner C.991 C.990, C.1019 0.75 x 0.65 x 0.5W wall C.995 C.950 0.8 x 0.5 x 0.23N wall C.1002 C.1003, C.1040, C.1007 0.8 x 0.7 x 0.16S wall C.1030 C.1013, C.1008, C.1031, C.1035,

C.1032, C.10360.61 x 0.58 x 0.48

W wall C.1056 C.1057 C.1058 D. 0.75 x 0.3Internal C.886 C.883, C.884, C.885 1.6 x 0.7 x 0.6Internal C.892 C.893, C.894, C.896, C.900, C.901 1.15 x 0.65 x 0.7External N wall C.472 C.473, C.475 0.76 x 0.7 x 0.42External S wall C.822 C.821, C.876 0.53 x 0.5 x 0.38External S wall C.871 C.870 0.58 x 0.47 x 0.25External N wall C.877 C.878, C.879 0.64 x 0.46 x 0.2External S wall C.921 C.922 0.38 x 0.36 x 0.2External N wall C.939 C.935 0.4 x 0.3 x 0.2External W wall C.947 C.954 0.25 x 0.23 x 0.18External S wall C.955 C.949 0.49 x 0.41 x 0.23External S wall C.974 C.975, C.976, C.977 0.71 x 0.54 x 0.42External N wall C.978 C.967, C.1001 0.5 x 0.45 x 0.15W wall, prop for corner post (C.991)

C.1010 C.1006, C.1020 0.27 x 0.25 x 0.22

Table1:Dimensionsofthepost-holeslocatedinthefoundationtrench,intheinteriorandtotheexteriorofStructure1

411

411

846

956846

838838

838411

838

SW Facing Section of C410 Sec V NE Facing Section of C410 Sec I

SW Facing Section of C410 Sec INE Facing Section of C410 Sec V

0 50 cm50 cm

Figure9: SectionplansofthefoundationtrenchC�410ofStructure1atCaherdrinny3�


22

Internal features

Two substantial post-holes or portions of slot trenches (C.886 and C.892) were located mid-way within the interior of the house. They were orientated NW/SE perpendicular to the main axis of the house and indicate the location of an internal division within the house. There was a gap of 2.3 m between the two. They were aligned with two posts to the south, one within the foundation trench and one on the exterior (C.1030 and C.974). All four posts were set deeply into the subsoil and were clearly load-bearing. Flint debit-age and a quartzite rubbing stone (E2422:883:1 and 2) dated to the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age were recovered from a fill of the trench

Three small post-holes (C.905, C.928 and C.1027) were located in the NW corner of the house. They were located 0.8 m apart in an L-shape arrangement. They may have formed house furniture. A flint flake (E2422:913:1) dated to the Neolithic were recovered from a fill of C.905.

A short length of slot trench C.898 was located at the eastern end of the house. The trench measured 4 m in length by an average of 0.7 m in width by 0.5 m in depth and was set at an acute angle to the eastern wall (Plate 8). The southern end terminated at the edge of the eastern wall and the northern end was located 1.5 m from the northern wall. Sherds of Early Neolithic pottery (Vessels 23, 25-27 and 30) and a sandstone rub-

Plate7: Mid-excavation of the foundationtrench in Structure 1 from north-east(PhotoJohnSunderland)�

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

23


bing stone (E2422:897:2) dated to the Neolithic were recovered from the four of the fills of the trench.

A pit C.973 cut the slot trench it measured 0.8 m by 0.6 m by 0.25 m in depth. Eight fills were recorded in the pit. Some of the subsoil underlying the pit was heat-scorched but none of the fills of the pit were burnt. Charcoal from the pit was dated to cal BC 4034–3808 (UB–13284). Only one sherd of Early Neolithic pottery (Vessel 29) was recov-ered from the pit.

Hearths

There was no internal hearth in Structure 1 but two external hearths were located to the east and south of the house (see Figure 8). The first hearth C.820 was located 2.5 m east of the house. The base measured 1.07 m by 0.83 m by 0.07 m and was cut by three stake-holes (C.826, C.828 and C.830). The stake-holes formed a V-shape and would have functioned as a hearth-side tripod. Charred plant remains, including emmer wheat and barley, were recovered from one of the fills of the hearth.

A second hearth C.832 was located 2.7 m south of Structure 1 and 5.5 m south west of hearth C.820. It measured 0.78 m by 0.58 m by 0.08 m. Three stake-holes (C.835, C.845 and C.837) were located on the southern edge of the hearth. They represent the remains of hearth-side furniture and were also arranged in a V-shape to form a tripod. Charred plant remains, including barley, were recovered from the fill of the hearth.

Plate8: ViewofthesectionoftheslottrenchC�898inStructure1atCaherdrinny3�


24

A third hearth C.1375 was located c. 8 m to the north-east of the house (Figure 10). It was irregular in comparison to the other two hearths. The fill included burnt clay and charcoal and the underlying subsoil was scorched. It measured 0.8 m by 0.6 m and 0.18 m in depth. A total of five stakeholes (C.1372, C.1377, C.1379, C.1384 and C.1386) were associated with the hearth. Three were located on the northern and north-western side and two cut the base of the hearth. No plant remains were recovered from the hearth.

Other features located in vicinity of Structure 1

Two pits (C.865 and C.1028) and two post-holes (C.854 and C.1365) and the hearth C.820 were located to the immediate east of Structure 1. A large post-hole C.854 was located 1.8 m from the eastern wall of Structure 1. It measured 1.1 m by 0.72 m by 0.51 m in depth. Bedrock was recorded in the base. The majority of the fill comprised large split fragments of sandstone. A shallow pit C.865 was located on the northern side of it. A second post-hole C.1365 was located 1.6 m to the north-east. A small irregular pit C.1028 was located 1.5 m from the NE corner of the house.

A group of features dated to the Early Neolithic were located c.10 m to the north-east of Structure 1 (see Figures 10 and 17). The group comprised eight small shallow pits (C.1574, C.1582, C.1585, C.1618, C.1660, C.1678, C.1689 and C.1693), five post-holes (C.1372, C.1578, C.1580, C.1655 and C.1680), six stake-holes (C.1377, C.1384, C.1386, C.1621, C.1623 and C.1673), a linear feature (C.1597) and a hearth (C.1375). Three of the stake-holes (C.1377, C.1384 and C.1386) and one of the post-holes (C.1372) were set around a small hearth C.1375. A pit (C.1689) was located 2 m north of the hearth. A blue flint flake (E2422:1688:1) dated to the Early Neolithic was recovered from the fill. The pit measured 1.05 m by 0.95 m by 0.22 m in depth. The remaining four post-holes were dispersed and did not form any particular pattern. They varied from 0.6 m by 0.55 m by 0.22 m in depth to 0.15 m in diameter by 0.15 m in depth. Charred plant remains, mostly barley, were recovered from the fill of post C.1580.

The pits varied in size and the majority of them were shallow and were less than 0.2 m in depth. The largest pit (C.1693) measured 2.85 m by 2.43 m by 0.5 m in depth. Charred plant remains, mostly barley, were recovered from the fill of one of the pits (C.1574). Flint flakes (E2422:1565:1 and E2422:1688:1) dated to the Neolithic were recovered from the fills of two of the pits (C.1582 and C.1689). A total of five blue flint flakes (E2422:2:13 and 20, E2422:1562:1, E2422:1565:1 and E2422:1688:1) dated to the Early Neolithic were recovered from this area; two from the topsoil, one from the fill of a small hollow (C.1561) and two from the fills of the pits. Four of these flakes were recovered within 4 m of one another, in the area of the hollow C.1561 (Figure 11).

A large irregular pit C.875 was located 2 m south of Structure 1. It measured 2.9 m in length by 1.5 m in width by 0.4 m deep. It contained five fills (C.874, C.880, C.881, C.882 and C.895) and they included some evidence for in situ burning. Two small post-holes (C.907 and C.916) cut one of the fills (C.882) of the pit. The hearth C.832 was located to the east of the pit. Two smaller pits (C.849 and C.1012) were located to the north-east of the hearth.

64

439

1357

1367

1356

1296

1563

2050

1561

1355

1375

2823

2067

1383

2752

1399

72

1394

1377

1613

1372

1386 13

84

1082

1685

2061

2038

1689

1591

1582

020

m

Hea

rth

Figu

re 8

Figu

re 1

2

Figu

re 1

3

Figu

re 1

4

Figu

re 1

6

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

25


Figu

re1

0:P

ost-

exca

vatio

npl

ano

fthe

are

ato

the

sout

hof

Str

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atC

aher

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with

out

line

offi

gure

s8,

12,

13,

14

and

16

high

light

ed�

Mesolithic, Flake

Mesolithic, Moynagh Point

Mesolithic, Polished Stone Axe

Neolithic, Blade

Neolithic, Core

Neolithic, Debitage

Neolithic, Flake

Neolithic, Polished Stone Axe

Neolithic, Retouched Artefact

Neolithic, Rubbing/Hammer Stone

LN/EBA, Blade

LN/EBA, Core

LN/EBA, Debitage

LN/EBA, Flake

LN/EBA, Retouched Artefact

LN/EBA, Rubbing Stone

BC1657-1498

BC 90AD 51

BC4685-4498

BC 106AD 51

BC1634-1496

BC1736-1536

BC4144-3963

AD1645-1951

BC4034-3808

BC1871-1632

BC3766-3650

BC3701-3639

0 10 m

602265

677

609

743

612

289

48

288451

1200

258

409

636531

877

892 973


26

Figure11:DistributionmapoflithicstothesouthofStructure1atCaherdrinny3�

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

27


A large, irregular pit C.842 was located 1 m west of Structure 1. An occupation horizon (which was given a cut number C.602) was located 5 m south-

west of Structure 1. The layers had accumulated in a hollow (C.602) which measured 3 m by 1.6 m by 0.3 m in depth and a total of 13 layers were recorded within (Plate 9). With the exception of Structure 1, the largest quantity of Early Neolithic pottery (Ves-sels 3-11, portions of 14, 18 and 25, and 15-17) recovered from Caherdrinny 3 came from the occupation layers. In addition, over 40 lithics including eight cores (two flint and six quartz crystal) and debitage were recovered (from fills C.287, C.455, C.456, C.476, C.553, C.687) (see Figure 11). A blade and a flake derived from a specific nodule of blue flint (E2422:553:2 and 3) provided a direct link between the Early Neolithic activity at Caherdrinny and the activity at Gortore 1b E2410 located 6.5 km to the south. The oc-cupation layers were cut by a small pit C.609, a linear feature C.677 and five stake-holes (C.524, C.612, C.698, C.754 and C.1102). The linear C.677 measured 1.6 m by 0.5 m by 0.25 m. The northern end was cut by a posthole C.1095. A pit C.769 was located on the edge of the hollow adjacent to the pit C.609. The area represents the remains of an outdoor work area associated with flint knapping. Three stake-holes (C.453, C.461 and C.738) located 0.6 m to the north-east may have formed an associated shelter belt or screen c. 4 m in length.

Plate9: Mid-excavationofoccupationlayersC�602atCaherdrinny3�


28

Activity to the south of Structure 1A concentration of features were located to the south of the Structure 1 in an area that measured c. 50 m north-south by 50 m east-west. Activity dating to the several prehistoric periods, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age (Beaker), Early Bronze Age and Iron Age, was recorded in the area. The artefacts assemblage and the nine radio-carbon dates obtained from this area were mixed (see Figures 4, 5, 7 and 10). It is likely that some of the artefacts associated with early phases of activity may have been disturbed and subsequently re-deposited.

Mesolithic Early Neolithic Beaker Early Bronze Age

Middle Bronze Age

Iron Age

2 radiocarbon dates

1 radiocarbon date

Four radiocarbon dates

2 radiocarbon dates

Pottery Pottery Pottery Pottery

Lithics Lithics

Table2PhasesofactivityandassociateddatesandartefactsintheareasouthofStructure1atCaherdrin-ny3

For the purpose of this report the area has been divided into five segments (Figure 10) to aid the description of the various features.

Activity located to the west of Structure 1A concentration of features were located to the west of Structure 1 in an area that meas-ured c. 24 m north-south by 11 m east-west (Figure 12).

Structure 2

An L-shaped structure was located 10 m to the south-west of Structure 1. It measured 3.2 m long by 2.4 m wide and comprised at least ten post-holes (C.587, C.636, C.646, C.679, C.688, C.694, C.744, C.746, C.1089 and C.1091) and 13 stake-holes (C.605, C.619, C.634, C.648, C.650, C.652, C.654, C.656, C.681, C.764, C.786, C.796 and C.1113). The combination of posts and stakes formed the eastern and southern sides of a structure or shelter. The features were set closely together and at least four of the posts in the south-east corner were truncated by a modern field boundary. An Early Neolithic date of cal BC 4144–3963 BC (UBA-13292) was obtained from one of the posts (C.636) (see Figure 4). The post-holes were, on average, 0.23 m long by 0.21 m wide and 0.25 m deep. Four of the post-holes were cut by the field boundary C.265. The average dimensions of the stake-holes were 0.13 m long by 0.1 m wide and 0.16 m deep.

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

29


Context Length Width Depth587 0.19 0.19 0.15636 0.28 0.28 0.72646 0.24 0.22 0.24679 0.21 0.17 0.16688 Unknown 0.56 0.31694 Unknown 0.14 0.19744 0.17 0.16 0.16746 0.2 0.2 0.171089 0.33 0.36 0.281091 0.27 0.23 0.15

Table3Dimensionsofpost-holesassociatedwithStructure2

A group of 12 stake-holes (C.797, C.803, C.805, C.1117, C.1141, C.1145, C.1147, C.1159, C.1166, C.1183, C.1185 and C.1234) and eight post-holes (C.779, C.787, C.801, C.1115 and C.1125, C.1164, C.1168 and C.1236) curved to the north-west beyond Struc-ture 2. They may have formed an extension to the eastern side of the structure/shelter. It measured at least 8 m in length north-south and was upto 1.5 m wide. The posts and stakes formed a more random and dispersed pattern than those associated with Structure 2. An irregular pit or slot trench C.1228 was located in the midst of the group.

Four post-holes (C.810. C.812, C.1074 and C.1077) and a pit C.807 were located 1.8 m west of or inside Structure 2.

Eight stake-holes (C.700, C.702, C.704, C.706, C.1269, C.1271, C.1277 and C.1279) were set in a semi-circular pattern 2 m to the north of the alignment of posts and stakes. The diameter of the circle was 0.8 m. A similar arrangement of stake-holes was recorded to the north of the kiln C.48.

A group of two small pits (C.1248 and C.1573), five post-holes (C.917, C.1206, C.1250, C.1256 and C.1287), 12 stake-holes (C.908, C.911, C.929, C.937, C.940, C.1226, C.1265, C.1273, C.1275, C.1283, C.1289 and C.1583) and two linear features (C.1296 and C.1357) were located to the north-east of the semi-circular arrangement of stakes. Sherds of Early Neolithic pottery (see Figure 7) were recovered from two of the stake-holes (C.1226 (Ves-sel 33) and C.1289 (Vessel 31)) and one of the linears (C.1357 (Vessel 31)). Both of the linear features were orientated NE-SW. The linear feature C.1357 measured 2.53 m by 0.93 m by 0.35 m in depth. The second linear feature (C.1296) was located 1.4 m to the south-east.

A line of six stake-holes (C.718, C.720, C.722, C.724, C.726 and C.728) forming a wind-break or a screen were located 4 m to the west of the semi-circular arrangement of stakes. They were spaced at intervals of 0.6 m and the line measured 3 m in length. In ad-dition three stake-holes (C.712, C.714 and C.716) which formed a V-shaped tripod were located to the immediate south of the line. The wind-break or screen may have sheltered the group to the east from the prevailing westerly wind.

Three substantial post-holes (C.308, C.499 and C.501) were located on the edge of the area of excavation 10 m west of Structure 2. The posts were exceptionally large in size and large amounts of small stones were included in fills (Plate 10). A deposit of similar

265

308

1228

499

341

1193

501

531

602

368

609

1248

807

390

544

607

1573

640

404

1129

769

710

801

781

1105

569

1074

1250

688

636

1229

605

810

1085 812

1287

1168

1256

389

1098

587

779

817

1206

1115

1093

917

1238

746

679

1164

646

787

1125

1077

567

578

1121

744

694

1091

728

1236

1123

797

704

1097

1079

706

908

702

718

714

700

786

1083

716

1277

656

1117

803

1159

1283

590

1166

708

937

681

929

722

1289

724

726

1583

1147

654

764

648

1139

1234

619

805

720

1271

712

1279

1145

652

1185

1265

1183

1269

1226

1141

1362

796

1364

10891113

911

576

650

1131

1273

634

1275

370

0 5 m

Structure 2


30

Figure12:Post-excavationplanoftheactivitylocatedtothewestofStructure1atCaherdrinny3�

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

31


sized stone C.341 was recorded 3.5 m to the south-east. The posts were spaced at regular intervals of 1.6 m. One of the posts C.501 cut a shallow linear feature C.531.

Context Length Width Depth308 2.12 1.9 0.32499 1.09 1.68 0.28501 1.59 0.94 0.55531 1.38 0.95 0.12

Table4DimensionsofMiddleBronzeAgepost-holes

An Early Bronze Age date of 1736–1536 BC (UBA-13293) was returned from the linear feature C.531 and sherds of Early Neolithic pottery (Vessel 20) and Middle Bronze Age domestic cordoned urn (Vessel 38) were recovered from the fill C.500 of post C.499.

Two pits (C.544 and C.1085), five post-holes (C.640, C.710, C.781, C.817 and C.1079) and a stake-hole C.1083 were located to the north-east of the substantial posts. At least three of the posts and the stake (C.710, C.1079 and C.1083) may have formed a screen or wind-break associated with the post-holes. Six deposits (C.341, C.368, C.370, C.389, C.390 and C.404) of red/brown sandy silt with inclusions of small and medium sized stones were located to the south of post-hole C.499. Some of the underlying subsoil was heat-scorched. Five of the deposits (C.368, C.370, C.389, C.390 and C.404) were found in close proximity to one another and the sixth C.341 was located 3 m to the east. Three posts (C.567, C.569 and C.578) and two stake-holes (C.576 and C.590) were located on the north-eastern side of C.341.

Activity located to the south of Structure 1A concentration of features were located to the south of Structure 1 in an area that meas-ured c. 15 m NW/SE by 18 m NE/SW (Figure 13). Two Iron Age dates were obtained from a pit and post-hole in this area.

A curvilinear foundation trench C.506 was located 2 m south of Structure 1. It meas-ured 9.4 m in length and was 0.47 m wide by 0.25 m deep (Plate 11). A terminal was recorded at the northern end but the southern end was truncated by a furrow C.627. The base of the trench was packed with small angular stones. The stones were tightly packed and probably acted as supports for upright posts or planks.

A group of 11 post-holes, 14 pits and a hearth were located in a cluster, which meas-ured 21 sq m, on the western side of the foundation trench. Substantial amounts of small stone were included in the fills of some of the pits and post-holes (C.232, C.292, C.331, C.409, C.445, C.551, C.575 and C.1111). Some of the stone was heat-shattered.


32

Context no. Length Width DepthC.281 0.36 0.36 0.14C.292 0.52 0.37 0.16C.409 0.46 0.42 0.39C.436 0.45 0.4 0.16C.440 0.35 0.35 0.07C.458 0.45 0.3 0.2C.479 0.6 0.58 0.7C.495 0.3 0.3 0.1C.561 0.33 0.32 0.09C.582 0.43 0.4 0.3C.644 0.17 0.13 0.16

Table5Dimensionsofthepost-holesassociatedwiththefoundationtrenchC�506

Stone inclusions were recorded in the post-hole C.409, in addition a large stone wedge was located on the north-eastern side of the cut (Plate 12). The stone may have supported a substantial post. The post was later removed and heat-shattered stone was deposited into the cut. A polished mudstone axe fragment and a rubbing stone (E2422:413:1 and 2) dated to the Early Neolithic were recovered from the upper fill. The axe was re-hafted, after it was broken, to use in a knifelike fashion. An Iron Age date of cal BC 106–AD

Plate10:Mid-excavationofpost-holeC�501atCaherdrinny3�

506

768

265

645505

258575

596

445

372

737

239

331

955

216

789

316

232

582

603

479

443 299

358

551

561

409503

644

292

480

436

214

757

731

458

440

371

767

246

1105

758

495

410

1111

468

482

528

281

359

107

1098

361

392

1107

1120

683

661

319

1097

749

732

613

658

1072

489

407

632

391

642

464

497

667 669675

626

393

663

394

763

665

396

615

673

671

637

395

0 5 m

Hearth

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

33


Figure13:Post-excavationplanoftheactivitylocatedtothesouthofStructure1atCaherdrinny3�


34

51 (UB–13290) was returned from the basal fill of the post-hole which suggests that the Neolithic artefacts were re-deposited. Large packing stones were recorded in two of the other post-holes (C.436 and C.440) and a post-pad at the base of post-hole C.582.

Five of the group of 14 pits (C.258, C.404, C.575, C.596 and C.645) were large in size and the remaining nine were smaller in size. Many of the smaller pits were interspersed with the post-holes and were similar in size.

Context no. Length Width DepthC.258 1.6 0.94 0.25C.505 1.96 1.4 0.32C.575 1.3 1.06 0.35C.596 1.3 1.17 0.14C.645 2 1.5 0.31

Table6DimensionsofthefivelargepitsassociatedwiththefoundationtrenchC�506

One of the large pits (C.258) was dated to the Iron Age. Charcoal from the middle fill returned a date of cal 90 BC–AD 51 (UBA-13295). The pit was rectangular in plan, with vertical sides and a flat base (Plate 13). Heat-shattered stone was included in the fills and evidence of clay lining was recorded on the sides and the base. The upper two fills includ-ed a lot of small stone and the basal fill may have acted as a clay lining for the pit. Charred plant remains, including hazelnut shells and barley, were recovered from one of the fills of the pit. A post-hole and a stake-hole (C.281 and C.464) located on either edge of the

Plate11: Mid-excavationoffoundationtrenchC�506atCaherdrinny3�

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

35


pit may have functioned as pit-side furniture. Four additional stake-holes were located in a line, 1.5 m in length, beyond the post C.281. They may have functioned as a screen or windbreak for the hearth C.395. The hearth was irregular in shape and measured 1.5 m by 0.62 m and 0.1 m in depth and the base was burnt in situ.

The pit C.596 was shallower than the other four large pits. Sherds of Early Neolithic carinated bowl (Vessel 19) were recovered from the pit. Evidence for in situ burning was recorded at the base of pit C.645. The pit was cut by one of the post-holes C.479 and a small pit C.468.

A group of six pits (C.232, C.246, C.299, C.316, C.445, C.731 and C.737) were lo-cated to the south-east of the projected line of the main foundation trench C.506. No post-holes were interspersed between the pits.

Four small pits (C.239, C.216, C.331 and C.757), three post-holes (C.637, C.1098 and C.1105), a hearth C.372 (Plate 14) and a group of eight stake-holes (C.661, C.663, C.665, C.667, C.669, C.671, C.673 and C.675) were located to the south of the main group of pits and post-holes. They were dispersed across an area that measured c. 40 sq m. The pit C.331 measured 0.82 m by 0.76 m by 0.26 m. The fill of the pit was 90% small stones (Plate 15), similar to those recovered from the pit C.258 dated to the Iron Age. The hearth C.372 measured 1.08 m by 0.8 m by 0.1m in depth. The base of the hearth was burnt in

Plate12:Post-excavation view ofpost-holeC�40atCaherdrin-ny3�Notethepackingstoneand the stone inclusionsfromthefillsonleft�


36

Plate13:Post-excavationviewofpitC�258atCaherdrinny3�

Plate14:Post-excavationviewofhearthC�372atCaherdrinny3�

152

265

41

451

118

289

333

535

97

294

117

301

283

303

388

346

48

278

515

352

324

312

336

63

328

307

364

286

358

230

581

322

517

527

62

493

337

584

354

244

359

355

361

386

540

155

186

558

254

76

125 127

629

522

520

129

617

264

384

624

571

262

439

338

±

05m

Hearth

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

37


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re1

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38

situ. A single indeterminate charred cereal grain was recovered from one of the fills. The stake-holes were clustered together 1.8 m to the north-east of the hearth. They probably represent the remains of hearth-side furniture. A single sherd of Early Bronze Age pottery (Vessel 35) was recovered from the fill of pit C.216.

Activity located to the south of Structure 2A group of features, including pits, post-holes and stake-holes, hearths, and a foundation trench, were located in an area that measured c. 20 m NW–SE by 10 m NE–SW (Figure 14). Radiocarbon dates, lithics and pottery dating from the Mesolithic, the Neolithic, the Beaker periods and the Bronze Age were recorded in the area (see Figures 4, 5 and 7). The earlier features had been disturbed by later activity and this resulted in the re-deposition of artefacts.

Plate15:Mid-excavationviewofpitC�331atCaherdrinny3�Thestonevisibleintherightbackgroundwasrecoveredfromthepit�

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

39


Feature Radiocarbon date Pottery Vessels (V) ArtefactsHollow C.145 Early Neolithic flint debitage &

flake E2422:146:1 & 2Foundation trench C.278

Early Neolithic sherd not assigned to any vessel

Neolithic flint blade E2422:277:1

Pit C.289 cal BC 4685–4498 (UB–13287)

Hearth C.294 cal BC 3701–3639 BC (UBA-13289)

Pit C.301 Middle Neolithic flint core E2422:302:1

Pit C.451 cal BC 1634–1496 (UB–13294)

Early Neolithic lithics E2422:405:1-3

Pit C.527 Early Neolithic pottery V18 & V21

Early Neolithic lithic E2422:539:1 & Late Neolithic /Early BA lithics E2422:526:2-4 & 7

Pit C.535 Beaker pottery V34 Pit C.535Post-hole C.540 Early Neolithic sherd not

assigned to any vessel & Middle BA pottery V38

Pit C.2789 Middle Neolithic pottery V39

Table7Rangeofradiocarbondatesandartefactsrecoveredfromsixpits,ahearth,apost-holeandafoundationtrench

A large rectangular pit C.451 was aligned NW–SE and measured 4.19 m by 2.50 m by 0.20 m in depth (Plate 16). Three lithics, flint debitage and two rubbing/hammer stones (E2422:405:1-3), dated to the Early Neolithic, were recovered from the fill. Prunus

Plate16:Mid-excavationviewofpitC�451atCaherdrinny3�


40

charcoal from the same fill was dated to the Middle Bronze Age, cal BC 1634–1496 (UB–13294) which suggests that all the artefacts were re-deposited. Pit C.301/303 was located 1 m to the north-west of pit C.451. It measured 2.3 m by 0.9 m by 0.22 m in depth but was truncated by a modern furrow. A flint core (E2422:302:1) dated to the Middle Neolithic was recovered from the fill of pit C.301. Several small stones were recovered from the fills of pits C.451 and C.301/303 and C.307. The stones could have been packing from foun-dation trenches (similar to those recovered from the foundation trench of Structure 1).

A group of features that comprised seven pits (C.312, C.324, C.388 C.515, C.517, C.527 and C.535), three post-holes (C.322, C.328 and C.540), four stake-holes (C.520, C.617, C.624 and C.629) and a hearth C.336 were located on the south-western side of pit C.451.

A pit C.527 was located immediately west of the pit C.451. The pit measured 0.84 m in diameter by 0.25 m in depth (Plate 17). Four sherds of Early Neolithic pottery (Vessel 18) and three fragments of flint debitage and a sandstone rubbing stone, (E2422:526:2-4 and 7), dated to the Late Neolithic period were recovered from the upper fill C.526. A frag-ment of quartz crystal debitage (E2422:539:1) dated to the Early Neolithic and two sherds of Early Neolithic pottery (Vessel 21) were recovered from basal fill C.539. The southern side of the pit cut a post-hole C.540. A sherd of Early Neolithic pottery (E2422:541:1, not assigned to any vessel) and a sherd of Middle Bronze Age pottery (E2422:541:2 (Vessel 38)) were recovered from the fill of the post which suggests that features that dated to the Early Neolithic were disturbed by later phases of activity. A stake-hole and a small pit C.517 were located on the northern edge of the pit.

A hearth C.336 was located 1 m south-west of pit C.527. The base was burnt in situ. A total of 18 fragments of burnt animal bone were recovered from the hearth. Five of the bones belonged to a large-sized mammal such as cattle, the remaining fragments were indeterminate as they were totally calcined. A single grain of wheat was also recovered. Three stake-holes (C.617, C.624 and C.629) located 2.7 m to the west may have formed a wind break, 1.8 m in length, to shelter the hearth. A group of three pits (C.312, C.324 and C.515) and two post-holes (C.322 and C.328) were located to the south-east of the hearth. All the features were small and shallow.

Two additional pits (C.388 and C.535) were located to the south-west. Pit C.535 was the larger of the two. A single sherd of Beaker pottery (Vessel 34) was recovered from the upper fill of the pit. The Beaker vessel was one of only two recovered from the site. The second Beaker Vessel 40 was recovered from the south-eastern section of the site, c. 75 m to the east.

Three large elongated pits (C.283, C.333 and C.352) were located to the north-east of pit C.451. Pit C.352 cut pit C.283.

A foundation trench C.278 was located 3.5 m south-east of pit C.451. It measured 2.4 m in length and ranged 0.15-0.45 m in width by 0.15 m in depth (Plate 18). The sides were steep and the base was flat but irregular. The base of the trench was cut by two stake-holes (C.338 and C.384), both were located in the widest parts of the trench. Two pits (C.346 and C.354) cut the south-eastern end of the trench. A flint blade and a sherd of Neolithic

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

41


pottery (E2422:277:1 and 2) was recovered from the pit C.354. The foundation trench may represent the remains of a structure or a wind-break that protected the hearth C.294 from the south. A small sample of hazelnut shells were recovered from trench.

Two small pits (C.286 and C.307) and a hearth C.294 were located on the north-eastern side of the foundation trench. The hearth and associated stake-holes (C.262 and C.264) were located within a small hollow. The hearth measured 1.10 m by 0.80 m and the underlying subsoil was burnt to a depth of 0.01 m (Plate 19). Hazel charcoal from the hearth returned an Early Neolithic radiocarbon date of 3701–3639 BC (UBA-13289).

Two post-holes (C.364 and C.584) and four of the pits (C307, C.346, C.354 and C.581) may have been associated with the foundation trench C.278. They formed an arc c. 4.8 m in length.

Context type Context no. Length Width DepthPost-hole C.364 0.67 0.55 0.13Post-hole C.584 0.28 0.2 0.79Pit C.307 0.63 0.62 0.1Pit C.346 1.04 0.44 0.15Pit C.354 0.65 0.6 0.2Pit C.581 0.52 0.48 0.12

Table8Dimensionsofpost-holesandpitsassociatedwithfoundationtrenchC�278



42

Plate18:Post-excavationviewoffoundationtrenchC�278fromsouth-westatCaherdrinny3�

Plate19:Mid-excavationviewofhearthC�294atCaherdrinny3�

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

43


Two large pits (C.289 and C.118) were located to the south of the foundation trench C.278. The pit C.289 measured 2.05m by 1.4 m by 0.34 m in depth. A Late Mesolithic date of cal BC 4685–4498 (UB–13287) was obtained from hazel charcoal from a middle fill of the pit. Pit C.118 was located 2.5 m south of pit C.289. It measured 2.55 m by 2.3 m and 0.2 m in depth. Two stake-holes (C.127 and C.129) cut the south side of the pit and a third pit C.117 was located on the northern edge.

There were a number of small shallow pits (including C.81, C.84, C.87, C.92, C.113 and C.130) to the south of the two large pits (C.289 and C.118) (see Figure 19). All the fills of the pits included heat-shattered stone. Flint debitage and a flake (E2422:146:1 and 2) dated to the Early Neolithic were recovered from a hollow C.145. Three stake-holes (C.100, C.101 and C.102) were located in a row to the south-west of the hollow.

A single bodysherd from a Middle Neolithic globular bowl (E2422:2788:1, Vessel 39) was recovered from an irregular pit C.2789 (see Figure 7). The pit was located 9 m south of the hollow C.145 (Figure 15). It measured 0.7 m by 0.63 m by 0.3 m in depth. A group of five post-holes (C.2715, C.2736, C.2749, C.2758 and C.2762) were located 4 m east of the pit dated to the Middle Neolithic. Four of the posts (C.2715, C.2736, C.2749 and C.2758) formed a rectangular structure, orientated NE – SW which measured 2.6 m by

145

81

2789

2796

2833

2832

2715

2736

2758

2762

2749

100

102101

0 10 m

Figure15:Post-excavationplanoftheactivitylocatedonthecentralsouthernedgeatCaherdrinny3�


44

1.7 m externally. Posthole C.2762 was located at a distance of 1.5 m SE from posthole cut 2758.

Activity located in the vicinity of the Bronze Age kiln C.48This area comprised a kiln C.48, dated to the Early Bronze Age, and a group of structural stake-holes located to the north of the kiln. A rectangular structure, Structure 3, was located 12 m north-east of the kiln.

The key-hole shaped kiln C.48 measured 2.6 m in length by 1.4 m in width and was 0.5 m deep (Figure 16). The chamber of the kiln measured 1.1 m in diameter and 0.5 m in depth and the base was heat-scorched (Plate 20). Some stones and clay lined the edge of the cut, but it was not a stone-lined kiln. Subsoil at the base of the kiln was scorched to a depth of 0.1 m. Sherds of Middle Bronze Age domestic cordoned urns (Vessels 36 and 37) were recovered from two of the fills (C.31 and C.45) of the kiln and one of the stake-holes C.188. A flint blade (E2422:45:1) dated to the Neolithic was also recovered from the kiln. Charred plant remains, which totalled over 600 seeds, were recovered from the kiln. Weeds were common but indeterminate cereals were the predominant seed type in the assemblage. The only identifiable cereal type was hulled barley which tends to be most significant grain type recovered from Bronze Age sites (see Appendix 8). An Early Bronze Age date of 1657–1498 BC (UBA–13231) was obtained from some of the barley grains.

A post-hole C.76 and a linear feature C.97 were located on the southern side of the chamber of the kiln. The linear feature may have been used as a bellows for the kiln. It measured 0.4 m by 0.15 m by 0.4 m in depth. Two stake-holes (C.188 and C.197) were located equidistant, 0.7 m east and west, of the entrance to the flue.

A cluster of stake-holes were located within a distance of 12 m to the north-east of the kiln. No artefacts were recovered from any of the stakes. Some of the stake-holes formed particular alignments, the remnants of furniture or shelters. A group of eight of the stake-holes (C.189, C.190, C.191, C.192, C.193, C.194, C.218 and C.249) were located c. 2.4 m north of the kiln. They measured on average 0.1m in diameter by 0.08 m in depth. All the fills were a charcoal-rich sandy clay similar to some of the fills recorded in the kiln. The majority of the eight formed a line 1.9 m in length. Five of the stake-holes (C.1136, C.1156, C.1162, C.1171 and C.1179) were set in a semi-circular pattern with a diameter of 1.4 m. The pattern was replicated in the area west of the Neolithic house (Structure 1). A further seven of the stake-holes (C.1190, C.1192, C.1196, C.1202, C.1204, C.1208 and C.1210) formed an arc 1.7 m in length. The stakes were set at very regular intervals to one another. Six stake-holes (C.759, C.773, C.775, C.1172, C.1174 and C.1176) formed an arc c. 4 m in length to the east of the group of five and seven. The interval between the stakes in the arc was irregular.

The remainder of the stake-holes, eight to the east (C.169, C.180, C.252, C.751, C.790, C.794, C.1138 and C.1158) and six (C.1150, C.1152, C.1154, C.1260, C.1264 and C.1286) to the north-east, did not appear to belong to any of the other alignment or form any particular pattern. The base of a possible hearth C.741, which measured 0.65 m by 0.4 m,

41

1676

48

1306

97

162

172

1670

1222

1297

784

93

63

180

2836

76

169

105

62

1599

816

777

1672

1255

1347

155

186

1071

759

1127

1336

1636

1244

751

1559

1198

1318

1330

220

1609

1664

191

1666

1231

790

1260

1200

1136

775

1221

11621156

1566

1215

1219

773

1150

194

197

189

1643

800

1286

1171

188

770

11381190

1608

252

1225

1176

1617

249

1179

1154

1204

1264

193

1174

1210

1188

1196

1300

1590

1208

794

1302

1152

1341

1606

1246

1630

1312

1308

1314

218

1310

1640

1668

1683

1654

1648

1158

1694

1327

190

1634

192

1345

1343

1192

1172

1202

1632

1650

1303

741

0 5 m

Structure 3

Hearth

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

45


Figure16:Post-excavationplanoftheactivitylocatedinthevicinityofthekilnC�48atCaherdrinny3�


46

was located between two of the stake-holes (C.759 and C.751).Two post-holes (C.816 and C.1255) were located in the midst of the stakes.

Structure 3

A building, quadrilateral in plan, was recorded 15 m to the north-east of the kiln. It meas-ured 8.5 m north to south by 7.8 m east to west. The interval between the posts and stakes was irregular, and there was a dense concentration of them in the northern corner of the building. The pattern of the composite features of each side of the building was different. No entranceway was identified. An Early Bronze Age date of 1871–1632 BC (UBA-13291) was obtained from one of these posts. A large irregular pit within the building contained pottery and lithics dated to the Early Neolithic, suggesting that the pit pre-dated the building, or that the finds were re-deposited. The area was truncated by a modern field boundary to the west and by plough furrows.

The southern wall line terminated in a post-hole (C.1071 and C.1599) at either end. A stake-hole was located 0.8 m inside each of the posts (C.1231 and C.1609 respectively). The remainder of the wall line comprised four stake-holes (C.1300, C.1302, C.1308 and C.1314) which were spaced at regular intervals, between 0.6-0.8 m apart, in the central part of the wall line. Post-hole C.1071 measured 0.2 m in diameter and was 0.12 m deep. Post-hole C.1599 measured 0.47 m by 0.37 m by 0.1 m in depth.

The eastern wall measured 4.2 m in length and comprised two post-holes (C.1599 and C.1636) and at least six stake-holes (C.1608, C.1617, C.1634, C.1648, C.1650 and

Plate20:Post-excavation view of kiln C�48fromnorthatCaherdrinny3�

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

47


C.1654). The post-hole C.1599 formed the south-eastern corner and the second post was located 2.5 m north-east of it, two thirds of the way on the wall line. Four of the stake-holes (C.1608, C.1648, C.1650 and C.1654) were located close to one another in the north-east corner. A flint scraper (E2422:1649:1) dated to the Neolithic was recovered from one of them C.1650 (Plate 21).

The northern wall measured 6 m in length. It comprised two post-holes (C.1198 and C.1658) and at least six stake-holes (C.1215, C.1221, C.1640, C.1666, C.1672 and C.1683). The post-hole C.1198 formed the northern corner and the post C.1658 was located 1.9 m to the south-east. The interval between the features was irregular, five of the stake-holes were located for example on the western half of the wall line.

The western wall measured 7.8 m in length and comprised four post-holes (C.1071, C.1200, C.1330 and C.1336) and 12 stake-holes (C.1219, C.1225, C.1246, C.1310, C.1327, C.1339, C.1341, C.1343, C.1345, C.1347, C.1566 and C.1559). Post-hole C.1071 formed the southern corner and post-hole C.1198 the northern corner. Stone packing was re-corded in post-hole C.1336. An Early Bronze Age date of cal BC 1871–1632 (UB–13291) was obtained from hazel charcoal from the post-hole C.1200. Nine of the stakes (C.1219, C.1225, C.1310, C.1327, C.1339, C.1341, C.1343, C.1345 and C.1347) were located within 2.4 m of the northern corner and the other three were dispersed along the remainder of the wall line.

A large irregular pit C.1676 was located within Structure 3. The pit C.1676 (Plate 22) measured 3.4 m in length east-west by 1.08 m in width and 1.17 m in length NE/SW by a maximum of 1.35 m in width. It was 0.5 m in depth. It was irregular, curved and shallow, the long axis was orientated east-west and the short axis NE/SW. It may have been a large elongated shallow pit or layers of occupation horizons which had survived within a hol-

Plate21:TwosidesofaflintscraperE2422:1649:1datedtotheNeolithicfromCaherdrinny3�


48

low. A total of three main fills (C.1625, C.1645 and C.1646) were recorded within the pit. A few medium and large stones were recorded in the basal fill C.1646. A Neolithic flint blade (E2422:1625:1) and a sherd of Early Neolithic pottery, not assigned to any vessel, were recovered from the fill C.1625. Two fragments of flint debitage (E2422:1645:1 and 2) were recovered from the fill C.1645. One post-hole C.1325 and five stake-holes (C.1334, C.1348, C.1556, C.1638 and C.1651) were cut into the upper fill C.1625 and a small pit C.1694 was cut into the upper fill C.1645. Eight sherds of Early Neolithic pottery (Ves-sel 33) were recovered from the fill C.1324 of post-hole C.1325. Other sherds of pottery assigned to Vessel 33 were recovered from the fills of a stake-hole C.1226 and a post-hole C.1365 on the exterior of Structure 1.

Five stake-holes (C.1590, C.1630, C.1632, C.1640 and C.1694) were located on the edge of the pit.

A pit C.1670 and two stake-holes (C.1664 and C.1668) were located to the north of Structure 3. Burnt subsoil was recorded to the south and north-west of Structure 3 (C.2836 and C.1303 respectively). It may represent the remains of outdoor hearths or could be burning associated with the modern field boundary.

Activity in the eastern section of Caherdrinny 3The eastern side of the site was characterised by localised small groups of features in contrast to the dense pattern of features in the area to the south of Structure 1. The rem-

Plate22:Post-excavationviewofpitC�1676atCaherdrinny3�

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

49


nants of prehistoric domestic activity dated to the Beaker, Early Bronze Age and Iron Age periods (Figure 17). Small amounts of charred plant remains, charred animal bone, occa-sional sherds of pottery and lithics were recovered from the area. Four radiocarbon dates, one from the Early/Middle Bronze Age and three from the Iron Age, were obtained from features in the area (see Figures 4, 5 & 7). Very little material dated to the Neolithic was recovered from this portion of the site, although there were some exceptions, for example two flint flakes (E2422:2602:1 and E2422:2633:1) dated to the Neolithic were recovered from fills of an isolated shallow pit C.2603. The pit was located between two centres of activity dated to the Beaker Period. A quartzite hammer stone (E2422:2665:1) was recov-ered from the fill of a small pit C.2664. The pit was located 10.5 m to the south of activity dated to the Early Bronze Age.

Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age (Beaker) activityThree groups of features were assigned to the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age (Beaker) period. They were located c. 35 m apart. No definite structure was identified at any of the locations and each group of features was different to the others.

The first group of features dated to the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age (Beaker) was located on the western edge of the area. The group comprised two small post-holes (C.2714 and C.2727) and five pits (C.2722, C.2742, C.2796, C.2800 and C.2807). The pits were located 3 m east of the two posts. Flecks of burnt clay and burnt bone, too small to be identified were recovered from some of the fills of the pits. Hazelnut shells were also recovered from the fill of pit C.2807. Pit C.2722 measured 0.7 m by 0.56 m by 0.24 m in depth. It was cut by a stake-hole and a smaller pit (C.2725 and C.2742). A rubbing stone (E2422:2727:1) dated to the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age and a perforated baked clay object (E2422:2726:1) were recovered from fills of the pit.

A second group of features dated to the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age (Beaker) was located 40 m to the south-east. The group comprised a hearth (C.2691) and seven small shallow pits (C.2657, C.2668, C.2683, C.2692, C.2693, C.2700 and C.2703). The hearth extended beyond the area of the excavation to the south and the pits were located to the north of the hearth. A sherd of Beaker pottery (E2422:2682:1, Vessel 40) was recovered from the pit C.2683 adjacent to the hearth. The remainder of Vessel 40 was recovered from a pit (C.2521) located c. 35 m to the north. A small assemblage of charred plant remains, including hazelnut shells and barley, were also recovered from the fill. The pit measured 0.51 m by 0.32 m by 0.07 m in depth.

A third group of features dated to the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age (Beaker) was located c. 35 m to the north. A group of features dated to the Iron Age was located in the intervening space. The third group was very different to the other two as the features were dispersed in an area that measured c. 20 m north-south by 25 m east-west. The group comprised ten pits (C.2500, C.2502, C.2511, C.2513, C.2521, C.2530, C.2546, C.2555, C.2568 and C.2618), five post-holes (C.2504, C.2523, C.2544, C.2551 and C.2576), seven stake-holes (C.2517, C.2519, C.2520, C.2527, C.2533, C.2537 and C.2542) and a linear feature (C.2541). The majority of the features were small and shallow.

2739

27302794

2688

2541

2692

2603

2700

2618

2704

2705

2568

2510

2757

2500

2521

2598

2722

2531

2546

2645

2502

2823

2668

2814

2513

2664

26962752

2714 2839

2593

2551

2846

2818

2504

2717

2660

2691

2659

2523 2533

2851

2527

2822

2742

2802

2520

2537

2517

2686

2519

28292834

2796

2657

2763

2719

2712

2703

28382807

2741

2555

2683

25762530

2800

2544

2804

2746

2542

2568

2693

0 25 m

2571

2585

2586

2575

2560

2627

2606

2596

2584

2631

2624

2609

2621

2639

26262610

2600

2650

26172638

2568

2612

2614

2672

264627702786

2780

2784

2774

2760

27762782

2772

2778

27832768

Hearth

Iron Ageactivity

Iron Ageactivity

Beakeractivity

Beakeractivity

Beakeractivity

Early Bronze Ageactivity

BC175-48

BC1606-1444

BC344-52

BC 107AD 48


50

Figure17:Post-excavationplanoftheprehistoricactivitylocatedintheeasternareaofthesiteatCaherdrinny3�

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

51


One of the pits located on the eastern edge of the group (C.2521) measured 0.78 m by 0.6 m by 0.16 m in depth (Plate 23). A flint flake and debitage (E2422:2522:1–3) dated to the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age and several sherds of Beaker pottery (Vessel 40) were recovered from the fill of the pit. Two of the post-holes C2551 and C.2576) and two of the stake-holes (C.2537 and C.2542) were located in close proximity to one another. Evidence of burnt clay was recorded within the fills. Samples from fills of some of the pits and post-holes were sieved but no plant remains were recovered.

A portion of a curvilinear ditch (C.2541) was recorded to the west of the posts and stakes. It was U-shaped in profile and measured 3.2 m by 0.8 m and 0.3 m in depth. Three pits (C.2530, C.2555 and C.2568) were located on the eastern side of the ditch.

Early Bronze Age activityOne group of features was assigned to the Early Bronze Age. It comprised two pits (C.2672 and C.2646) and ten stake-holes (C.2768, C.2770, C.2772, C.2774, C.2776, C.2778, C.2780, C.2782, C.2784 and C.2786) were located on the eastern edge of the site (see inset in Figure 17). Pit C.2672 measured 2.5 m by 1.2 m by 0.5 m in depth. A large percentage of charcoal and burnt clay were recorded in the two basal fills (C.2673 and C.2674 respectively) but the edges of the cut were not burnt in-situ. A flint blade (E2422:2673:1), dated to the Neolithic, was recovered from the basal fill. A percentage of stone was recorded in the upper two fills of the pit. The pit may have functioned like a kiln with the chamber in the eastern section and the flue in the western. No plant remains

Plate23:Mid-excavationofpitC�2521atCaherdrinny3�


52

were recovered from the fills. The second pit C.2646 was located to the immediate south. It was surrounded by ten stake-holes which would have formed a shelter or pit-side fur-niture (Plate 24). An Early Bronze Age date of 1606–1444 BC (UB–13302) was obtained from hazel charcoal from the fill of pit C.2646. Charred plant remains, including barley, knotgrass and hazelnut, were recovered from the pit.

Iron Age activityTwo groups of features were assigned to the Iron Age. They were located c. 50 m apart. No definite structure was identified at either of the locations and both group of features was different to the others.

The first group of features was located on the north-eastern edge of the area of ex-cavation. Two of the features were dated to the Iron Age and a concentration of Middle Bronze Age pottery was recovered from another feature.

Two large irregular features (C.2730 and C.2739) were spaced 8.5 m apart. They may have been stone extraction pits. Pit C.2739 measured 5 m by 3.2 m by 0.38 m in depth (Plate 25). Several sherds of Middle Bronze Age pottery (Vessel 41) was recovered from two of the fills of the pit. Pit C.2730 was a similar size but the stony fills did not include any pottery. Two stake-holes (C.2802 and C.2804) were located to the south of the pit C.2739. Two foundation trenches (C.2719 and C.2763) were located parallel to one an-other and 2 m apart. They measured on average 2.5 m in length by 0.5 m in width by

Plate24:Post-excavationviewofpitC�2646andsurroundingstake-holesatCaherdrinny3�

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

53


0.2 m in depth. One stake-hole C.2746 was recorded on the base of foundation trench C.2719.

Two substantial postholes (C.2696 and C.2712) and an irregular pit (C.2794) were located to the west of the trenches. Post-hole (C.2696) measured 0.55 m by 0.43 m by 0.41 m in depth (Plate 26). Charcoal from the fill returned an Iron Age date of 107 BC–AD 48 (UBA-13302). A small amount of barley and hazelnut shell was recovered from the fill of the post. Hazelnut shells were also recovered from the fill of the post C.2712.

Five features (three pits C.2752, C.2660 and C.2814, a stake-hole C.2829 and a sub-stantial post-hole C.2823) were located on the eastern and western periphery of the group. They included a small shallow pit (C.2660) which measured 0.31 m by 0.23 m and 0.04 m in depth (Plate 27). Burnt clay and slag was recovered from the fill. Charcoal from the pit returned an Iron Age date of 344–52 BC (UBA-13303).

The second group of features dated to the Iron Age were located c. 50 m to the south-east (Plate 28). The group included five pits (C.2560, C.2575, C.2584, C.2585 and C.2596), four linear features (C.2571, C.2586, C.2606 and C.2627) and 13 stake-holes (C.2600, C.2609, C.2610, C.2612, C.2614, C.2617, C.2621, C.2624, C.2626, C.2638, C.2639, C.2641 and C.2650). The pits were all oval in shape, but varied in size and were ori-entated with their long axis north-south. They were filled with a similar charcoal-rich material with inclusions of heat shattered stones. Small amounts of indeterminate burnt animal bone were recovered from two of the pits (C.2560 and C.2575) and charred plant remains, including barley, were recovered from the fill of C.2575. The linear features may



54

Plate26:Mid-excavationviewofpost-holeC�2696atCaherdrinny3�


Caherdrinny 3-e2422

55


have formed foundation trenches, C.2606 was located at a right angle to C.2586 and C.2627 was located at a right angle to C.2571. They did not form a complete structure but may have functioned as a screen or shelter. Charcoal from the fill of the linear C.2571 was dated to the Iron Age cal BC 175–48 (UB–13299). Four of the stake-holes (C.2624, C.2621, C.2638 and C.2617) formed a line 2.2 m in length which extended from the pit C.2596 to the linear C.2627.

Activity in the northern section of Caherdrinny 3The northern portion of the site was characterised by activity dating to the Early Neo-lithic period and the medieval period (Figure 18). The Early Neolithic activity extended c. 25 m north of Structure 1, encompassing the linear feature C.2064. The medieval and post-medieval activity was dispersed across the northernmost area, which measured c. 100 m north-south by 50 m east-west.

Early Neolithic activityThe activity dating to the Early Neolithic extended c. 25 m north of Structure 1.Two groups of features were identified.

The first group assigned to the Early Neolithic were dispersed across an area that measured 30 m north-south by 22 m east-west. This group of features comprised five pits (C.2029, C.2061, C.2066, C.2067 and C.2072), three post-holes (C.2038, C.2040 and

Plate28:ViewofgroupoffeaturesdatedtotheIronAgefromwestatCaherdrinny3�

3052

3057

3118

3124

3032

3124

3127

1397

20522048

1391

3048

2110

3117

1401

3041

2154

1357

1597

2175

2831

2119

2061

2116

3056

3016

2131

2141

2086

1367

2011

1356

2064

2167

1585

3021

2066

1685

2006

3011

2123

2097

3068

2004

3014

2015

2050

2009

2152

2027

2017

2024

3092

1355

2029

3111

2080 3023

1618

21343025

3076

2013

1375

1093

2067

1383

3104

3070

2072

2036

2040

2022

3072

1399

1678

2171

3007

2020

30963082

2002

1655

932

3005

1394

3003

1377

1412

2076

3001

1410

1680

2149

2031

2121

3092

1689

1296 10281574

1660

1578

2094

2038

3109

3026

13882045 1405

1372

14081403

1693

3009

3050

2046

2008

1386

1621 1623

1384 1591

3077

1673

3054

3027

940 937 472 1365

16851580 15681129

0 25 m

2085

2096

2118

2089

2074

2108

2100

2090

2124

2106

2126

2102

21042092

2079

3102

3088

3083

3087

2161

2163

2157

2155

3105 3106

30982159

Structure 5

Structure 6

Structure 7


56

Figure18:Post-excavationplanoftheprehistoricandmedievalactivitylocatedinthenorthernareaofthesiteatCa-herdrinny3�

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

57


C.2045) and four linear features (C.2064, C.2110, C.2119 and C.2131). Early Neolithic pottery (sherds from Vessel 42) was recovered from the topsoil adjacent to the linear (C.2110) and a cache of blue flint flakes and debitage were recovered from the linear C.2064.

The four linear features, possible foundation trenches, were located in proximity to one another. Two of the linears (C.2110 and C.2119) formed a right angle. Large stones, which may have been packing stones, were recorded in the upper fill of linear C.2110 (Plate 29).

Context Dimensions Orienta-tion

Artefacts

2064 1.50 x 0.27 x 0.26

NW/SE E2422:2063:1-14 flint flakes and debitage

2110 3.65 x 0.95 x 0.4 NW/SE Sherds of Early Neolithic pottery (V42 & V43) recovered from topsoil

2119 2.1 x 0.6 x 0.37 NE/SW

2131 1.7 x 0.7 x 0.33 NW/SE

Table9DimensionsoffourlinearfeaturesinthenorthernportionofCaherdrinny3

The linear feature C.2064 was located to the north of the other three. A cache of flint flakes and debitage (E2422:2063:1-14), dated to the Early Neolithic, were recovered from the fill. The flakes were distinctly blue in colour and are among the largest recov-ered from Caherdrinny. Three of the flakes (E2422:2:1, E2422:2063:8 and E2422:2063:3)

Plate29:Mid-excavationoflinearC�2110atCaherdrinny3�


58

form a group knapped off a single platform core. They are similar to two flakes recovered from the occupation surface C.602 (E2422:553:2 and 3) associated with Structure 1. All of the blue flint recovered at the site may be derived from the same location (the Cork coast (Woodman pers. comm.)) as those recovered from Gortore E2410 a prehistoric site located 5 km to the south.

Two pits (C.2066 and C.2072) were located in the same area as the linear features. A third pit (C.2061) was located closer to the western edge of the area of excavation (Plate 30). It measured 1.7 m by 1.05 m by 0.35 m in depth and was pear-shaped in plan. No burning in-situ was recorded in the pit. A shelter belt comprised three post-holes (C.2038, C.2040 and C.2045) was located to the immediate north-west of the pit. It measured 3 m in length. Two shallow pits (C.2029 and C.2050) were located c. 5 m to the west of the group. No artefacts were recovered from this group of features.

The second group assigned to the Neolithic comprised three post-holes (C.2074, C.2079 and C.2089) a foundation trench (C.2096 and C.2118), a pit (C.2085) and ten stake-holes (C.2090, C.2092, C.2100, C.2102, C.2104, C.2106, C.2108, C.2124, C.2126 and C.2128) (see inset Figure 18). The three post-holes, two of the stake-holes and the foundation trench may have comprised a small structure (Structure 5) which measured 2.1 m NE/SW by 1.8 m NW/SE internally (Plate 31). A line of eight stake-holes extended from the mid-point of the foundation trench 3.5 m to the north-east. The interval be-tween the stake-holes was very regular and ranged 0.3-0.4 m. These stake-holes were smaller than the two that comprised the western wall. The three post-holes were set in line 2.7 m long and orientated NE/SW. Stone packing was recorded in two of the posts (C.2079 and C.2089). The foundation trench (C.2096 and C.2118) comprised two sec-tions and measured 1.7 m in length by 0.2 m in depth. The width varied between 0.41-0.28 m. The post-hole C.2079 was located at the eastern end of the foundation trench and would have functioned as a corner post. A pit C.2085 was located at the north-eastern end. It measured 0.96 m by 0.86 m by 0.4 m in depth. No artefacts were recovered from any of the features.

Medieval activityThree groups of features in the northern part of the site were assigned to the medieval period (see Figure 18). They were located in an area that measured c. 100 m north-south by 50 m east-west. Each group of features, which included the partial footprint of two structures, was different to the other. Structure 6, the southernmost structure, was re-corded in relative isolation. Structure 7, dated to the post-medieval period, was associated with an enclosed field system and an extensive group of pits. The third group of features comprised a group of pits, dated to the medieval period. A few sherds of Early Neolithic pottery (Vessels 43 and 44) and a single sherd of MBA pottery (Vessel 45) were recovered from the southern part of this area. These artefacts were re-deposited.

The first group assigned to the medieval period comprised three substantial post-holes and a stone-lined foundation trench. These may have been the components of an in-complete structure (Structure 6). The full extent of the structure could not be discerned.

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

59



Plate31:Post-excavationviewofStructure5atCaherdrinny3fromnorth-west�


60

The foundation trench (C.1397) measured 3.3 m in length by 0.4 m by 0.20 m in depth. The main length of the trench was orientated NE/SW and it extended at right angles at either end to the north-west by a length of 1.4 m (Plate 32). The sides of the trench were stone lined and wide flat stones bridged the top (Plate 33). Charred plant remains, mostly oats, were recovered from a burnt layer (C.1388) located on the interior of the founda-tion trench. The presence of oats is an indicator of medieval activity. A small post-hole (C.1412) was located on the edge of the fill.

A pit (C.1401) was located 2.6 m north-west of the foundation trench, within the in-terior of Structure 6. It measured 2.15 m by 1.99 m by 0.5 m in depth. Three substantial deep post-holes (C.1403, C.1405 and C.1408), set adjacent to one another (Plate 34), and a stake-hole (C.1410) cut the base of the pit. No plant remains were recovered from the fills of the any of the cut features. The post-holes measured on average 0.4 m by 0.35 m by 0.36 m in depth.

The second group assigned to the medieval period comprised a post-medieval field system and associated structure. These were recorded c. 45 m to the north of Structure 6. The group comprised four segments of ditches and foundation trenches (C.3032, C.3016, C.3057 and C.3124), 11 pits (C.2134, C.2141, C.3005, C.3007, C.3011, C.3021, C.3025, C.3032, C.3041, C.3056 and C.3092), five post-holes (C.2076, C.3001, C.3003, 3009 and C.3036), three stake-holes (C.3027, C.3052 and C.3054) and a hearth (C.3014). A further three post-holes (C.2002, C.2008 and C.2022) and 16 pits (C.2004, C.2006, C.2011, C.2013, C.2015, C.2017, C.2020, C.2024, C.2027, C.2031, C.2048, C.2080, C.2086,

Plate32:Post-excavationviewofStructure6atCaherdrinny3fromsouth-east�

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

61


Plate33:Mid-excavationviewoffoundationtrenchC�1397Structure6atCaherdrinny3�

Plate34:Mid-excavationviewofthreepost-holes(C�1403,C�1405andC�1408)Structure6atCaherdrinny3�


62

C.2097, C.2116 and C.2154) were dispersed across an area that measured c. 31 m north-south by 28 m east-west to the south of Structure 7.

Context Dimensions Distance C.3032 13 x 0.58 x 0.35 Gap of 2m between C.3032 and C.3124

Gap of 6m between C.3032 and C.3057C.3057 20 x 1.1 x 0.26 Gap of 7m between C.3057 and C.3124C.3124 12.8 x 0.8 x 0.3

Table10Dimensionsofmedievalditchesandfoundationtrenches

Three of the ditches (C.3016, C.3057 and C.3124) formed three sides of an enclosed field system. It measured c. 15 m NW/SE by 20 m SW/NE and extended beyond the area of the excavation to the east. A clay pipe stem (E2422:3058:1) was recovered from the fill of the ditch C.3057 and fragments of modern glass (E2422:3060:1) from the ditch C.3016. Four small shallow pits (C.2134, C.2141, C.3011 and C.3092) were recorded within the enclosed field system. The fill of the one of the pits (C.3011) included heat-shattered stones.

Two sides of a structure (C.3032, Structure 7) were located to the north-west of the enclosed field system (Plate 35). Structure 7 measured at least 7 m NE/SW by 6.5 m NW/SE and comprised an L-shaped foundation trench. Three fills were recorded within the foundation trench. The sides of the trench were vertical and the base was flat (Plate 36) and it was narrower and deeper than either of the enclosure ditches. A post-medieval date

Plate35:Mid-excavationoffoundationtrenchC�3032Structure7atCaherdrinny3�

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

63


of cal AD 1475–1635 (UB–13297) was obtained from charcoal from the fill of the founda-tion trench C.3032. Two large and irregular pits (C.3041 and 3048) were located at the northern tip of the foundation trench and a third pit (C.3025) and two associated stake-holes (C.3052 and C.3054) was truncated by the trench. A single sherd of a Middle Bronze Age cordoned urn (Vessel 45) was recovered from the fill of the pit C.3041. A hearth C.3014 and three small and shallow post-holes and a stake-hole (C.3003, C.3009, C.3027 and C.3050) were located in the interior of Structure 7. The scorched base of the hearth measured 0.65 m in diameter. A small amount of indeterminate fragments of burnt bone were recovered from the hearth. A clay pipe stem (E2422:3012:1) was recovered from the surface of the hearth. Fragments of animal bone were also recovered from one of the pits (C.3056) located to the north of the hearth. Four of these represent limb bones from a large-sized mammal, probably a cow. Some of the other bones are sufficiently small and thin-walled to have derived from sheep/goat or pig. Fragments of glass and corroded iron (E2422:3055:1 and 2) were also recovered from the fill of the pit C.3056. The pits located to the north and east of the hearth may have located within the interior as the north-eastern limits of the structure are not known. Charred plant remains, including oats, were recovered from some of the fills of the pits (C.3021, C.3048 and C.3056) and post-holes (C.3003, C.3009 and C.3050) and the hearth C.3014.

A pit (C.3023) and two post-holes (C.2076 and C.3036) were located to the south-west (exterior) of the foundation trench. Charred plant remains, including oats, were recovered from some of the fills of the pit (C.3023) and the post-hole (C.2076).

Plate36:ViewofsectionoffoundationtrenchC�3032Structure7atCaherdrinny3�


64

The group to the south of Structure 7 comprised a total of three post-holes (C.2002, C.2008 and C.2022) and 16 pits (C.2004, C.2006, C.2011, C.2013, C.2015, C.2017, C.2020, C.2024, C.2027, C.2031, C.2048, C.2080, C.2086, C.2097, C.2116 and C.2154). Two of the posts (C.2002 and C.2022) were large in size measuring more than 0.4 m in diameter by 0.33 m in depth. Charred plant remains, including naked barley, were recovered from the fill of post C.2002. The pits could be divided into three general cat-egories, the first were oval in plan and shallow in depth with sloping sides, these included (C.2004, C.2006, C.2011, C.2017 and C.2020). They measured a maximum of 1.18 m by 1.12 m by 0.18 m in depth, though some were a good deal smaller in size. A burnt layer (C.2009) was located on the south-east side of pit C.2020. The second group were more regular in plan with steep sides and these included (C.2024, C.2027, C.2031, C.2080, C.2086 and C.2097). Sherds of Early Neolithic pottery (Vessels 43 and 44) were recov-ered from the upper fill (C.2025) of the pit C.2027. The pit measured 0.7 m in diameter by 0.3 m in depth (Plate 37). Sherds of Vessel 43 were also recovered from the topsoil adjacent to the foundation trench C.2110 located c. 25 m to the south. A small amount of indeterminate burnt animal bone and 36 sherds of unglazed red earthenware were recov-ered from the basal fill (C.2026) of the pit. The Early Neolithic pottery was re-deposited. The third group of pits were irregular in plan and size and these included pits (C.2018, C.2048, C.2116 and C.2154). Sherds of Early Neolithic pottery (Vessel 42) were recovered from the fill of one of these irregular pits (C.2048). Sherds from the same vessel were also


Caherdrinny 3-e2422

65


recovered from the topsoil adjacent to the foundation trench C.2110 located 12.5 m to the south-east. Two burnt layers (C.2094 and C.2123) were associated with pit C.2116.

The third group assigned to the medieval period comprised 15 pits (C.2152, C.2175, C.2167, C.2171, C.3068, C.3070, C.3072, C.3076, C.3077, C.3082, C.3088, C.3092, C.3096, C.3102 and C.3117) and five post-holes (C.2149, C.2161, C.3038, C.3087 and C.3104). They were located at the extreme northern end of the area of excavation. A seg-ment of an enclosure (C.3124, C.3127 and C.3118) was located to the west of the group on the western edge of the excavation.

The pits were dispersed across an area that measured c. 30 m north-south by 50 m east-west. A medieval date of cal AD 1032–1161 (UB–13296) was obtained from charcoal from the fill of one of the pits (C.3070). Charred plant remains were recovered from the fills of four of the pits (C.2152, C.2167, C.3088 and C.3117) but only a single cereal grain was recovered from three of these. A substantial assemblage of charred plant remains, including free threshing wheat and oats were recovered from the pit C.3117. This pit was located on the south-western edge of the group and may be the remains of a corn-drying kiln. It was rectangular in plan with steep sides and a flat base but the NW side extended into a shallow narrower extension, which could be the truncated remains of a flue (Plate 38). The entire cut measured 2.90 m by 1.40 m by 0.34 m in depth and the regular rectan-gular section measured 1.4 m by 1.9 m. Five fills were recorded in the cut, one of the fills (C.3114) contained a large percentage of charcoal and the subsoil beneath was scorched. The cereals were recovered from three of the fills, including the burnt fill C.3114. Wheat

Plate38:Post-excavationviewofpitC�3117atCaherdrinny3fromsouth-west�


66

grains, mostly bread wheat, made up 84% of the identifiable cereal assemblage. The re-maining cereals were mostly oat. The samples also contained a small number of legume seeds, which include peas, beans and clover. A flint scraper (E2422:3116:1) dated to the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age was recovered from one of the fills of the pit. It must have been re-deposited.

A relatively large sample of burnt fragments of bone was recovered from a pit (C.3070) on the northern edge of the area of excavation. The pit measured 0.62 m by 0.54 m by 0.31 m in depth (Plate 39). The majority of the bone was small indeterminate fragments of long bones which may be human or animal (sheep/goat/) in origin. Only three of the bones could be positively identified as tibia fragments and a scapula fragment of an adult sheep/goat and a few other specimens belong to a medium-sized animal. The bone was re-covered from the upper fill of the pit. A medieval date of cal AD 1032–1161 (UB–13296) was obtained from the middle fill of the pit.

Two of the pits (C.3088 and C.3102) were associated with three post-holes (C.2161, C.3083 and C.3087) and six stake-holes (C.2155, C.2157, C.2159, C.2163, C.3098 and C.3106). Two post-holes (C.3083 and C.3087) and the stake-hole C.3106 were located on either side of pit C.3088. The remaining post-hole and five stake-holes were located on the edge of the second pit C.3102 (Plate 40). The pits were similar in size and plan, they measured on average 0.52 m by 0.27 m by 0.19 m in depth.

The remainder of the pits varied in size, pits C.2167 and C.2175 were the largest of the remainder of the group. They measured 1.16 m by 1.03 m by 0.24 m in depth and 1.73 m


Caherdrinny 3-e2422

67


by 1.42 m by 0.43 m in depth respectively. The pit C.3096 was the smallest and the shal-lowest of the group, it measured 0.34 m by 0.29 m by 0.07 m in depth.

The ditches (C.3127 and C.3118) enclosed an area that measured 125 m sq and extend-ed beyond the area of the excavation to the north. The ditch C.3118 curved to terminated 3 m south-east of the termination of C.3124 (Plate 41). They measured on average 1.1 m in width by 0.34 m in depth.

Late medieval activity in the south-west corner at Caherdrin-ny 3

An area of activity dated to the late medieval period was recorded in the south-western corner of the site (Figure 19), it comprised a large hearth and associated metalled surface enclosed within a structure (Structure 4) or shelter. The area was enclosed to the north by field boundaries (C.17 and C.39) and the drainage features (C.121 and C.152). The remnants of a field bank were located in the area between the two field boundaries. A lot of evidence of plough furrows, orientated NE/SW, in this area. A segment of an in-filled water course (C.400) was recorded c. 5 m to the south-east of Structure 4.

The hearth (C.6) measured 1.8 m in length by 1.5 m in width by 0.07 m in depth. The underlying subsoil was heat scorched to a depth of 0.05 m. A tiny sample of burnt bone was recovered from the hearth, the fragments were indeterminate. A metalled surface (C.30) was recorded 1.6 m to the south-east of the hearth. The surface comprised sand-

Plate40:Post-excavationviewofpitC�3102andsurroundingstake-holesatCaherdrinny3�

152

17

39

121

41

27

64

118

6

18

289

145

535

99

84

9

32

400

87

451117

81

555

388

564

92

346

35

130

278

515

73

324

312

83

336

424

55

328

113

364

230

581

19

123

322

527

493

337

120

72

135

244

386

59

558

36

286 254

343

100

125

127

629

33

102

129

584

354355

540

5860

101

4496

338384

624

571

30

0 10 m

Structure 4


68

Figure19:Post-excavationplanofthemedievalactivitylocatedinthesouth-westcorneratCaherdrinny3�

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

69


stone pebbles and small stones (sized 0.05 to 0.1 m) embedded into the boulder clay sub-soil (Plate 42). A charcoal-rich layer (C.22) overlay the surface. An assemblage of charred plant remains, which included a cache of oats, were recovered from this layer.

Structure 4 measured 4.5 m north-south by 8.8 m east-west. No evidence of a north-ern or southern wall line was recorded. Both the western and eastern walls comprised a post-hole, a portion of a foundation trench and associated stake-holes.

The post-hole (C.55) was located at the northern end of the western wall line. It meas-ured 0.30 m in diameter and was 0.51 m deep. A large packing stone was located in the western side (Plate 43). Hazel charcoal from the post was dated to cal AD 1450–1631 (UB–13288). The interval between it and a short portion of a possible foundation trench (C.35) to the south was 2.5 m. Two stake-holes (C.44 and C.96) cut the base of C.35 and a third stake-hole (C.36) was located to the south. A second portion of a foundation trench (C.9) was located 1 m farther south. They were on average 0.4 m in width.

The post-hole C.120 was located at the southern end of the eastern wall line. It meas-ured 0.33 m in diameter by 0.22 m in depth. The interval between it and the foundation trench to the north was 2.3 m. The foundation trench (C.27) measured 5 m in length by 0.45 m in width and was 0.17 m deep and was orientated north-south. The trench extended in a north-easterly direction (C.18). This portion of the trench (C.18) measured 1.18 m in length by 0.48 m in width and was 0.06 m in depth. The junction between the trenches was cut by three stake-holes (C.58, C.59 and C.60).

Plate41:ViewofditchesC�3118andC�3124onthenorth-westernedgeofCaherdrinny3�


70

Plate42:ViewofmetalledsurfaceC�30intheinteriorofStructure4atCaherdrinny3�

Plate43:Mid-excavationviewofpost-holeC�55atCaherdrinny3�

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

71


Two shallow irregular pits (C.83 and C.99) were recorded to the north of Structure 4. Burnt hazelnut shells were recovered from the fill of pit C.99.

Modern agricultural features at Caherdrinny 3A number of post-medieval and modern field boundaries were recorded at Caherdrinny 3. The most complete of these was located in the south-western section of the site. The remains of a small field, illustrated on the 1st edition OS map sheet CO019, was recorded in this area. The long axis of the ditches (C.41 and C.265) were orientated NE/SW. The ditches were spaced between 20 and 24 m apart and parallel. The south-western bound-ary of the field C.39 formed a double field ditch with ditch C.17.

Ditch Dimensions (m) Orientation NotesC.152 40 x 1.38 x 0.7 NE/SW and NW/SE

C.41 30 x 0.86 x 0.15 NE/SW Illustrated on 1st ed. OS mapC.265 40 x 1.5 x 0.25 NE/SW

C.39 30 x 0.84 x 0.15 NW/SE Illustrated on 1st ed. OS mapTable11DimensionsofsomeoftheditchesrecordedatCaherdrinny3

The ditch C.152 was V-shaped in plan and contained five fills. The ditch functioned as a drainage channel, as the base was filled with stones. A series of furrows were recorded at Caherdrinny 3. They were generally aligned NE/SE, the same orientation as the long axis of the field.

Specialist results

LithicsThe lithics were examined by Farina Sternke (Appendix 5). The 223 lithic finds from the archaeological excavation at Caherdrinny 3 (E2422) comprised 123 flaked pieces of flint, 37 flaked pieces of quartz crystal, one flaked piece of chert, one flaked piece of quartz, one worked piece of slate, eight utilised pieces of quartzite, four utilised pieces of sandstone and two worked pieces of mudstone as well as eight natural pieces of flint, nine natural pieces of quartz crystal, natural piece of quartz and three natural pieces of amethyst. The assemblage contains thirteen cores, sixteen blades, 50 flakes, eleven retouched artefacts, 97 pieces of debitage and fifteen macro tools, including two polished stone axes, a Moy-nagh point and various hammer and rubbing stones.

A residual Early Mesolithic element in the assemblage comprising of a polished stone axe and a flake were recovered from an occupation surface (Figure 20 and see Plates 2 and 3). A fragment of a Late Mesolithic Moynagh point was recovered from the topsoil (see Figures 5 and 6, Plate 4). The assemblage is dominated by an Early Neolithic typological and technological component which includes single platform cores (Figure 21), blades and flakes, a polished stone axe and associated retouched artefacts (Figure 22). An oc-cupation of the site in the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age is represented by a number of


72

small convex end scrapers and various bipolar cores, flakes and blades. The presence of a small amount of cores and debitage suggests that a limited lithic production took place at the site during the Neolithic period, while flakes and blade blanks were introduced to the site during the Late Mesolithic and also partially in the Early Neolithic. Together with the discarded retouched tools, the recovered cores, flakes, blades, debitage and retouched artefacts represent waste from lithic production and the immediate use of lithic tools at the site, possibly in predominantly domestic activities. The majority of the macro tools are likely to be associated with food processing.

Pottery The pottery was examined by Eoin Grogan and Helen Roche (Appendix 6). This assem-blage consists of 367 sherds of pottery. It represents 36 Early Neolithic carinated bowls, one Middle Neolithic globular bowl, two Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age Beakers, one Early Bronze Age food vessel and five Middle Bronze Age domestic cordoned urns (see Figure 7).

Cremated BoneThe bone was examined by Margaret McCarthy (Appendix 7). Small amounts of charred animal bone were recovered from a small number of prehistoric features and features in the northern portion of the site dated to the medieval period.

Plant remainsThe plant remains were examined by Penny Johnston (Appendix 8). The archaeobotani-cal material from Caherdrinny 3 included sparse remains of Early Neolithic date, where wheat was the most common cereal type found. An unusual Early Bronze Age kiln with a rich assemblage of hulled barley was also identified. Other Early Bronze Age deposits sug-

Figure20:Polished stone axeE2422:287:1 from Ca-herdrinny3�

Figure21:Neolithic flint coreE2422:287:17 fromCaherdrinny3�

Figure22:Neolithic strike-a-lightE2422:1:41 from Caherdrinny3�

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

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gested that naked barley was also an important crop. Medieval archaeobotanical material included large quantities of wheat, probably mostly bread wheat and oats.

Radiocarbon datesRadiocarbon analysis was carried out by the 14 Chrono Centre in Queen’s University Belfast. Dates were calibrated using Calib Rev5.0.2 (©1986-2005 M.Stuiver & P.J. Re-imer) and in conjunction with Stuiver & Reimer 1993 and Reimer et al. 2004.

Lab code

Con-text

Material Un-cali-brated date

δ 13 C

2 sigma calibration

1 sigma calibration

Period

UB-13231

46 Barley from kiln C.48

3291+/-29 -24.5 BC 1657-1656, 1636-1498

BC 1608–1568 1563–1656

Early Bronze Age

UB-13284

957 Prunus spp. charcoal from hearth C.973 in interior of house

5138+/-27 -28.7 BC 4034-4025 3992-3933 3873-3808

BC 3981–3943 3853–3847 3831–3830

Early Neolithic

UB-13285

901 Salix/Populus char-coal from posthole C.892 in interior of house

222+/-21 -27.1 AD 1645-1678 1765-1773 1776-1800 1940-1951

AD 1652-1667 1782-1797

Modern

UB-13286

878 Hazel charcoal from post-hole C.877 in outer wall of house

4926+/-26 -23.6 BC 3766-3722 3718-3650

BC 3708-3658 Early Neolithic

UB-13287

290 Hazel charcoal from pit C.289

5734+/-32 -28.2 BC 4685-4498 BC 4652-4640 4617-4527

Late Me-solithic

UB-13288

57 Hazel charcoal from post-hole C.55 in SW corner of site

368+/-24 -28.1 AD 1450-1524 1558-1631

AD 1461-1516 1596-1618

Late medieval

UB-13289

288 Hazel charcoal from hearth C.288

4877+/-26 -24.5 BC 3701-3639 BC 3693-3681 3664-3641

Early Neolithic

UB-13290

419 Salix/Populus char-coal from post-hole C.409

2027+/-25 -25.6 BC 106-AD 30 AD 37-51

BC 52-AD 5 cal AD 11-17

Iron Age

UB-13291

1199 Hazel charcoal from post-hole C.1200

3420+/-29 -26.9 BC 1871-1845 1812-1803 1776-1632

BC 1754-1684 Early Bronze Age

UB-13292

637 Hazel charcoal from post-hole C.636 in Structure 2

5214+/-27 -26.9 BC 4144-4138 4053-3963

BC 4041-4013 4002-3980

Late Me-solithic

UB-13293

511 Pomoideae char-coal from post-hole C.501

3356+/-24 -25.5 BC 1736-1712 1694-1606 1577-1536

BC 1684-1623 Early Bronze Age

UB-13294

405 Prunus spp. charcoal from pit C.451

3287+/-29 -27.1 BC 1634-1496 BC 1608-1569 1562-1524

Early Bronze Age

UB-13295

268 Hazel charcoal from pit C.258

2020+/-22 -28.0 BC 90-72 58-AD 31 AD 37-51

BC 46-cal AD 4

Iron Age


74

Lab code

Con-text

Material Un-cali-brated date

δ 13 C

2 sigma calibration

1 sigma calibration

Period

UB-13296

3071 Salix/Populus charcoal from pit C.3070 at N end of site

926+/- 23 -26.3 AD 1032-1161 AD 1044-1099, 1119-1142, 1147-1155

High medieval

UB-13297

3061 Prunus spp. charcoal from trench C.3032 at N end of site

339+/- 20 -25.0 AD 1475-1531, 1537-1635

AD 1949-1524, 1558-1602, 1615-1631

Early modern

UB-13299

2572 Salix/Populus charcoal from slot trench C.2571 at E side of site

2092+/-22 -25.3 BC 175-48 BC 163-129, 120-89, 73-58

Iron Age

UB-13300

2647 Hazel charcoal from pit C.2646 at E side of site

3242+/- 23 -25.5 BC 1606-1572, 1559-1549, 1539-1444

BC 1528-1492, 1477-1459

Early/Middle Bronze Age

UB-13302

2695 Pomoideae char-coal from post-hole C.2696 at E side of site

2031+/-23 -26.2 BC 107-AD 27, AD 40-48

BC 83-81, 53 -AD 4

Iron Age

UB-13303

2661 Oak charcoal from pit C.2660 at E side of site

2122+/- 29 -23.6 BC 344-323, 205-52

BC 197-108 Iron Age

Table12RadiocarbondatesfromCaherdrinny3

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8 Discussion

Mesolithic activityA small number of lithics and a single Late Mesolithic radiocarbon date (4685–4498 BC, UBA–13287) obtained from a pit were recorded at Caherdrinny 3. Mesolithic activity was identified at four sites, including Caherdrinny 3, along the route of the N8 Fermoy to Mitchelstown, at Ballinglanna North 1 (E2414) and 6 (E3972) and Gortore 1b (E2410). The evidence from these sites spanned the Early and Late Mesolithic. Dating was based on radiocarbon dates and lithic artefact typology. At two of the sites (Ballinglanna North 1 and 6) the evidence for Mesolithic activity was provided by a single artefact derived from the topsoil. At Gortore 1b the evidence was more substantial in nature.

Early Neolithic featuresRadiocarbon dates and pottery confirm that the rectangular house excavated at Ca-herdrinny 3 was a typical example of a structure that dates to the Early Neolithic. The lithic assemblage, from the area associated with Structure 1 dated to the Neolithic and the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age (Appendix 5).

Recent research into radiocarbon dates from these structures suggests that these struc-tures all appear to have been built c. 3700 BC and the settlements were very short-lived, possibly representing settlement that lasted for 65 years or less (McSparron forthcoming). One of the radiocarbon dates from an external post-hole associated with Structure 1 at Caherdrinny 3 falls within this date range. A second Early Neolithic date ranging cal BC 4034–3808 was obtained from an internal feature within Structure 1 (see the table of radiocarbon dates above). A modern date was obtained from a slot trench (C.892) in the interior of Structure 1 but Early Neolithic pottery (Vessel 28) was also recovered from the same fill (C.901). At least half of the lithics, including rubbing stones, flint debitage and flint flakes, recovered from the fills of Structure 1 were dated to the Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age indicating that the area was disturbed.

Results from development led excavation in Ireland over the past two decades have indicated that Early Neolithic houses were widespread in Ireland. Cooney (2007) count-ed roughly 70 rectangular structures and, excluding examples from Lough Gur, Smyth (2006, 234) suggests a roughly equal tally of rectangular timber structures, found across 40 sites. Additional sites have since been excavated at Russelstown and Busherstown in Co. Carlow (O’Connell and O’Neill 2009, 85 – 97) and along the route of the N8 Fermoy to Mitchelstown, where a further four structures (two from Ballinglanna North 3 and one each from Caherdrinny 3 and Gortore 1b) have been found.

The evidence from Caherdrinny 3 indicates that Early Neolithic occupation was widespread across the site, including the remains of the large structure and one possi-ble structure, Structures 1 and 2. Two buildings were also discovered at Tankardstown, Co. Limerick (Gowen 1988), at Ballinglanna North 3, Co. Cork and at Coolfore in Co.


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Louth. Other sites where more than two houses have been found include Corbally, Co. Kildare (7 structures have been excavated to date) and Thornhill in Co. Derry, Knowth, Co. Meath and Lough Gur in Co. Limerick (where multiple buildings were uncovered). Explanations for why the rectangular house-style is so widespread are unknown and at-tempts to explain the house style in terms of mobility versus sedentism are undoubtedly too simplistic.

The internal dimensions of Structure 1 were 8 m by 5.7 m. The size range of Early Neolithic houses appears to fall into two distinct categories, with one cluster measuring 6 – 8 m long by 4 - 7 m wide and the second measuring 9 – 11 m long and 6 – 8 m wide (Smyth 2006, 234). Structure 1 at Caherdrinny 3 appears to fall into the first category. In general the floor area was probably similar to other excavate examples at Enagh, Co. Derry (McSparron 2003), Kishoge, Co. Dublin (O’Donovan 2003/4), Ballynagilly, Co. Tyrone (ApSimon 1969), Coolfore 2, Co. Louth (Ó Drisceoil 2003), Corbally II.5 & 6, Co. Kildare (Purcell 2002 and Tobin 2003), Tankardstown 1 (Gowen 1988) and Lough Gur, Co. Limerick (Ó Ríordáin 1954).

The long axis of Structure 1 was aligned roughly north-east to south-west. However, there are many parallels, including houses at Drummenny Lower, Co. Donegal, Lough Gur houses B and K2 and Tankardstown 1 and 2, all in Co. Limerick (from Grogan 2002, 519). While at one point it was thought that the majority of houses were aligned east to west, a great degree of variability was acknowledged, and local factors evidently played a part in the orientation of the buildings (Cooney 2000, 62). More recent analysis has suggested that more houses are aligned along the north-west – south-east and the north-east – south-west axes than the east – west axis (Smyth 2006, 237).

A number of different architectural traditions are evident in the record of Irish Neo-lithic, including both plank-built and post-framed houses (ibid., 58); in some cases several different construction methods have been identified in the same structure. It appears that the wall of Structure 1 at Caherdrinny 3 with its deep foundation trenches and support post-holes, was primarily made up of planks, with posts interspersed at regular intervals as roof supports. Doorways in rectangular Neolithic houses are often located off-centre, but they are usually to the right (Cooney 2000, 59) which was the case at Caherdrinny 3 though the doorway was extremely narrow. The internal post-holes within Structure 1 may have been roof supports but may also indicate the location of internal divisions. Many examples of Irish Neolithic houses show evidence of internal divisions and the ar-eas that are fenced off are generally very small (Grogan 2002, 518 – 20).

Fires appear to have been an important component of the Neolithic domestic space and where examples are found, hearths appear central in both rectangular and circular buildings (Cooney 2000, 61). There was no evidence for an internal hearth in the build-ing excavated at Caherdrinny 3 but two hearths and associated stake-holes forming a tripod arrangement were located to the east and south-east of the house. The presence of several external postholes immediately outside the walls of Structure 1 suggests that the roof extended beyond the walls and was supported by external uprights. These may mir-

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ror examples such as Tankardstown South, where the roof ridge pole extended beyond the house walls at the gable end, providing shelter for an exposed wall (Grogan 1988, 42).

Neolithic activity was not confined to the houses at Caherdrinny 3 as there was ex-tensive evidence for other domestic activity, mostly in the form of pits, surrounding the house. A survey by Smyth (forthcoming) found that pits were amongst the most common Neolithic features that have been excavated in Ireland in the past three decades. Some ac-tivities may have been carried out away from buildings in order to maximise use of space and light. Cooney (2000, 62) suggests a range of activities such as food preparation and tool production. Excavations at several Neolithic house sites have revealed evidence for activity at a short distance from the permanent settlements. Examples include Corbally, Co. Kildare where open-air hearths were located at a short distance from the houses (Pur-cell 2002, 68), a group of pits and stake-holes recorded c. 5 m to the east of a Neolithic house in Cloghers, Co. Kerry (Kiely 2003, 184), and some external pits that were possibly contemporary with the Neolithic house excavated at Kishoge, Co. Dublin (O’Donovan 2003 – 4, 14).

Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age (Beaker)The archaeological evidence for Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age (Beaker) occupation at Caherdrinny 3 took the form of a small number of pits and post-holes that did not form any obvious pattern. The activity at Caherdrinny 3 was testified by the recovery of fragments of two Beaker vessels (Vessels 34 & 40) and a number of lithics that includ-ed a dome-shaped scraper (E2422:1:24), three small convex end scrapers (E2422:266:7, E2422:266:71 and E2422:3116:1), two distinct small bipolar cores (E2422:1:32 and E2422:456:5) and some of the other bipolar elements (see Appendix 5). The majority of the lithics were recovered from secondary contexts, for example the top-soil, the area of Structure 1 (the Early Neolithic house) and from the fills of field boundaries (see Figure 5).

Two definite areas of Beaker activity were recorded on the southern edge of the east-ern side of the site and one in the central portion of the eastern side (see Figure 17). The activity in two of the areas represents the remains of a work space associated with food processing though the pattern of the features varied and it is possible that each was as-sociated with a different work process. The activity comprised small pockets of pits, and a hearth in one case, which were concentrated close together. The pits in the central portion of the eastern side of the site were more dispersed. Evidence of domestic occupa-tion included fragments of Beaker pottery, indeterminate animal bone and charred plant remains.

Beaker activity was identified at nine sites along the N8 Fermoy to Mitchelstown, at Ballinglanna North 2 E2425, 3 E2426 and 5 E2418, Ballynacarriga 3 E2412, Ballyna-mona 2 (Area 1) E2429, Caherdrinny 3 E2422 and Gortnahown 2 E2426 and 3 E2477 and Gortore 1b E2410. A rectangular structure dated to the Beaker was recorded at Gor-tore 1b. Beaker pottery was recorded at four of the sites, Ballynacarriga 3, Ballynamona 2,


78

Caherdrinny 3 and Gortnahown 2. Lithics dated, on technological criteria, to the Beaker period were recovered from seven of the sites (Ballinglanna North 2 and 5, Ballynacarriga 3, Caherdrinny 3, Gortnahown 2 and 3 and Gortore 1b).

Bronze Age activityThe archaeological evidence for Bronze Age occupation at Caherdrinny 3 took the form of a small number of pits and post-holes that did not form any particular pattern and no typical Bronze Age structure was identified. However that said it can be difficult to as-sign features such as post-holes or pits to a particular prehistoric period particularly when several phases of prehistoric activity have been recorded within an area and truncated by modern agricultural activities. Bronze Age activity at Caherdrinny 3 was testified by five radiocarbon dates and the recovery of fragments of one Early Bronze Age tripartite vase (Vessel 35) and five Middle Bronze Age domestic cordoned urns (Vessels 36-38, 41 & 45). The dates were almost exclusively Early Bronze Age and ranged 1871–1444 BC.

One of the identifiable areas of Bronze Age activity was located on the western edge of the area of excavation. An Early Bronze Age date and sherds of Middle Bronze Age pottery were recovered from three substantial post-holes (see figure 12 and plate 10). The post-holes were located in proximity to scorched subsoil and a high proportion of stone, some of it heat-shattered, was recovered from the fills.

A corn-drying kiln (C.48) was also dated to the Early Bronze Age (see Figure 16 and plate 20). It was located 30 m south-east of the post-holes. Sherds of Middle Bronze Age pottery were recovered from the fill of the kiln. A rich sample of charred plant remains was recovered from the fill of the kiln. Weeds were quite common but indeterminate cereals were the predominant seed type in this assemblage. The only identifiable cereal type was hulled barley (see Appendix 8) which tends to be the most significant grain type recovered from Bronze Age assemblages (Fuller et al. in press). Corn drying kilns are generally associated with medieval agricultural activity, although Iron Age examples are known. An earlier example dated to 1520–1435 BC was discovered at Carrigatogher, Co. Tipperary and published under the title ‘The earliest cereal-drying kiln in Ireland?’ (Hackett 2010, 34–5). The radiocarbon date from the kiln at Caherdrinny 3 is contempo-rary with that from Carrigatogher.

A building, irregular in plan, Structure 3, was located 15 m to north-east of the kiln. An Early Bronze Age date was obtained from one of the posts on the western wall. Indi-cators from more than one period were obtained from the building as lithics dated to the Neolithic were recovered from the fill of a large pit in the interior.

Two pits, associated with food processing (see inset in Figure 17 and plate 24) were located at the eastern edge of the site. One of the pits was encircled by ten stake-holes and dated to the Early Bronze Age. Charred plant remains were recovered from the pit.

Sherds of Middle Bronze Age pottery were recovered a fill of the corn-drying kiln and from a pit dated to the Iron Age on the eastern limit of the site.

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Bronze Age activity was widespread along the route of the N8 Fermoy to Mitchel-stown, and was identified at 16 sites: Ballinglanna North 1 E2414, 3 E2416 and 6 E3972, Ballynacarriga 3 E2412, Ballynamona 1 E2428 and 2 E2429, Caherdrinny 2 E2421 and 3 E2422, Glenatlucky E2427, Gortnahown 1 E2423 and 3 E2477, Gortore 1b E2410, Kil-drum E3971, Kilshanny 1 E2430, 2 E2431 and 3 E2432. There was activity dating to all three main phases of the Bronze Age, with burial, settlement activity and burnt mounds from the Early Bronze Age, burial and settlement evidence from the Middle Bronze Age and a hearth and burnt mounds from the Late Bronze Age.

Iron Age activityThe Iron Age activity at Caherdrinny 3 was testified by five radiocarbon dates. The dates ranged BC 344–51 AD. A group of 11 post-holes, 14 pits and a hearth were located close to a foundation trench in the central section of the site (see Figures 4 and 13 and Plate 13). Iron Age dates, ranging BC 106–AD 51, were returned from two of the features in the cluster. It is not possible to be certain if all the features in the group belong to the same phase of activity as lithics, dated to the Early Neolithic, were recovered from the upper fill of one of the dated post-holes. The artefacts were re-deposited when the area was dis-turbed. It is noteworthy that two Iron Age dates were obtained from the group.

Two further Iron Age dates were obtained from a group of features located on the northern edge of the eastern area of the site (see Figure 17 and plate 25). The group in-cluded two foundation trenches and two substantial post-holes and could be the remains of a small shelter though no footprint of a structure could be discerned.

A fifth Iron Age date was obtained from an area that was clearly associated with do-mestic activity though again no definite structure was identified. The pattern of the fea-tures was very different to those recorded 50 m to the north. It is possible that each group was associated with a different work process. The group comprised five pits 13 stake-holes and four linear features. Small amounts of charred animal bone and plant remains were recovered from two of the pits.

Evidence for Iron Age activity was recovered from ten sites excavated along the route of the N8 Fermoy to Mitchelstown. These areas of occupation were identified by radio-carbon dating, as material culture from the period is notoriously difficult to identify. Some Iron Age activity was found at Ballinglanna North 1 E2414, 3 E2416 and 4 E2417, Ballynacarriga 3 E2412, Ballynamona 2 E2429, Caherdrinny 3 E2422, Gortnahown 1 E2423 and 3 E2477, Gortore 1b E2410 and Kilshanny 1 E2430. Few surveys of Iron Age house types in Ireland have been done as these sites remain a rarity. The evidence from the period suggests that most were post-built and are circular or sub-circular in plan (Becker et al. 2008, 25). Houses with footing trenches and gullies dating to the Iron Age have been identified (ibid. 26–27), for example at Ballinaspig More 5, an Iron Age round house site from north Cork (Hanley forthcoming). Iron Age houses were also identified along the route of the N8 Cashel to Mitchelstown (McQuade et al 2009, 149–161), though the remains were more ephemeral.


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Medieval activityFour medieval radiocarbon dates were returned from Caherdrinny 3, one high medi-eval date and two late medieval dates were obtained from the south-west corner and the northern portion of the site. The fourth date, a modern date, was obtained from the Early Neolithic house (Stucture 1) and will not be considered in this section.

An area of activity dated to the late medieval period was recorded in the south-west-ern corner of the site (see Figure 19 and plates 42 and 43), it comprised a large hearth and associated metalled surface enclosed within a structure (Structure 4) or shelter. An assem-blage of charred plant remains, which included a cache of oats, was recovered. Structure 4 was incomplete as only two wall lines were identified. The structure was sheltered to the north-east by the corner of a field boundary and was located within 5 m of a water course.

The medieval activity in the northern portion of the site was dispersed across a large area. The majority of the activity comprised pits, mostly small in size and relatively shal-low in depth. A large cache of wheat (see Appendix 8) was obtained from one pit, which maybe the remains of a corn-drying kiln, and a relatively large amount of charred animal bone from another. With the exception of the two pits no other significant material evi-dence was obtained from any of the other features in the area.

The partial footprint of two structures (6 and 7) was recorded in the northern area (see Figure 18 and plates 32 and 35). The structures were very different to one another and to Structure 4 in form. Structure 6 comprised three substantial post-holes and a well constructed stone-lined foundation trench. No hearth was recorded within the structure but a burnt layer was recorded close to the foundation trench and charred plant remains, mostly oats, were recovered. Structure 7 comprised a steep sided foundation trench. A hearth and a group of pits were recorded within the structure and charred plant remains were recovered from many of these features.

Struc-ture

Dimensions (m)

Orienta-tion

Internal hearth

Description of structure Date cal AD

4 c. 4.5 x 8.8 E-W Yes Discontinuous arc of post-holes, founda-tion trench & stake-holes

1450–1631

6 c. 4.3 x 3.1 NW-SE No Stone-lined foundation trench and three post-holes

No date

7 c. 10.4 x 7.2 NE-SW Yes L-shaped foundation trench 1475–1635

Table13DimensionsoflatemedievalhousesrecordedatCaherdrinny3

Structures 4 and 7 were contemporary as they both dated to the late medieval period. Hearths were recorded within both structures and small amounts of burnt animal bone and charred plant remains, mostly oat, were recovered from the hearths. Both structures were located close to a corner of a small field enclosure. This location, close to the corner of a field boundary may have assistance in their survival as the remains of few medieval and post-medieval structures have been recorded on recent infrastructural projects in the south of Ireland.

Medieval and late medieval activity was identified at four sites along the route, at, Caherdrinny 3 E2422, Garryleagh E2433, Gortnahown 2 E2426 and Kilshanny 3 E2432.

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A single smithing hearth was recorded at Garryleagh. Traces of two high medieval houses and associated pits were recorded in Area 5, in Gortnahown 2. A pit at Kilshanny 1 re-turned a late medieval date.


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Lewis, S. (1988) Lewis’ Cork: A Topographical Dictionary of the Parishes, Towns and Villages of Cork City and County. Cork, Collins Press.

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McSparron, C. (forthcoming) ‘Irish Rectangular Neolithic Houses – a short lived phenomenon,’ in R. Schulting and N. Whitehouse and M. McClatchie (eds), Living Landscapes: Exploring Neolithic Ireland in its wider context. Oxford, Archaeopress.

McSparron, C. (2003) ‘The excavation of a Neolithic house in Enagh townland, Co. Derry,’ in Armit, I., Murphy, E., Neilis, E. and Simpson, D. (eds.) Neolithic Settlement in Ireland and Western Britain. Oxford, Oxbow Books.

Monk, M. (1995) ‘A Tale of Two RIngforts Lisleagh I and II,’ Journal of the Cork Historical and Archaeological Society Vol.100,.105-116.

O’Connell, T.J. and O’Neill, N. ‘A fixed abode: Neolithic houses in County Carlow,’ pp. 85 – 97 in Stanley, M., Danaher, E. and Eogan, J. (eds.) Dining and Dwelling. Dublin, National Roads Authority.

O’Donovan, E. (2003/4) ‘A Neolithic house at Kishoge, Co. Dublin,’ Journal of Irish Archaeology XII/XIII, 1 – 27.

Ó Drisceoil, C. (2003) ‘Archaeological excavation of a Neolithic settlement at Coolfore, Co. Louth,’ in Armit, I., Murphy, E., Neilis, E. and Simpson, D. (eds.) Neolithic Settlement in Ireland and Western Britain. Oxford, Oxbow Books.

Ó Drisceóil, D. (1990) ‘Fulachta fiadh: the value of early Irish literature,’ pp. 157–64 in Buckley, V. (ed.) Burnt Offerings. International contributions to burnt mound archaeology. Dublin, Wordwell.

O’Kelly, M. J. (1954) ‘Excavations and experiments in Irish cooking-places,’ Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 84, 105–56.

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Ó Néill, J (2004) ‘Lapidibus in igne calefactis coquebatur: The historical burnt mound “tradition”’, Journal of Irish Archaeology Vol. XII & XIII (2003–04), 79– 86.

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Power, D., Lane, S. and Byrne, E., Egan, U., Sleeman, M., with Cotter, E., Monk, J. (2000) Archaeological Inventory of County Cork, Volume 4: North Cork Parts I & II. Dublin, The Stationery Office.

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.

Purcell, A. (2002) ‘Excavation of three Neolithic houses at Corbally, Kilcullen, County Kildare,’ Journal of Irish Archaeology XI 31 – 75.

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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.

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86

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.

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Appendix 1 Stratigraphic Index

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

1 Topsoil 2 Dark brown silty sand with moder-ate fine sub-angular, sub-rounded and rounded pebbles. Moderate small and medium sub-angular and sub-rounded stones and occasional large stones.

60.0 x 30 x 0.40

2 Subsoil 1 3 Orange clayey silt, stiff with occasional medium sub-angular pebbles. Moderate medium angular, sub-angular and sub-rounded stones.

60.0 x 30 x 0.25

3 Orange Boulder Clay

2 Orange clay, hard in compaction. Mod-erate small and medium sub-rounded and large angular and sub-angular stones.

60.0 x 30 x ?

4 Deposit (poss)

4 1 7 Light brown compact silt and firm clay. Occasional charcoal flecks (<6mm).

0.014 x 0.014 x 0.09

5 Deposit 1 2 Soft mid orangish brown silty clay with moderate inclusions of sub-angular and sub-rounded medium and coarse peb-bles. Moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal. Moderate inclusions of small pieces of burnt clay.

0.15 x 0.1 x 0.06

6 Charcoal deposit

1 10 Very soft black silty clay with charcoal. Charcoal make up about 50% of this fill. Frequent flecks and small pieces of char-coal. Moderate medium and occasional large pieces of charcoal. Moderate inclu-sions of medium sub-angular pebbles. Occasional small burnt bones.

3.8 x 1.6 x 0.07

7 Firespot/burnt or-angish soil

7 4 2 Mid reddish orange soft silty clay. Oc-casional fine angular pebbles (0.01mm).

0.014 x 0.014 x 0.009

8 Pit Fill 9 11 9 Firm mid greyish brown sandy clay. Moderate medium sub-angular pebbles. Occasional fine angular pebbles and small angular stones. Frequent flecks and moderate small and medium pieces of charcoal. Occasional flecks of burnt clay.

0.47 x 0.42 x 0.12

9 Pit Cut 8, 11 8 2 Oval in shape with mostly gradual break of slope top (only W part is sharp). Grad-ual break of slope base. Sides: moderate and concave to N; steep and concave to S and E; moderate, concave and undercut to W. Base oval in plan, tapered blunt point in profile.

0.56 x 0.42 x 0.22

10 Deposit of burnt sub-soil

6 2 Hard mid orangish grey silty clay with frequent medium angular; and coarse angular, sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Frequent angular and sub-rounded small stones. Moderate charcoal flecks.

1.8 x 1.5 x 0.05

11 Pit Fill 9 1 8 Firm light yellowish orange silty clay with occasional inclusions of small angu-lar and medium sub-angular stones.

0.42 x 0.4 x 0.1


88

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

12 Fill of lin-ear feature

12 1 18 Mid brown soft silt and loose sand. Oc-casional fine and medium sub-angular and rounded pebbles. Occasional char-coal flecks.

0.48 x 0.06

13 Fill of curved lin-ear feature

27 1 27 Mid brown sandy clay (loose sand, firm clay). Occasional fine, medium and coarse sub-angular and rounded pebbles. Occasional charcoal flecks.

24.05 x 0.52 x 0.22

14 VOID Void15 VOID Void16 Fill of field

boundary17 1 17 Dark brown silty clay. Soft in compac-

tion. Occasional sub-rounded stones. Frequent fine and medium angular; and medium sub-rounded pebbles. Occa-sional small snail shell found.

15.0 x 1.00 x 0.25

17 Cut of field boundary

16 16 2 Linear in plan. Top break of slope gradual on NE and SW. Base break of slope imperceptible on NE and SW. Sides: gentle and concave NE; gentle SW. Base sub-rectangular in plan, concave in profile.

15.0 x 1.00 x 0.25

18 Cut of lin-ear feature

12 2 Linear in plan with square corners NE-SE. Gradual top break of slope NE-SE. Sides gentle and smooth. Base break of slope gradual on NE and SE. Base oval in plan, flat in profile.

1.18 x 0.48 x 0.06

19 VOID Void20 Firespot/

Patch of burnt soil

1 2 Hard orangish red silty clay. Moderate medium sub-rounded pebbles. Moder-ate flecks and occasional small pieces of charcoal.

0.25 x 0.15 x 0.015

21 Firespot/Patch of burnt soil

1 2 Hard orangish red silty clay. Moderate medium and coarse sub-angular pebbles. Moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.68 x 0.5 x 0.04

22 Deposit 23 30 Soft dark brownish grey sandy clay. Frequent inclusions of small and medium charcoal pieces (about 30% of fill). Occasional coarse sub-angular and sub-rounded stones. Occasional flecks of burnt clay.

0.8 x 0.5 x 0.05

23 Deposit 1 22 Soft mid greyish brown sandy clay. Fre-quent coarse angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Occasional small sub-angular stones and small charcoal pieces.

1.25 x 1.20 x 0.015

24 Furrow Fill 1 2 Mid greenish/greyish brown silty clay. Occasional fine and medium angular, sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Occasional charcoal flecks.

7.1 x 0.9 x 0.05

25 Furrow Fill 1 2 Firm mid greyish brown sandy clay. Oc-casional fine and medium sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Occasional charcoal flecks.

7.0 x 0.45 x 0.05

26 Furrow Fill 28 1 28 Firm/compact mid greyish brown sandy/pebbly clay. Moderate medium sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Occasional charcoal flecks.

10.0 x 0.48 x 0.12

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Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

27 Cut of curved lin-ear feature

13 13 2 Linear in plan with rounded corners. Sides smooth and vertical on E and W. Sharp top break of slope. Gradual base break of slope. Base curvilinear in plan, tapered rounded point in profile.

4.01 x 0.45 x 0.17

28 Furrow Cut 26 26 2 Linear in plan. Sharp top break of slope on SE and NW. Moderate and concave sides. Gradual base break of slope. Base tapered rounded point in profile.

10.0 x 0.5 x 0.13

29 Irregular feature

1 2 Light brown sandy silt (loose sand, soft silt).

1.038 x 0.25 x 0.40

30 Metalled Surface

22 2 Closely packed stones and pebbles. Degree of sorting 4. Mostly sub-angular and sub-rounded small stones and me-dium and coarse pebbles.

1.25 x 1.20 x 0.1

31 Kiln Fill 48 66 46 Dark greyish brown very soft, silty clay. Frequent charcoal (about 30%) flecks and small and medium pieces. Moderate inclusions of medium and coarse angular and sub-angular pebbles.

2.05 x 1.25 x 0.07

32 Bank of rectangu-lar field boundary

1 2 Mid greyish brown clayey silt. Soft in compaction. Moderate fine and coarse angular pebbles. Frequent medium an-gular pebbles. Moderate angular stones.

2.20 x 1.00 x 0.30

33 Firespot 1 2 Stiff orangish red silty clay with moder-ate angular and sub-angular medium size pebbles. Occasional flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.18 x 0.12 x 0.02

34 Pit Fill 35 1 35 Soft mid greyish brown sandy clay. Mod-erate flecks and small pieces of charcoal. Moderate flecks and occasional small pieces of burnt clay. Moderate medium angular and occasional coarse sub-angu-lar and sub-rounded pebbles.

0.86 x 0.36 x 0.07

35 Pit Cut 34 34 37, 47 Sub-oval in shape. Gradual break of slope top E and W. Imperceptible break of slope base N and S. Sides mostly gentle and smooth; concave W; convex E. Gradual break of slope base on E and W; imperceptible on N and S. Base oval in plan, concave in profile.

0.86 x 0.36 x 0.07

36 Stakehole 1 2 Circular in shape. Sharp break of slope top. Concave sides. Gradual break of slope base. Circular and pointed base. One fill - soft mid greyish brown sandy clay with moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal. Occasional flecks of burnt clay. Moderate medium angular pebbles.

0.12 x 0.12 x 0.04

37 Stakehole Fill

96 35 96 Soft mid greyish brown sandy clay. Frequent flecks and small pieces of charcoal. Occasional flecks of burnt clay. Occasional medium pebbles.

0.05 x 0.05 x 0.08

38 Fill of field boundary

39 1 39 Mid brown silty clay with occasional fine and medium sub-angular pebbles. Moderate small sub-angular stones. Oc-casional charcoal flecks.

20.0 x 0.76 x 0.24


90

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)


38 38 2 Cut of linear field boundary. 20.0 x 0.7 x 0.21


41 1 41 Light brown firm silty clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebbles. Moderate small sub-angular stones.

30.0 x 0.84 x 0.14


40 40 2 Cut of linear field boundary. Break of slope at top is gradual on SE; sharp on NW. Base break of slope gradual on SE and NW. Sides: steep and concave NW; gentle and convex SE. Base linear in plan, tapered blunt point in profile.

30.0 x 0.86 x 0.15

42 Furrow Fill 1 2 Light brown firm silty clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Occasional small angular stones.

? X 0.35 x 0.07

43 Furrow Fill 1 2 Light brown firm silty clay. Occasional fine angular and medium sub-angular pebbles. Occasional small sub-angular stones.

? X 0.53 x 0.1

44 Stakehole Cut

47 47 2 Circular in shape. Sharp break of slope top. Aslant sides. Gradual break of slope base. Pointed base. Top is on NE of base.

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.1

45 Kiln Fill 48 1 66 Soft mid greyish brown silty clay. Frequent small stones and fine, medium and coarse pebbles (mostly angular and sub-angular). Moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal. Occasional flecks and small fragments of orangish red burnt clay.

1.73 x 1.1 x 0.25

46 Kiln Fill 48 31 48 Very soft black charcoal layer (flecks to large pieces). Frequent medium and coarse pebbles. Small and medium stones, mostly angular and sub-angular. Some stones heat affected. Moderate flecks and small lenses of greyish brown silty clay.

2.25 x 1.25 x 0.1

47 Stakehole Fill

44 35 44 Soft mid greyish brown sandy clay. Moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal. Moderate medium angular and occasional coarse sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles.

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.1

48 Kiln Cut 46, 31, 66, 45

46 49 Pear-shaped - circular on S part; small oval in N part. Break of slope top gradual on N; sharp elsewhere. Sides: gentle and smooth N; undercut S. Gradual break of slope base. Base circular in plan, concave in profile, with flat stones on S part.

2.25 x 1.26 x 0.5

49 Layer of burnt subsoil

48 2 Hard mid orangish red silty clay. Moder-ate inclusions of mostly angular and sub-angular coarse pebbles. Occasional charcoal flecks. Large flat stone.

1.1 x 1.0 x 0.1

50 Furrow Fill 54 1 54 Mid yellowish greyish brown firm silty clay. Moderate fine sub-angular pebbles. Occasional medium angular pebbles. Occasional charcoal flecks.

? X 0.58 x 0.12

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Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

51 Furrow Fill 53 1 53 Mid brown firm silty clay. Occasional fine angular pebbles; moderate medium sub-angular pebbles and occasional sub-angular small stones. Occasional charcoal flecks.

5.0 x 0.32 x 0.08

52 Posthole Fill

55 1 56 Mid brown firm silty clay. Occasional angular and moderate sub-angular peb-bles, root and charcoal flecks.

0.28 (diam) x 0.12

53 Furrow Cut 51 51 2 Cut of linear furrow. Sharp top break of slope. Gradual base break of slope. Sides: moderate and concave SE; gentle and concave NW. Base linear in plan, tapered point in profile.

5.0 x 0.32 x 0.08

54 Furrow Cut 50 50 2 Cut of linear furrow. Gradual top break of slope. Sides: gentle and concave N; moderate and concave S. Base break of slope gradual on N; sharp on S. Base linear in plan, tapered blunt point in profile.

? X 0.58 x 0.12

55 Posthole Cut

52, 56, 57 57 2 Circular cut of posthole with rounded corners and vertical sides. Sharp top break of slope. Gradual base break of slope. Base circular in plan, tapered rounded point in profile.

0.30 (diam) x 0.51

56 Posthole Fill

55 52 57 Soft black loose clay with small stones. Frequent flecks and moderate medium pieces of charcoal.

0.3 x 0.23 x 0.08

57 Posthole Fill

55 56 55 Light yellowish brown soft silty clay. Oc-casional pebbles, moderate small stones (especially near the base) and occasional medium stones.

? X 0.28

58 Stakehole Cut

142 2 Mid brown loose silty clay. Occasional small pieces of charcoal. Rounded in plan. Sharp break of slope at top; gradual at base. Base rounded in plan and profile.

? X 0.10 x 0.10

59 Stakehole cut

143 2 Fill: mid brown silty clay, loose in compaction. Occasional small pieces of charcoal. Cut: oval in plan with sharp break of slope at top and base. Tapered rounded point base.

? X 0.10 x 0.09

60 Stakehole Cut

144 2 Fill: loose mid brown silty clay. Oc-casional small pieces of charcoal. Cut: rounded in plan. Sharp break of slope at top; gradual at base. Base rounded in plan and profile.

? X 0.9 x 0.10

61 Fill of pit/posthole

76 1 76 Soft mid greyish brown silty clay, mot-tled with light pinkish/reddish grey silty clay. Moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal. Occasional flecks of burnt clay. Moderate inclusions of medium and coarse pebbles and small stones (mostly sub-angular and sub-rounded).

0.38 x 0.25 x 0.25

62 Charcoal deposit

1 2 Mid greyish brown soft clayey sit. Moderate medium sub-angular and sub-rounded; and occasional coarse sub-rounded pebbles. Moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.34 x 0.20 x 0.07


92

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

63 Charcoal deposit

1 2 Mid greyish brown soft clayey silt. Frequent medium sub-angular to sub-rounded pebbles; and moderate coarse sub-angular pebbles. Moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.85 x 0.78 x 0.12

64 Cut of oval shallow pit

65 65 2 Oval in plan. Top and base break of slope gradual all around. Sides all gentle and concave. Base oval in plan, concave in profile.

3.20 x 1.10 x 0.13

65 Fill of pit 64 1 64 Mid brown silty clay with moderate sub-angular pebbles and few finds (pottery - slipware and clay pipe bowl). Possible 19 AD. Date this feature.

3.20 x 1.10 x 0.13

66 Kiln Fill 48 45 31 Firm mid yellowish orange silty clay. Fre-quent fine, medium and coarse angular and sub-angular pebbles. Moderate small angular and sub-angular stones.

1.35 x 1.25 x 0.39

67 Posthole Fill

71 1 71 Mid grey silty clay, firm in compaction. Occasional fine angular pebbles and charcoal flecks.

0.18 x 0.18 x 0.04

68 Fill of curved lin-ear feature

121 1 121 Mid brownish grey silty sandy clay, partly weakly cemented, compact and friable. Frequent fine and medium sub-angular, sub-rounded and rounded pebbles. Moderate small and occasional medium sub-angular stones.

7.70 x 0.94 x 0.56

69 Deposit 1 2 Dark brown firm sandy clay with moderate medium sub-rounded pebbles. Occasional small sub-angular and sub-rounded stones and moderate charcoal flecks.

1.57 x 0.60 x 0.07

70 Fill of shal-low pit

73 1 73 Mid brown greyish compact firm silty sandy clay. Occasional fine and medium sub-rounded pebbles. Occasional char-coal flecks.

0.53 x 0.39 x 0.09

71 Posthole Cut

67 67 72 Cut of posthole, circular in plan with rounded corners. Sharp top and base breaks of slope. Sides smooth and vertical. Base circular in plan, flat and concave in profile.

0.18 x 0.18 x 0.04

72 Firespot/hearth

71 2 Mid brownish orange silty clay. Firm with fine occasional angular pebbles. Charcoal flecks and moderate small and medium pieces.

2.0 x 2.0 x 0.05

73 Cut of shal-low pit

70 2 Oval in plan with rounded corners. Top break of slope sharp on S; gradual elsewhere. Sides: gentle and convex on N; steep and convex on S; moderate and convex on E and W. Gradual base break of slope. Base oval in plan, flat in profile.

0.55 x 0.4 x 0.1

74 Pit Fill (poss)

84 1 84 Mid brownish silty sandy clay. Loose compact sand, soft silt/clay. Moderate fine and medium angular and sub-angu-lar pebbles. Frequent coarse angular and sub-angular pebbles. Occasional small sub-angular stones. Occasional charcoal flecks and frequent small pieces.

1.28 x ? X 0.16

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Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

75 Fill of Bellows Funnel

97 1 97 Mid brownish grey silty clay, soft in com-paction. Occasional medium angular pebbles and charcoal flecks.

0.2 x 0.15 x 0.4

76 Pit/Post-hole Cut

61 61 2 Oval in shape. Sharp top break of slope. Sides: steep and concave on N and W; vertical on S and E. Base circular in plan, pointed in profile.

0.38 x 0.25 x 0.25

77 Stakehole Fill

100 1 100 Compact mid greyish brown silty clay with some patches of compact grey sand, and charcoal layer on top. Occasional medium sub-angular pebbles.

0.1 x 0.1 x 0.18

78 Stakehole Fill

101 1 101 Compact mid brown silty clay with lenses of grey silt. Moderate fine and me-dium angular and sub-angular pebbles and charcoal flecks.

0.09 x 0.08 x 0.09

79 Stakehole Fill

102 1 102 Compact mid greyish brown silty clay with moderate pebbles and charcoal.

0.12 x 0.08 x 0.19

80 Pit Fill 81 1 81 Indurated/hard light yellowish/greyish/pinkish brown sandy clay. Occasional fine sub-angular pebbles and charcoal flecks.

0.73 x 0.52 x 0.18

81 Pit Cut 80 80 2 Oval in plan. Sharp top break of slope. Sides: steep and concave on N and W; vertical and undercut on S; moderate and smooth on E. Base break of slope sharp on S; gradual elsewhere. Base oval in plan, concave in profile.

0.72 x 0.51 x 0.26

82 Fill 83 1 83 Light greyish brown loose clayey sand. Moderate angular, sub-angular and sub-rounded fine pebbles. Occasional charcoal flecks.

0.71 x 0.36 x 0.08

83 Pit cut 82 82 2 Sub-oval in plan with rounded corners. Gradual top break of slope. Base break of slope gradual on SE side; irregular elsewhere. Sides: moderate and concave NW; gentle and concave SE and NE; gentle and irregular SW. Base sub-oval in plan, concave in profile.

0.71 x 0.36 x 0.08

84 Pit Cut (poss)

74 74 Oval in plan with rounded corners. Top break of slope gradual on SE; sharp on SW. Sharp break of slope base. Base oval in plan, flat in profile.

1.28 x 0.54 x 0.16

85 Fill 86 1 86 n/a 0.17 x 0.13 x 0.11

86 Non archaeo-logical

85 85 2 n/a 0.17 x 0.13 x 0.11

87 Pit Cut (poss)

88 88 2 Sub-circular cut with rounded corners. Top break of slope sharp all around. Sides: vertical and irregular on N; steep and irregular on E and W; vertical and undercut on S. Sharp break of slope base all around. Base sub-circular in plan, flat in profile.

1.00 x 0.80 x 0.24


94

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

88 Pit Fill (poss)

87 1 81 Mid orangish brown firm clayey silt with occasional sub-angular and sub-rounded medium pebbles. Moderate small and medium angular and sub-angular stones. Moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.80 x 0.78 x 0.24

89 Fill 1 2 n/a90 Posthole

Fill (poss)93 1 2 Mid reddish brown firm silty clay. Occa-

sional fine sub-angular pebbles and small sub-angular stones.

0.36 x 0.36 x 0.03

91 Pit Fill 92 1 92 Mid brown soft clayey/sandy silt. Oc-casional coarse angular pebbles and small angular and sub-angular stones. Occa-sional medium angular stones. Moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.78 x 0.78 x 0.25

92 Pit Cut 91 91 2 Circular in plan with rounded corners. Sharp top break of slope. Sides all steep and concave. Gradual base break of slope. Base circular in plan, concave in profile.

0.78 x 0.78 x 0.25

93 Posthole Cut

90 2 Circular in plan with rounded corners. Gradual top break of slope on N and S; sharp on E and imperceptible on W. Sides: gentle and smooth on N and S; gentle and imperceptible on W; moderate and convex on E. Base break of slope imperceptible on W; gradual elsewhere. Base circular in plan, flat in profile.

0.36 (diam) x 0.30

94 Furrow Fill 103 1 103 Mid-brown compact sand with oc-casional fine sub-rounded pebbles and charcoal flecks.

? X 0.55 x 0.10

95 Pit fill 99 1 98 Dark brown sand with moderate medium sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles and charcoal flecks.

1.14 x 0.91 x 0.10

96 Stakehole Cut

37 37 2 Circular in shape with sharp top break of slope. Steep sides. Gradual base break of slope. Base pointed in profile. Top is to NE from base.

0.05 x 0.05 x 0.08

97 Cut of bel-lows funnel

75 75 155 Oval in plan with rounded corners. Top break of slope imperceptible on W; sharp elsewhere. Sides: concave and impercep-tible on N and S; gentle on E and W. Base break of slope imperceptible.

0.2 x 0.15 x 0.4

98 Pit fill 99 95 99 Very soft black clayey silt with oc-casional fine sub-rounded pebbles and sub-angular and sub-rounded small stones. Frequent flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.94 x 0.85 x 0.08

99 Pit Cut 95, 98 98 108 Oval in plan. Gradual break of slope at top all around. Base break of slope gradual on NE and NW; irregular on SW and SE. Sides: moderate concave and undercut on NE; moderate and concave on NW and SW; gentle and irregular on SE. Base oval in plan, concave in profile.

1.14 x 0.91 x 0.14

100 Stakehole Cut

77 77 2 Circular in plan with rounded corners. Sharp top and base breaks of slope. Sides almost vertical. Base pointed in profile.

0.1 x 0.1 x 0.18

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Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

101 Stakehole Cut

78 78 2 Oval in plan with rounded corners. Top break of slope gradual on W; sharp elsewhere. Sides steep on W; vertical elsewhere. Sharp base break of slope. Base pointed/rounded in profile.

0.09 x 0.08 x 0.09

102 Stakehole Cut

79 79 2 Oval in plan with rounded corners. Top break of slope gradual on N; sharp elsewhere. Sides: convex on N; undercut on S; vertical on W and E. Gradual base break of slope. Base pointed in profile.

0.12 x 0.08 x 0.19

103 Furrow Cut 94 94 2 Linear cut with rounded corners. Top and base breaks of slope gradual all around. Sides moderate and smooth. Base is linear in plan, flat in profile.

? X 0.55 x 0.10

104 Pit Fill 105 1 105 Soft light orangish brown silty clay. Moderate medium and coarse sub-angu-lar and sub-rounded pebbles. Moderate charcoal flecks.

0.42 x 0.25 x 0.1

105 Pit Cut 104 104 2 Oval in shape. Sharp top break of slope. Sides: smooth and almost vertical on N and S; moderate and concave on E and W. Base break of slope gradual on N and S; imperceptible on E and W. Base oval in plan, concave in profile.

0.42 x 0.25 x 0.1

106 Stakehole Fill

107 1 110 Soft mid greyish brown silty clay. Moderate medium and coarse angular and sub-angular pebbles. Occasional charcoal flecks.

0.28 x 0.2 x 0.04

107 Stakehole Cut

106, 110 110 2 Oval in shape. Sharp top break of slope. Sides: steep and concave on S and E; vertical and stepped on W; moderate and irregular on N. Imperceptible base break of slope. Base tapered point in profile.

0.28 x 0.20 x 0.14

108 Furrow Fill 109 1 109 Mid-brown soft sand with occasional sub-rounded fine pebbles.

1.42 x 0.28 x 0.10

109 Furrow Cut 108 108 2 Irregular/linear furrow. Very shallow, with gradual breaks of slope near the base. Sides: gentle and irregular on NE, NW and SE. Base irregular in shape. Cut by [99] on SW edge.

1.42 x 0.28 x 0.10

110 Stakehole Fill

107 106 107 Soft mid brownish orange mottled with pinkish orange sandy clay. Moderate medium and coarse angular and sub-angular pebbles.

0.15 x 0.16 x 0.1

111 Fill of pit/spread deposit

118 117 115 Very soft mid brownish/pinkish grey silty clay. Quite well sorted medium and coarse pebbles and small stones - sub-angular or sub-rounded, often squared. Moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

3.4 x 2.5 x 0.15

112 Posthole/Pit Fill

113 1 113 Mid orangish brown soft clayey silt. Moderate medium angular and sub-angular pebbles; and coarse sub-angular pebbles. Moderate small and medium sub-angular stones. Occasional flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.64 x 0.43 x 0.18


96

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Filled with

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Strat below

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escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

113 Posthole/Pit Cut

112 112 2 Oval cut of small pit or possible posthole. Break of slope top sharp on N and S; gradual on E and W. Break of slope base gradual on N; sharp on S; imperceptible on E and W. Sides: steep and concave on N; vertical and concave on S; moder-ate and irregular on E; moderate and smooth on W. Base oval in plan, concave in profile.

0.64 x 0.43 x 0.18

114 Redeposit of natural soil/Fill

121 1 121 Light brownish yellow, weakly cemented silt with friable sand. See also [121].

115 Interfacing layer

118 111 118 Light greyish orange, very soft silty clay. 2.5 x 2.3 x 0.1

116 Fill 117 1 117 Mid greyish brown soft silty clay. Moderate fine angular and frequent medium angular and sub-angular peb-bles. Frequent coarse sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Frequent small and moderate medium sub-angular and sub-rounded stones. Moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

1.2 x 0.55 x 0.2

117 Pit Cut 116 116 111 Oval in plan. Mostly gradual break of slope base and top (imperceptible in SE part of top and NW of base). Sides mostly moderate: convex on NE; irregu-lar on SE; concave on SW and NW.

1.2 x 0.55 x 0.2

118 Pit Cut 111, 115 115 2 Irregular in shape. Top break of slope gradual on NE; sharp on SE; impercepti-ble on SW and NW. Sides, mostly gentle and smoothly sloping. NE sides most irregular, moderate, convex and concave. Base break of slope gradual on NE and SE; imperceptible on SW and NW part. Base irregular and flat.

2.55 x 2.3 x 0.2

119 Posthole Fill

120 1 120 Dark brown compact sandy silt with frequent small sub-angular stones and moderate charcoal flecks.

0.33 x 0.29 x 0.22

120 Posthole Cut

119 119 2 Circular cut of posthole with rounded corners. Top break of slope sharp on all sides and gradual at the base. All sides steep and concave. Base is circular in plan, concave in profile.

0.33 x 0.29 x 0.22

121 Cut of curved lin-ear feature

61, 114 2 Linear in plan. NE and SE corners rounded. Gradual top break of slope on NE, SW and NW sides. Sides: steep in slope and stepped/irregular in shape on NW and SE. Base break of slope sharp all around. Base square in plan, tapered blunt point in profile.

7.7 x 0.7 x 0.42

122 Posthole Fill (poss)

123 1 123 Dark greyish compact sand and firm silt. Occasional fine angular and sub-an-gular pebbles and small angular stones. Moderate flecks and small pieces; and frequent medium pieces of charcoal.

0.51 x 0.35 x 0.1

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Filled with

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Strat below

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escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

123 Posthole (poss)

123 122 2 Oval in plan with rounded corners. Sharp top and base breaks of slope all around. Sides: steep and concave on N; steep and convex on E and S; moderate and smooth on W. Base oval in plan, tapered rounded point in profile.

0.51 x 0.40 x ?

124 Stakehole Fill

125 1 125 Light orangish brown silty clay, very soft in compaction. Moderate fine and me-dium sub-angular pebbles. Occasional charcoal flecks. Circular in plan with sharp top break of slope. Steep smooth sides. Gradual base break of slope. Base pointed in plan and profile.

0.09 x 0.10 x 0.19

125 Stakehole Cut

124 124 2 Circular in plan. Sharp top break of slope. Steep and smooth sides. Gradual base break of slope. Base pointed.

0.1 x 0.09 x 0.19

126 Stakehole (poss)

127 118 127 Light brownish grey silty clay, soft in compaction. Moderate fine and medium pebbles. Occasional charcoal flecks. Circular in plan with sharp top break of slope. Sides vertical and smooth. Sharp base break of slope. Base pointed in plan and profile.

0.05 x 0.05 x 0.13

127 Stakehole Cut

126 126 1 Circular in plan. Sharp top and base breaks of slope. Vertical sides. Base pointed in plan and profile.

0.05 x 0.05 x 0.13

128 Stakehole Fill (poss)

129 118 129 Light brownish grey silty clay, soft in compaction. Moderate fine sub-angular pebbles. Circular in plan with sharp top break of slope. Sides vertical and smooth. Gradual base break of slope. Base pointed in plan and profile.

0.05 X 0.06 x 0.13

129 Stakehole Cut

128 128 2 Circular in plan. Sharp top break of slope. Gradual base break of slope. Base pointed in plan.

0.05 x 0.06 x 0.13

130 Cut of pit 131 2 Oval in plan. Square corners on NE and SW. Sides: gentle and concave on NE and SW; moderate and concave on SE and NW. Imperceptible base break of slope. Base oval in plan, flat in profile.

0.97 x 0.49 x 0.11

131 Fill of pit 132 130 Mid grey soft clayey silt. Moderate fine and medium angular pebbles. Moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.97 x 0.49 x 0.11

132 Cut of linear fea-ture - poss furrow

133 131 Linear in plan. Gradual top break of slope on SE and NW. Sides: moderate and concave on NW and SE. Base sub-rectangular in plan, flat and concave in profile.

20.0 x 0.41 x 0.07

133 Fill 132 1 132 Mid brownish grey silt, very soft. Oc-casional fine sub-rounded pebbles and charcoal flecks.

20.0 x 0.41 x 0.07


135 1 135 Mid brownish grey silty clay, very soft. Moderate fine angular and medium sub-angular pebbles. Occasional coarse sub-angular and rounded pebbles. Moderate coarse sub-angular stones. Moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.54 x 0.40 x 0.11


98

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Dim

ensions (m

)

135 Pit/Post-hole cut

134 2 Oval in plan with rounded corners. Gradual top and base breaks of slope. Sides: moderate and convex on N; moderate and concave on S and E; steep and convex on W. Base oval in plan, flat in profile.

0.35 x 0.3 x 0.11

136 Fill 41 41 39 Light orangish brown loose sand. Mod-erate fine sub-rounded and rounded peb-bles. Occasional medium sub-angular and rounded pebbles. Gradual top break of slope on N and S; sharp on E and W. Sides: moderate and convex/concave on N; moderate and concave on S and E; steep and convex on W. Sharp base break of slope on W; gradual elsewhere. Base oval in plan, flat in profile.

? X 0.90 x 0.12






142 Fill in stakehole

58 12 18 Loose mid brown silty clay. Occasionally small charcoal.

0.1 x 0.1 x 0.1



0.1 x 0.1 x 0.09



0.09 x 0.09 x 0.1





149 Silt deposit 1 150 Soft mid yellowish/brownish orange silt. Occasionally flecks of charcoal. Moderate fine to coarse size angular and sub-angular pebbles.

? X 0.6 x 0.16

150 Deposit 149 151 Soft mid orangish brown silty clay. Occasionally medium to coarse size sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles.

? X ? X 0.17

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escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

151 Deposit 150 2 Soft mid brownish orange clayey silt. Moderate occurrence of medium sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles.

? X 0.5 x 0.12

152 Cut of curving linear ditch

153, 156, 157, 158, 159, 181, 274, 320, 321

156, 274, 320

275 Cut of curved linear ditch running from NW to SE and then curving to SW. SE side is steep and stepped and NW side gentle and stepped. Break of slope are gradual and base is linear in shape and flat in profile.

ca. 40 x 1.38 x 0.7

153 Fill of curv-ing ditch

152 1 152 Soft mid orangish grey clayey silt. Moderate fine angular and sub-angular pebbles. Moderate small angular and sub-angular stones. Occasionally flecks to small pieces of charcoal.

? X 0.8 x 0.3

154 Stone deposit

1 2 Angular and sub-angular medium to coarse size pebbles and small stones loosely packed with soft mid brownish orange silty clay

1 x 0.64 x 0.28

155 Deposit around the bellows hole con-nected to kiln cut 48

97 149 Soft mid greyish brown silty clay. Mod-erate fine to medium size angular and sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally coarse size angular and sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally flecks of charcoal.

1.2 x 0.3 x 0.03

156 Fill in curv-ing linear ditch

152 157 152 Strongly cemented mid grey clayey and pebbley sand. Moderate medium angular to sub-rounded pebbles. Occasionally angular stones. Moderate angular and sub-angular stones.

? X 0.3 x 0.07


152 158 156 Compact mid yellowish brown silty sand. Occasionally fine to coarse size angular and sub-angular pebbles.

? X 0.96 x 0.11


152 159 157 Soft and loose dark brown sandy silt. Moderate with fine angular to sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally with small sub-angular stones.

? X 0.4 x 0.18


152 41 158 Stiff weakly cemented light greenish brown sandy silt. Occasionally fine to medium angular and sub-angular pebbles.

? X 2.00 x 0.24


41 166 41 Stiff weakly cemented mid greyish brown sandy silt. Moderate fine angular and sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally sub-angular small stones.

? X 1.37 x 0.14

161 Pit fill 162 1 162 Firm when dry and soft when moist, mixed light pinkish/reddish brown silty clay and sand. Frequent angular and sub-angular fine pebbles. Moderate medium to coarse size pebbles and small stones, angular and sub-angular. Occasionally medium angular stones. Moderate flecks to small pieces of charcoal.

1.3 x 0.9 x 0.58


100

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Dim

ensions (m

)

162 Cut pit 161 161 2 Oval cut of pit. Mostly sharp break of slope top and irregular sides: NW side smooth almost vertical; SE side concave moderate to steep; SW side steep smooth to stepped; NE steep and concave to stepped. Mostly gradual break of slope base. Oval flat base.

1.3 x 0.9 x 0.58


169 1 169 Compact mid yellowish brown clayey sand. Occasionally coarse size sub-angular pebbles. Moderate small angular stones. Occasionally medium angular stones.

0.83 x 0.32 x 0.20


165 Bank mixed material

41 167 160 Firm strongly cemented mid greyish brown clayey silt. Occasionally fine sub-angular and coarse angular and sub-angular pebbles.

? X 0.5 x 0.14

166 Fill in field boundary

41 167 160 Firm/compact mid yellowish brown silty and sandy clay. Moderate fine angular and sub-angular pebbles.

? X 1.08 x 0.1


41 168 166 Firm/compact dark orangish brown clayey silt. Occasionally medium to coarse angular and sub-angular pebbles and small angular stones.

? X 1.3 x 0.12

168 Field in field boundary

41 1 167 Stiff/weakly cemented light yellow-ish brown sandy silt. Occasionally fine sub-angular pebbles. Moderate coarse angular pebbles. Occasionally small angular and sub-angular pebbles.

? X 0.9 x 0.08

169 Stakehole Cut (poss)

163 163 2 Irregular in plan cut. Break of slope top all gradual. N side steep and smooth; S and E sides moderate and stepped; W side moderate and smooth. Break of slope base all gradual. Base irregular, in E part pointed.

0.83 x 0.4 x 0.18




173 Stakehole fill (poss)

180 1 180 Compact mid brown clayey sand. Mod-erate fine sub-angular pebbles. Moderate small charcoal.

0.35 x 0.20 x 0.15

174 Fill in the ditch

152 1 175 Loose mid brown silty sand. Moderate occurrence of angular to sub-angular pebbles all sizes and occasionally of small sub-angular stones. Occasionally flecks of charcoal.

? X 1.00 x 0.18

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Dim

ensions (m

)


152 174 176 Loose mid brownish yellow sand. Frequent occurrence of fine angular, sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Moderate medium and coarse size angu-lar and sub-angular pebbles. Occasion-ally small angular stones. Occasionally flecks of charcoal.

? X 0.8 x 0.36


152 175 177 Loose mod brown silty sand. Moderate occurrence of angular and sub-angular pebbles all sizes. Occasionally flecks of charcoal.

? X 0.55 x 0.14


152 176 152 Loose brownish grey silty sand. Moder-ate fine to medium angular and sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally flecks of charcoal.

? X 0.51 x 0.13


152 179 152 Loose/very soft mid brownish grey clayey sand. Frequent occurrence of fine sub-angular pebbles.

? X 0.70 x 0.35


152 1 178 Soft/loose mid brownish yellow and grey silty clay and sand.

? X 0.70 x 0.35

180 Stakehole Cut

173 173 2 Irregular in plan cut. Mostly gradual break of slope top. NE and NW sides moderate and smooth, SE and SW - gentle and smooth. Break of slope base all gradual. Base irregular and flat to concave.

0.64 x 0.4 x 0.15


152 1 152

182 Furrow Fill 152 2 Soft mid greyish brown sandy silt. Moderate occurrence of fine all shapes pebbles.

? X 0.4 x 0.05


152 1 184 Firm light grey silty clay. Frequent fine angular pebbles.

? X 0.58 x 0.10


152 183 152 Firm/loose mid brownish grey silty clay and sand. Frequent fine and medium angular pebbles. Frequent flecks of charcoal.

? X 0.58 x 0.15


186 1 186 Soft mid brownish grey sandy and silty clay. Moderate fine and medium angular and sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally flecks of charcoal and burnt clay.

0.16 x 0.12 x 0.35

186 Stakehole cut

185 185 2 Oval in plan cut. Sharp break of slope top. Almost vertical smooth sides. Gradual break of slope base. Circular tapered point base.

0.16 x 0.12 x 0.35

187 Stakehole fill

188 1 188 Very soft dark brownish grey/almost black silty clay with charcoal flecks and pieces, which make up ca. 20-30% of fill. Moderate fine angular and sub-angular pebbles.

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.20

188 Stakehole cut

187 187 2 Circular cut. Sharp break of slope top. Smooth almost vertical sides. Gradual break of slope base. Tapered point base.

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.20


102

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Filled with

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escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

189 Stakehole Cut

195 195 2 Oval in shape. Gradual break of slope top. N and W sides steep and smooth, S and E sides moderate and smooth. All break of slope bee sharp. Irregular in plan, tapered rounded point in profile base.

0.10 x 0.08 x 0.08

190 Stakehole Cut

195 195 2 Sub-circular in shape. Mostly sharp break of slope top. N side vertical and smooth; S and E sides moderate and smooth; W side steep and smooth. Break of slope base all gradual. Circular in plan, tapered rounded point in profile base.

0.10 x 0.10 x 0.08

191 Stakehole Cut

195 195 2 Circular in shape. Gradual break of slope top. All sides vertical and smooth. Circular in plan and tapered blunt point in profile base.

0.10 x 0.10 x 0.10

192 Stakehole cut

195 195 2 Circular in shape. Gradual break of slope top. All sides vertical and smooth. Circu-lar in plan and tapered rounded point in profile base.

0.08 x 0.08 x 0.09

193 Stakehole cut

195 195 2 Circular in shape. Gradual break of slope top. All sides vertical and smooth. Circu-lar in plan and pointed in profile base.

0.08 x 0.08 x 0.04

194 Stakehole Cut

195 195 2 Circular in shape. Gradual break of slope top. N, E and W sides steep and smooth, S side moderate and smooth. Circular in plan and pointed in profile base.

0.09 x 0.09 x 0.05

195 Fill in group of stakeholes

189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 218

1 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 218

Compact mid grey clayey sand. Moder-ate fine angular pebbles. Frequent flecks to small pieces of charcoal.

0.10 x 0.10 x 0.11

196 Stakehole fill

197 1 197 Soft mid orangish brown silty clay. Oc-casionally fine angular pebbles and flecks of charcoal.

0.05 x 0.05 x 0.20

197 Stakehole cut

196 196 2 Circular in shape. Sharp break of slope top. Smooth and moderate sides. Gradual break of slope base. Tapered point base. Top orientated to the NW from the base.

0.05 x 0.05 x 0.20

198 Pit fill 199 1 199 Compact dark brown sandy silt. Frequent fine angular and sub-angular pebbles and small stones. Moderate medium and coarse sub-angular pebbles. Moderate flecks of charcoal.

1.13 x 0.87 x 0.22

199 Pit cut 198 198 2 Oval in shape. N and W break of slope top sharp, S and E - gradual. N side vertical and smooth; S side vertical and concave, E side gentle and smooth, W side vertical and convex. Mostly sharp break of slope base. Oval flat base.

1.13 x 0.87 x 0.22

200 Pit Fill (poss)

201 1 201 Soft mid brown silt. Occasionally me-dium sub-angular pebbles.

0.4 x 0.30 x 0.12

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escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

201 Pit Cut (poss)

200 200 2 Cut of small circular pit. Sharp break of slope top. All sides steep. Gradual break of slope base on E side, NA on the rest sides. Circular pointed base.

0.4 x 0.30 x 0.12

202 Hearth (poss)

1 2 Firm light pink clayey silt. Occasionally fine angular pebbles. Moderate flecks of charcoal. Diffuse and wavy boundary to lower horizon

1.05 x 0.50 x 0.04

203 Ditch fill 1 2 Very soft mid brown silty clay. Moderate fine angular and sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally flecks of charcoal.

3.00 x 0.95 x ?

204 Furrow fill 205 1 205 Firm dark brown silty clay. 2.00 x 0.25 x 0.15

205 Furrow Cut 204 204 2 Linear in plan. N and S sides moderate and concave. Gradual break of slope base. Sub-rectangular base.

2.00 x 0.25 x 0.15


1 ? Firm mid reddish orange silt. Moderate fine sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally flecks of charcoal.

2.00 x 0.80 x 0.30


1 ? Firm mid reddish orange silty clay. Moderate flecks and small charcoal. Diffuse and smooth boundary to the next horizon

2.30 x 0.40 x ?

208 Pit fill 211 1 211 Very soft brownish grey silty clay with charcoal, which make up about 80-90% of fill. All sizes of charcoal occur. Occa-sionally medium and coarse angular and sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally flecks and small pieces of pottery.

0.54 x 0.54 x 0.06

209 Posthole fill 210 1 210 Soft mid brownish grey silty clay. Moderate fine to coarse angular and sub-angular pebbles. Moderate flecks to small pieces of charcoal.

0.32 x 0.26 0.15

210 Posthole cut

209 209 2 Oval in shape. Sharp break of slope top and gradual break of slope base. NW side steep concave, SW vertical smooth, SE steep concave, NE almost vertical concave. Oval flat base.

0.32 x 0.26 0.15

211 Pit cut 208 208 2 Circular in shape. Mostly sharp break of slope top. N side gentle and convex, S side moderate and convex, E and W side moderate and concave. N and S break of slope base - imperceptible; E and W - gradual. Circular concave base.

0.54 x 0.54 x 0.06

212 Hearth (poss)

1 2 Stiff burnt red silty clay, on the top and around mixed with soft orangish brown silt. Moderate fine to coarse angular and sub-angular pebbles. Moderate flecks of charcoal.

0.50 x 0.4 x 0.08

213 Hearth (poss)

1 2 Stiff mid brownish and orangish red silty clay. Moderate fine angular and sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally flecks of charcoal.

0.70 x 0.50 x 0.04

214 Firespot 768 2 Firm mid yellowish and brownish red silty clay. Moderate to frequent fine and medium angular and sub-angular peb-bles. Occasionally flecks of charcoal

0.40 x 0.36 x 0.03


104

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Dim

ensions (m

)

215 Pit fill 216 1 217 soft mid brownish grey silty clay. Moder-ate fine and medium angular and sub-angular pebbles. Frequent flecks to small pieces of charcoal.

0.72 x 0.58 x 0.20

216 Pit cut 215, 217, 224

224 2 Sub-oval in shape. Sharp break of slope top. NE side steep and concave in N part, undercut in S part; SE side verti-cal and convex; SW side vertical and smooth; NW side steep and concave. Break of slop base: NE and SW - grad-ual, SE - sharp and NW - imperceptible. Oval and flat base.

0.85 x 0.65 x 0.32

217 Pit fill 216 215 224 Very soft dark brownish grey (almost black) silty clay with angular medium and coarse pebbles and small stones. Oc-casionally with flecks to medium pieces of charcoal. Clear and smooth boundary to the next horizon.

0.70 x 0.58 x 0.10

218 Stakehole Cut

195 195 2 Oval in shape. Break of slope top all gradual, all sides steep and smooth, all break of slope base gradual. Oval tapered rounded point base.

0.10 x 0.09 x 0.08

219 Pit/posthole fill

220 1 220 Compact light brownish grey sand. Occasionally fine angular pebbles. Oc-casionally flecks of charcoal. Clear and diffuse boundary to the next horizon.

0.20 x 0.14 x 0.10

220 Pit/postholecut

219 219 2 Oval in shape. Mostly gradual break of slope top. N, S and E sides steep and smooth; W side gentle and smooth. All break of slope base gradual. Oval flat base.

0.20 x 0.14 x 0.10

221 Pit/posthole cut

222, 223 222 2 Circular in shape. Gradual break of slope top and base. All sides gentle and smooth, with some stones protrude from side. Base circular and flat.

0.80 x 0.74 x 0.16


221 223 221 Compact mid reddish brown clayey sand. Occasionally coarse angular peb-bles. Frequent small angular stones. Clear wavy boundary to the next horizon.

1.06 x 0.60 x 0.16


221 1 222 Compact dark brownish black clayey sand.

0.4 x 0.3 x 0.06

224 Pit fill 216 217 216 Soft mid brownish grey silty clay. Mod-erate occurrence of medium to coarse size sub-angular pebbles and occasionally small sub-angular stones. Occasionally flecks to small pieces of charcoal. Moder-ate occurrence of small spots of yellow and orange clay.

0.40 x 0.25 x 0.23

225 Hearth (poss)

226 2 Soft light pinkish red silt. Moderate flecks and small charcoal. Diffuse and wave boundary to next horizon.

2.00 x 1.00 x ?

226 Pit cut 231 231 225 Oval in shape. Sharp break of slope top. N and W sides concave and moderate. Imperceptible break of slope base. Sub-circular flat base.

0.60 x 0.45 x 0.12

227 Pit cut 228 228 2 Oval in shape. All gradual break of slope top and base. All sides moderate and concave. Oval concave base.

0.22 x 0.22 x 0.10

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Dim

ensions (m

)

228 Pit fill 227 1 227 Compact mid brown sand. Occasion-ally fine sub-angular pebbles, Moder-ate flecks to small pieces of charcoal. Clear and smooth boundary to the next horizon.

0.22 x 0.22 x 0.10

229 Pit fill 230 1 230 Soft mid greyish brown silt. Moderate fine to medium sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Occasionally flecks of charcoal.

0.63 x 0.31 x 0.10

230 Pit cut 229 229 2 Sub-oval in shape. Gradual break of slope top. SW side moderate smooth; NE side moderate irregular; NW side moderate concave; SE side gentle irregu-lar. Mostly gradual break of slope base. Sub-oval, concave base.

0.63 x 0.31 x 0.10

231 Pit fill 226 1 226 Firm/soft dark brown silt. Occasionally medium angular stones. Moderate flecks to small pieces of charcoal. Sharp and smooth boundary to the next horizon.

0.60 x 0.45 x 0.12

232 Pit cut 240, 241, 242

242 2 Sub-rectangular in shape. NE and NW break of slope top gradual and SE and SW sharp. All sides steep and smooth. All break of slope base gradual. Sub-rectangular flat base.

0.68 x 0.52 x 0.35

233 Furrow fill 1 2 Soft dark grey silty clay. Frequent fine, moderate medium and occasionally coarse size pebbles - all sub-angular to sub-rounded. Occasionally flecks to small pieces of charcoal.

0.58 x 0.35 x 0.11

234 Pit fill 239 1 239 Strongly cemented light pinkish and orangish white to grey sand. Moderate occurrence of sub-rounded medium and coarse pebbles and small stones. Oc-casionally flacks of charcoal.

0.60 x 0.43 x 0.20

235 Stone deposit in ditch

152 236 237 Angular and sub-angular small to large stones. Sharp and smooth boundary to the next horizon.

? X 0.50 x 0.20

236 Fill of the ditch

152 238 235 Firm and loose mid yellowish brown silty and sandy clay. Moderate fine angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Occasionally coarse angular and sub-angular peb-bles. Frequent flecks of charcoal. Sharp boundary to the next horizon.

? X 0.75 x 0.35


152 235 152 Soft mid brown silty and sandy clay. Occasionally occurrence of fine rounded pebbles.

? X 0.50 x 0.15


152 41 236 Soft mid brownish yellow sandy clay. ? X 0.60 x 0.15

239 Pit cut- uncertain

234 234 2 Oval in shape. NE and SE break of slope top gradual; SW and NW sharp or imperceptible. NE side moderate concave; NW side steep irregular; SE side steep, almost vertical concave; SW side moderate irregular. Mostly imperceptible breaks of slope base. Very irregular base.

0.60 x 0.40 x 0.20

240 Pit fill 232 1 241 Very soft mid brown sandy silt. One large sub-angular stone ‘capping’ the whole feature.

0.50 x ? X 0.25


106

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ensions (m

)

241 Pit fill 232 240 242 Very soft mid yellowish brown sandy silt. Diffuse and smooth boundary to the next horizon.

0.25 x ? 0.10

242 Pit fill 232 241 232 Soft mid grey sandy silt. Occasionally flecks of charcoal. Sharp smooth bound-ary to the next horizon.

0.30 x ? 0.10

243 Pit fill - uncertain

244 1 244 Hard light pinkish/greyish brown silt. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Occasionally medium sub-angular pebbles,

0.50 x 0.40 x 0.10


243 243 2 Oval in shape. Mostly gradual break of slope top. Irregular sides - gentle to moderate in slope. Mostly imperceptible break of slope base. Irregular concave base.

0.50 x 0.40 x 0.10

245 Posthole fill 255 1 255 Firm dark brown sandy silt with frequent flecks to medium pieces of charcoal. Moderate occurrence of sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles.

0.27 x 0.24 x 0.20

246 Pit cut 247, 250 247 2 Oval in shape. N and E break of slope top - sharp and S and W - gradual. N and S sides steep and stepped and E and W side steep and smooth. All break of slope base are gradual. Irregular concave base.

0.65 x 0.40 x 0.18

247 Pit fill 246 250 246 Firm white sandy clay. Frequent oc-currence of coarse angular pebbles and occasionally of small angular stones. Clear and smooth boundary to the nest horizon.

0.65 x 0.40 x 0.18

248 Stakehole fill

249 1 249 Soft mid/dark brown silty clay. Frequent flacks of charcoal. Moderate fine sub-angular pebbles.

0.04 x 0.05 x 0.13

249 Stakehole cut

248 248 2 Circular in shape. Sharp break of slope top and gradual break of slope base. Smooth, almost vertical sides. Tapered point base. Top slightly orientated to the NW from base.

0.04 x 0.05 x 0.13

250 Pit fill 246 1 247 Weakly cemented dark brownish grey, almost black clayey sand. Clear and smooth boundary to the next horizon.

0.08 x 0.08 x 0.10

251 Stakehole fill

252 1 152 Soft dark/mid greyish brown silty sand. Frequent flecks of charcoal. Moderate fine sub-angular pebbles.

0.06 x 0.06 x 0.13

252 Stakehole cut

251 151 2 Circular in shape. Sharp break of slopes top and gradual break of slope base. Smooth aslant sides. Tapered point base. Top orientated to the NE from base - an-gle of inclination of axis is ca. 50 degree.

0.06 x 0.06 x 0.13

253254255 Posthole

cut245 245 2 Triangular in shape. Sharp break of slope

top and gradual break of slope base. Vertical sides. Flat base.

0.27 x 0.24 x 0.20

256

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257 Pit fill 289 1 290 Loose orange silty sand, Frequent fine rounded pebbles. Moderate coarse sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Mod-erate sub-rounded to rounded medium and large - up to o.35 m - stones, witch were laying on the top of pit. Occasion-ally flecks to small pieces of charcoal.

2.00 x 1.40 x 0.13

258 Trough cut 259, 268, 537

537 2 Sub-rectangular in shape with rounded corners. Sharp break of slope top and base. All sides vertical and stepped. Sub-rectangular flat base.

1.60 x 0.94 x 0.25

259 Pit fill 258 1 268 Friable dark brown sandy silt with small stones and coarse size pebbles (angular and very angular, thermally shattered). Frequent flecks and small pieces of charcoal. Clear and smooth boundary to the next horizon.

1.60 x 0.68 c 0.26

260 Stakehole fill

262 1 261 Soft mid orangish grey silty clay. Moder-ate flecks of charcoal. Moderate fine and medium angular pebbles concentrated on the top on the edges.

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.12

261 Stakehole fill

262 260 262 Soft dark orangish grey silty clay. Fre-quent flecks and small pieces of charcoal. Moderate fine and medium angular pebbles.

262 Stakehole cut

260, 262 261 2 Circular in shape. Sharp break of slope top and gradual break of slope base. Concave, slightly undercut sides. Rounded base.

263 Stakehole fill

264 1 264 Soft mid orangish/brownish grey silty clay. Frequent flecks of charcoal. Moder-ate fine and medium pebbles.

0.06 x 0.06 x 0.16

264 Stakehole cut

263 263 2 Circular in shape. Mostly sharp break of slope top and gradual break of slope base. Smooth aslant sides. Circular tapered point base. Top orientated to the NW from base - angle of inclination of axis ix ca. 70 degree.

0.06 x 0.06 x 0.16


266, 267, 466

267 411, 456 Linear in plan. Gradual top break of slope on SE and NW side. SE side gentle concave, NW - moderate concave. Gradual break of slope base. Linear in plan and flat in profile base.

ca 40 x 1.35 x 0.25


265 1 267, 466 Firm mid greyish brown clayey and sandy silt. Medium sub-angular fine and medium pebbles and small stones. Oc-casionally flecks of charcoal. Clear and smooth boundary to the next horizon.

ca 40 x 1.35 x 0.25


265 266 265 Firm light yellowish brown silt. Moder-ate fine and medium sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Clear and smooth boundary to the next horizon.

ca 40 x 1.35 x 0.12

268 Fill in trough

258 259 537 Loose mid brown clayey sand. Occa-sionally fine sub-angular pebbles. Clear smooth boundary to the next horizon.

0.60 x 0.40 x 0.14

269 Deposit 1 2 Soft mid brown clayey silt with frequent charcoal flecks and small pieces. Fre-quent fine sub-angular pebbles.

?


108

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270 Deposit 1 2 Firm mid orangish brown silt. Frequent fine and moderate medium and coarse size angular and sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally flecks of charcoal.

1.30 x 1.00 x 0.03

271 Cut of lin-ear ditch

272, 273 272 276 Linear in plan. Sharp top break of slope and gradual to imperceptible break of slope base. NE side steep and SW side steep and smooth. Linear flat base.

? X 0.20 x 0.13

272 Fill of lin-ear ditch

271 273 271 Compact mid orangish grey silty sand. Moderate fine and medium sub-rounded and rounded pebbles. Occasionally sub-angular and sub-rounded coarse pebbles and small stones. Sharp boundary to the next horizon.

? X 0.20 x 0.07


271 152 272 Firm mid brownish orange silty clay. Frequent fine sub-angular to rounded pebbles. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Occasionally sub-rounded coarse pebbles and small stones. Sharp boundary to the next horizon.

? X 0.22 x 0.07


152 1 152 Stiff light yellowish/orangish brown silty clay. Moderate fine and medium sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Occasionally coarse sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Moderate sub-angular small stones. Clear boundary to the next horizon.

? X 0.22 x 0.35

275 Cut of ditch

276, 310, 311

276 2 Linear in plan. Top break of slope sharp, base - mostly imperceptible to gradual. NE side steep and smooth, SW side not clarify. Linear flat base.

? X 0.40 x 0.35

276 Fill of ditch 275 310 275 Compact soft mid orangish brown silty sand. Frequent sub-rounded and rounded fine pebbles. Moderate sub-rounded medium pebbles. Occasionally sub-rounded coarse pebbles. Moderate sub-angular small stones. Sharp bound-ary to the next horizon.

? X 0.29 x 0.11

277 Fill of slot trench and pit

278, 354

1 278, 354 Soft mid greyish orange clayey silt. Frequent angular and sub-angular fine to coarse size pebbles. Moderate angular and sub-angular small stones. Occasion-ally flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

? X 0.2-0.55 x 0.15-0.18

278 Cut of slot trench

277, 347 277 2 Irregular in plan. Sharp to gradual break of slope top and mostly gradual break of slope base. NE side moderate to vertical, mostly vertical, concave; SW side moder-ate to vertical, mostly vertical, concave. Irregular flat base.

2.4 x 0.15-0.45 x 0.10-0.15

279 Spread 280 2 Soft mid orangish brown sandy silt. Moderate angular to sub-rounded me-dium and coarse pebbles. Frequent flecks and small charcoal.

0.52 x 0.37 x 0.07

280 Spread 1 279, 277, 345, 244

Soft to firm mid greyish orange sandy silt. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles all sizes. Occasionally flecks and small charcoal. Sharp and diffuse boundary to the next horizon.

ca 10 x 5 x 0.10-0.15

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259 259 2 sub-circular in shape. Mostly sharp break of slope top. N side steep irregular; S side steep smooth; E side moderate irregular; W side steep smooth. All break of slope base gradual. Irregular in plan concave base.

0.36 x 0.33 x 0.14

282 Spread 1 2 Firm mid brownish grey silt. Moderate fine and occasionally medium sub-angu-lar pebbles. Moderate flecks of charcoal.

0.78 x 0.60 x 0.06


295 295 2 Oval in shape. Mostly sharp break of slope top and sharp to gradual break of slope base. NE side steep smooth; SE side steep concave; NW side moderate concave, slightly undercut; SW side moderate concave. Circular flat base.

0.80 x 0.73 x 0.11

284 Spread 1 285 Soft light greyish orange sandy silt. Moderate fine and medium, occasion-ally coarse angular and sub-angular pebbles. Frequent flecks to small pieces of charcoal.

0.50 x 0.40 x 0.10

285 Pit fill - uncertain

286 284 286 Strongly cemented pinkish white/grey sand. Moderate fine and medium angu-lar and sub-angular pebbles. Moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal. Frequent patches of orange silt and clay.

0.60 x 0.25 x 0.40

286 Pit cut (uncertain)

285 285 2 Irregular cut. Mostly sharp break of slope top and imperceptible break of slope base. S side steep concave, N side gentle irregular; W side steep convex; E side not known (not excavated). Irregular base.

0.60 x 0.25 x 0.40

287 Pit fill 602 553 602 Soft to firm greyish brown (on the edges) to brownish grey (in the middle) silt. Frequent angular and sub-angular peb-bles all sizes and small stones (including frequent thermally shattered angular pebbles). Frequent flecks to medium pieces of charcoal. Frequent spots of light grey sandy clay (ash?).

2.2 x 1.5 x ?

288 Hearth 280 294 Soft brown sandy silt. Moderate angular fine, angular and sub-rounded medium and angular to sub-rounded coarse peb-bles and angular and sub-angular small stones. Frequent flecks and small and occasionally medium pieces of charcoal. Clear and smooth boundary to the next horizon.

1.10 x 0.80 x 0.15

289 Pit cut 257, 290, 291, 330

330 2 Sub-oval in shape. Mostly gradual break of slope top and imperceptible break of slope base. All sides moderate and irregu-lar. Sub-oval concave base.

2.05 x 1.40 x 0.34

290 Pit fill 289 257 291 Soft dark brown silt. Moderate sub-rounded and rounded fine and sub-angular and sub-rounded medium pebbles. Occasionally sub-angular and sub-rounded coarse pebbles and sub-angular small stones. Frequent flecks of charcoal.

0.85 x 0.45 x 0.09


110

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291 Pit fill 289 290 330 Very soft mid orangish brown clayey silt. Moderate sub-rounded and rounded fine and sub-angular and rounded medium pebbles. Occasionally sub-angular coarse pebbles. Diffuse boundary to the next horizon.

0.70 x 0.40 x 0.11


293 293 2 Oval in shape. Sharp to gradual break of slope top and all gradual break of slope base. N and W sides steep and smooth; S and E sides steep and concave. Oval flat base.

0.52 x 0.37 x 0.16

293 Pit or post-hole fill

292 1 292 Loose dark grey sand mixed with yellow clay. Moderate fine and occasionally coarse sub-angular pebbles. Moder-ate flecks of charcoal. Diffuse smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.52 x 0.37 x 0.16

294 Hearth (poss)

288 2 Stiff mid brownish/orangish red silty clay. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded fine and angular and sub-angular medium pebbles. Occasionally angular and sub-angular coarse pebbles. Occasionally flecks of charcoal.

0.70 x 0.55 x 0.08-0.1

295 Pit fill (uncertain)

283 1 283 Firm mid yellowish brown silt. Moderate sub-angular fine pebbles. Frequent sub-angular and sub-rounded small stones. Clear and smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.80 x 0.73 x 0.11

296 Furrow Cut 297, 298 297, 298

2 Linear in plan. Sharp break of slope top and gradual break of slope base. Steep and concave sides E and W. Linear flat base.

40 x 0.90 x 0.12

297 Furrow fill 296 1 296 Firm mid greyish brown silt. Occasion-ally sub-angular fine and moderate sub-rounded medium pebbles.

40 x 0.37 x 0.13

298 Furrow fill 296 1 296 Firm mid greyish brown silt. Moder-ate sub-angular fine and sub-rounded medium pebbles.

40 x 0.42 x 0.12


300 300 2 Irregular in shape. Mostly gradual break of slope top and base. SE side gentle smooth; SW gentle stepped; NE steep smooth; NW steep irregular undercut. Irregular flat base.

0.64 x 0.54 x 0.22

300 Pit fill 299 1 299 Hard light white clay. Moderate angular coarse pebbles.

0.64 x 0.54 x 0.22

301 Pit cut 302 302 304 Oval in shape. Mostly sharp break of slope top and sharp to gradual break of slope base. SE side gentle concave; SW steep and concave; NW and NE sides moderate concave. Oval concave base.

1.09 x 0.85 x 0.25

302 Pit fill 301 1 301 Very soft and loose mid greyish brown silty sand. Moderate sub-angular pebbles all sizes and frequent sub-angular small and medium stones. Occasionally flecks and small charcoal.

1.09 x 0.85 x 0.25

303 Pit cut 304 304 2 Oval in shape. NW and SE sides steep concave; SW side moderate concave. NE side imperceptible. Mostly sharp break of slope base. Oval concave base.

1.25 x 0.94 x 0.20

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304 Pit fill 302 301 303 Very soft and loose mid greyish brown silty sand. Moderate sub-angular peb-bles all sizes and sub-angular small and medium stones. Moderate flecks and occasionally small charcoal.

1.25 x 0.94 x 0.20

305 Furrow fill 1 2 Firm mid greyish brown sandy silt. Oc-casionally sub-angular pebbles all sizes and small stones.

30 x 0.80 x 0.10

306 Pit fill 307 1 307 Firm dark greyish brown silty clay with angular and sub-angular small and medium stones (ca 30-40% of fill). Moderate angular and sub-angular fine and medium pebbles. Moderate flecks and small charcoal.

0.63 x 0.62 x 0.10

307 Pit cut 306 306 2 Sub-rectangular cut with rounded corners. Mostly gradual break of slope top and gradual to imperceptible break of slope base. NE and NW sides moder-ate concave. SE and SW sides moderate smooth. Oval flat base, sloping from SE to NW.

0.63 x 0.62 x 0.10

308 Pit cut 309 309 2 Circular in shape with mostly gradual break of slope top and base. N, S and E sides moderate concave, W side steep concave. Oval circular base.

2.12 x 1.90 x 0.32

309 Pit fill 308 1 308 Firm mid greyish brown silt. Mod sub-angular fine and medium pebbles. Frequent sub-angular and sub-rounded small stones.

2.12 x 1.90 x 0.32

310 Fill of ditch 275 311 276, 272 Firm light yellowish brown silty clay. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded fine and sub-angular medium pebbles. Occasionally sub-angular coarse pebbles. Moderate angular and sub-angular small stones. Clear boundary to next horizon.

? X 0.35 x 0.08

311 Fill of ditch 275 1 311 Firm light yellowish grey silty clay. Mod-erate sub-rounded and rounded fine peb-bles. Occasionally sub-rounded medium and sub-angular and sub-rounded coarse pebbles. Occasionally sub-angular small stones. Clear boundary to next horizon.

? X 0.47 x 0.20

312 Pit cut 313 313 2 Irregular in plan. N and S break of slope top sharp; E - imperceptible; W - gradual. S and W sides moderate con-cave; N side - steep concave; E side gentle convex. Mostly sharp break of slope base. Irregular base.

0.77 x 0.65 x 0.18

313 Pit fill 312 1 312 Weakly cemented mid brown silty sand. Occasionally sub-angular fine and coarse pebbles. Moderate flecks and occasion-ally small charcoal. Clear wavy boundary to next horizon.

0.77 x 0.65 x 0.18

314 Deposit 1 2 Soft and loose light brown sandy silt. Frequent angular and sub-angular fine pebbles. Occasionally small charcoal.

0.29 x 0.15 x 0.17


112

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315 Spread 1 2 Compact and friable light orangish brown sandy silt. Frequent sub-angular and sub-rounded fine pebbles. Frequent flecks of charcoal.

1.50 x 0.50 x 0.07

316 Pit cut 317 317 2 Oval in plan. N and E break of slope top sharp, S and W - gradual. N, W and E sides moderate smooth; S side steep and irregular. Mostly gradual break of slope base. Irregular concave base.

1.00 x 0.52 x 0.22

317 Pit fill 316 1 316 Hard white clay. Occasionally angular medium and sub-angular coarse pebbles. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

1.00 x 0.52 x 0.22

318 Stakehole fill

319 315 319 Loose light brown sandy silt. Occasion-ally flecks and small charcoal.

0.15 x 0.15 x 0.11

319 Stakehole cut

318 318 2 Circular in plan. Sharp break of slope top and gradual break of slope base. Vertical sides. Tapered blunt point base.

0.15 x 0.15 x 0.11

320 Ditch fill 152 321 152 Soft and compact mid brownish grey sandy silt. Occasionally angular and sub-angular small stones. Sharp and smooth boundary to next horizon.

1.98 x 0.68 x 0.26

321 Metalled Surface

1 320 Flat sub-angular and angular small stones packed in mid greyish brown silty sand.

1.50 x 1.12 x 0.06


323 323 2 Oval in shape. N and S break of slop top sharp; E - imperceptible, W - gradual. N and S sides steep concave; E and W sides gentle and irregular. Break of slope base: N and W - gradual, S - sharp, E - imperceptible. Irregular base.

0.5 x 0.14 x 0.10

323 Pit fill 322 1 322 Weakly cemented dark brown silty sand. Moderate medium and occasionally coarse sub-angular pebbles. Frequent flecks and small pieces of charcoal. Sharp and wavy boundary to next horizon.

0.46 x 0.14 x 0.10

324 Pit cut 325 325 2 Oval in shape. Mostly sharp break of slope top. N side vertical concave and un-dercut; S side moderate concave; E side almost vertical undercut; W side steep concave. Break of slope base: N gradual to sharp; S - gradual; E and W - sharp. Oval concave base.

0.75 x 0.58 x 0.28

325 Pit fill 324 1 325 Weakly dark brown silty sand. Occasion-ally sub-angular fine pebbles. Moderate medium sub-angular medium stones. Occasionally small charcoal.

0.75 x 0.58 x 0.28

326 VOID327 VOID328 Stakehole/

posthole cut

329 329 2 Oval in plan. Sharp break of slopes top and base. N and W side almost vertical undercut; E and S side vertical. Base irregular in plan, tapered rounded point in profile.

0.24 x 0.28 x 0.05

329 Stakehole/posthole fill

328 1 328 Weakly cemented dark brown silty sand. Moderate fine and occasionally medium sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally sub-angular small stones. Occasionally flecks of charcoal.

0.34 x 0.28 x 0.56

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330 Pit fill 289 291 289 Soft mid brownish orange silt. Frequent sub-rounded and rounded fine pebbles. Moderate sub-angular and angular medium pebbles.

0.50 x 0.70 x 0.25

331 Pit cut 332 332 2 Oval in plan. Sharp break of slope top and mostly sharp break of slope base. N side vertical smooth, S moderate smooth, E and W sides vertical undercut. Circular flat base.

0.82 x 0.76 x 0.26

332 Pit fill 331 1 331 Loose mid brown sandy silt with angular and sub-angular thermally shattered medium and coarse pebbles. Moderate small angular and sub-angular stones and occasionally sub-angular medium stones. Occasionally small charcoal.

0.82 x 0.76 x 0.26

333 Pit cut 335, 340 335 2 Sub-rectangular in plan with rounded corners. Sharp SE and SW break of slope top; gradual NE and imperceptible NW. SW and SE sides steep and smooth; NW and NE sides gentle and smooth. All break of slope base gradual. Sub-rectan-gular flat base.

1.20 x 0.95 x 0.36

334 Spread 333 2 Compact mid reddish brown silty sand. Occasionally fine sub-angular peb-bles and small stones. Frequent small charcoal/ Sharp and smooth boundary to next horizon.

1.18 x 0.95 x 0.08

335 Pit fill 333 340 333 Weakly cemented dark brown silty sand with small angular stones. Occasionally sub-angular coarse pebbles and angular medium stones. Frequent small charcoal.

1.20 x 0.95 x 0.22

336 Pit cut 350 350 2 Oval in shape. Mostly gradual breaks of slope top and base (only S breaks at top and base are imperceptible). N and W sides moderate concave; S and E gentle and concave. Oval concave base.

0.65 x 0.45 x 0.08

337 Deposit 1 2 Weakly cemented mid greyish brown silty sand. Occasionally sub-rounded fine and sub-angular medium pebbles. Frequent flecks and small charcoal.

0.34 x 0.26 x 0.03

338 Stakehole cut

339 339 2 Circular in plan. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. Steep and smooth to moderate and concave sides. Top orientated to NW from base - angle of inclination of axis ca 75-80 degrees.

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.04

339 Stakehole fill

338 278 338 Soft mid orangish grey silty clay. Fre-quent fine and medium angular pebbles. Moderate flecks of charcoal.

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.04

340 Pit fill 333 1 335 Weakly cemented light brownish white sand with angular small stones. Occasionally fine sub-angular pebbles and flecks of charcoal. Diffuse smooth boundary to nest horizon.

0.90 x 0.50 x 0.10

341 Deposit 1 2 Stiff light greyish brown silt. Frequent fine and medium angular and sub-angu-lar pebbles. Moderate small sub-angular stones. Frequent small charcoal. Moder-ate small pieces of boulder clay.

1.90 x 1.40 x 0.16


114

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342 Stakehole fill

343 1 343 Loose mid orangish brown silt. Moderate sub-rounded and rounded fine and oc-casionally sub-rounded medium pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks.

0.19 x 0.19 x 0.18

343 Stakehole cut

342 342 2 Circular in plan. Sharp break of slope top and gradual break of slope base. Vertical concave sides. Tapered blunt point base.

0.19 x 0.19 x 0.18

344 Pit fill 346 280 345 Soft mid greyish orange clayey silt. Frequent fine and medium, occasion-ally coarse angular, sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Occasionally flecks and small charcoal. Clear and wavy boundary to next horizon.

0.44 x 0.41 x 0.10

345 Pit fill 346 344 346 Firm dark orangish grey silty clay with angular and sub-angular pebbles (ca 30% of fill). Moderate small sub-angular stones and rounded medium pebbles. Frequent flecks and moderate small charcoal.

0.91 x 0.30 x 0.10

346 Pit cut 344, 345 345 2 Irregular in plan. Mostly sharp break of slopes top and mostly irregular at base. N and S sides moderate concave; W and W gentle and smooth in the middle and steep concave - towards N and S side E and towards S side S. Irregular mostly flat base.

1.04 x 0.44 x 0.15

347 Fill in slot trench

278 1 278 Soft mid brownish/orangish grey clayey silt. Frequent medium angular and sub-angular and coarse sub-angular pebbles. Moderate fine angular and sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally small sub-angular stones. Moderate flecks and small char-coal. Moderate lenses of orange silt.

2.00 x 0.15-0.45 x 0.1-0.15

348349 Pit fill 352 1 352 Firm mid greyish brown silt. Moderate

fine and occasionally medium sub-an-gular pebbles. Occasionally medium sub-angular stones. Occasionally charcoal flecks.

0.70 x 0.63 x 0.25

350 Pit fill 336 1 336 Firm mid greyish brown silt. Frequent fine and medium and moderate coarse size sub-angular pebbles. Frequent small and occasionally medium sub-angular stones. Frequent flecks, moderate small and occasionally medium pieces of char-coal. Frequent flecks and moderate small pieces of burnt bones.

0.65 x 0.45 x 0.08

351 Pit fill 358 1 358 Compact brown clayey sand. Occa-sionally medium sub-angular pebbles. Moderate flecks of charcoal.

0.60 x 0.36 x 0.18

352 Pit cut 349 349 2 Oval in plan. N and E break of slope both top and base sharp, S and W - gradual. N side steep smooth; S and W moderate smooth, E side steep irregular. Irregular flat base.

0.70 x 0.63 x 0.25

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353 Pit/hearth fill

372 1 365 Soft dark greyish brown sandy silt. Moderate fine rounded and medium sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Occasionally small stones. Moderate flecks and occasionally small charcoal.

1.16 x 0.80 x 0.06


277 277 2 Very irregular and unclear cut. Only W side is clear - Sharp break of slope at top and gradual to imperceptible at base, moderate slope with concave shape. Ir-regular flat base.

0.65 x 0.6 x 0.20

355 Swallow hole

356 356 2 Circular in shape. Gradual break of slope top and base. All sides moderate and concave. Circular concave base.

0.23 x 0.21 x 0.11

356 Swal-low hole/geological feature

355 1 355 Firm dark pinkish greyish silt. Occasion-ally fine sub-angular pebbles.

0.23 x 0.21 x 0.11

357 Spread 1 369 Firm mid greyish brown silt with frequent flecks and small charcoal. Oc-casionally sub-angular fine pebbles.

0.60 x 0.50 x 0.03


351 351 2 Sub-circular in plan. NE and SE break of slope top gradual; SW and NW - sharp. NE and SW sides steep and smooth; NW side moderate smooth; SE vertical concave. All breaks of slope base gradual. Sub-circular flat base.

0.62 x 0.51 x 0.27

359 Swallow hole

360 360 3 Sub-circular in plan. All breaks of slope top and base gradual. NE, SW and SE sides moderate and smooth, NW gentle and smooth. Sub-circular concave base.

0.35 x 0.30 x 0.15

360 Swallow hole

359 1 359 Compact mid brown sand. Occasionally fine and medium sub-angular pebbles. Moderate flecks and occasionally small pieces of charcoal. Clear and smooth boundary to the next horizon.

0.62 x 0.46 x 0.18

361 Swallow hole

362 362 2 Irregular cut. All break of slope top and mostly all at base - gradual. NE, NW and SW sides gentle and smooth; SE side moderate and smooth. Irregular flat base.

1.30 x 1.10 x 0.10

362 Swallow hole

361 1 361 Firm light yellow clay. Occasionally fine and medium sub-angular pebbles, Occasionally flecks of charcoal. Diffuse smooth boundary to next horizon.

1.10 x 1.05 x 0.13

363 Posthole fill 364 1 364 Firm mid/dark brownish and orang-ish silty clay. Frequent fine, moder-ate medium and coarse angular and sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally small angular stones. Moderate flecks and small charcoal.

0.67 x 0.55 x 0.13

364 Posthole cut

363 363 2 Pear-shaped cut. Mostly sharp break of slope top and mostly gradual break of slope base. NE side gentle stepped; SE, SW and NW sides steep concave. Oval flat base.

0.67 x 0.55 x 0.13

365 Pit/hearth fill

372 353 372 Soft mid brown sandy silt. Moderate fine sub-rounded and rounded pebbles. Occasionally sub-rounded medium and coarse pebbles and small stones.

0.46 x 0.20 x 0.08


116

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372 2 Firm dark brownish red sandy silt. Frequent rounded fine pebbles. Moder-ate sub-rounded and rounded medium pebbles. Occasionally rounded coarse pebbles. Moderate charcoal flecks.

1.98 x 0.87 x 0.07

367 Linear feature fill

371 1 371 Loose mid brownish grey silty sand. Frequent fine sub-rounded and rounded pebbles. Moderate medium sub-angular pebbles.

0.80 x 0.16 x 0.13

368 Firespot 1 2 Loose and very soft mid reddish brown sandy silt. Occasionally fine and me-dium, frequent coarse angular and sub-angular pebbles. Moderate small angular and sub-angular stones. Frequent Flecks and small charcoal.

0.86 x 0.86 x 0.10

369 Pit fill 388 357 388 Stiff mid orange silt. Occasionally fine angular and sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally flecks and small charcoal. Diffuse Boundary to next horizon.

1.03 x 0.60 x 0.20

370 Spread 1 2 Soft and loose light brown sandy silt. Frequent angular and sub-angular coarse pebbles. Occasionally fine and medium angular, sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Occasionally angular and sub-angular small stones. Moderate small and frequent medium charcoal.

1.14 x 0.67 x 0.10


367 367 353 Linear in plan. N and S break of slope top sharp, E and W - gradual. N and S sides steep and smooth. W and E moder-ate concave. Mostly imperceptible break of slope base. Linear in plan, tapered rounded point in profile base.

0.80 x 0.16 x 0.13

372 Pit/hearth cut

353, 378, 379, 365, 382

383 366 Oval in shape. NE side gentle smooth; SE and SW sides moderate concave; NW side moderate smooth. Sub-circular concave base.

1.08 x 0.80 x 0.10

373 Spread 1 375 Soft dark greyish/orangish brown clayey silt. Moderate fine and medium angular and sub-angular pebbles. Frequent sub-angular and sub-rounded coarse pebbles and small stones. Occasionally medium sub-angular and sub-rounded stones. Frequent flecks and moderate small charcoal. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

1.05 x 1.00 x 0.10

374 Spread 1 375 Firm mid brownish/orangish grey silt. Frequent angular and sub-angular pebbles all sizes. Moderate small and occasionally medium angular and sub-angular stones. Moderate flecks and small charcoal.

2.60 x 1.15 x 0.18

375 Spread 373, 374

2 Soft mid greyish orange silt. Frequent fine, moderate medium sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Occasionally coarse angular and sub-angular pebbles. Moderate flecks and occasionally small charcoal.

1.50 x 1.00 x 0.10

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376 Posthole fill 377 1 377 Firm mid greyish brown sandy silt. Occasionally fine and angular and sub-angular pebbles. Moderate small angular and sub-angular small and occasionally medium angular r stones. Moderate small charcoal.

0.25 x 0.25 x 0.30

377 Posthole cut

376 376 2 Oval in shape. Sharp break of slope top and base. All sides steep and smooth. Oval tapered rounded point base.

0.25 x 0.25 x 0.30

378 Pit/hearth fill

372 353 379 Compact light pinkish brown silty sand. Moderate fine rounded and occasionally medium sub-rounded pebbles.

0.11 x 0.08 x 0.03

379 Pit/hearth fill

372 353 382 Weakly cemented light pink silty sand. Occasionally sub-angular and sub-rounded fine pebbles.

0.60 x 0.60 x 0.03

380381382 Pit/hearth

fill372 379 372 Soft mid yellowish brown sandy silt.

Frequent fine rounded pebbles. Moderate medium sub-rounded pebbles.

0.94 x 0.60 x ?

383 Stakehole fill

384 277 384 Soft mid greyish brown silt. Moder-ate charcoal flecks. Moderate fine and medium angular pebbles.

0.06 x 0.07 x 0.07

384 Stakehole cut

383 383 278? Oval in shape. Mostly sharp break of slope top and gradual break of slope base. Almost vertical sides. Tapered rounded point base. Top orientated to SE from base. Angle of inclination of axis ca 80-85 degrees.

0.06 x 0.07 x 0.07

385 Stakehole fill

386 1 386 Firm mid greyish brown silt. <moderate fine and occasionally coarse sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks.

0.21 x 0.20 x 0.37

386 Stakehole cut

385 385 2 Circular in plan. Sharp break of slope top and base. Vertical smooth sides. Circular pointed base.

0.21 x 0.20 x 0.37

387 Fill of in-filled river

388 Pit cut (possible)

369 369 2 Oval in shape. N and E break of slope top - gradual; S and W - sharp. N, E and W sides moderate and smooth; S side vertical smooth. N, W and E break of slope base gradual, S - sharp. Irregular base.

1.03 x 0.60 x 0.20

389 Firespot 1 2 Soft and loose mid reddish brown sandy silt. Occasionally flecks and small charcoal.

0.30 x 0.20 x 0.05

390 Firespot 1 2 Soft and loose mid reddish brown silty sand. Occasionally medium sub-an Oc-casionally medium charcoal.

0.65 x 0.25 x 0.1

391 Stakehole cut

403 403 2 Circular in plan. Gradual break of slope top and base. Steep smooth sides. Circu-lar tapered rounded point base.

0.14 x 0.11 x 0.09

392 Stakehole cut

403 403 2 Oval in plan. All break of slope top gradual. N and S sides moderate concave; E and W moderate and smooth. Oval pointed base.

0.22 x 0.14 x 0.08


118

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393 Stakehole cut

403 403 2 Circular in plan. Gradual break of slope top and base. Steep smooth sides. Circu-lar tapered rounded point base.

0.13 x 0.12 x 0.10

394 Stakehole cut

402 402 2 Circular in plan. Gradual break of slope top. Moderate smooth sides. Circular tapered blunt point base.

0.09 x 0.08 x 0.07

395 Layer (burnt)

417 2 Compact mid orangish pink silty sand. Occasionally flecks of charcoal. Clear wavy boundary to next horizon.

1.50 x 0.62 x ?

396 Stakehole cut

403 403 2 Circular in plan. Gradual break of slope top and base. Moderate smooth sides. Circular tapered rounded point base.

0.13 x 0.12 x 0.10

397 Ditch cut 398, 399 398 2 Linear in plan. N and S sides steep and concave/rounded. Linear concave/rounded base.

? X 0.45 x 0.21

398 Fill of ditch 397 399 397 Very soft and loose mid/dark reddish brown clayey silt. Occasionally fine sub-rounded pebbles and small sub-angular stones. Occasionally flecks of iron panning.

? X 0.39 x 0.20

399 Fill of ditch 397 400 398 Soft loose mid brownish grey clayey silt. Occasionally fine sub-rounded peb-bles. Moderate small sub-angular and sub-rounded stones. Sharp and smooth boundary to next horizon.

? X 0.21 x 0.18

400 Cut of ditch

401, 420, 421, 422, 423, 427

401 399 Linear in plan. Sharp N break of slope. N side moderate and concave. Sharp N sand S break of slope base. Linear flat base.

? X 0.94 x 0.70

401 Fill of ditch 400 420 400 Firm weakly cemented light orang-ish grey silty sand. Moderate fine and occasionally medium sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Moderate angular and sub-angular small stones. Occasion-ally flecks of charcoal. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

? X 0.24 x 0.14

402 Stakehole fill

394 1 394 Loose mid brown sand. Occasionally sub-rounded medium pebbles. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.09 x 0.08 x 0.07

403 Fill in group of stakeholes

391, 392, 393, 396

1 391, 392, 393, 396

Loose dark grey clayey sand. Occasion-ally medium sub-rounded pebbles. Fre-quent charcoal flecks. Sharp and smooth boundary to next horizon.

see stake-holes cuts

404 Firespot 1 2 Soft loose mid reddish brown silty sand. Occasionally fine sub-angular pebbles. Frequent flecks and small charcoal.

0.50 x 0.25 x 0.01

405 Pit fill 451 1 451 Firm mid brownish grey silt with stones (ca 65 % of fill; various shape and size). Occasionally charcoal flecks. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

4.19 x 2.50 x 0.20

406 Stakehole fill

407 1 407 Soft mid yellowish brown sandy clay. Moderate small sub-rounded and rounded pebbles. Occasional small pieces and flecks of charcoal.

0.11 x 0.11 x 0.1

407 Stakehole cut

406 406 2 Sub-circular in plan. Sharp break of slope top and base. Vertical sides. Circu-lar tapered blunt point base.

0.11 x 0.11 x 0.1

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Dim

ensions (m

)

408 Fill of in-filled river

2.00 x 0.40 x 1.00

409 Posthole cut

414, 413, 419

419 2 Circular cut. Sharp break of slope top and base. All sides smooth vertical sides. Circular flat base.

0.46 x 0.42 x 0.39

410 Cut of slot trench of Neolithic house

411, 846, 838, 890, 936, 968, 969, 891, 920, 953, 1004

846 979.00 Slot trench of Neolithic house almost rectangular shape with rounded corners. Slot has linear shape. Break of slop are mostly sharp, sides mostly steep, almost vertical, smooth and concave. Break of slope base mostly gradual. Base u-shaped, in some parts (especially in NW wall ) irregular.

9.30 x 7.10 x 0.60

411 Fill of slot trench

410 265, 418

838 Soft reddish brown silt. Frequent charcoal and burnt clay flecks and small patches. Moderate fine to coarse size angular and sub-angular pebbles.

7.00 x 0.50 x 0.50

412413 Posthole fill 409 1 414 Very soft and loose mid to dark blackish

brown silty sand. Moderate fine and medium angular to rounded pebbles. Frequent angular and sub-angular coarse pebbles and small stones. Occasionally angular and sub-angular medium stones. Frequent flecks and small charcoal. Sharp and smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.44 x 0.45 x 0.39

414 Posthole fill 409 414 419 Very soft and loose mid to dark brown silty sand. Frequent fine angular to rounded pebbles. Occasionally angular and sub-angular medium and coarse pebbles and small stones. Occasionally flecks and small charcoal.

?

415 Furrow fill 417 1 416 Compact mid brown silty sand. Oc-casionally angular pebbles all sizes. Occasionally charcoal flecks.

? X 0.88 x 0.06

416 Furrow fill 417 415 417 Weakly cemented light yellow sand. Occasionally angular fine and medium pebbles.

? X 0.26 x 0.06

417 Furrow cut 415, 416 416 395 Linear cut. Gradual break of slope top and base. SE side gentle smooth, NW side gentle irregular. Linear flat base.

? X 0.88 x 0.12

418 Furrow fill 1 769, 802, 795

Firm dark brownish grey sandy silt. Frequent fine and moderate medium sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks.

24.5 x 0.60 x 0.15

419 Posthole fill 409 414 409 Soft and loose mid brown silty sand. Occasionally fine pebbles all sizes. Occasionally angular and sub-angular medium and coarse pebbles, Occasion-ally small sub-angular stones. Occasion-ally small charcoal.

0.44 x 0.42 x 0.22

420 Fill of ditch 400 423 401 Firm weakly cemented orangish grey silty sand. Frequent angular and sub-rounded fine pebbles. Occasionally sub-angular medium pebbles. Frequent an-gular to sub-rounded small stones. Clear irregular boundary to next horizon.

? X 0.10 x 0.11


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421 Fill of ditch 400 427 400 Very soft loose mid reddish brown silty sand. Frequent sub-angular and sub-rounded fine pebbles. Moderate medium sub-rounded pebbles. Frequent angular and sub-angular small stones. Frequent charcoal flecks. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

? X 0.23 x 0.14

422 Fill of ditch 400 427 400 Soft loose light orangish brown silty sand. Moderate sub-angular fine and medium pebbles. Occasionally small sub-angular stones. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

? X 0.19 x 0.11

423 Fill of ditch 400 428 420 Firm strongly cemented light grey silty sand. Occasionally rounded fine pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Diffuse wavy boundary to next horizon.

? X 0.06 x 0.11

424 Cut of ditch

425, 426, 433, 434, 435

425 2 Linear in plan. N break of slope top imperceptible, S - gradual. N and S sides vertical irregular Gradual break of slope base. Linear tapered rounded point base.

? X 0.86 x 0.79

425 Fill of ditch 424 426 424 Soft weakly cemented light brownish grey clayey sand. Moderate fine and occasionally medium sub-rounded and rounded pebbles. Occasionally small sub-rounded stones. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

? X 0.25 x 0.14

426 Fill of ditch 424 433 425 Soft strongly cemented light orang-ish grey sandy silt. Moderate fine and occasionally medium sub-rounded and rounded pebbles. Moderate angular small stones. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

? X 0.86 x 0.27

427 Fill of ditch 400 428 422 Firm compact light to mid orangish grey silty sand. Occasionally sub-rounded and rounded fine and sub-rounded medium pebbles. Frequent small and occasionally medium angular stones. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

? X 0.22 x 0.12

428 Cut of ditch

429, 430, 431, 432, 437

429 427 Linear in plan. Imperceptible break of slope at the top and sharp at the base. N side steep smooth, S side moderate smooth. Linear pointed base.

? X 0.37 x 0.35

429 Fill of ditch 428 430 428 Loose mid greyish red medium sand. Frequent sub-angular to rounded fine and medium pebbles. Occasionally sub-angular and sub-rounded coarse pebbles. Moderate angular and sub-angular small stones. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Frequent flecks of iron panning. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

? X 0.18 x 0.12

430 Fill of ditch 428 431 429 Very soft compact mid/dark greyish red sandy silt. Frequent fine and medium, occasionally coarse sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Occasionally small sub-angular stones. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Frequent flecks of iron panning. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

? X 0.48 x 0.18

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431 Fill of ditch 428 432 430 Soft weakly cemented light/mid grey silty sand. Frequent charcoal flecks. Moderate iron panning flecks. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

? X 0.43 x 0.09

432 Fill of ditch 428 1 431 Soft weakly cemented light/mid brown-ish grey silty sand. Occasionally small and medium angular stones. Frequent flecks and moderate small charcoal. Oc-casionally flecks of iron panning. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

? X 0.82 x 0.17

433 Fill of ditch 424 434 426 Stiff light orangish brown silty clay. Moderate fine and medium sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Moderate sub-angular small stones. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Sharp wavy boundary to next horizon.

? X 0.51 x 0.12

434 Fill of ditch 424 435 433 Soft compact mid/dark brown silty sand. Moderate sub-angular to rounded fine and sub-angular and sub-rounded medium pebbles. Occasionally small angular and sub-angular and medium angular stones. Sharp wavy boundary to next horizon.

? X 1.04 x 0.13

435 Fill of ditch 424 1 435 Stiff light orangish brown silty clay. Frequent fine and moderate medium sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Moderate small angular and sub-round-ed stones. Sharp wavy boundary to next horizon.

? X 0.70 x 0.19

436 Posthole 438, 447 447 2 Sub-circular in plan. Mostly gradual break of slope top and base (sharp S at top and N at base). N and S sides moder-ate undercut. E and W sides moderate and smooth. Sub-circular flat base.

0.45 x 0.40 x 0.16

437 Fill of ditch 428 1 430 Loose mid orangish brown coarse sand. Frequent sub-angular to rounded fine and medium pebbles. Occasionally sub-rounded and rounded coarse pebbles. Moderate sub-angular small stones. Moderate charcoal flecks. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

? X 0.26 x 0.20

438 Posthole fill 436 1 447 Soft loose mid brown silty sand. Frequent sub-rounded and rounded fine pebbles. Moderate angular and sub-angular medium pebbles. Occasion-ally flecks and moderate small charcoal. Occasionally pieces of burnt bones.

0.45 x 0.40 x 0.16

439 Hearth 1 2 Firm light yellow sandy silt. Moderate fine and occasionally medium sub-an-gular pebbles. Occasionally sub-angular small stones. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Diffuse smooth boundary to next horizon.

1.87 x 1.42 x 0.11

440 Posthole cut

441 441 2 Circular in plan. N and W break of slope top and base gradual; S and E - sharp. N and W sides gentle smooth, S and E sides steep and concave. Circular flat base.

0.35 x 0.35 x 0.07


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Dim

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441 Posthole fill 440 1 440 Loose mid brown silty sand. Occasion-ally medium angular pebbles and stones. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.35 x 0.35 x 0.07

442 Deposit 1 2 Soft loose mid brown sandy silt. Moder-ate fine and coarse and frequent medium angular and sub-angular pebbles. Oc-casionally charcoal flecks.

0.48 x 0.22 x 0.05

443 Pit cut 444 444 2 Sub-oval cut. NE and NW break of slope top and base - gradual; SE and SW - imperceptible. NE side moderate ir-regular; SE and SW sides gentle smooth; NW side gentle concave. Irregular flat base.

0.52 x 0.40 x 0.14

444 Pit fill 443 1 443 Firm dark brown sandy silt. Moder-ate fine and occasionally medium and coarse sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.52 x 0.40 x 0.14

445 Pit cut 446, 448, 449, 450

450 2 Oval in plan. NE and SW break of slope top sharp; SE and SW - gradual. NE and SE sides steep smooth. NW side moder-ate smooth; SW side steep concave. All break of slope base gradual. Oval flat base.

1.00 x 0.92 x 0.18

446 Pit fill 445 463 448 Weakly cemented mid brown clayey silt. Moderate medium and occasionally coarse angular pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

1.05 x 0.90 x 0.06

447 Packing stones

436 438 436 Small sub-angular flat stones. 0.45 x 0.40 x ?

448 Pit fill 445 450 445 Firm mid greyish yellow sandy clay. Occasionally fine and medium angular pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Diffuse smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.09 x ? X 0.12

449 Pit fill 445 448 450 Firm mid grey sandy clay. Occasionally coarse angular pebbles. Frequent small angular stones. Moderate flecks and small charcoal. Diffuse smooth bound-ary to next horizon.

0.29 x ? X 0.11

450 Pit fill 445 449 445 Soft dark grey clay. Occasionally fine angular pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.15 x ? X 0.02

451 Pit cut 405 405 2 Oval in shape. NE break of slope top - sharp; SE and SW - imperceptible; NW - gradual. NE side steep smooth; SE and SW sides gentle smooth; NW side moderate smooth. NE and NW break of slope base - gradual; SW and SE - imper-ceptible. Oval flat base.

4.19 x 2.50 x 0.20

452 Stakehole fill

453 1 453 Soft mid brownish/orangish grey clayey silt. Occasionally fine angular pebbles. Occasionally flecks charcoal.

0.10 x 0.08 x 0.24

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Dim

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453 Stakehole cut

452 452 2 Oval on the top, after 50 mm circular. Sharp break of slope top and gradual to imperceptible at base. Almost vertical smooth sides. Tapered point base. Top orientated to the S from base (angle of inclination of axis - ca. 85-87 degrees).

0.10 x 0.08 x 0.24

454 Pit fill 677 1 1294 Firm mid greyish brown sandy/stony silt. Frequent sub-angular and sub-rounded fine to coarse pebbles. Frequent sub-angular and sub-rounded small stones. Moderate flecks and small charcoal. Moderate spots of greyish sand (ash?).

1.55 x 0.48 x 0.3

455 Pit fill 602 Very soft mid orangish brown silt. Oc-casionally angular and sub-angular peb-bles. Moderate flecks and occasionally small pieces of charcoal. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

1.50 x 0.80 x 0.05

456 Pit fill 602 455 Firm mid pinkish/reddish and greyish brown sandy silt. Moderate fine to coarse size angular to sub-angular pebbles (including flat coarse pebbles). Moderate charcoal flecks.

1.20 x 0.65 x 0.10

457 Pit fill 602 492 Firm mid greyish brown sandy silt. Moderate fine to sub-angular pebbles. Moderate flecks of charcoal.

0.26 x 0.15 x 0.06

458 Posthole cut

459 459 2 Oval in plan. Sharp break of slopes top and gradual at base. NE side vertical irregular; SE and SW sides steep and concave; NW side steep irregular. Ir-regular base.

0.45 x 0.30 x 0.20

459 Posthole fill 458 1 458 Hard/stiff mid brown sandy silt. Frequent fine and coarse sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Frequent sub-angular medium pebbles. Moder-ate sub-angular and sub-rounded small stones. Clear irregular boundary to next horizon.

0.45 x 0.30 x 0.20

460 Stakehole fill

461 1 461 Soft mid greyish/orangish brown clayey silt. Moderate flecks of charcoal. Oc-casionally fine angular pebbles.

0.05 x 0.04 x 0.10

461 Stakehole cut

460 460 2 Circular in plan. Sharp to gradual break of slope top and gradual break of slope base. Smooth steep sides. Tapered rounded point base. Top orientated to the NW from the base (inclination of axis - ca. 60-65 degrees).

0.05 x 0.04 x 0.10

462 Pit fill 602 287 602 Soft mid brown clayey silt. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded fine and medium pebbles. Moderate charcoal flecks. Moderate medium sizes lenses of pinkish brown silt. Occasionally pottery pieces (to small to keep it). Diffuse ir-regular boundary to next horizon.

1.4 x 0.50 x 0.06

463 Furrow cut 1 446 Linear in plan. All break of slope gradual at top and imperceptible at base. NW and SE sides gentle and irregular. Irregu-lar linear base.

2.00 x 0.40 x 0.10


124

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Dim

ensions (m

)

464 Stakehole cut

465 465 2 Sub-circular in plan. Gradual break of slope top and base. Moderate smooth sides. Base circular in plan, tapered rounded point I profile.

0.12 x 0.11 x 0.07

465 Stakehole fill

464 1 464 Compact dark brown silty sand with frequent charcoal flecks. Occasionally medium sub-angular pebbles.

0.12 x 0.11 x 0.07


265 266 265 Stiff/firm mid greyish brown sandy silt with angular and sub-angular fine pebbles. Moderate medium angular and sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally flecks of charcoal.

0.80 x 0.30 x 0.15

467 Posthole fill 582 1 474 Stiff and loose mid brown sandy clay. Occasionally fine and medium pebbles all shapes. Moderate angular to sub-rounded coarse pebbles. Occasionally small sub-angular and sub-rounded and medium sub-angular stones. Occasion-ally charcoal flecks.

0.43 x 0.40 x 0.25

468 Pit cut 469, 470, 471

471 639 Circular in plan. All break of slope top and base gradual. All sides gentle and smooth. Circular irregular/tapered rounded point base.

0.30 x 0.24 x 0.16

469 Pit fill 468, 479

484 470 Compact dark brown clayey sand. Mod-erate fine sub-angular pebbles. Occa-sionally sub-angular coarse pebbles and angular and sub-angular small stones. Frequent charcoal flecks. Diffuse smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.74 x 0.24 x 0.16

470 Pit fill 468, 479

469 471 Firm mid yellow sandy clay. Frequent sub-rounded fine pebbles. Occasionally sub-rounded coarse pebbles. Occasion-ally flecks of charcoal. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.44 x ? X 0.21

471 Pit fill 468, 479

470 468, 479 Compact light white sand. Occasionally sub-angular fine and medium pebbles. Occasionally (one) small sub-rounded stone. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.38 x ? X 0.14

472 Pit/Post-hole cut

473, 475 475 2 Oval, almost circular in plan. N break of slope at top and base - sharp; rest of break at top and base - gradual. N and W sides vertical smooth; S side steep convex; E side steep concave. Circular tapered rounded point base.

0.76 x 0.70 x 0.42


472 1 486 Weakly cemented dark brown silty sand with small angular and sub-angular stones (they make up ca. 20% of fill). Occasionally angular and sub-angular coarse pebbles. Occasionally flecks and small charcoal. Clear boundary to next horizon.

0.96 x 0.70 x 0.16

474 Packing stones

582 467 582 Angular to sub-rounded coarse pebbles. 0.43 x 0.40 x 0.25

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Dim

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)

475 Packing stones

472 473 472 Firm light brown sandy silt with stones - Moderate angular medium and frequent angular large stones. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded medium pebbles.

0.37 x 0.25 x 0.10

476 Pit fill 602 456 455 soft/very soft mid to dark (darker on the base) greyish brown silt. Moderate angular and sub-angular pebbles all sizes. Frequent small sub-angular stones. Frequent flecks and small charcoal. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

1.4 x 1.2 x 0.07

477 Stakehole fill

698 1 698 Firm mid brown silty sand. Frequent coarse sub-angular pebbles.

0.20 x 0.18 x 0.06

478 Pit fill 602 Soft brownish orange sandy silt. Fre-quent angular and sub-angular fine and medium pebbles. Moderate angular and sub-angular coarse pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Moderate small lenses of hard pinkish sand.

1.70 x 0.70 x 0.04

479 Posthole cut

469, 470, 471

471 639 Sub-circular in plan. All breaks of slope top and base gradual. All sides vertical, irregular and undercut. Irregular in plan, flat base.

0.60 x 0.58 x 0.70

480 Posthole cut

481 481 2 Circular in plan. Imperceptible N break of slope top and base; Sharp breaks S and W (at top and base); gradual breaks (at top and base). N side moderate irregular. S side vertical smooth; E and W sides steep concave. Circular in plan, irregular in profile base.

0.45 x 0.43 x 0.20

481 Posthole fill 480 481 2 Soft weakly cemented mid greyish brown sandy silt. Moderate medium and fine angular, sub-rounded and rounded pebbles. Moderate angular and rounded small stones. Moderate flecks and occasionally small charcoal. Occasion-ally flecks of burnt clay. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.45 x 0.43 x 0.20

482 Posthole cut

483 483 2 Circular in plan. Sharp breaks of slope top. N, S and E sides vertical and smooth; W side vertical undercut. N and E break of slope base gradual; S and W - sharp. Circular rounded base.

0.35 x 0.35 x 0.27

483 Posthole fill 482 1 483 Soft compact mid orangish brown sandy silt. Frequent fine and moderate medium sub-rounded and rounded pebbles. Moderate angular and sub-angular small stones. Occasionally charcoal and burnt clay flecks. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.35 x 0.35 x 0.27

484 Furrow cut 1 471, 546 Linear in plan with flat base. ? X 0.40 x ?485 Postpipe

cut486 486 475 Oval in plan. Sharp break of slope top

and base. N and S sides vertical smooth; E side steep irregular undercut; W side steep smooth. Oval tapered point base.

0.31 x 0.22 x 0.20


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Dim

ensions (m

)

486 Posthole fill 485 473 485 Compact mid greyish brown clayey/silty sand. Occasionally fine angular and sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally medium angular stones (base stones). Occasion-ally flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.31 x 0.22 x 0.20



489 Stakehole cut

490 490 2 Circular in plan. Sharp break of slope top. Smooth almost vertical sides. Circu-lar tapered rounded point base.

0.10 x 0.10 x 0.09

490 Stakehole fill

489 1 489 Soft/loose mid/dark brown silt. Moder-ate sub-angular fine pebbles. Moderate charcoal flecks.

0.10 x 0.10 x 0.09

491 Hearth 1 2 Compact mid orangish pink silty sand. Occasionally fine sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally small sub-rounded stones. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Clear wavy boundary to next horizon.

0.80 x 0.68 x ?

492 Pit fill 602 457 287 Firm mid/dark greyish brown sandy silt. Moderate fine sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Occasionally sub-angular medium and coarse pebbles. Moderate flecks of charcoal.

0.40 x 0.20 x 0.05

493 Posthole cut (poss)

494, 525 494 2 Oval in shape. All break of slope at top sharp and at base gradual. N and S sides vertical smooth. E side vertical undercut; W side vertical smooth. Oval flat base.

0.42 x 0.32 x 0.22


493 525 493 Firm mid brownish grey sandy silt. Mod-erate medium and occasionally fine and coarse sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally small sub-angular stones. Occasionally flecks and small charcoal. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.42 x 0.32 x 0.22


496 496 2 Circular in plan. All break of slope top and base gradual. All sides gentle and smooth. Circular concave base.

0.30 x 0.30 x 0.10


495 1 495 Compact dark brown silty sand. Oc-casionally fine sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally flecks of charcoal. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.30 x 0.30 x 0.10

497 Stakehole cut

498 498 2 Circular in plan. Break of slope top - gradual on N, sharp on S, E and W. All sides vertical and smooth. Gradual break of slope base. Circular tapered rounded point base. Top orientated to the NW from base.

0.12 x 0.10 x 0.12

498 Stakehole fill

497 1 497 Compact dark brown silty sand. Oc-casionally charcoal flecks. Occasionally sub-angular fine and coarse pebbles.

0.12 x 0.10 x 0.12

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Filled with

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Strat below

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Dim

ensions (m

)

499 Posthole cut

500 500 2 Sub-rectangular shaped cut with square corners at N & SW, rounded at S & NE. Break of slope top imperceptible at S & E, sharp at N and gradual at W. Sides steep & concave at N & NW, gentle & irregular at S & SE. Break of slope base imperceptible. Base is sub-rectangular in plan and irregular in profile.

3.35 x 1.68 x 0.28

500 Posthole fill 499 1 499 Dark brown sand silt with moderate fine rounded and medium sub-rounded pebbles. Frequent small angular, medium angular, sub-angular and sub-rounded and occasional large stones. Frequent flecks & moderate small pieces of char-coal, frequent small and medium pieces of burnt clay.

3.35 x 1.68 x 0.28

501 Posthole cut

502, 511 511 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top & base sharp. Sides vertical & concave at S & W, vertical & undercut at N, steep & concave at E. Base sub-circular in plan, tapered rounded point in profile.

1.59 x 0.94 x 0.55

502 Posthole fill 501 1 511 Mid brown sand silt. Occasional sub-rounded fine & medium and moderate sub-angular coarse pebbles. Sub-angular moderate small & medium and oc-casional large stones. Frequent flecks, moderate small and occasional medium pieces of charcoal.

1.59 x 0.94 x 0.05

503 Pit cut 504 504 2 Irregular shaped pit with rounded corners. Gradual break of slope top & base. Sides moderate & smooth. Base is irregular in shape, flat in profile.

0.4 x 0.3 x 0.26

504 Pit fill 503 1 503 Mid brown very soft sand silt with oc-casional sub-angular coarse pebbles and frequent flecks of charcoal.

0.4 x 0.3 x 0.26

505 Pit cut 509, 510, 518

509 2 Irregular shaped pit with rounded cor-ners. Gradual break of slope top & base. Sides moderate & smooth at S & W, steep & smooth at N, steep & concave at E. Base is irregular in shape, concave in profile.

1.56 x 1.4 x 0.32

506 Cut of curvilinear ditch

507 507 549 Curvi-linear shape with sharp break of slope top. Sides steep & concave at N & S. Break of slope base gradual. Base is curvi-linear in shape, flat in profile.

9.4 x 0.49 x 0.25

507 Fill of curvilinear ditch

506 1 506 Dark grey brown firm sand silt with sub-angular occasional fine & medium pebbles an small stones, Moderate sub-rounded medium stones.

9.4 x 0.49 x 0.25

508 Pit cut 509, 510, 518

509 2 Irregular shaped cut with rounded cor-ners. Break of slope top & base gradual. Sides moderate & smooth on S & W, steep & smooth at N, steep & concave at E. Base is irregular in plan and concave in profile.

1.56 x 1.4 x 0.32


128

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Dim

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)

509 Pit fill 505, 508

518 505, 508 Mid brown compact silt sand. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles, occasional sub-angular stones. Occa-sional flecks of charcoal.

0.84 x 0.56 x 0.17

510 Pit fill 505, 508

545 518 Mid yellow loose silt sand. Moderate angular medium and occasional coarse sub-angular pebbles.

0.57 x 0.52 x 0.15

511 Posthole fill 511 502 501 Mid orange brown sand silt. Sub-rounded occasional fine & medium and moderate coarse pebbles. Sub-angular frequent small & medium and moderate large stones. Occasional flecks, small and medium pieces of charcoal.

1.59 x 0.69 x 0.4

512 Pit fill 515 1 515 Mid brown grey firm clay silt. Occasion-al sub-angular fine & coarse, and sub-rounded medium pebbles. Occasional flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.85 x 0.68 x 0.12

513 Furrow cut 514 514 514 Linear shaped cut with moderate and concave sides at the E & W and a flat base.

1.2 x 0.3 x 0.08

514 Furrow fill 513 1 513 Mid grey firm silt with occasional fine & medium sub-rounded pebbles.

0.3 x 0.2 x 0.8

515 Pit cut 512 512 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top & base gradual. Sides moderate and convex at N, gentle & concave elsewhere. Base oval in plan, flat in profile.

0.85 x 0.68 x 0.12

516 Pit fill 517 1 517 Dark grey brown compact silt sand. Occasionally occurring sub-angular & sub-rounded fine and sub-angular medium pebbles. Moderate coarse angular, sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Occasional sub-rounded stones. Occasional flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.51 x 0.37 x 0.07

517 Pit cut 516 516 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top & base gradual. Sides smooth & gentle at N & W, moderate at S & E. Base oval in plan, flat in profile.

0.51 x 0.37 x 0.07

518 Pit fill 505, 508

510 509 Mid brown loose stony sand silt. Fre-quent coarse sub-angular pebbles and small sub-rounded stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

1.1 x 0.7 x 0.32

519 Stakehole fill

520 1 520 Dark grey brown compact silt sand. Occasional medium sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

0.07 X 0.03 X 0.16

520 Stakehole cut

519 519 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, concave in profile.

0.09 x 0.07 x 0.16

521 Stakehole fill

522 1 522 Dark grey brown compact silt sand. Oc-casional medium sub-rounded pebbles. Occasional charcoal flecks.

0.08 x 0.07 x 0.12

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Filled with

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Strat below

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escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

522 Stakehole cut

521 521 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded cor-ners. Sharp break of slope top. Sides are vertical & smooth. Break of slope base is gradual. Base is circular in plan, concave in profile.

0.08 x 0.07 x 0.12

523 Stakehole fill

530 455 530 Dark orange brown very soft clay with occasional angular fine pebbles. Oc-casional flecks of charcoal.

0.17 x 0.15 x 0.06

524 Stakehole cut

523, 530 523 2 Sub-circular shaped cut. Break of slope top sharp at N & S, gradual at E & W. Sides steep & stepped at E, steep & smooth elsewhere. Base is circular in plan, a tapered blunt point in profile. Top orientated to the E from base (maybe later disturbance).

0.17 x 0.15 x 0.06

525 Posthole fill 493 1 494 Mid grey firm silt. Occasional sub-angular fine & medium pebbles and small stones.

0.15 x 0.12 x 0.11

526 Pit fill 527 1 538 Mid grey compact silt sand. Occasional angular, sub-angular and sub-rounded fine, medium & coarse pebbles. Oc-casional sub-angular & sub-rounded small stones and medium rounded stones. Occasional flecks & small pieces of charcoal.

0.82 x 0.79 x 0.1

527 Pit cut 526, 538, 539, 554

539 2 Sub-circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top & base sharp. Sides are smooth & vertical at N, undercut elsewhere. Base is sub-circular in plan, flat in profile.

0.84 x 0.84 x 0.25

528 Pit cut 529 529 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top gradual. Sides moder-ate & concave. Base is oval in plan, concave in profile.

0.92 x ? X 0.25

529 Pit fill 528 1 528 Light brown grey stiff sand silt. Oc-casional sub-angular and sub-rounded fine, medium & coarse pebbles, and moderate small stones. Moderate flecks & occasional small pieces of charcoal.

0.92 x ? X 0.25

530 Stakehole fill

524 523 524 Mid grey orange very soft silt clay. Moderate medium and coarse pebbles. Occasional charcoal flecks.

0.1 x 0.09 x 0.1

531 Pit cut 532 532 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top & base imperceptible at E, gradual elsewhere. Sides steep & concave. Base is oval in plan, concave in profile.

1.38 x 0.95 x 0.12

532 Pit fill 531 1 531 Mid brown sand silt. Occasional sub-rounded fine & medium pebbles, Moderate coarse sub-angular pebbles. Sub-angular moderate small & medium, and occasional large stones. Frequent flecks, moderate small and occasional medium pieces of charcoal.

1.38 x 0.95 x 0.12

533 CAN-CELLED

534 CAN-CELLED


130

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Strat below

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Dim

ensions (m

)

535 Pit cut 536, 574 574 2 Irregular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp. Sides steep and steep at N & W, stepped at S and irregular at E. Break of slope base gradual. Base is irregular in plan and concave in profile.

1.84 x 1.29 x 0.42

536 Pit fill 535 1 574 Light grey strongly cemented silt sand. Occasional fine sub-rounded pebbles, sub-angular medium & coarse pebbles. Occasional sub-angular small & me-dium stones. Occasional flecks & small pieces of charcoal.

1.84 x 1.29 x 0.11

537 Trough fill 258 259 258 Mid yellow brown stiff clay. Occasional angular and sub-rounded fine peb-bles. Moderate flecks & small pieces of charcoal.

1.5 x 0.05 x 0.15

538 Pit fill 527 526 539 Dark brown grey compact silt sand. Occasional angular & sub-angular fine pebbles, sub-angular & sub-rounded medium & coarse pebbles, sub-rounded medium stones. Moderate small & oc-casional medium pieces of charcoal.

0.82 x 0.68 x 0.06

539 Pit fill 527 538 2 Mid brown orange silt sand. Moderate angular, sub-angular & sub-rounded fine & medium pebbles, occasional sub-angular & sub-rounded coarse pebbles. Occasional angular & sub-angular me-dium stones. Occasional flecks, medium & large pieces, moderate small pieces of charcoal.

0.82 x 0.63 x 0.9

540 Posthole cut

541 541 2 Sub-circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top & base sharp. Sides are vertical and smooth at N & S, concave at E, undercut at W. Base is sub-circular in plan, flat in profile.

0.28 x 0.17 x 0.14

541 Posthole fill 540 1 540 Mid brown grey compact silt sand. Occasional angular & sub-angular fine pebbles, sub-angular & sub-rounded medium pebbles, moderate coarse sub-angular pebbles. Occasional flecks & small pieces and moderate medium pieces of charcoal.

0.28 x 0.17 x 0.14

542 Spread 1 2 Mid grey firm clay silt with occasional fine sub-angular pebbles.

1.0 x 0.5 x 0.2

543 Pit fill 544 1 544 Dark brown compact sand silt. Moder-ate fine and medium angular pebbles, frequent coarse sub-angular pebbles, occasional small sub-angular stones. Oc-casional flecks of charcoal.

0.57 x 0.34 x 0.12

544 Pit cut 543 543 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp at S & E, gradual elsewhere. Sides steep & smooth at E, moderate & concave elsewhere. Oval concave base.

0.57 x 0.34 x 0.12

545 Furrow cut 1 1 518 Irregular shaped cut. Sides gentle & smooth. Base is linear in plan, flat in profile.

? X 0.4 x 0.17

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Filled with

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Strat below

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escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

546 Pit fill 551 552 551 Dark black loose silt sand. Occasional sub-angular medium pebbles, sub-rounded coarse pebbles and angular stones. Frequent flecks & small pieces of charcoal.

0.39 x 0.19 x 0.1

547 Spread 1 2 Mid grey soft clay. Moderate flecks of charcoal.

0.45 x 0.4 x 0.05

548 Spread 1 2 Light grey soft silt clay. Occasional fine sub-angular pebbles and coarse sub-rounded pebbles.

0.6 x 0.4 x 0.1

549 Spread 506 550 Mid yellow brown hard sand silt. Occa-sional fine & coarse sub-angular pebbles. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded small stones.

? X 0.62 x 0.27

550 Spread 549 573 Mid grey brown soft clay silt. Moderate sub-rounded fine & medium pebbles, sub-angular & sub-rounded frequent coarse pebbles and small stones and occasional medium stones. Occasional charcoal flecks.

? X 0.62 x 0.32

551 Pit cut 546, 552 552 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp at S & E, gradual elsewhere. Sides smooth & gentle at N & W, steep at S and moderate at E. Break of slope base gradual. Base is oval in plan, flat in profile.

0.52 x 0.45 x 0.18

552 Pit fill 551 484 551 Mid brown loose silt sand. Occasional sub-rounded medium pebbles and sub-angular coarse pebbles.

0.4 x 0.15 x 0.08

553 Pit fill 602 476 287 Mid pink brown stiff silt. Moderate angular & sub-angular pebbles & small stones. Frequent flecks & small pieces of charcoal.

1 x 1 x 0.08

554 Pit fill 527 526 2 Mid brown grey compact silt sand. Occasional sub-angular & sub-rounded fine, medium & coarse pebbles and small stones. Moderate flecks, small, medium & large pieces of charcoal. Occasional small pieces of cremated bone.

0.53 x 0.19 x 0.09

555 Pit cut 556 556 2 Sub-circular shaped cut with square corners at W, rounded elsewhere. Break of slope top sharp. Sides vertical & smooth at S & W, steep & smooth at N, steep & stepped at E. Break of slope base imperceptible at N, sharp at E, gradual elsewhere. Base is sub-circular in plan, concave in profile.

1.07 x 0.7 x 0.2

556 Pit fill 555 41 555 Mid grey brown soft sand silt. Moderate sub-angular & rounded fine & medium pebbles. Occasional sub-rounded coarse pebbles. Frequent small & occasional medium angular & sub-angular stones. Moderate flecks and occasional small and medium pieces of charcoal. Moder-ate flecks of iron panning.

0.91 x 0.74 x 0.2


132

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Strat below

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Dim

ensions (m

)

557 Posthole fill 558 1 558 Mid brown compact silt sand. Oc-casional sub-angular fine pebbles, and sub-rounded medium & coarse pebbles. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

0.2 x 0.16 x 0.12

558 Posthole cut

557 557 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top & base sharp. Sides vertical & smooth. Base circular in plan, concave in profile.

0.2 x 0.16 x 0.12

559 Pit fill 561 484 561 Mid yellow brown very soft sand silt. Occasional fine & medium sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles.

0.33 x 0.32 x 0.09

560 Pit fill 564 1 563 Light grey strongly cemented silt sand. Occasional fine sub-rounded pebbles, sub-angular medium & coarse pebbles. Occasional angular small & sub-angular medium stones. Occasional flecks & small pieces of charcoal.

1 x 0.82 x 0.13

561 Pit cut 559 559 2 Sub-circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp at N & E, imperceptible elsewhere. Sides gentle & smooth at W & S, steep & concave at N, moderate & irregular at E. Break of slope base gradual. Base is sub-circular in plan and flat in profile.

0.33 x 0.32 x 0.09

562 Spread 573 2 Mid grey brown stiff silt clay. Angular & sub-angular moderate coarse pebbles and small stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

? X 0.72 x 0.17

563 Pit fill 564 560 564 Dark brown stiff silt clay. Occasional angular fine & medium pebbles and sub-angular coarse pebbles. Occasional flecks & small pieces of charcoal.

0.93 x 0.79 x 0.09

564 Pit cut 560, 563 563 2 Sub-circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top is sharp at SW, gradual elsewhere. Sides steep & concave at SW, gentle & concave elsewhere. Break of slope base is gradual at W, imperceptible elsewhere. Base is sub-circular in shape, concave in profile.

1 x 0.82 x 0.18

565 Pit fill 575 1 575 Dark brown compact clay sand. Oc-casional medium angular pebbles, moderate sub-angular coarse pebbles and medium stones. Very occasional flecks of charcoal.

1.46 x 1.2 x 0.34

566 Pit fill 609 553 580 Mid brown yellow soft silt. Occasional fine sub-angular pebbles. Frequent flecks & small pieces of charcoal.

0.45 x 0.25 x 0.14

567 Posthole cut

568 568 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Sharp break of slope top. Sides are vertical & smooth. Break of slope base is sharp. Base is circular in plan, flat in profile.

0.18 x 0.17 x 0.1

568 Posthole fill 567 1 567 Mid orange brown compact clay silt. Occasional iron panning.

0.18 x 0.17 x 0.1

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Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

569 Posthole cut

570 569 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Sharp break of slope top. Sides are steep & smooth. Break of slope base is sharp. Base is circular in plan, flat in profile.

0.32 x 0.29 x 0.11

570 Posthole fill 569 1 569 Mid grey brown firm sand silt. Frequent fine and moderate medium sub-rounded pebbles, occasional small angular stones.

0.32 x 0.29 x 0.11

571 Stakehole cut

572 572 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded cor-ners. Sharp break of slope top. Sides are vertical & smooth. Break of slope base is gradual. Base is circular in plan, concave in profile.

0.05 x .0.05 x 0.1

572 Stakehole fill

571 1 571 Mid grey brown compact silt sand. Oc-casional fine sub-angular & sub-rounded pebbles. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

0.05 x .0.05 x 0.1

573 Spread 550 562 Mid brown firm clay silt., Moderate fine sub-angular pebbles.

? X 0.72 x 0.12

574 Pit fill 535 536 535 Mid brown compact silt sand. Moderate sub-rounded fine pebbles, occasional coarse sub-angular pebbles. Occa-sional flecks, small and medium pieces of charcoal.

1.84 x 1.29 x 0.32

575 Pit cut 565 565 2 Irregular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp at S, gradual elsewhere. Sides moderate & smooth at N & S, moderate & irregular at E, gentle & irregular at W. Break of slope base is gradual. Base is circular in plan, concave in profile.

1.3 x 1.06 x 0.35

576 Stakehole cut

577 577 2 Sub-circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top gradual at W, sharp elsewhere. Sides are vertical & smooth. Break of slope base is gradual. Base is sub-circular in plan, concave and irregular in profile.

0.09 x 0.06 x 0.07

577 Stakehole fill

576 1 576 Dark brown soft silt sand. Occasional charcoal flecks.

0.09 x 0.06 x 0.07

578 Posthole cut

579 579 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Sharp break of slope top. Sides are vertical & smooth. Break of slope base is sharp. Base is circular in plan, flat in profile.

0.18 x 0.17 x 0.12

579 Posthole fill 578 1 578 Mid grey brown compact sand silt. Moderate fine rounded pebbles, occa-sional sub-angular medium pebbles, and angular small stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

0.18 x 0.17 x 0.12

580 Pit fill 609 566 609 Mid orange brown soft silt. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded fine, medi-um and coarse pebbles. Frequent flecks, small and medium pieces of charcoal.

0.7 x 0.6 x 0.18

581 Pit cut 583 583 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top gradual at N & E, sharp elsewhere. Sides moderate & smooth at N & E, steep & smooth at S & W. Base is oval in plan, flat in profile.

0.52 x 0.48 x 0.12


134

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Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

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escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

582 Posthole cut

467 467 2 Sub-circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Sharp break of slope top. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base gradual.

0.43 x 0.4 x 0.3

583 Pit fill 581 584 581 Mid brown firm silt. Occasional fine sub-angular pebbles and small sub-rounded stones.

0.46 x ? X 0.12

584 Posthole cut

585, 586 586 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded cor-ners. Break of slope top sharp. Sides verti-cal & smooth at N & S, steep & smooth at E, vertical and undercut at W. Break of slope base gradual. Base is oval in plan, concave in profile. Top orientated to NE from base (angle ca 75 degrees)

0.28 x 0.2 x 0.79

585 Spread 1 586 Mid brown grey firm sand silt. Oc-casional sub-angular fine & medium pebbles and small stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

0.52 x 0.2 x 0.14

586 Posthole fill 584 585 584 Mid brown firm silt. Occasional fine sub-rounded pebbles.

0.19 x 0.19 x 0.25

587 Posthole cut

588, 589 588 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, flat in profile.

0.19 x 0.19 X 0.15

588 Posthole fill 587 589 587 Mid orange brown soft silt sand. Oc-casional fine and medium sub-rounded pebbles and sub-angular small stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

0.19 x 0.19 X 0.08

589 Posthole fill 587 1 588 Dark grey brown compact silt sand. Occasional rounded fine and medium pebbles. Moderate flecks & small pieces, occasional medium pieces of charcoal.

0.19 x 0.19 X 0.07

590 Stakehole cut

591 591 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp. Sides vertical and smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, tapered rounded point in profile.

0.07 x 0.06 x 0.13

591 Stakehole fill

591 1 591 Dark brown compact silt sand. Occa-sional flecks of charcoal.

0.07 x 0.06 x 0.13

592 CAN-CELLED

593 Pit fill 596 1 596 Light yellow stiff clay. Occasional medium & coarse sub-angular pebbles. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

1.3 x 1.17 x 0.14

594 CAN-CELLED

595 CAN-CELLED

596 Pit cut 593 593 2 Sub-oval shaped cut with rounded cor-ners. Break of slope top & base gradual. Sides gentle & smooth. Base is irregular in shape and flat in profile.

1.3 x 1.17 x 0.14

597 Stakehole cut

598 598 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top gradual. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, concave in profile.

0.13 x 0.1 x 0.1

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Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

598 Stakehole fill

597 1 597 Mid brown firm sand silt. Occasional fine sub-angular pebbles, and moderate medium sub-angular & sub-rounded pebbles.

0.13 x 0.1 x 0.1

599 Pit fill 602 602 2 Mid orange brown firm sand silt. Moderate fine and medium angular and sub-angular pebbles. Moderate flecks of charcoal.

0.5 x 0.3 x 0.08

600 Deposit 602 612 2 Mid brown orange firm sand silt. Mod-erate angular and sub-angular pebbles and small stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

0.75 x 0.45 x 0.2

601 Stakehole fill

612 1 612 Mid orange brown soft silt. Occasional fine angular pebbles. Moderate flecks of charcoal.

0.04 x 0.04 x 0.12

602 Pit cut 287, 455, 456, 457, 476, 478, 553, 600, 610, 611, 696, 697, 687

287 2? Irregular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top gentle. Sides gentle and smooth. Break of slope base imperceptible. Base is irregular in plan and profile.

3 x 1.6 x 0.3

603 Pit cut 604 604 2 Irregular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top imperceptible at N, gradual elsewhere. Sides gentle and irregular at N & S, steep & concave at E, steep & undercut at W. Break of slope base gradual. Base is irregular in plan, concave in profile.

0.67 x 0.33 x 0.23

604 Pit fill 603 1 603 Mid brown orange friable silt sand. Sub-rounded frequent fine and moderate medium pebbles, occasional sub-angular coarse pebbles. Occasional flecks, moderate small and medium pieces of charcoal.

0.67 x 0.33 x 0.23

605 Stakehole cut

606 606 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base gradual at S, sharp elsewhere. Base is sub-circular in plan, a tapered blunt point in profile.

0.35 x 0.3 x 0.38

606 Stakehole fill

605 1 605 Mid orange brown compact silt sand. Occasional fine and medium sub-round-ed pebbles. Small angular stones and moderate sub-angular ,medium stones. Moderate flecks, small and medium pieces of charcoal.

0.35 x 0.3 x 0.38

607 CAN-CELLED

608 CAN-CELLED

609 Pit cut 566, 580 580 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top gradual. Sides steep & concave at N &S, moderate & smooth at W, and gentle and smooth at E. Break of slope base is imperceptible. Base is oval in plan, concave in profile.

0.7 x 0.6 x 0.18


136

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Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

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escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

610 Pit fill 602 611 602 Mid orange pink firm. Frequent fine, medium and coarse sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

0.65 x 0.5 x 0.08

611 Pit fill 602 287 610 Light pink orange firm sand silt. Moder-ate fine sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles.

0.55 x 0.5 x 0.1

612 Stakehole cut

601 601 600 Circular shaped cut with rounded cor-ners. Break of slope top sharp. Sides steep & smooth. Break of slope base impercep-tible. Base is circular in plan, a tapered rounded point in profile.

0.04 x 0.04 x 0.12

613 Stakehole cut

614 614 2 Sub-circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top gradual. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, a tapered rounded point in profile.

0.13 x 0.13 x 0.07

614 Stakehole fill

613 1 613 Dark brown loose silt sand. Occasional fine sub-angular pebbles. Moderate flecks of charcoal.

0.13 x 0.13 x 0.07

615 Stakehole cut

616 616 2 Sub-circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top gradual. Sides moderate & smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, a tapered rounded point in profile.

0.08 x 0.08 x 0.05

616 Stakehole fill

615 1 615 Mid yellow brown loose clay sand. Oc-casional fine sub-rounded pebbles. Very occasional flecks of charcoal.

0.08 x 0.08 x 0.05

617 Stakehole cut

618 618 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, concave in profile.

0.1 x 0.09 x 0.09

618 Stakehole fill

617 1 617 Mid brown weakly cemented silt sand. Angular pebbles.

0.1 x 0.09 x 0.09

619 Stakehole cut

620 620 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, tapered rounded point in profile. The top is south of the base.

0.07 x 0.06 x 0.14

620 Stakehole fill

619 1 619 Dark brown compact silt sand. Occa-sional flecks of charcoal.

0.07 x 0.06 x 0.14

621 CAN-CELLED

622 CAN-CELLED

623 Stakehole fill

624 1 624 Mid brown compact silt sand with oc-casional charcoal flecks.

0.075 x 0.07 x 0.08

624 Stakehole cut

623 623 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp at E, gradual elsewhere. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, tapered rounded point in profile.

0.075 x 0.07 x 0.08

625 Stakehole fill

626 1 626 Mid yellow brown loose silt sand. Oc-casional medium sub-rounded pebbles. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

0.09 x 0.08 x 0.11

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Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

626 Stakehole cut

625 625 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, tapered rounded point in profile.

0.09 x 0.08 x 0.11

627 Furrow cut 628 628 2 Linear shaped cut with moderate and concave sides at the NW & SE.

15 x 0.8 x 0.25

628 Furrow fill 627 1 627 Mid grey brown soft stony sand silt. Occasional fine & medium sub-angular pebbles and stones. Occasional charcoal flecks.

15 x 0.8 x 0.25

629 Stakehole cut

630 630 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, concave in profile.

0.12 x 0.1 x 0.09

630 Stakehole fill

629 1 629 Mid brown compact silt sand with oc-casional small pieces of charcoal.

0.12 x 0.1 x 0.09

631 Posthole fill 640 1 641 Dark grey brown compact silt sand. Oc-casional fine, medium & coarse pebbles and moderate small angular stones.

0.38 x 0.36 x 0.1

632 Stakehole cut

633 633 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, tapered point in profile.

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.09

633 Stakehole fill

632 1 632 Mid grey brown firm sand silt. Oc-casional fine sub-angular pebbles. Oc-casional charcoal flecks.

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.09

634 Stakehole cut

635 635 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base sharp. Base is circular in plan, flat in profile.

0.08 x 0.07 x 0.05

635 Stakehole fill

634 1 634 Mid grey brown compact silt sand. Oc-casional flecks of charcoal.

0.08 x 0.07 x 0.05

636 Posthole cut


0.28 x 0.28 x 0.72

637 Posthole fill 636 1 636 Mid orange brown compact silt sand. Occasional fine and medium sub-angular pebbles. Occasional small and moderate medium angular stones.

0.28 x 0.28 x 0.72

638 Pit fill (poss)

644 645 644 Mid brown yellow compact silt sand. Moderate coarse sub-angular pebbles.

? X 0.2 x 0.23

639 Pit fill 645 479, 468

645 Mid brown compact silt sand. Moderate sub-angular coarse pebbles. Occasional small stones. Very occasional charcoal flecks.

2 x 1.5 x 0.31

640 Posthole cut

631, 641 641 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Sharp break of slope top. Sides vertical and smooth at S & W, vertical & concave at N, vertical & undercut at E. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, concave in profile.

0.38 x 0.36 x 0.14


138

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Filled with

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Strat below

Short D

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Dim

ensions (m

)

641 Posthole fill 640 631 640 Mid brown orange compact silt sand. Angular moderate coarse pebbles and frequent small stones. Occasional flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.37 x 0.36 x 0.05

642 Stakehole cut

643 643 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Sharp break of slope top. Sides steep and smooth at S, vertical & smooth elsewhere. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, tapered blunt point in profile.

0.12 x 0.12 x 0.11

643 Stakehole fill

642 1 642 Light brown grey firm sand silt. Occa-sional sub-angular fine & coarse pebbles. Occasional charcoal flecks.

0.12 x 0.12 x 0.11

644 Pit cut (poss)

638 638 678 Linear shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top gradual. Sides steep and smooth at NW. Break of slope base is gradual. Base is irregular in plan, flat in profile.

? X 0.23 x 0.22

645 Pit cut 639, 678 639 2 Sub-circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top is gradual. Sides are moderate and smooth. Break of slope base is gradual. Base is irregular in plan, flat in profile.

2 x 1.5 x 0.31

646 Posthole cut

647 647 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded cor-ners. Sharp break of slope top. Sides steep and smooth at W, vertical & smooth elsewhere. Break of slope base sharp at E, gradual elsewhere. Base is circular in plan, tapered blunt point in profile.

0.24 x 0.22 x 0.28

647 Posthole fill 646 1 646 Mid brown compact sand silt. Moderate fine rounded pebbles, occasional small angular stones. Moderate flecks and oc-casional small pieces of charcoal.

0.24 x 0.22 x 0.28

648 Stakehole cut

649 649 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Sharp break of slope top. Sides vertical and smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, concave in profile.

0.055 x 0.05 x 0.095

649 Stakehole fill

648 1 648 Mid grey brown soft sand silt. Occa-sional flecks of charcoal.

0.055 x 0.05 x 0.095

650 Stakehole cut

651 651 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Sharp break of slope top. Sides vertical and smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, concave in profile.

0.05 x 0.045 x 0.12

651 Stakehole fill

650 1 650 Dark grey brown soft sand silt with frequent charcoal.

0.05 x 0.045 x 0.12

652 Stakehole cut

653 653 2 Sub-circular shaped cut with gradual break of slope top at N & W, sharp else-where. Sides vertical and smooth at SE, steep & smooth elsewhere. Break of slope base is sharp. Base is circular in plan, a tapered rounded point in profile.

0.1 x 0.07 x 0.105

653 Stakehole fill

652 1 652 Dark orange brown soft sand silt with charcoal flecks.

0.1 x 0.07 x 0.105

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Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

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Dim

ensions (m

)

654 Stakehole cut

655 655 2 Sub-circular shaped cut with gradual break of slope top at NW & SE, sharp elsewhere. Sides vertical and smooth at NW & SE, steep & smooth elsewhere. Break of slope base is sharp. Base is circular in plan, a tapered rounded point in profile.

0.08 x 0.05 x 0.08

655 Stakehole fill

654 1 654 Dark orange brown soft sand silt with frequent charcoal flecks.

0.08 x 0.05 x 0.08

656 Stakehole cut

657 657 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Sharp break of slope top. Sides vertical and smooth. Break of slope base sharp. Base is circular in plan, concave in profile.

0.11 x 0.1 x 0.18

657 Stakehole fill

656 1 656 Mid brown soft compact sand silt with moderate charcoal flecks.

0.11 x 0.1 x 0.18

658 Stakehole cut

659 659 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Sharp break of slope top. Sides vertical and smooth. Break of slope base sharp. Base is circular in plan, tapered rounded point in profile.

0.08 x 0.08 x 0.07

659 Stakehole fill

658 1 658 Mid brown loose sand silt with moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded medium pebbles.

0.08 x 0.08 x 0.07

660 Spread 1 2 Light brown orange firm silt. Sub-angu-lar moderate fine, occasional medium and coarse pebbles and small stones. Occasional flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

8 x 6 x ?

661 Stakehole cut

662 662 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Gradual break of slope top. Sides vertical and smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, tapered rounded point in profile.

0.1 x 0.08 x 0.18

662 Stakehole fill

661 1 661 Light black brown compact silt sand. Oc-casional fine and medium sub-angular pebbles and occasional charcoal flecks.

0.1 x 0.08 x 0.18

663 Stakehole cut

664 664 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Gradual break of slope top. Sides moderate and smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, concave in profile.

0.07 x 0.06 x 0.16

664 Stakehole fill

1 663 Light black brown compact silt sand with occasional fine sub-angular pebbles.

0.07 x 0.06 x 0.16

665 Stakehole cut

666 666 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Gradual break of slope top. Sides steep and smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is oval in plan, concave in profile.

0.07 x 0.06 x 0.08

666 Stakehole fill

665 1 665 Mid grey brown compact silt sand. Oc-casional fine sub-angular pebbles.

0.07 x 0.06 x 0.08

667 Stakehole cut

668 668 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Gradual break of slope top. Sides moderate and smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, concave in profile.

0.07 x 0.06 x 0.08

668 Stakehole fill


0.07 x 0.06 x 0.08


140

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Filled with

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Strat below

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escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

669 Stakehole cut

670 670 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Gradual break of slope top. Sides gentle and smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is oval in plan, concave in profile.

0.07 x 0.06 x 0.08

670 Stakehole fill


0.07 x 0.06 x 0.08

671 Stakehole cut

672 672 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Gradual break of slope top. Sides vertical and smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, concave in profile.

0.05 x 0.05 x 0.05

672 Stakehole fill


0.05 x 0.05 x 0.05

673 Stakehole cut

674 674 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Gradual break of slope top. Sides gentle and smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, concave in profile.

0.05 x 0.04 x 0.07

674 Stakehole fill


0.05 x 0.04 x 0.07

675 Stakehole cut

676 676 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded cor-ners. Gradual break of slope top. Sides gentle and smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, concave in profile.

0.07 x 0.05 x 0.12

676 Stakehole fill

675 1 675 Dark brown compact silt sand. Oc-casional fine & medium sub-rectangular pebbles.

0.07 x 0.05 x 0.12

677 Pit cut 287, 454 282 1096 Oval shaped cut with sharp to imper-ceptible break of slope top. Moderate to steep & concave sides. Break of slope base imperceptible. Base is oval in plan, concave in profile.

1.55 x 0.48 x 0.3

678 Pit fill 644, 645

2 Dark orange black loose charcoal rich fill. Frequent medium pieces of charcoal.

0.3 x 0.3 x 0.02

679 Posthole cut

680 680 2 Sub-circular shaped cut with sharp break of slope top. Sides vertical and smooth. Break of slope base sharp. Base is sub-circular in plan, flat in profile.

0.21 x 0.17 x 0.16

680 Posthole fill 679 1 679 Mid grey brown compact sand silt. Oc-casional sub-angular medium pebbles and angular small and medium stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

0.21 x 0.17 x 0.16

681 Stakehole cut

682 682 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Sharp break of slope top. Sides vertical and smooth. Break of slope base sharp. Base is circular in plan, flat in profile.

0.1 x 0.09 x 0.1

682 Stakehole fill

681 1 681 Mid grey brown compact sand silt. Occasional angular stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

0.1 x 0.09 x 0.1

683 Pit cut 684 684 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Sharp break of slope top. Sides steep and concave Break of slope base gradual. Base is oval in plan, concave in profile.

0.17 x 0.13 x 0.16

684 Pit fill 683 1 683 Mid grey brown very soft silt sand. 0.17 x 0.13 x 0.16

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Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

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Dim

ensions (m

)

685 Stakehole fill

686 1 686 Mid brown grey loose silt sand. Frequent medium pebbles. Occasional small pieces and moderate flecks of charcoal.

0.26 x 0.2 x 0.06

686 Stakehole cut

685 685 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Gradual break of slope top. Sides are moderate and smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is irregular in plan, flat in profile.

0.26 x 0.2 x 0.06

687 Pit fill 602 476 600 Firm mid grey brown sand silt. Moderate fine and medium angular and sub-an-gular pebbles. Frequent flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.7 x 0.4 x 0.08

688 Posthole cut

689, 690, 691, 692

689 2 Truncated circular shaped cut. Break of slope top gradual at SW, sharp elsewhere. Sides steep & smooth. Break of slope base sharp at NW, gradual elsewhere. Base is circular in plan, flat in profile.

? X 0.56 x 0.31

689 Posthole fill 688 690 688 Mid brown compact sand silt. Frequent fine rounded pebbles, small angular, sub-angular and sub-rounded stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

? X 0.26 x 0.11

690 Posthole fill 688 691 689 Dark brown compact sand silt. Frequent fine rounded and sub-rounded pebbles, and small angular stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

? X 0.43 x 0.12

691 Posthole fill 688 692 690 Mid grey brown strongly cemented sand silt. Sub-angular and sub-rounded frequent fine and moderate medium peb-bles. frequent small stones and moderate medium stones. Moderate flecks and occasional small pieces of charcoal. Oc-casional flecks of burnt clay.

? X 0.53 x 0.1

692 Posthole fill 688 1 691 Mid red brown compact sand silt. Fre-quent fine rounded pebbles, occasional sub-angular stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal and burnt clay.

? X 0.18 x 0.04

693 Spread 1 2 Mid grey brown firm strongly cemented sand silt. Moderate fine sub-rounded and rounded pebbles. Occasional flecks of charcoal and burnt clay.

? X 0.08 x 0.07

694 Posthole cut

695 695 2 Sub-circular in plan with rounded corners. Break of slope top & base sharp. Base is oval in shape and flat in profile. Top is NW of base.

? X 0.14 x 0.19

695 Posthole fill 694 1 694 Light orange brown compact sand silt. Moderate rounded and sub-rounded fine pebbles, small angular and sub-angular stones, occasional medium sub-angular stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

? X 0.14 x 0.19

696 Posthole fill 602 456, 697

553 Mid red brown firm clay sand. Frequent angular and sub-angular pebbles, occasional small sub-angular stones. Moderate flecks of charcoal.

1.1 x 1.0 x 0.1

697 Posthole fill 602 ? 696 Dark brown grey firm silt clay with lenses of hard pink brown sand. Frequent angular and sub-angular pebbles. Fre-quent flecks, small and medium pieces of charcoal.

0.5 x 0.4 x 0.05


142

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

698 Stakehole cut

477 477 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top gradual. Sides moderate & concave. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, concave in profile.

0.2 x 0.18 x 0.06

699 Stakehole fill

700 1 700 Light black brown compact silt sand. Occasional fine pebbles and small pieces of charcoal.

0.1 x 0.09 x 0.13

700 Stakehole cut

699 699 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top gradual. Sides steep & smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, a tapered rounded point in profile.

0.1 x 0.09 x 0.13

701 Stakehole fill

702 1 702 Light black brown compact silt sand. Occasional fine sub-angular pebbles and flecks of charcoal.

0.1 x 0.08 x 0.12

702 Stakehole cut

701 701 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top gradual. Sides steep & smooth. Break of slope base grad-ual. Base is circular in plan, a tapered rounded point in profile.

0.1 x 0.08 x 0.12

703 Stakehole fill

704 1 704 Dark brown compact silt sand. Occa-sional fine sub-angular pebbles and small pieces of charcoal.

0.12 x 0.07 x 0.08

704 Stakehole cut

703 703 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top gradual. Sides steep & smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is oval in plan, concave in profile.

0.12 x 0.07 x 0.08

705 Stakehole fill

706 1 706 Mid brown compact silt sand. Occa-sional sub-angular fine pebbles.

0.09 x 0.07 x 0.12

706 Stakehole cut

705 705 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top gradual. Sides steep & smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is irregular in plan, concave in profile.

0.09 x 0.07 x 0.12

707 Stakehole fill

708 1 706 Mid brown compact silt sand. Occa-sional sub-angular fine pebbles.

0.08 x 0.08 x 0.09

708 Stakehole cut

707 707 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top gradual. Sides steep & smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, a tapered rounded point in profile.

0.08 x 0.08 x 0.09

709 Posthole fill 710 1 710 Mid grey brown firm sand silt. sub-angular occasional fine, moderate me-dium and coarse pebbles and occasional small stones. Occasional flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.4 x 0.34 x 0.17

710 Posthole cut

709 709 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp. Sides steep & smooth at N & E, vertical & smooth at S & W. Break of slope base sharp. Base is oval in plan, flat in profile.

0.4 x 0.34 x 0.17

711 Stakehole fill

712 1 712 Dark brown compact silt sand. Occa-sional fine sub-angular pebbles.

0.1 x 0.09 x 0.1

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

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Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

712 Stakehole cut

711 711 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, a tapered rounded point in profile.

0.1 x 0.09 x 0.1

713 Stakehole fill

714 1 714 Dark brown grey compact silt sand. Occasional fine, medium & coarse sub-angular pebbles. Moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.11 x 0.1 x 0.15

714 Stakehole cut


0.11 x 0.1 x 0.15

715 Stakehole fill

716 1 716 Dark brown grey compact silt sand. Occasional fine, medium & coarse sub-angular pebbles. Occasional flecks and medium pieces and moderate small pieces of charcoal.

0.1 x 0.1 x 0.16

716 Stakehole cut


0.1 x 0.1 x 0.16

717 Stakehole fill

718 1 718 Dark brown grey compact silt sand. Oc-casional fine angular pebbles. Moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.1 x 0.09 x 0.18

718 Stakehole cut


0.1 x 0.09 x 0.18

719 Stakehole fill

720 1 720 Dark brown compact silt sand. Oc-casional fine angular pebbles. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.1

720 Stakehole cut


0.07 x 0.07 x 0.1

721 Stakehole fill

722 1 722 Dark brown grey compact silt sand. Occasional fine sub-angular pebbles. Occasional flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.08 x 0.08 x 0.15

722 Stakehole cut


0.08 x 0.08 x 0.15

723 Stakehole fill

724 1 724 Dark brown grey compact silt sand. Occasional fine sub-angular pebbles. Moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.15

724 Stakehole cut


0.07 x 0.07 x 0.15


144

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

725 Stakehole fill


0.07 x 0.07 x 0.15

726 Stakehole cut


0.07 x 0.07 x 0.15

727 Stakehole fill


0.09 x 0.09 x 0.17

728 Stakehole cut


0.09 x 0.09 x 0.17

729 CAN-CELLED

730 Pit fill 731 1 731 Dark brown compact silt sand. Oc-casional fine and moderate medium angular & sub-angular pebbles, occa-sional sub-angular & sub-rounded coarse pebbles. Occasional small sub-rounded stones. Occasional flecks, small and medium pieces of charcoal.

0.52 x 0.47 x 0.08

731 Pit cut/natural depression

730 730 2 Irregular shaped cut. Gradual break of slopes at top and base. N side steep and irregular; S and E sides moderate and irregular; W side gentle and smooth. Irregular base.

0.52 x 0.47 x 0.08

732 Stakehole cut


0.1 x 0.1 x 0.1

733 Stakehole fill

1 732 Dark yellow brown loose sand silt. Frequent medium sub-angular pebbles. Occasional charcoal flecks.

0.1 x 0.1 x 0.1

734 Stakehole cut

735 735 2 or 265 (?)

Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, a tapered rounded point in profile. Top orientated to SW from base.

0.05 x 0.05 x 0.08

735 Stakehole fill

265 or 266 (?)

734 Mid orange brown soft clay silt. Moder-ate fine rounded pebbles. Occasional charcoal flecks.

0.05 x 0.05 x 0.08

736 Pit fill(?) 737 1 737 Mid brown sand silt. Moderately occur-ring fine, medium and coarse pebbles. Occasional sub-angular medium flat stones.

1.23 x 0.3 x 0.19

737 Pit cut(?) 736 736 2 Irregular shaped cut. N side steep smooth in W part and undercut in E part; S side vertical irregular; E side gentle irregular; W side steep irregular. Irregular base.

1.23 x 0.3 x 0.19

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

145


Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

738 Stakehole cut

739 739 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Gradual of slope top. Sides moderate & smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, a tapered rounded point in profile.

0.1 x 0.09 x 0.06

739 Stakehole fill

738 1 738 Mid brown loose silt sand. Occasional fine sub-angular pebbles. Occasional charcoal flecks.

0.1 x 0.09 x 0.06

740 CAN-CELLED

741 Hearth (possible)

1 2 Stiff light red clayey silt. Occasionally sub-rounded medium pebbles. Occasion-ally flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.65 x 0.4 x ?

742 Stakehole fill

743 265 743 Dark brown grey soft sand silt. Frequent flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.06 x 0.06 x 0.04

743 Stakehole cut

742 742 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Gradual break of slope top at SE, sharp at NW. Sides steep & smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, a tapered rounded point in profile. The top is SE of the base.

0.06 x 0.06 x 0.04

744 Posthole cut

745 745 2 Circular shaped cut. All break of slope top sharp. N side vertical smooth; S side steep smooth; E side vertical concave; W side steep smooth. N and W break of slope base - sharp; S and E - gradual. Sub-circular flat base. Top orientated to the S from base.

0.17 x 0.16 x 0.16

745 Posthole fill 744 1 744 Mid grey brown compact sand silt. Moderate fine rounded and sub-rounded pebbles, occasional angular and sub-angular small stones. Frequent flecks and moderate small pieces of charcoal.

0.17 x 0.16 x 0.16

746 Posthole cut

747 747 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Sharp break of slope top. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base sharp. Base is circular in plan, concave in profile.

0.2 x 0.2 x 0.17

747 Posthole fill 746 1 746 Mid grey brown compact sand silt. Oc-casional sub-angular fine and medium pebbles, angular small and medium stones. Occasional flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.2 x 0.2 x 0.17

748 Stakehole fill

749 1 749 Mid brown soft sand silt. Occasional angular fine and medium pebbles. Mod-erate flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.12 x 0.11 x 0.13

749 Stakehole cut

748 748 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp. Sides steep & smooth. Break of slope base imperceptible. Base is circular in plan, concave in profile.

0.12 x 0.11 x 0.13

750 Stakehole fill

751 1 751 Dark grey soft sand silt. Occasional angular fine and medium pebbles. Mod-erate flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.14 x 0.11 x 0.38

751 Stakehole cut

750 750 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Not fully excavated.

0.14 x 0.11 x 0.38


146

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

752 Pit fill 758 1 758 Mid grey brown compact silt sand. Angular and sub-angular frequent fine, moderate medium pebbles, and occasional coarse pebbles. Occasional small sub-angular and sub-rounded stones. Moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.39 x 0.24 x 0.16

753 Pit fill 757 1 756 Light brown white compact clay. Oc-casional fine sub-angular pebbles and frequent small angular stones. Occa-sional small pieces of charcoal. Diffuse smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.6 x 0.32 x 0.05

754 Stakehole cut

755 755 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Sharp break of slope top. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, concave in profile.

0.16 x 0.15 x 0.26

755 Stakehole fill

754 1 754 Mid brown loose silt sand. Occasional fine sub-angular pebbles. Occasional charcoal flecks.

0.16 x 0.15 x 0.26

756 Pit fill 757 753 757 Mid yellow loose sand. Occasional sub-angular medium pebbles. Occasional flecks of charcoal. Clear smooth bound-ary to next horizon.

0.29 x 0.30 x 0.05


753, 756 756 2 Irregular shaped cut. Break of slope top imperceptible at W, gradual elsewhere. Sides moderate & irregular at N, moder-ate and smooth at E, gentle and smooth at S & W. Break of slope base is gradual. Base is sub-rectangular in plan, flat in profile.

0.48 x 0.4 x 0.12

758 Posthole cut

752 752 2 Sub-circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top gradual. Sides gentle and smooth at N & S, steep & smooth at E & W. Break of slope base gradual. Base is irregular in plan, concave in profile.

0.38 x 0.24 x 0.12

759 CAN-CELLED

760 CAN-CELLED

761 CAN-CELLED

762 Stakehole fill

763 1 763 Mid brown compact silt sand. Occa-sional fine pebbles. Occasional flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.06 x 0.06 x 0.11

763 Stakehole cut

762 762 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Sharp break of slope top at S, gradual elsewhere. Sides steep & under-cut at N, vertical and smooth elsewhere. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, a tapered rounded point in profile. The top is N of the base.

0.06 x 0.06 x 0.11

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

147


Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

764 Stakehole cut

765 765 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Sharp break of slope top. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, a ta-pered rounded point in profile. The top is S of the base.

0.06 x 0.06 x 0.08

765 Stakehole fill

764 1 764 Mid brown compact sand silt. Moderate fine rounded pebbles.

0.06 x 0.06 x 0.08

766 Pit fill 767 1 767 Dark brown weakly cemented silt sand. Occasional fine and medium angular and sub-angular pebbles. Occasional coarse sub-angular and sub-rounded coarse pebbles and sub-angular stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

0.45 x 0.31 x 0.1

767 Pit (possible)

766 766 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Gradual break of slope top. Sides smooth & moderate at N, steep at S, gentle at E, and vertical at W. Break of slope base gradual. Base is oval in plan, flat in profile.

0.45 x 0.31 x 0.1

768 Furrow 1 1 214 Linear shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top gradual. Sides gentle and smooth at NW & SE. Break of slope base is gradual. Linear flat base.

? X 0.5 x 0.05

769 Deposit. 602 2 Soft mid orange brown pebbley sand silt. Frequent small, medium and coarse angular and sub-angular pebbles. Oc-casional flecks of charcoal.

1.1 x 1.0 x 0.1

770 Stakehole cut

771 771 2 Sub-circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Gradual break of slope top at N & W, sharp at S & E. Sides vertical and smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, a tapered blunt point in profile.

0.11 x 0.11 x 0.1

771 Stakehole fill

770 1 770 Dark black loose silt. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

0.11 x 0.11 x 0.1

772 Pit fill 789 1 789 Mid brown weakly cemented silt sand. Occasional angular and sub-angular fine pebbles and medium and coarse sub-angular pebbles, small angular and sub-angular small and medium stones. Frequent flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

1.1 x 0.38 x 0.22

773 Stakehole cut

774 774 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Gradual break of slope top. Sides vertical and smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, a tapered rounded point in profile. Some burning in-situ around the top of the cut.

0.09 x 0.08 x 0.07

774 Stakehole fill

773 1 773 Dark black loose silt. Occasional fine sub-angular pebbles. Moderate charcoal flecks.

0.09 x 0.08 x 0.07

775 Stakehole cut

776 776 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is oval in plan, a tapered rounded point in profile.

0.09 x 0.08 x 0.14


148

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Filled with

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)

776 Stakehole fill

775 1 775 Dark brown grey soft sand silt. Sub-angular moderate fine and coarse peb-bles. Occasional flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.09 x 0.08 x 0.14


778 778 2 Irregular shaped cut with rounded corners. Sides are gentle & irregular at E, moderate & smooth elsewhere. Break of slope base gradual. Base is irregular in plan, flat in profile.

0.38 x 0.33 x 0.08

778 Pit fill (possible)

777 1 777 Mid brown clay sand. Occasional medium sub-angular pebbles. Frequent small sub-angular stones.

0.38 x 0.33 x 0.08

779 Posthole 780 780 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base sharp. Base is oval in plan, flat in profile.

0.26 x 0.2 x 0.2

780 Posthole fill 779 1 779 Mid grey brown compact sandy silt. Moderate rounded fine and medium pebbles, angular frequent small, occa-sional medium and large stones. Moder-ate flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.26 x 0.2 x 0.2

781 Posthole cut

782 782 2 Sub-circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Sharp break of slope top. Sides vertical and smooth at E, steep & concave at N & S, moderate & concave at W. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, concave in profile. Top orientated to W from base.

0.41 x 0.31 x 0.19

782 Posthole fill 781 1 781 Mid pink brown soft sand silt. Moderate sub-rounded coarse pebbles and small stones.

0.41 x 0.31 x 0.19

783 Pit fill (backfill?)

784 1 784 Mid grey brown compact silt sand. Occasional fine, medium and coarse angular, sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Occasional small angular and sub-angular pebbles. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

0.7 x 0.52 x 0.16

784 Pit cut 783, 792 783 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top gradual at N, sharp elsewhere. Sides steep & smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is oval in plan, concave in profile.

0.7 x 0.52 x 0.16

785 Stakehole fill

786 1 786 Mid brown soft sand silt. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

0.13 x 0.08 x 0.13

786 Stakehole cut

785 785 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is oval in plan, concave in profile.

0.13 x 0.08 x 0.13

787 Posthole cut


0.19 x 0.19 x 0.18

788 Postkole fill 787 1 787 Mid grey brown weakly cemented sand silt. Occasional rounded sub-angular pebbles, and sub-rounded and rounded small stones.

0.19 x 0.19 x 0.18

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Strat below

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Dim

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)

789 Pit cut 772 772 2 Sub-rectangular elongated shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top gradual. Sides gentle & smooth at N & S, gentle & smooth at W, gentle & ir-regular at E. Break of slope base gradual. Base is oval in plan, concave in profile.

1.1 x 0.38 x 0.22

790 Stakehole cut

791 791 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is oval in plan, a tapered rounded point in profile.

0.09 x 0.09 x 0.19

791 Stakehole fill

790 1 790 Mid brown grey soft sand silt. Moder-ate fine sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles.

0.09 x 0.09 x 0.19

792 Pit fill 784 783 784 Mid brown compact silt sand. Fine & moderate medium sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles, frequent coarse angular, sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Occasional sub-angular and sub-rounded small stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

0.7 x 0.52 x 0.16

793 Stakehole fill

794 1 794 Dark brown black loose sand silt. Occasional fine sub-rounded pebbles. Frequent flecks of charcoal.

0.08 x 0.08 x 0.08

794 Stakehole cut

793 793 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top gradual. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, a tapered rounded point in profile.

0.08 x 0.08 x 0.08

795 Stakehole fill

796 1 796 Mid grey soft sand silt. Occasional small stones.

0.05 x 0.05 x 0.1

796 Stakehole cut

795 795 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is circular in plan, concave in profile. The top of the cut is west of the base.

0.05 x 0.05 x 0.1

797 Stakehole cut


798 Stakehole fill

797 1 797 Mid brown compact sand silt. Moderate flecks of charcoal.

799 Stakehole fill

800 1 801 Dark brown black loose clay sand. Moderate medium sub-angular pebbles. Frequent flecks of charcoal.

0.08 x 0.07 x 0.08

800 Stakehole cut

801 799 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top gradual. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base grad-ual. Base is circular in plan, a tapered rounded in profile. Top is W of base.

0.08 x 0.07 x 0.08


150

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Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

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Dim

ensions (m

)

801 Posthole cut

802 802 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp. Sides steep & concave at N, vertical & concave at S, vertical & smooth at E and steep & smooth at W. Break of slope base gradual at N, sharp elsewhere. Base is oval in plan, flat in profile.

0.35 x 0.29 x 0.18

802 Posthole fill 801 418 801 Mid grey brown weakly cemented sand silt. Frequent fine rounded and sub-rounded pebbles, Frequent small angular, sub-angular and sub-rounded stones. Frequent flecks, moderate small and occasional medium pieces of charcoal. Occasional flecks of burnt clay.

0.35 x 0.29 x 0.18

803 Stakehole cut

804 804 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base sharp. Base is oval in plan, a tapered point in profile.

0.11 x 0.08 x 0.04

804 Stakehole fill

803 1 803 Mid orange brown compact sand silt. 0.11 x 0.08 x 0.04

805 Stakehole cut

806 806 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base sharp. Base is circular in plan, a tapered point in profile.

0.08 x 0.07 x 0.05

806 Stakehole fill

805 1 805 Mid orange brown compact sand silt. 0.08 x 0.07 x 0.05

807 Pit fill 808 808 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top imperceptible at W, gradual elsewhere. Sides are moderate and convex at N, gentle & concave else-where. Break of slope base gradual. Base is oval in plan, concave in profile.

0.64 x 0.36 x 0.12

808 Pit fill 807 1 807 Mid yellow grey soft sand silt. Moderate medium angular and large stones. Mod-erate flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.64 x 0.36 x 0.12

809 Posthole fill 816 1 816 Mid brown grey soft sand silt. Occasion-al fine sub-angular, moderate medium sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles, occasional coarse sub-rounded pebbles.

0.4 X 0.25 X 0.28

810 Posthole cut


0.18 x 0.16 x 0.12

811 Posthole fill 810 1 810 Mid grey brown soft sand silt. Occa-sional fine and medium sub-rounded pebbles, moderate small angular & sub-angular stones. Moderate flecks, small and medium pieces of charcoal.

0.18 x 0.16 x 0.12

812 Posthole cut

813 813 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base gradual at N, sharp elsewhere. Base is circular in plan, flat in profile.

0.23 x 0.23 x 0.18

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Filled with

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Strat below

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Dim

ensions (m

)

813 Posthole fill 812 1 812 Mid grey brown soft sand silt. Occa-sional fine and medium sub-rounded pebbles, moderate small angular & sub-angular stones. Occasional medium angular & sub-angular stones. Moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal. Oc-casional flecks, small and medium pieces of burnt clay.

0.23 x 0.23 x 0.18

814 CAN-CELLED

815 CAN-CELLED

816 Posthole cut

809 809 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp. Sides vertical & smooth at NE, vertical & concave at SE, steep & concave at SW and steep & con-vex at NW. Break of slope base gradual. Base is oval in plan, flat in profile.

0.4 X 0.25 X 0.28

817 Posthole cut

818 818 2 Oval shaped cut. N, E and W break of slope top gradual; E - sharp. N and E sides steep concave; S and W sides mod-erate concave. N, S and E break of slope base sharp; W - gradual. Oval flat base.

0.28 x 0.19 x 0.10

818 Posthole fill 817 1 817 Soft mid yellowish grey sandy silt. Occasionally angular fine pebbles and small stones. Occasionally sub-angular medium pebbles. Occasionally flecks of charcoal.

0.28 x 0.19 x 0.10

819 Hearth fill 820 1 823 Mid grey brown soft sand clay. Moder-ate medium & coarse sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Moderate flecks & small pieces of charcoal. Sharp boundary to next horizon.

0.85 x 0.48 x 0.04

820 Hearth cut 819, 823 823 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top gradual. Sides gentle & concave. Break of slope base imper-ceptible. Base is oval in plan, concave in profile.

1.07 x 0.83, 0.07

821 Posthole fill 822 1 876 Mid brown soft silt clay. Moderate fine, medium and coarse sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Sub-angular and sub-rounded frequent small and medium stones. Occasional sub-rounded large stones.

0.53 x 0.5 x 0.38

822 Posthole cut

821, 876 876 2 Sub-circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp. Sides steep & undercut at N, irregular and smooth at E, vertical and smooth at S & E. Base is sub-circular in plan, flat in profile.

0.53 x 0.5 x 0.38

823 Hearth fill 820 819 820 Mid pink red firm sand clay. Moderate sub-rounded medium pebbles, sub-angular & sub-rounded coarse pebbles. Occasional sub-rounded small stones. Occasional flecks & small pieces of charcoal.

1.07 x 0.83 x 0.03


152

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Dim

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)

824 Pit fill 842 1 841 Mid yellow brown compact silt sand. Frequent fine, medium and coarse angu-lar and sub-angular pebbles. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

0.71 x 0.52 x 0.14

825 Stakehole fill

826 1 826 Mid grey brown soft sand clay. Moderate flecks & small pieces of charcoal.

0.08 x 0.07 x 0.05

826 Stakehole cut

825 825 2 Sub-circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top gradual. Sides steep & smooth. Break of slope base is gradual. Base is sub-circular in plan, concave in profile.

0.08 x 0.07 x 0.05

827 Stakehole fill


0.09 x 0.08 x 0.03

828 Stakehole cut

827 827 2 Sub-circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top gradual. Sides steep & smooth. Break of slope base is gradual. Base is sub-circular in plan, concave in profile.

0.09 x 0.08 x 0.03

829 Stakehole fill


0.09 x 0.08 x 0.03

830 Stakehole cut

829 829 2 Sub-circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top gradual. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base is gradual. Base is sub-circular in plan, concave in profile.

0.09 x 0.08 x 0.03

831 Hearth fill 1 832 Mid grey brown soft sand clay. Oc-casional fine sub-rounded and moderate medium sub-angular pebbles. Occa-sional flecks, small and medium pieces of charcoal.

0.43 x 0.32 x 0.07

832 Hearth 831 2 Mid pink red firm sand clay. Moderate sub-angular & sub-rounded medium & coarse pebbles. Occasional flecks & small pieces of charcoal.

0.78 x 0.58 x 0.08

833 Posthole fill 854 1 855 Mid greyish brown firm clay silt. Moder-ate medium sub-angular & sub-rounded pebbles. In the middle and base base part of fill moderate charcoal flecks.

1.1 x 0.72 x 0.51

834 Stakehole fill

835 1 835 Light brownish grey soft sand silt. Oc-casional fine sub-angular pebbles.

0.08 x 0.06 x 0.07

835 Stakehole cut

834 834 2 Sub-circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top gradual. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base is gradual. Base is sub-circular in plan, con-cave in profile. The top is SW of base.

0.08 x 0.06 x 0.07

836 Posthole fill 837 1 837 Light brown grey soft sand silt. Moderate medium & coarse sub-angular pebbles.

0.14 x 0.14 x 0.15

837 Posthole cut

836 836 2 Circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top gradual. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base is gradual. Base is circular in plan, flat in profile.

0.14 x 0.14 x 0.15

838 Slot trench fill

410 411 846 Firm orange yellow sand silt. Fine, me-dium & coarse, angular and sub-angular pebbles. Occasional flecks of charcoal and burnt clay.

9 x 0.25 x 0.4

839 CAN-CELLED

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Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

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Dim

ensions (m

)

840 Pit fill 849 1 848 Mid yellow brown loose clay sand. Occa-sional fine sub-angular pebbles, medium & coarse angular pebbles. Occasional small sub-rounded stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

0.58 x 0.5 x 0.18

841 Pit fill 842 824 852 Dark grey brown compact pebbley silt sand (ca. 10-15 % of fill) with stones and pebbles (main composition of fill): angular, sub-angular and sub-rounded moderate fine and medium and frequent coarse pebbles. Occasional flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.78 x 0.32 x 0.32

842 Pit cut 824, 841, 852

852 2 Sub-rectangular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top gradual. Sides steep & irregular. Break of slope base gradual.

1.58 x 1.1 x 0.32

843 Stakehole fill

845 1 845 Light brown grey soft sand silt. Occa-sional fine sub-rounded pebbles.

0.1 x 0.09 x 0.07

844 Posthole cut

847, 853 853 2 Sub-circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp. Sides steep & smooth at NW, moderate & smooth at SW, vertical & smooth at NE & SE. Break of slope base gradual. The base is sub-circular in plan, flat in profile.

0.44 x 0.38 x 0.25

845 Stakehole cut

843 843 2 Sub-circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top gradual. Sides steep & smooth. Break of slope base gradual. The base is circular in plan, con-cave in profile. The top is S of the base.

0.1 x 0.09 x 0.07

846 Stone foun-dation in slot trench

410 838 410 Angular, sub-angular, sub-rounded and rounded coarse pebbles, small, medium and large stones. Flat uprights near the edges of the slot trench C.410. Large rounded stones along the base.

7 x 0.3 x 0.5

847 Posthole fill 844 1 853 Mid grey brown soft sand silt. Occasion-al sub-angular coarse pebbles and small stones. Moderate flecks & small pieces of charcoal.

0.44 x 0.38 x 0.2

848 Pit fill 849 840 849 Mid grey brown friable sand clay. Oc-casional medium sub-angular pebbles.

0.28 x ? X 0.08

849 Pit cut 840, 848 848 2 Irregularly shaped cut. Break of slope top gradual at N & S, sharp at E & W. Sides gentle & smooth at N, vertical & undercut at S, steep & smooth at E, steep & concave at W. Break of slope base is gradual. Base is irregular in plan, concave in profile.

0.7 x 0.56 x 0.28

850 Stakehole fill

860 1 860 Mid grey brown soft sand silt. Occasion-al fine pebbles and flecks of charcoal.

0.17 x 0.14 x 0.17

851 Pit fill 865 1 863 Mid brown firm clay silt. Occasional fine sub-angular pebbles.

852 Pit fill 842 841 842 Mid grey brown compact silt sand. Moderate angular, sub-angular and sub-rounded fine, medium & coarse pebbles. Moderate small and occasional medium stones. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

1.58 x 1.1 x 0.32


154

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Filled with

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Strat below

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Dim

ensions (m

)

853 Posthole packing

844 847 844 Angular and sub-angular medium stones.

0.25 x 0.24 x 0.13

854 Posthole 833, 855 855 Bedrock Sub-oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base gradual. Base is sub-oval in shape and concave in profile.

1.1 x 0.72 x 0.51


854 833 854 Sub-angular and sub-rounded medium and large stones.

1.2 x 0.5 x 0.6

856 Hearth fill 859 1 857 Mid orange red loose clay sand. Occa-sional fine sub-angular pebbles.

0.27 x 0.20 x 0.01

857 Hearth fill 859 856 858 Dark brown black friable sand clay. Frequent charcoal flecks.

0.30 x 0.10 x 0.03

858 Hearth fill 859 857 859 Mid yellow brown friable sand clay. Occasional fine sub-angular pebbles and charcoal flecks.

0.5 x 0.47 x 0.06

859 Hearth cut (possibly)

856, 857, 858

858 2 Irregularly shaped cut. Break of slope top gradual . Sides moderate & irregular at N, gentle & smooth at W, moderate & smooth at S & E. Break of slope base is gradual. Base is irregular in plan, concave in profile.

0.52 x 0.47 x 0.08

860 Stakehole cut

850 850 2 Sub-circular shaped cut. Break of slope top gradual . Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base is gradual. Base is circular in plan, concave in profile. Top orientated to the S from base.

0.17 x 0.14 x 0.17

861 Pit fill 862 866 867 Mid grey brown soft sand silt. Frequent coarse sub-angular pebbles. Frequent flecks and moderate small pieces of charcoal.

0.36 x 0.28 x 0.08

862 Pit cut 861, 866, 867

867 2 Sub-rectangular shaped cut with square corners. Break of slope top sharp. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base is sharp. Base is sub-rectangular in plan, flat in profile.

0.36 x 0.28 x 0.15

863 Pit fill 865 851 864 Brown black soft clay silt. Occasional fine sub-angular pebbles. Frequent flecks, small and medium pieces of charcoal.

0.7 x 0.5 x 0.03

864 Pit fill 865 863 865 Mid white brown stiff clay silt. Occa-sional medium sub-angular pebbles.

0.75 x 0.53 x 0.04

865 Pit cut 851, 863, 864

864 2 Irregularly shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top imperceptible. Sides gentle & concave. Break of slope base is imperceptible. Base is irregular in plan, irregular in profile.

0.75 x 0.53 x 0.11

866 Pit fill 862 1 861 Light pink yellow firm clay silt. Moder-ate fine and medium angular and sub-angular pebbles. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.18 x 0.1 x 0.06

867 Pit fill 862 861 862 Mid grey brown soft sand silt. Occa-sional medium angular and sub-angular pebbles. Occasional flecks of charcoal.

0.24 x 0.23 x 0.14

868 Posthole fill 872 1 872 Mid grey brown sand silt. Occasional medium and coarse sub-angular pebbles.

0.24 x 0.23 x 0.14

869 CAN-CELLED

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Dim

ensions (m

)

870 Pit fill 871 1 871 Mid yellow brown Occasional medium sub-rounded, sub-angular coarse pebbles and small stones.

0.58 x 0.47 x 0.25

871 Pit cut 870 870 2 Oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top gradual. Sides steep & concave. Break of slope base is gradual. Base is oval in plan, concave in profile.

0.58 x 0.47 x 0.25

872 Posthole cut

868 868 2 Sub-circular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top sharp at W, gradual elsewhere. Sides vertical & smooth. Break of slope base is sharp at W, gradual elsewhere. Base is oval in plan, concave in profile.

0.24 x 0.23 x 0.14

873 Spread 1 2 Mid pink brown stiff clay silt. Occa-sional medium sub-angular pebbles and flecks of charcoal.

874 Pit fill 875 1 881 Light yellow brown soft sand silt. Oc-casional sub-angular coarse pebbles and medium stones.

2.87 x 1.5 x 0.13

875 Pit cut 874, 880, 881, 882, 895

881 2 Kidney-shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top gradual. Sides steep & concave at NE & NW, moderate & concave at SE & SW. Break of slope base gradual. Base is oval in plan, concave in profile.

2.87 x 1.5 x 0.4


822 821 822 Sub-angular and sub-rounded small, medium and large stones.

0.53 x 0.5 x 0.38

877 Posthole cut

878, 879 879 2 Irregular shaped cut with rounded corners. Break of slope top gradual. Sides steep & smooth at N, vertical & smooth at W, moderate & smooth at S & E. Break of slope base gradual. Base is irregular in plan, flat in profile. Top orientated to the S from base.

0.64 x 0.46 x 0.2

878 Posthole fill 877 1 879 Dark brown grey soft clay sand. Oc-casional charcoal flecks.

0.64 x 0.46 x 0.2


877 878 877 Angular and sub-angular medium and large stones.

0.64 x 0.46 x 0.2

880 Pit fill 875 1 875 Light yellow grey soft sand silt. Occa-sional medium sub-angular pebbles and charcoal flecks. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

2.42 x 1.02 x 0.09

881 Pit fill 875 875 875 Mid yellow brown soft sand silt. Moder-ate sub-angular and sub-rounded coarse pebbles. Sub-angular occasional small, moderate medium and occasional large stones. Frequent flecks, moderate small and occasional medium pieces of charcoal.

2.2 x 0.85 x 0.14

882 Pit fill 875 1 875 Light yellow brown soft sand silt. Moder-ate sub-angular and sub-rounded coarse pebbles. Occasional charcoal flecks.

2.68 x 0.63 x 0.15


156

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Dim

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)

883 Posthole fill 886 1 884 Very soft dark reddish brown sandy silt. Frequent angular fine and medium peb-bles. Moderate angular and sub-angular coarse pebbles. Frequent flecks and small, occasionally medium and large pieces of charcoal. Frequent flecks and moderate small pieces of bunt clay. Clear boundary to next horizon.

1.55 x 0.50 x 0.60

884 Posthole fill 886 883 885 Soft mid yellowish orange sandy silt. Fre-quent fine angular and medium angular and sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally flecks of charcoal and burnt clay.Clear boundary to nexst horizon.

1.40 x 0.20 x 0.60


886 554 886 Sub-angular coarse pebbles and small stones and sub-angular and sub-rounded medium and occasionally large stones.

1.60 x 0.60 x 0.50

886 Posthole cut

883, 884, 885

885 2 Sub-oval shapped cut with rounded cor-ners. Break of slope sharp at NE, SW & NW sides, gradual at NE side. NE side vertical concave; SE - moderate smooth; SW and NW sides vertical and smooth. Gradual break of slope base. Sub-oval flat base.

1.60 x 0.70 x 0.60

887 CAN-CELLED

888 Posthole fill 899 1 997 Compact mid greyish brown silty sand. Moderate fine angular and sub-angular and medium angular and sub-angular pebbles. Frequent angular to sub-round-ed coarse pebbles. Occasionally flecks and small pieces of charcoal. Occasion-ally flecks to medium pieces of burnt clay. Sharp boundary to next horizon.

1.10 x 0.83 x 0.29


410 902 411 Compact mid brownish yellow silty sand. Occasionally angular and sub-angular all sizes pebbles and small stones.

0.65 x 0.55 x 0.26


410 888 846 Compact mid brownish grey silty sand. Moderate medium angular and sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally angular and sub-angular fine and sub-angular coarse pebbles. Occasionally flecks and small pieces of charcoal Occasionally flecks of burnt clay.

1.87 x 0.90 x 0.25


410 838 846 Soft/friable mid orangish red silty clay. Moderate sub-rounded coarse pebbles. Occasionally small sub-rounded burnt stones. Frequent flecks, moderate small and occasionally medium pieces of char-coal. Frequent burnt clay pieces. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

1.30 x 0.40 x 0.45

892 Posthole cut

893, 894, 896, 900, 901

901 2 Sub-oval shaped cut with rounded corners. Sharp break of slope top and gradual break of slope base. All sides vertical smooth. Oval concave base.

1.15 x 0.65 x 0.70

893 Posthole fill 892 1 896 Soft dark greyish brown clayey silt. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded medium pebbles. Clear boundary to nest horizon.

0.54 x 0.40 x 0.19

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Dim

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)


892 901 892 Angular and sub-angular small to large stones.

1.15 x 0.65 x 0.70

895 Pit fill 875 874 881 Soft reddish brown sandy silt. Occasion-ally sub-rounded coarse pebbles and medium stones. Moderate flecks of char-coal and burnt silt clots. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

1,15 x 0.10 x 0.05

896 Posthole fill 892 893 900 Soft dark brown, almost black sandy silt. Moderate sub-angular medium pebbles. Frequent flecks of charcoal. Diffuse boundary to next horizon.

0.36x 0.07 x 0.06


898 973 924 Soft mid greyish brown clayey silt. Fre-quent anular and sub-angular fine and angular to sub-rounded coarse pebbles and moderate angular and sub-angular medium pebbles (pebbles make up ca. 20% of fill). One row of sub-angular stones all sizes through the middle of cut. Moderate flecks and small pieces of char-coal. Occasionally medium size lenses of yellow and orange clay. Occasionally flecks of burnt clay and modearte pottery sherds and pieces. Sharp boundary to next horizon.

2.60 x 0.70-1.00 x 0.5

898 Linear feature cut

971, 897, 924, 929, 1015

1015 910, 1049

Linear cut, preatty regular on NE side and irregular on SW side. Rounded corners. NE break of slope st top sharp; SE - imperceptible; SW - gradual to imperceptible; NW - gradual. NE sidessteep, in some parts almost vertical, smooth; SW sides moderate to steep irregular; NW side moderate smooth, slightly convex; SE side steep concave. NE break of slope at base mostly sharp, partially gradual; SE and NW - gradual; SW gradual to imperceptible. Base is linear irregular in plan and flat in profile.

4.00 x 0.70-1.00 x 0.34-0.52

899 Posthole cut

888, 997 997 2? Oval shaped cut. Gradual break of slope top. N side steep and smooth; W side gentle irregular; sides S and E imper-ceptible - connected with slot trench. Circular concave base.

1.10 x 0.83 x 0.29

900 Posthole fill 892 1 893 Mid brown clayey firm silt. With angu-lar and sub-angular occ.

0.16 x 0.40 x 0.19

901 Posthole fill 892 1 892 Dark brown silty soft clay with angular and sub-angular (mod.) pebbles. Char-coal flecks (mod.) and small (occ.) pieces. Burnt clay flecks and small pieces (occ.).

1.00 x 0.4 x 0.55


410 1 890/411 Stiff mid violet/pinkish grey sandy silt. Occasionally angular and sub-angular fine and medium pebbles.

1.57 x 1.10 x 0.14

903 Re-deposit 898 1048 Soft light brownish orange sandy silt. Moderate fine and medium, occasionally coarse angular and sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Sharp boundary to next horizon.

0.40 x 0.40 x 0.25


158

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Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

904 Posthole fill 905 1 913 Mid/black very soft silt (charcoal 80%). Angular and sub-angular occassional fine pebbles to small stones. Charcoal is the main component (freq.) flecks to medium pieces.

0.23 x 0. 15 x 0.13

905 Cut of posthole

904, 913, 914

914 2 Circular in shape with all corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) - sharp, (base) - gradual. Sides are vertical and smooth (N, E, W), steep and concave (S). Shape of base in plan circular and concave in profile.

0.29 x 0.26 x 0.30

906 Posthole fill 907 881 907 Mid yellowish brown sandy soft silt with sub-angular frequent coarse pebbles and moderate charcoal flecks.

0.25 x 0.24 x 0.12

907 Cut of posthole

906 906 882 Circular in shape, Breaks of slope (top) - gradual (base) - sharp. All sides are verti-cal and smooth. Shape of base in plan is circular and flat in profile

0.25 x 0.24 x 0.12

908 Cut of stakehole with one fill

909 909 3 Circular in shape with corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) sharp and vertical, (base) sharp. Sides are all vertical. Shape of base in plan is circular and in profile concave.

0.1 x 0.1 x 0.16

909 Fill of stakehole

908 1 908 Mid brown yellowish sandy compact silt with fine rounded (occ.). Pebbles and small pieces of charcoal

0.1 x 0.1 x 0.16

910 Deposit 898 2 Firm light pinkish and orangish grey sandy silt, Frequent fine and moderate medium angular and sub-angular peb-bles. Occasionally charcoal and burnt soil flecks. Sharp irregular boundary to next horizon.

0.50 x 0.25 x 0.28


912 912 3 Circular in shape. Corners rounded and breaks of slope (top and base) - sharp. Sides are all vertical. Circular shape of base in plan and concave in profile.

0.1 x 0.08 x 0.19


911 1 911 Mid brown sandy compact silt with rounded (occ.) pebbles and charcoal - small (occ.) pieces.

0.1 x 0.08 x 0.19

913 Posthole fill 905 904 914 Dark greyish brown compact silty sand. With inclusions of fine to medium an-gular and sub-angular and sub-rounded occ. Pebbles and sub-angular small occ. Stones; occassional flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.29 x 0.26 x 0.27

914 Posthole fill 905 913 905 Dark yellowish brown sandy firm silt with inclusions of fine to medium an-gular and sub-angular and sub-rounded occ. Pebbles and sub-angular small occ. Stones; occassional flecks and small pieces of charcoal. And CREMATED BONES

0.16 x 0.14 x 0.04

915 Posthole fill 916 881 916 Mid yellowish brown soft sandy silt with inclusions of sub -angular freq. coarse pebbles and moderate charcoal flecks

0.21 x 0.20 x 0.13

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Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

916 Cut of posthole

915 915 882 Circular shape in plan with breaks of slope (top and base) - gradual. Sides are vertical and concave. Shape of base in plan circular and concave in profile.

0.21 x 0.20 x 0.13

917 Cut of posthole

918 918 3 Circular in plan with all corners round-ed. Breaks of slope ( top and base) are Sharp (N, S, W) and gradual (E). Sides are vertical and smooth. Shape of base in plan is circular and concave in profile.

0.23 x 0.19 x 0.29

918 Posthole fill 917 1 917 Mid yellowish brown sandy firm silt. With sub-angular occ. Fine and angular mod. Medium pebbles and occassional charcoal flecks.

0.23 x 0.19 x 0.29


920 Slot trench fill same as 411

410 891, 989

846 Soft mid yellowish brown clayey silt. Occasionally angular to sub-rounded medium pebbles. Moderate angular and sub-angular coarse pebbles. Moderate flecks and occasionally small pieces of charcoal. Occasionally small pieces of burnt clay. Clear boundary to next horizon. Same as C.411

2.00 x 1.43 x 0.39

921 Cut of posthole

922 922 2 Oval shape in plan with all the corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) - sharp, (base) - gradual. All sides are steep and concave. Shape of base is circular and profile flat.

0.38 x 0.36 x 0.20

922 Posthole fill 921 1 921 Mid greyish brown clayey soft silt with sub-angular mod. and occ. Fine to coarse pebbles. Sub-rounded occ. small stones stones. Charcoal flecks (mod.) and small (occ.) small pieces. Burnt clay flecks (occ.)

0.38 x 0.36 x 0.20


973 973 2 Stiff mid orangish red sandy silt. Moderate fine and occasionally medium angular and sub-angular pebbles. Occa-sionally charcoal flecks. Diffuse irregular boundary to next horizon.

0.80 x 0.40 x 0.02


898 971, 897

929 Soft to very soft mid brownish grey clayey silt. Moderate angular and sub-angular fine pebbles. Moderate charcoal flecks.

0.50 x 0.30 x 0.08

925 Posthole fill 928 1 928 Mid brown with sandy loose silt with charcoal fine pebbles

0.15 x 0.12 x 0.13


927 927 3 Circular in shape with all the corners rounded. Breaks of slope( top and base) are all sharp. Sides are all vertical. Shape of base in plan is circular and convave in profile.

0.1 x 0.08 x 0.13


926 1 926 Mid brown yellowish sandy compact silt with inclusions of pebbles (fine , rounded (occ.) and charcoal flecks(occ.)

0.1 x 0.08 x 0.13


160

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

928 Cut of small post-hole with one fill

925 925 2 Sub-circular in shape with all the corners rounded . Breaks of slope are sharp (top) and gradual (base). Sides are vertical slightly tappering to the base . Evidence of stone packing (SW, NE). Shape of bas is sub - circular

0.15 x 0.12 x 0.13


898 924 1015 Loose mid greyish yellow sand. Moder-ate fine angular pebbles. Moderate flecks and occasionally smallpieces of charcoal. Sharp and very irregular boundary to next horizon.

1.60 x 0.40 x 0.16

930 Burnt re-deposit

973 973 1042 Firm mid red sandy silt. Moderate angular and sub-angular pebbles. Oc-casionally lenses of dark grey sandy silt. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Sharp irregular boundary to next horizon.

0.80 x 0.35 x 0.02

931 Spread 1 2 Mid brown clayey soft silt with various sizes of pebbles (fine and medium). Charcoal flecks (occ.).

0.30 x 0.27 x 0.06

932 Cut of possible posthole

933 933 2 Circular shape in plan with all corners rounde. Breaks of slope (top and base) are all sharp. All sides are vertical and smooth. Shape of base in plan is circular and flat in profile.

0.21 x 0.17 x 0.15

933 Posthole fill 932 1 932 Mid brown clayey soft silt with angular and sub-angular (occ.) pebbles (fine and medium), and small (occ.) sub-angular stones. Charcoal flecks (occ.) and burnt (occ.) flecks of burnt clay.

0.21 x 0.17 x 0.15

934 Fill of stone socket

1 2 Mid greyish brown sandy loose silt with fine and medium angular and sub-angular and sub-rounded and rounded pebbles (occ.) with charcoal small (occ.) pieces.

0.17 x 0.16 x 0.06

935 Posthole fill 939 1 939 Mid greyish brown sandy loose silt with angular and sub-angular occ fine pebbles medium and coarse pebbles : angular, sub-angular and sub-rounded (occ.) with fine and medium pebbles and small angular (occ.) stones with charcoal small (occ.) pieces.

040 x 0.30 x 0.20


410 995 951 Soft mid brownish red sandy silt. Occa-sionally angular and sub-angular pebbles all sizes and sub-angular and sub-round-ed small stones. Occasionally flecks and large, moderate small and medium pieces of charcoal. Moderate flecks to medium, occasionally large pieces of burnt clay. Sharp smooth boundary to nest horizon.

2.15 x 0.75 x 0.38

937 Cut of stakehole

938 938 3 Circular shape in plan with corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top and base) are all sharp. Sides are all vertical. Shape of base in plan is circular and concave in profile.

0.1 x 0.09 x 0.15


937 1 937 Mid brown yellowish sandy compact silt with inclusions of fine, rounded (occ.)

0.1 x 0.09 x 0.15

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Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

939 Cut of posthole

935 935 2 Oval shape in plan with all the corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top and base) are sharp. All the sides are vertical and smooth. Shape of base in plan is oval and flat in profile.

040 x 0.30 x 0.20


941 941 3 Circular shape in plan with corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top and base) - sharp. Sides are all vertical. Shape of base in plan circular.

0.16 x 0.11 x 0.19


940 1 940 Mid brown yellowish sandy compact silt with pebbles: fine, sub-rounded (occ.), with charcoal flecks (occ.).

0.16 x 0.11 x 0.19

942 Pit fill 1039 948 1039 Compact mixed pinkish/reddish/yel-lowish brown silty sand. Occasionally angular and sub-angular fine and coarse pebbles and sub-angular and sub-rounded medium pebbles. Occasionally angular to sub-rounded small stones. Occasionally flecks to small pieces of charcoal. Moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.95 x 0.90 x 0.10

943 Pit fill 973 1 957, 1042

Firm mid brownish and greyish orange sandy silt. Moderate angular and sub-angular fine and medium pebbles. Mod-erate flecks and occasionally small pieces of charcoal. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.50 x 0.50 x 0.25

944 Posthole fill 946 1 1059 Soft mid yellow stony silt. Frequent coarse sub-angular pebbles and large angular and sub-rounded stones. Moder-ate small angular stones. Occasionally medium sub-rounded stones. Occasion-ally small pieces of charcoal. Diffuse smooth boundary to next horizon.

1.50 x 0.50 x 0.20

945 Posthole fill 946 1059 1060 Soft dark brownish black clayey silt. Fre-quent sub-angular coarse pebbles; small angular stones and sub-angular large stones. Frequent flecks and small pieces of charcoal. Moderate flecks and small pieces of burnt clay. Diffuse smooth boundary to next horizon.

1.50 x 0.70 x 0.30

946 Posthole cut

944, 945, 1059, 1060

1060 2 Sub-circular in plan. All break of slope top and base gradual. N side moderate irregular; W side moderate smooth. Sub-circular concave base.

1.50 x 1.20 x 0.30


954 954 2 Circular shape in plan with corners rounded with breaks of slope (top) sharp and gradual (base). Sides are steep and smooth (N, S, W), steep and concave (E). Shape in plan is circular and concave in profile.

0.25 x 0.23 x 0.18

948 Pit fill 1039 1 942 Hard mid brownish yellow silty clay. Oc-casionally angular and sub-angular fine and medium pebbles.

1.25 x 0.56 x 0.18

949 Posthole fill 955 1 955 Mid greyish brown clayey soft silt. With various sizes and types of pebbles (occ.) and small and medium stones (mod.). Charcoal small pieces (occ.)

0.49 x 0.41 x 0.23


162

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

950 Posthole fill 995 1 995 Compact dark brown silty sand. Moderate angular fine and angular and sub-angular medium pebbles. Occasion-ally angular coarse pebbles. Moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.80 x 0.50 x 0.23


410 936 410 Compact mid brownish yellow silty sand. Occasionally angular and sub-angular fine and medium pebbles. Occasionally flecks and small pieces of charcoal. Occasionally burnt clay flecks.

1.98 x 0.12 x 0.32

952 Pit fill 973 957, 1042

1054 Very soft dark brownish grey silt. Oc-casionally angular and sub-angular fine pebbles. Occasionally flecks of burnt bones. Frequent charcoal flecks and small pieces. Sharp boundary to nest horizon.

0.5 x 0.5 x 0.15

953 Slot trench fill or post-hole fill

410/ 1002

981 846 Soft mid brown sandy silt. Occasionally medium angular to sub-rounded peb-bles. Moderate angular and sub-angular coarse pebbles. Moderate flecks and occasionally small pieces of charcoal. Occasionally small and medium pieces of burnt clay. Diffuse boundary to next horizon. Same as C.411

1.05 x 0.50 x 0.38

954 Posthole fill 947 1 947 Dark brownish/black sandy firm silt. With inclusions of fine sub-angular (occ.) pebbles, medium angular (occ.) pebbles and sub-angular and sub-rounded (occ.) small stones and medium sub-angular (occ.) stones. Charcoal flecks and small freq. pieces.

0.25 x 0.23 x 0.18

955 Cut of posthole

949 949 2 Circular shape in plan with all the corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) - sharp (N, W), (base) - all gradual. N sied steep irregular; W steep concave; S and E moderate smooth. Shape of base in plan is sub-circular and flat in profile.

0.49 x 0.41 x 0.23

956 Fill of slot trench

410 1 846 Mid brownish/black silty compact sand with fine angular and sub-angular peb-bles and medium (occ.) angular pebbles with charcoal flecks and small occ. Pieces. And burnt clay (flecks and small occassional pieces). + burnt bones flecks and small pieces.

0.20 x 0.60 x 0.40

957 Pit fill 973 943 952, 961 Stiff/firm greyish orange sandy silt. Frequent fine and moderate medium and coarse angular and sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Diffuse boundary to next horizon.

0.45 x 0.12 x 0.15



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Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)


961 Pit B1082fill

973 957, 1042

1054 Very soft dark grey silt. Moderate an-gular fine and occasionally angular and sub-angular medium pebbles. Frequent flecks and small pieces of charcoal. Clear boundary to next horizon.

0.60 x 0.10 x 0.14


963 Posthole fill 972 1 964 Firm light yellowish brown sandy silt. Occasionally angular and sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.40 x 0.25 x 0.07

964 Posthole fill 972 963 965 Soft mid brownish black sandy silt. Oc-casionally angular and sub-angular fine and medium pebbles. Frequent flecks, moderate small and occasionally me-dium pieces of charcoal (charcoal make up ca. 50-60% of this fill). Moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.63 x 0.44 x 0.04

965 Posthole fill 972 964 966 Soft mid brownish red sandy silt. Oc-caisonally fine and medium angular and sub-angular pebbles. Moderate flecks and small, occasionally medium pieces of charcoal and burnt clay. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.50 x 0.40 x 0.07

966 Posthole fill 972 965 1005 Compact mid greyish brown silty sand. Occasionally angular and sub-angular fine and coarse pebbles. Moderate an-gular to sub-rounded medium pebbles. Occasionally flecks and small pieces of charcoal and burnt clay. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.55 x 0.47 x 0.22

967 Posthole fill 978 981 1001 Soft greyish brown silt. Moderate angu-lar and sub-angular fine and medium pebbles. Moderate flecks and occasion-ally small pieces of charcoal. Clear boundary to next horizon.

0.35 x 0.30 x 0.10

968 Posthole fill 1044 999 1053 Soft mid orangish red clay. Occasionally sub-rounded medium pebbles. Frequent flecks and small pieces of charcoal. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.38 x 0.25 x 0.21


410 411 838 Soft dark grey clayey silt. Frequent sub-angular medium and coarse pebbles. Fre-quent flecks and small pieces of charcoal and burnt clay. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.43 x 0.60 x 0.26

970 Stones in slot trench

410 992 410 Medium and large angular and sub-angular stones.

2.30 x 1.10 x 0.50


898 973 924 Soft mid greyish brown clayey silt. Fre-quent angular and sub-angular pebbles all sizes. Moderate flecks and occasion-ally small pieces of charcoal. Occasion-ally pottery sherds and pieces.

0.50 x 0.50 x 0.10


164

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

972 Posthole cut

963, 964, 965, 966, 1005

1005 410 Sub-circular in shape. All break of slope sharp at tp and gradual at base. All sides steep and smooth. Circular concave base.

0.55 x 0.47 x 0.39

973 Cut of pit 943, 957, 952, 961, 1038, 1054, 1055

1038 923, 930 Sub-circular in shape. Sharp break of slope at top and mostly sharp at base (gradual only on SE side). NE side steep undercut; SE side moderate convex; NW side steep irregular (stones on the edge); SW side steep, almost vertical concave. Base is sub-circular almost flat, partially concave. Top orientated to the SE from base.

0.80 x 0.60 x 0.25

974 Cut of posthole

975, 976, 977

1029 2 Sub-circular shape in plan with corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) gradual, (base) - sharp. Sides are moderate to vertical (NE) moderate to vertical and ir-regular (NW), steep and concave (SW), moderate and concave (SE). Shape of base in plan is sub-circular and convave in profile.

0.71x 0.54 x 0.42

975 Posthole fill 974 977 1021 Mid greyish brown clayey soft silt. Small sub-angular (occ.), and medium (mod.) sub-angular and sub-rounded stones. Charcoal flecks (occ.)

0.71 x 0.54 x 0.33

976 Posthole fill 974 974 2 Mid greyish pink sandy firm silt with fine sub-angular fine pebbles (occ.) with charcoal flecks and small (occ.).

1.01 x 0.58 x (d) ?

977 Posthole fill 974 1 975 Mid grey sandy soft silt with inclusions of small sub-angular (occ.) and charcoal flecks (occ.).

0.92 x 0.42 x 0.04

978 Posthole cut

967, 1001 1001 2 Sub-circular shaped cut. All break of slope top gradual. All sides moderate and convex. Sub-circular and concave base.

0.50 x 0.45 x 0.15

979 Posthole fill 980 1 980 Soft mid brownish grey silt. Moderate fine and occasionally medium and coarse sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally sub-angular medium stones. Moderate flecks and frequent small pieces of charcoal. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.55 x 0.55 x 0.22

980 Posthole cut

979 979 2/410 Sub-circular shaped cut. All break of slope sharp at top and gradual at base. All sides vertical and convex. Sub-circu-lar and flat base.

0.55 x 0.55 x 0.22

981 Overburden 1 989 Soft dark brown silt. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded coarse pebbles. Moderate flecks of charcoal. Clear boundary to next horizon.

0.70 x 0.54 x 0.15


988 1 988 Dark brown/ black silty soft clay with charcoal flecks (0.01 m. max.)

0.06 x 0.05 x 0.07


410 890 Compact mid greyish brown silty sand. Moderate fine angular to sub-rounded and medium sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Occasionally angular and sub-angular coarse pebbles. Oc-casionally flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.80 x 0.75 x 0.21

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Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

984 Fill of pit 985 1 985 Dark orangish grey sandy soft silt. With variuos types of pebbles (mod.) and char-coal flecks and small (mod.) pieces

0.95 x 0.72 x 0.35

985 Cut of stone socket

984 984 2 Irregular in shape. With corners rounded (N, W). Breaks of slope are:(top) - sharp (S, E); (base) - imperceptible (S, E)

0.95 x 0.72 x 0.35


410 411 411 Soft mid yellowish brown sandy silt. Occasionally angular and sub-angular coarse pebbles. Moderate charcoal flecks.

0.40 x 0.35 x 0.10

987 Posthole fill 1046 1 1047 Soft mid greyish brown silty clay. Mod-erate sub-angular fine and medium peb-bles. Moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.45 x 0.32 x 0.40


982 982 2 Circular shape in plan with corners rounded (NE + SW). Breaks of slope (top and base) sharp. Sides are vertical. Shape of base in plan is circular and rounded in profile.

0.06 x 0.05 x 0.07

989 Overburden 981 953, 920 Firm brownish red silt. Occasion-ally angular and sub-angular fine and medium pebbles. Diffuse boundary to next horizon.

0.45 x 0.20 x 0.18

990 Posthole fill 991 1 991 Dark brown (little greyish hue) soft silty sand with fine, medium and coarse an-gular and sub-angular pebbles) , charcoal flecks and small pieces (mod.) burnt clay (flecks, small and medium) moderate. + burnt bones

0.70 x 0.60 x 0.50

991 Cut of posthole

990, 1019 1019 410 Circular/sub-circular with corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) - gradual (N, W), imperceptible (S, E). Breaks of slope (base) - imperceptible (N) and gradual (S, E, W). Sides are vertical and undercut (N), steep and irregular (S, E), steep and smooth (W).

0.75 x 0.65 x 0.50

992 Posthole fill 1052 996 970 Weakly cemented mid greyish brown sand. Moderate angular and sub-angular fine and medium pebbles. Moderate flecks and occasionally small pieces of charcoal. Occasionally flecks of burnt clay.

0.60 x 0.34 x 0.23

993 Cancelled994 Slot trench

fill ?1 ? Light yellowish grey silty strongly ce-

mented sand. With inclusions of fine and medium angular and sub-angular (occ.) pebbles, with charcoal flecks and small pieces (occ.)

0.18 x 0.16 x 0.07

995 Posthole cut

950 950 936 Sub-circular shaped cut. Sharp break of slope top and sharp to gradual break of slope base. All sides steep and convex. Sub-circular flat base.

0.80 x 0.50 x 0.23

996 Posthole fill 1052 1 992 Weakly cemented dark greyish brown silty sand. Occasionally fine and moder-ate medium angular and sub-angular pebbles. Clear wavy boundary to next horizon.

1.10 x 0.65 x 0.32


166

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Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

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Dim

ensions (m

)

997 Packing stones of posthole

899 888 899 Stones (angular, sub-angular and sub-rounded -small (freq.), medium (freq.), large (mod).

0.75 x 0.50 x 0.18


999 411 999 Black loose charcoal fill 0.07 x 0.07 x 0.20


998 998 968 Circular in shape with unclear breaks of slope . Sides are vertical and smooth. Shape of base is circular in plan and concave in concave.

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.20

1000 Foot print of possible post

892 894 892 0.45 x 0.27 x 0.05

1001 Posthole fill 978 967 978 Soft reddish brown silt. Occasionally sub-angular and sub-rounded small and medium stones (stone packing). Diffuse boundary to next horizon.

0.50 x 0.45 x 0.05

1002 Posthole cut

1003, 1040, 1007

1007 410 Oval shaped cut. Sharp break of slope at top. Steep and concave sides N and S. Break of slope at base gradual. Oval in plan and concave I profile base.

0.75 x 0.63 x 0.47

1003 Posthole fill 1002 1040 1007 Firm brown silt. Occasionally angular and sub-angular fine and medium peb-bles. Clear boundary to next horizon.

0.70 x 0.60 x 0.20


410 953 410 Compact light lilac brown sandy silt. Occasionally angular and sub-angular all sizes pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.50 x 0.20 x 0.20


972 966 972 Angular to sub-rounded small and me-dium and 2 large sub-angular stones.

0.55 x 0.47 x 0.39

1006 Posthole fill 1010 1 1010 Mid brown (with a little hue of grey and yellow soil) sandy soft silt with fine and medium pebbles (occ.) sub-angular and sub-rounded and charcoal flecks and small pieces + burnt clay (small and medium occ. pieces).

0.30 x 0.25 x 0.22


1002 1003 1002 Sub-rounded and rounded medium and angular and sub-angular large (0.2-0.6 m) stones.

0.70 x 0.63 x 0.40

1008 Posthole fill 1030 1035 1031 Light yellowish brown sandy soft silt with inclusions of (occ.) sub-angular fine pebbles and small and medium (occ.) stones. No evidence of charcoal.

0.34 x 0.32 x 0. 47


410 936 846 Soft mid brown clayey silt. Moderate an-gular and sub-angular fine and medium pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

1.00 x 0.40 x 0.25

1010 Cut of small post-hole with one fill

1006, 1020 1020 411 Sub-circular in plan, Breaks of slope (top) - gradual (S), imperceptible (E), sharp (W); Breaks of slope (base) - impercep-tible (N, E), gradual (S, W). Sides are vertical and irregular (S, W); moderate and smooth (E). N side is connected with slot trench 410. Shape of base in plan is sub-circular and concave in profile.

0.27 x 0.25 x 0.22

1011 Fill of pit 1012 1 1012 Mid brown clayey soft silt containing occassional charcoal flecks

0.5 x 0.48 x 0.31

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Context type

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Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

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escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

1012 Cut of pit 1011 1011 2 Small pit, circular in shape with all corners rounded; sharp breaks of slope (top) and all gradual breaks of slope at the base; steep (>45) slope each side, concaved shape.

0.5 x 0.48 x 0.31

1013 Posthole fill 1030 1031 1030 Light greyish yellow clayey soft silt. With inclusions of sub-angular (occ.) fine peb-bles and small sub-angular (occ.) stones. No evidence of charcoal.

0.34 x 0.32 x 0.48

1014 Stony deposit

265 2 Stones (10) grouped together with the biggest one 0.28 (l) x 0.13 (w)

0.44 x 0.32 x 0.12


898 929 898 Very soft dark yellowish and brownish grey sandy silt. Occasionally angular and sub-angular pebbles. Frequent flecks and small pieces of charcoal. Sharp and smooth boundary to next horizon.

1.10 x 0.45 x 0.05

1016 Cut of possible stakehole

1017 1017 2 Sub-circular in shape with all the corners rounded and all the breaks of slope (top and base) gradual. Feature is circular in plan and pointed in profile. Orientation of top from base is W.

0.1 x 0.09 x 0.14

1017 Fill of a possible stakehole

1016 1 1016 Mid brown very soft silt with some occassional angular, sub angular and subrounded medium and coarse pebbles.

0.1 x 0.09 x 0.14

1018 Fill of a hollow

1 2 Mid brown soft clayey silt with occas-sional charcoal flecks

0.74 x 0.45 x 0.09


991 990 991 Sub-angular and sub-rounded occassion-al coarse pebbles and loose packed stones small to large - angular, sub-angular and sub-rounded, occassional and moderate.

0.75 x 0.65 x 0.50


1010 1006 1010 Pebbles fine to coarse (occ to mod.) angular , sub-angular and sub-rounded. Stones (mod.) - small sub-angular and sub-rounded; medium sub-angular and sub-rounded (occ.)

0.27 x 0.25 x 0.22

1021 Fill of possible posthole/pit

974 975 1029 Mid greyish brown (45%), partly black (55%) mottled soft sandy silt with oc-cassional sub-angular pebbles and freq. carbon flecks to medium pieces.

0.71 x 0.54 x 0. 42

1022 Fill of possible posthole/pit

1027 1 1027 Greyish brown soft silt with sub angular and sub-rounded pebbles (mod.)and angular and sub-angular occassional stones. Containing charcoal flecks to medium (mod.) and a burnt clay small occassional amount.

0.8 x 0.7 x 0.16

1023 Stones in the post-hole 1027

1027 1022 2 Sub-rounded and rounded medium, occassional stones and angular and sub-angular occassional large stones

0.45 x 0.20 x 0.15

1024 Fill of pit 1028 265 1028 Mid greyish brown very soft silty clay with occassional medium and coarse all types of pebbles;occasional angular and sub-angular small and moderate medium stones.Contains also charcoal (flecks and small pieces) moderate and occassional amount.

0.81 x 0.53 x 0.24


168

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Filled with

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Strat below

Short D

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Dim

ensions (m

)

1025 Deposit 1 2 Mid greyish brown soft sandy (stony) silt. Containing all sort of pebbles and small stones up to medium size (angular and sub-angular, occ. and frequent amount). Some small occassional charcoal flecks appeared

0.86 x 0.39 x 0.43

1026 Stony deposit

1 2 Bluish grey stones. Plus additional smaller pebbles and smaller stones Vari-ous sizes and generally angular and sub-angular shape. Occassional and frequent

0.86 x 0.39 x 0.43

1027 Cut of possible posthole/pit

1022, 1023 1022 2 Cut of possible posthole/pit oval in shape with all corners rounded and all breaks of slope (top and base) gradual. Shape of base is sub-circular and inpro-file pointed.

0.2 x 0.15 x 0.13

1028 Cut of pit 1024 1024 2 Cut of pit . Irregular in plan, with corners sharp and rounded. Braeks of slope irregular each side with irregular or concave shape . Breaks of slope gradual ( N,S,W) and sharp ( E). In plan feature is aslo irregular with a concave profile.

0.81 x 0.53 x 0.24

1029 Stone pack-ing fill

974 1021 974 Stone packing fill of possible posthole 974 Sub-rounded and sub-angular

0.71 x 0.54 x 0.42

1030 Cut of posthole

1013, 1008, 1031, 1035, 1032, 1036

1013 410 Sub - circular shape in plan with corners rounded (SE, NW). Breaks of slope (top and base) are sharp (SE, SW, NW). Sides are vertical and concave (NW) and vertical and concave to irregular (SE). Shape of base in plan is sub-circular and concave in profile.

0.61 x 0.58 x 0.48


1030 1008 1013 Stones (sub-angular and angular) small and medium (freq).

0.61 x 0.58 x 0.28

1032 Posthole fill 1030 1036 1035 Mid yellowish brown sandy soft silt. With inclusions of sub-angular (occ.) pebbles and sub-angular mod. Small and medium stones and burnt clay (occ. Flecks) + charcoal also occassional flecks.

0.61 x 0.58 x 0.41

1033 Non Archaeo-logical



1030 1032 1008 Stones (sub-angular and angular) small and medium (freq).

0.61 x 0.58 x 0.35

1036 Posthole fill 1030 1 1032 Orangish yellow sandy firm silt with inclusions of small sub-angular (occ.) pebbles and (occ.) charcoal flecks

0.45 x 0.25 x 0.11

1037 Pit fill? 1050 1 1048 Strongly cemented light brownish orange sand. Moderate angular and sub-angular all sizes pebbles. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

2.40 x 0.80 x 0.30

1038 Pit fill 973 1054 973 Very soft greyish black silt. Moderate sub-angular fine pebbles. Frequent flecks and moderate small pieces of charcoal. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.50 x 0.10 x 0.08

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Filled with

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Strat below

Short D

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Dim

ensions (m

)

1039 Pit cut 942, 948 942 936 Sub-circular shaped pit. N, S and E sides gentle and irregular. W side gentle smooth. Gradual break of slope base. Sub-circular concave base.

1.10 x 0.96 x 0.28

1040 Posthole fill 1002 981 1003 Soft mid brown sandy silt. Occasionally angular to sub-rounded medium peb-bles. Moderate angular and sub-angular coarse pebbles. Moderate flecks and occasionally small pieces of charcoal. Occasionally small and medium pieces of burnt clay. Clear boundary to next horizon.

0.70 x 0.63 x 0.20

1041 Pit fill 1050 1051 1050 Soft mid greyish brown silt. Occasion-ally fine sub-angular and moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded medium pebbles. Diffuse wave boundary to next horizon.

?

1042 Re-deposit Stiff light brownish yellow sandy silt. Moderate angular and sub-angular fine and medium pebbles. Clear boundary to next horizon.

0.30 x 0.20 x 0.20

1043 Burnt re-deposit

Strongly cemented light orangish red silty sand. Moderate angular and sub-angular fine and medium pebbles. Occasionally angular small stones. Sharp boundary to next horizon.

0.40 x 0.38 x 0.36

1044 Posthole cut

968, 1053 1053 410 Oval in shape. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. N, E and W sides steep smooth; S side vertical con-cave. Sub-oval concave base.

0.47 x 0.35 x 0.44

1045 Posthole fill 1046 1 1047 Soft mid greyish brown silty clay. Mod-erate charcoal flecks. Clear boundary to next horizon.

0.40 x 0.26 x 0.40

1046 Posthole cut

897, 1047 1047 410 Sub-circular shaped cut. Sharp break of slope top and mostly gradual break of slope base. N and S sides steep concave; E and W sides Steep smooth. Sub-circu-lar flat base.

1.00 x 0.84 x 0.40


1046 987 1046 Angular medium and angular and sub-angular large stones.

0.80 x 0.60 x 0.40

1048 Pit fill 1050 1037 1051 Stiff mid greyish brown sand. Moderate angular fine and angular and sub-angular medium pebbles. Occasionally sub-angular small and angular and sub-angular medium stones. Diffuse smooth boundary to next horizon.

1049 Deposit 898 2 Loose light pinkish and orangish grey silty sand. Frequent fine and moderate medium angular and sub-angular peb-bles. Occasionally charcoal and burnt soil flecks. Sharp irregular boundary to next horizon.

0.40 x 0.05 x 0.20

1050 Pit cut 1041, 1051, 1048, 1037?, 903?

1041 2 Sub-oval in shape. All sides steep and concave. Sub-oval irregular base.

1.80 x 0.80 x 0.40


170

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Filled with

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Dim

ensions (m

)

1051 Pit fill 1050 1048 1041 Weakly cemented mid greyish brown sand. Moderate angular and sub-angular fine and medium pebbles. Occasion-ally sub-angular small stones. Moderate flecks and occasionally small pieces of charcoal Occasionally burnt clay flecks. Clear wavy boundary to next horizon.

1.80 x 0.80 x 0.40

1052 Posthole cut

992, 996, 970

979 2 1.10 x 0.65 x 0.32

1053 Posthole fill 10441054 Pit fill 973 952,

9611038 Very soft mid brownish grey clayey silt.

Moderate angular and sub-angular fine pebbles. Moderate charcoal flecks.

0.5? X 0.30 x 0.10

1055 Pit fill 9731056 Posthole

cut1057, 1058 1057 410 Sub-circular shape. Gradual break of

slope at top and imperceptible at base. Mostly stepp smooth sides. Circular concave base.

0.75 x 0.75 x 0.30


1056 1058 1056 Angular to sub-rounded small, medium (frequent) and large (moderate) stones. Moderate coarse pebbles.

0.75 x 0.75 x 0.30

1058 Posthole fill 1056 1 1057 Compact mid greyish brown silty sand. Occasionally charcoal and burnt clay flecks. Moderate angular to sub-rounded pebbles all sizes.

0.75 x 0.75 x 0.30

1059 Posthole packing (?)

946 944 945 Sub-angular coarse size pebbles and an-gular to sub-rounded small and medium stones, mostly from bedrock. Randomly scattered through the fill 944.

1.50 x 0.50 x 0.22


946 945 946 Sub-angular coarse size pebbles and an-gular to sub-angular small and medium stones, mostly from bedrock.

1.50 x 0.70 x 0.30

1061-1068

NOT USED

1069 Posthole fill 1071 1 1071 Dark brownish brown soft silty clay with angular and sub-angular and sub-round-ed occassional pebbles and charcoal flecks and small pieces (occassional)

0.22 x 0.2 x 0.12

1070 Stakehole fill

1231 1 1231 Soft mid grey silt. Occasionally fine and medium sub-angular pebbles. Moderate charcoal flecks.

0.10 x 0.10 x 0.25


1069 1069 2 Shape of a cut is circular with all corners rounded. Breaks of slope sharp (top) and gradual (base).N,S,E sides are vertical and concave, W side is steep (>45) and concave. Shape of base is circular and concave in profile.

0.22 x 0.2 x 0.12

1072 Cut of a pit 1073 1073 2 The shape is contractual (irregular). Proper shape might be oval ( but because it truncates linear feature 506, proper shape is not seen). Corners rounded, Breaks of slope NW steep (>45) and concave;W steep(>45) and stepped; SW steep(>45) and concave. Breaks of slope base is gradual W, SW, NW sidesShape of base in plan and in profile is irregular.

0.26(l) x 0.17(d)

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Strat below

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Dim

ensions (m

)

1073 Fill of pit 1072 1 1072 Greyish brown silty sand, weakly cemented with sub-angular and sub-rounded moderate pebbles

0.26(l) x 0.17(d)


1075, 1076 1075 2 Sub -circular in shape. All corners rounded. Breaks of slope N,S gradual, W sharp (top); N -gradual, S,E - sharp, W - imperceptible (base) Sides are Verti-cal and smooth (NE), steep (>45) and concave (N, S). Base sub-circular in plan and flat in profile

0.34 x 0.32 x 0.22

1075 Bottom fill of possible posthole

1074 1076 1074 Mid greyish brown sandy soft silt with some inclusions of Sub- angular and sub-rounded frequent fine to coarse peb-bles and small stones. Very occassional sub- rounded medium stones. Charcoal: flecks (mod.)and small pieces (occ.)

0.25(l) x 0.14(d)

1076 Top fill of possible posthole

1074 1 1075 Light to mid brown sandy firm silt with frequent sub-angular, sub- rounded fine medium and coarse pebbles and the same type of small and medium stones. Contains occassional charcoal flecks , and small (occ) pieces of burnt clay.

0.24 x 0.21 x 0.08

1077 Cut of a posthole

1078 1078 2 Sub-circular shape in plan with rounded corners; Breaks of slope (top) - sharp (N, S); (base) - gradual (N) and sharp (S); Sides: moderate, smooth (S), steep, concave(N), steep, smooth (SE), vertical, smooth (SW)

0.30 x 0.27 x 0.22

1078 Single fill of posthole

1077 1 1077 Mid greyish brown sandy firm silt. Contains almost all types of pebbles and small and medium stones esp. sub-angular and sub-rounded. Contains also flecks and small pieces of charcoal (mod.)

0.30 x 0.27 x 0.22

1079 Cut of posthole with one fill

1080 1080 2 Circular shape in plan, all corners rounded. Breaks of slope top and base all sharp. All sides N,S,W,E are verticl and smooth.

0.14 x 0.12 x 0.10


1079 1 1079 Mid greyish brown sandy soft silt with occassional fine rounded pebbles. No charcoal.

0.14 x 0.12 x 0.10

1081 Single fill of pit

1082 1 1082 Mid brown sandy firm silt with angular and sub-angular fine to medium pebbles (occ.)

0.52 x 0.42 x 0.1

1082 Cut of pit with one fill

1081 1081 2 Oval shape in plan with all corners rounded; breaks of slope gradual (top), SE gradual and imperceptible rest of the sides (base)

0.52 x 0.42 x 0.1


1084 1084 2 circular with corners rounded, Breaks of slope top and base: sharp Sides vertical , smooth (some stone appear) shape of base in profile is pointed and circular in plan

0.11 x 0.11 x 0.06


1083 1 1083 Mid brown greyish sandy compact silt, with no inclusions some angular stones appear .

0.11 x 0.11 x 0.06


172

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Filled with

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Strat below

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)

1085 Cut of ir-regular pit

1086 1086 2 Irregular in shape, corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) sharp - (N), gradual (S,E,W). Breaks of slope (base) - sharp (N), imperceptible (S,E,W) Sides: steep and smooth (N), gentle, concave (S), moderate and smooth (E), gentle and concave (W); shape of base irregular and concave in profile.

0.36 x 0.25 x 0.08

1086 Fill of ir-regular pit

1085 1 1085 mid greyish brown sandy soft silt with occassional sub-angular fine and me-dium pebbles and occassional charcoal flecks

0.36 x 0.25 x 0.08


1088 1 1088 mid brown compact silty sand with oc-cassional pebbles (fine, medium, coarse) and small charcoal flecks (occ.)

0.18 x 0.09 x 0.22


1087 1087 2 Sub circular in plan with all the corners rounded. Sides E, W, N vertical, S - steep; N, E, W smooth in shape; S - stepped in shape

0.18 x 0.09 x 0.22


1090 1090 1092 Circular in shape in plan; All corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) - gradual (N), sharp (S,W, SW, NW); Breaks of slope (base): gradual (N, S, NE) and sharp (W). All sides vertical and undercut ( but N side which is smooth). Shape of base in plan is sub-circular and concave in profile.

0.33 x 0.36 x 0.28

1090 Posthole fill 1089 265 1089 Mid greyish brown soft sandy silt with frequent rounded fine pebbles and medium sub-angular and sub-rounded moderate medium pebbles . Thera are also some mod amount small sub angu-lar and sub-rounded small stones and occassional sub-rounded medium stones. There are aslo some occassional charcoal flecks and burnt clay pieces

not visible(l) x 0.25 (w) x 0.27(d)

1091 Cut of possible posthole with one fill

1092 1092 2 Sub -circular shape in plan. Breaks of slope (top) - gradual (N), sharp (W),Breaks of slope (base) - gradual (N), sharp (W). Sides (W) vertical and smooth, (NW) steep and smooth, (N) steep and smooth, (NE) moderate and concave. Shape of base in plan: sub-circular, in profile: flat.

0.27 (visible) x 0.23 x 0.15

1092 Posthole fill 1091 1089, 265

1091 Mid greyish brown snady soft silt . Contains freq. amount of fine pebbles (rounded) and mederate sub-angular and sub-rounded medium ones also some moderate amount of sub-agular and sub-rounded small stones. Includes also charcoal( occ.) and burnt clay occa. small pieces.

0.27 (visible) x 0.17 x 0.15


1094 1094 2 Circular shape in plan with all corners rounded . Breaks of slope top sharp (N, S, W) and gradual (E). Breaks of slope base are all sharp. Sides are mostly verti-cal and smooth (N, S, W ) and steep and smooth (W). Shape of base in plan is circular and flat in profile.

0.30 x 0.25 x 0.21

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Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

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Dim

ensions (m

)

1094 Posthole fill 1093 1 1093 Mid greyish brown sof sandy silt with inclusions of occassional rounded fine pebbles and sub-angular occassional small and medium stones.

0.30 x 0.25 x 0.21

1095 Cut of ir-regular pit/posthole

1096 1096 2 Irregular shape in plan, all corners rounded. Breaks of slope top sharp (N, E, W) and gradual (S). Breaks of slope base all gradual. Sides are irregular and vertical (N, E), Steep and concave (S), moderate and irregular (W). Shape of base in plan and in profile is irregular.

0.54 x 0.46 x 0.33

1096 Fill of ir-regular pit/posthole

1095 1 1095 Mid greyisch brown clayey firm silt with inclusions of Fine medium and coarse pebbles (occassional amount) and char-cola fleck (occ)

0.54 x 0.46 x 0.33


1104 1104 2 Circular shape in plan with all corners rounded . Breaks of slope top and base are sharp. Sides are all almost vertical. Shape of base in plan is circular and pointed in profile.

0.16 x 0.12 x 0.11


1099 1099 2 Circular shape in plan. All rounded corners. Breaks of slope top and base all sharp.All sides vertical and smooth. Shape of base in plan is circular and flat in profile.

0.37 x 0.37 x 0.18

1099 Posthole fill 1098 1 1098 Mid greyish brown soft sandy silt with various sizes of stones from fine pebbles (sub-angular, sub-rounded ccassional amount ) to medium stones (angular and sub-angular, moderate amount). Contains also charcoal flecks and small pieces (occassional).

0.37 x 0.37 x 0.18




1103 1103 2 Circular shape in plan. All corners rounded. Breaks of slope top - sharp . Breaks of slope base - gradual. Vertical sides. Shape of base in plan circular in plan and concave in profile.

0.06 x 0.06 x 0.13


1102 1 1102 Mid brown soft sandy silt with no charcoal

0.06 x 0.06 x 0.13


1097 1 1097 Mid greyish brown sandy soft silt, with some occassional charcoal flecks.

0.16 x 0.12 x 0.11

1105 Cut of possible posthole with one fill

1106 1106 2 Oval shape in plan with all corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) are all gradual. Breaks of slope (base) are: imperceptible (N), sharp (S), gradual (E, W). Shape of base in profile is oval and flat in profile.

0.50 x 0.33 x 0.11

1106 Posthole fill 1105 1 1105 Mid greyish brown soft clayey silt with inclusions of moderate amount of peb-bles (fine to coarse) esp. rounded and sub-rounded , and sub-rounded (mod) small stones.

0.50 x 0.33 x 0.11


174

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Filled with

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Strat below

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Dim

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)


1108 1108 2 Sub-circular shape in plan. Corners rounded (SE, NW); Breaks of slope (top) - sharp (S), gradual (SW). Breaks of slope (base) - gradual (NE, SW). Sides steep and smooth (NE), moderate and concave (SW). Shape of base is not visible ( trench cut half of a pit)

0.18 x 0.11 x 0.14


1107 1 1107 Mid greyish brown friable silty clay. With occassional sub-angular medium pebbles and occassional flecks and small pieces charcoal.

0.18 x 0.11 x 0.14



1111 Cut of pos-sible small pit

1112 1112 3 Circular shape in plan with all corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) - sharp (NE, SE, SW, NW). Breaks of slope (base) - gradual (NE, SE, SW, NW). Shape of base in plan circular and con-cave in profile

0.39 x 0.31 x 0.16

1112 Fill of pos-sible small pit

1111 1 1111 Mid yellowish brown sand (stony) firm silt with occassional sub-angular fine pebbles and moderate sub-angular small sub-angular stones. Also contains char-coal flecks and small pieces ( occassional amount)

0.39 x 0.31 x 0.16


1114 1114 2 Shape in plan is oval, corners all rounded. Breaks of slope (top and base) - sharp. Sides are vertical and smooth. Shape of base in plan is oval and pointed in profile.

0.15 x 0.11x 0.20


1113 1 1113 Mid greyish brown sandy soft silt with some charcoal flecks and small angular stones (mod.). Angular and sub-angular (mod.) pebbles

0.15 x 0.11x 0.20


1116 1116 2 Sub - circular shape in plan. All corners are rounded. Breaks of slope (top) all sharp. Breaks of slope (base) - sharp (N, E, NE), gradual (W). Shape of base in plan is sub-circular, and concave in profile.

0.32 x 0.24 x 0.27


1115 1 1115 Mid brown clayey soft silt containing moderate amount charcoal flecks an small pieces and medium pieces in occas-sional amount also burnt clay appeared( occ.) + pebbles range from fine to coarse (mostly subrounded and rounded (mod.) and stones small and medium (occ.) sub-angular sub - rounded and angular.

0.32 x 0.24 x 0.27


1118 1118 2 Oval shape in plan. All corners rounded. Breaks of slope top and base - sharp. All sides are vertical and smooth. Shape of base in profile is tapered rounded point and oval in plan.

0.12 x 0.1 x 0.09

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Dim

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)


1117 1 1117 Dark greyish brown clayey soft silt with some occassional charcoal flecks. There are also some inclusions of pebbles (mod.) esp. sub-angular and sub-circular.

0.12 x 0.1 x 0.09


1120 1 1120 Mid brownish brown silty friable clay with inclusions of sub-rounded (mod.) fine pebbles, medium sub-rounded pebbles (occ.) and angular (occ) coarse pebbles. Contains also (mod.) flecks of charcoal.

0.30 x 0.28 x 0.17

1120 Cut of small pit

1119 1119 2 Sub-circular shape in plan with rounded corners (N corner is square); Breaks of slope (top) - gradual (N, S); (base) - gradual (N, SW); Sides: steep, concave (N, SW, W). Shape of base sub-circular in plan and concave in profile.

0.30 x 0.28 x 0.17


1119 1122 2 Circular shape in plan. All corners rounded. Breaks of slope top and base all sharp. Sides are all vertical and smooth( N, S, W, E). Shape of base in plan is circular and concave in profile.

0.21 x 0.21 x 0.12

1122 Posthole fill 1121 1 1121 mid greyish brown soft sandy silt containing (mod.)all types but rounded and sizes of pebbles small angular and sub-angular stones (occ.) Charcoal flecks and small pieces (occ.)

0.21 x 0.21 x 0.12


1124 1124 2 Shape in plan is oval. All corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) sharp, (base) - gradual. Sides are all concave. Shape of base in plan is oval and in profile concave

0.23 x 0.15 x 0.10


1123 1 1123 Dark brown sandy soft silt with occ. Pebbles esp. sub-angular in shape also frequent charcoal flecks

0.23 x 0.15 x 0.10


1126 1126 2 Oval shape in plan. All corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) - sharp, (base) - sharp (N, S, E) and gradual (W). Sides are vertical and smooth (N, E), and steep and smooth ( S, W). Shape of base in plan is oval and flat in profile.

0.27 x 0.22 x 0.14


1125 1 1125 Mid brown clayey soft siltcontaining everything but angular (mod) fine to coarse pebbles and small stones(mod) angular and rounded. Occassional traces of charcoal flecks found.

0.27 x 0.22 x 0.14


1128 1128 2 Circular shape in plan with all corners rounded . Breaks of slope are sharp top and base. Sides are vertical and smooth. Shape of base in plan is oval and flat in profile.

0.20 x 0.20 x 0.07

1128 Posthole fill 1127 1 1127 Mid brownish grey soft silt with angular and sub- angular fine to coarse pebbles (occ.) and very occassional flecks of charcoal

0.20 x 0.20 x 0.07


176

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Dim

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)


1130 1130 2 Circular shape in plan. All corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top and base) sharp. Sides are Vertical and smooth. Shape of base in plan is circular , and in profile - flat.

0.50 x 0.50 x 0.23

1130 Posthole fill 1129 1 1129 Dark greyish brown soft sandy silt with angular and sub-angular stones and peb-bles ( range from fine pebbles to medium stones) with occassional charcoal flecks and small pieces

0.50 x 0.50 x 0.23


1132 1132 2 Circular shape in plan with all corners rounded. All breaks of slope top are sharp and base gradual(?)

0.07 x 0.05 x 0.11


1131 1 1131 Mid orangish brown soft clayey silt 0.07 x 0.05 x 0.11


1138 1 1138 Dark brown / black soft silty clay with charcoal mottling

0.07 x 0.09 x 0.18

1134 Posthole fill 1135 1 1135 Dark brown very soft silt with very oc-cassional sub-angular fine pebbles and flecks of charcoal (mod)

0.22 x 0.18 x 0. 15


1134 1134 2 Oval shape in plan with all corners rounded. Breaks of slope ( top) are all sharp and base are; imperceptible (N, S) and gradual (E, W). Sides are steep and concave (N, S), Vertical and smooth (E, W); Shape of base in plan is sub-circular and concave in profile.

0.22 x 0.18 x 0. 15


1137 1137 2 Circular shape in plan; All corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top and base) - sharp. Sides are vertical and smooth (N, S, E), steep and concave (W). Shape of base in plan and profile is pointed.

0.12 x 0.11 x 0.19


1136 1 1136 Grey brown silty clay, friable with some fine pebbles (occ) and charcoal flecks (occ)

0.12 x 0.11 x 0.19


1133 1133 2 Circular in shape, All corners rounded. Breaks of slope top and base are sharp. Shape of base in plan - point, in profile pointed.

0.07 x 0.09 x 0.18


1140 1140 2 Circular shape in plan with all corners rounded. Breaks of slope top are sharp and base is gradual. Sides vertical and smooth. Shape of base is circular in plan and tapered rounded point in profile.

0.08 x 0.08 x 0.12


1139 1 1139 Mid brown clayey soft silt with some occ, charcoal flecks . Pebbles are angular and sub-angular , fine medium (moderate amount) and coarse pebbles occassionally.

0.08 x 0.08 x 0.12


1142 1142 2 Circular shape in plan, all corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) sharp, and (base) - gradual. All sides N,S,W,E are vertical and smooth. Shape of base in plan is circular and rounded

0.05 x 0.05 x 0.08


1141 1 1141 Mid brown soft silty clay with few charcolal flecks. No finds

0.05 x 0.05 x 0.08

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)




1146 1146 2 Circular shape in plan. All corners rounded. Breaks of slope are: (top) sharp, (base) gradual. Sides are vertical , smooth. Shape of base is circular in plan and tapered blunt point in profile.

0.08 x 0.07 x 0.15


1145 1 1145 Mid brown clayey soft silt with inclu-sions of charcoal flecks (mod.), pebbles (fine,medium and coarse) angular and sub-angular (mod. and occ.)

0.08 x 0.07 x 0.15


1148 1148 2 Circular shape in plan. All corners rounded. Breaks of slope are: (top and base ) sharp. Sides are vertical, smooth. Shape of base is circular in plan and pointed in profile.

0.08 x 0.07 x 0.11


1147 1 1147 Mid brown silty soft clay. Inclusions of occassional charcoal flecks.

0.08 x 0.07 x 0.11


1150 1 1150 Dark brown silty soft sand with occas-sional small charcoal flecks

0.09 x 0.09 x 0.2


1149 1149 2 Sub-circular shape in plan with all cor-ners rounded . Breaks of slope (top) are sharp (S) and gradual (N,E,W); (base) - gradual. All sides vertical. Shape of base is oval in plan and tapered rounded point in profile

0.09 x 0.09 x 0.2


1152 1 1152 Mid brown sandy soft silt with fine angular , sub-angular pebbles(occ.) and flecks and small pieces of charcoal

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.1


1151 1151 2 Circular shape in plan with all corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) are imperceptible, (base) - gradual. Sides are steep and concave /aslant. Shape of base in plan - circular and tapered rounded point in profile.

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.1


1154 1 1154 Mid brown sandy soft silt with occ. Fine angular and sub-angular pebbles.

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.12


1153 1153 2 Circular shape in plan with all corners rounded . Breaks of slope (top) are sharp, (base) gradual. Sides are steep and concave. Shape of base in plan - circular , and tapered rounded point in profile.

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.12


1156 1 1156 Grey brown friable silty clay with occas-sional charcoal flecks.

0.11 x 0.09 x 0.19


1155 1155 2 Sub-circular shape in plan with all corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top and base) are all sharp. Sides are vertical and smooth (SW side is slightly concave). Shape of base in plan is circular and pointed in profile

0.11 x 0.09 x 0.19


1158 1 1158 Dark brown / black soft silty clay with charcoal mottling.

0.07 x 0. 08 x 0.12


178

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Filled with

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ensions (m

)


1157 1157 2 Circular shape in plan with all corners rounded . Breaks of slope (top) are sharp, (base) gradual. Sides are all verti-cal. Shape of base in plan and profile - pointed.

0.07 x 0. 08 x 0.12


1160 1160 2 Circular shape in plan with all corners rounded Breaks of slope (top) are sharp, (base) are gradual. Sides are vertical and smooth . Shape of base in plan is circular and tapered rounded pointed in profile.

0.08 x 0. 07 x 0.1


1159 1 1159 Mid brown soft silty clay with few charcola flecks

0.08 x 0. 07 x 0.1


1162 1 1162 Light brown grey friable silty clay. With charcoal flecks (occassional) and fine pebbles

0.09 x 0.08 x 0.11


1161 1161 2 Circular shape in plan with corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top and base) are sharp. Sides are vertical (slightly concave).Shape of base in base and in profile is pointed.

0.09 x 0.08 x 0.11


1171 1 1171 Bdark brown /black soft silty clay with charcoal mottling

0.09 x 0.08 x 0.13


1165 1165 2 Shape in plan - oval . All corners rounded . Breaks of slope (top) - gradual (N) and sharp (S,E,W), (base) - sharp (N,W), gradual (S,E). Sides are: moderate , smooth (N), steep, concave (S), vertical, smooth (E), verticaland concave (W). Shape of base in plan is sub-circular ( and little irregular) and in profile is concave)

0.30 x 0.21 x 013

1165 Posthole fill 1164 1 1164 Mid greyish brown clayey soft silt with inclusions of mod. Rounded fine and sub-rounded medium pebbles and occ. Sub-angular small stones.

0.30 x 0.21 x 013


1167 1167 2 Circular shape in plan with all corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) sharp, (base) gradual. Sides are vertical and smooth. Shape of base in plan is circular and tapered blunt point in profile.

0.09 x 0.1 x 0.09


1166 1 1166 Mid brown clayey soft silt. With some small charcoal flecks; sub-angular and angular (fine, medium coarse) pebbles, (mod.).

0.09 x 0.1 x 0.09


1069 1169 1203 Oval shape in plan. All corners rounded Breaks of slope (top) - sharp, (base) - gradual. Sides are moderate and concave. Shape of base is circular in plan and concave in profile

0.29 x 0.32 x 0.20

1169 Posthole fill 1068 1 1168 Mid greyish brown firm sandy silt with freq. fine sub-angular pebbles andmedi-um angular mod. pebbles and small ang. Stones. No evidence of charcoal

0.29 x 0.32 x 0.20

1170 Fill of pit 1228 1 1216 Mid brown silty firm clay with angular occ. Fine pebbles and sub-angular occ. Medium pebbles and occassional char-coal flecks

2.5 x 0.6 x 0.1

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Filled with

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Strat below

Short D

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Dim

ensions (m

)


1163 1163 2 Circular feature with corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) are sharp and (base) gradual. Sides are vertical. The shape of base in plan and in profile is pointed.

0.09 x 0.08 x 0.13


1173 Circular in shape with all the corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top and base) gradual. Sides are almost vertical and smooth. Shape of base in plan is circular and tapered rounded point in profile.

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.19


1172 Dark brown sandy soft silt with mod. Small pieces of charcoal and flecks (occ.) + fine angular and sub-angular pebbles (occ)

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.19


1175 1175 2 Circular shape in plan wit hall the cor-ners rounded. Breaks of slope ( top and base ) are gradual. Sides are almost verti-cal and smooth. Shape of base is circular in plan and tapered rounded point.

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.17


1174 1 1174 Light greyisch brown sandy soft silt with inclusions of small pebbles and flecks of charcoal + fine sub-angular and angular pebbles.

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.17


1177 1177 2 Circular in shape. Breaks of slope (top and base) are gradual. Sides are almost vertical and smooth. Shape of base in plan is circular and tapered rounded in profile.

0.06 x 0.06 x 0.13


1176 1 1176 Mid brown silty compact sand with inclusions of very rarely small amount of charcoal and fine sub-ang., and angular pebbles.

0.06 x 0.06 x 0.13

1178 Layer 1 1223 Mid brownish grey firm sandy silt with inclusions angular and sub-angular (fine and medium moderate) pebbles and oc-cassional sub-angular and sub-rounded coarse pebbles. Occassional charcoal flecks and small pieces.

2.15 x 1.70 x 0.08


1180 1180 2 Sub-circular. Corners rounded (SE, NW), Breaks of slope (top and base) sharp. Sides are vertical and concave (NE, SW, NW) and vertical and smooth (SE).

0.13 x 0.1 x 0.22


1179 1 1179 Dark brownish brown silty friable clay with medium, moderate (sub-rounded) and small sub-angular (occ.) and char-coal flecks (occ.) and medium (mod.) pieces of charcoal.

0.13 x 0.1 x 0.22

1181 Posthole fill 1182 1 1182 Dark brown clayey very soft silt with charcoal flecks (mod.) and fin to coarse pebbles (angular occ.) pebbles

0.36 x 0.30 x 0.20


1181 1181 2 Sub-circular shape in plan. All corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) - sharp, (base) - gradual. Sides are vertical and smooth (N); steep and convex (S); steep and smooth (E); vertical and concave (W). Shape in plan - circular and con-cave in profile.

0.36 x 0.30 x 0.20


180

Context #

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Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

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Dim

ensions (m

)


1184 1184 2 Oval shape in plan with all the corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) all sharp except NE which is gradual. Breaks of slope (base) - all gradual. Sides W, E - vertical smooth, SW steep undercut, NE - moderate smooth. Shape of base in plan is circular and tapered rounded point in profile.

0.08 x 0.05 x 0.06


1183 1 1183 Dark brown clayey soft silt with charcoal flecks (mod.), small pieces (occ.)of char-coal. Sub-rounded fine pebbles (mod.).

0.08 x 0.05 x 0.06


1186 1186 2 Oval shape in plan with all the corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) are all sharp and (base) - all gradual. Sides are all vertical and smooth. Shape of base in plan is circular and pointed in profile.

0.06 x 0.05 x 0.06


1185 1 1185 Dark greenish brown soft silt with some charcoal flecks on top, lower part mixed with decomposed grass.

0.06 x 0.05 x 0.06


1188 1 1188 Light greyish brown silty compact sand. With inclusions of fine and medium pebbles (mod.)

0.05 x 0.06 x 0.1


1187 1187 2 Circular shape in plan. Corners all rounded. Breaks of slope (top and base ) are all sharp. Sides are vertical.aslant. Shape of base in plan is circular and tapered rounded point.

0.05 x 0.06 x 0.1


1190 1 1190 Light greyish brown silty compact sand with inclusions of fine and medium peb-bles (mod.)

0.06 x 0.06 x 0.15


1190 1189 2 Circular with all the corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top and base) - gradual. Sides are all vertical/aslant. Shape of base in plan circular and tapered rounded point in profile.

0.06 x 0.06 x 0.15


1192 1 1192 Dark brownish/greyish black silty com-pact sand with inclusions of small (freq.) of charcoal and pebbles fine and medium (mod.)

0.06 x 0.06 x 0.20


1191 1191 2 Circular shape in plan. Breaks of slope (top and base) are all gradual. Sides are vertical and smooth. Shape of base is circular in plan and tapered rounded point in profile.

0.06 x 0.06 x 0.20




1196 1 1196 Dark brownish/greyish black with silty compact sand with inclusions of small (occ.) and flecks (mod.) of charcoal.

0.07 x 0.09 x 0.23


1196 1195 2 Circular /Oval in plan. Breaks of slope (top and base) are gradual. Sides are verti-cal and smooth (N, W, S); aslant (E)

0.07 x 0.09 x 0.23

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Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

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Dim

ensions (m

)

1197 Posthole fill 1198 1 1198 Mid brown silty soft clay with inclusions of fine (occ.) sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Charcoal flecks (occ.)

0.25 x 0.20 x 0.23


1197 1197 2 Circular shape in plan with corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top and base) - gradual. Sides are steep and convave. Only SW is steep and stepped. Shape of base is circular in plan and flat in profile.

0.25 x 0.20 x 0.23

1199 Posthole fill 1200 1 1200 Dark brownish/black silty very soft clay with inclusions coarse (occ.) sub-rounded and small sub-rounded (occ.) small stones. Charcoal (medium and large).

0.29 x 0.14 x 0.12


1199 1199 2 Sub-circular in plan with corners rounded (NE, NW). Breaks of slope (top and base) are sharp. Sides are steep and concave (NE, NW, SE); vertical and smooth (SW). Shape of base in plan is sub-circular and tapered rounded point in profile.

0.29 x 0.14 x 0.12


1202 1 1202 Light greyish brown silty compact sand with inclusions of fine and medium peb-bles (occ.) with no charcoal.

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.13


1201 1201 2 Circular in plan. Breaks of slope (top and base) gradual. Sides are vertical (only E - aslant). Shape of base in plan tapered rounded point, profile - rounded.

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.13

1203 Stony deposit

1168 2 Angular occassional and medium fre-quent stones. No charcoal detected

0.15 x 0.15 x 0.09


1205 1205 2 Circular in plan. Breaks of slope (top and base) gradual. Sides are vertical and aslant. Shape of base in plan tapered rounded point, profile - rounded.

0.06 x 0.06 x 0.18


1204 1 1204 Light greyish brown silty compact sand with inclusions of pebbles (fine and medium) + traces of charcoal.

0.06 x 0.06 x 0.18


1207 1207 3 Circular in shape. Breaks of slope (top) - sharp (N, S, W) and gradual.Breaks of slope (base) - gradual. Shape in plan is circular and concave in profile.

0.34 x 0.32 x 0.25

1207 Posthole fill 1206 1 1206 Light greyish brown sandy compact silt with fine rounded occ. pebbles with small angular (occ.) stones. Charcoal (occ.) flecks and small pieces.

0.34 x 0.32 x 0.25


1209 1209 Circular in plan. Breaks of slope (top and base) - gradual. Sides are vertical/aslant.Shape of base in plan is circular and tapered rounded pointed.

0.05 x 0.06 x 0.12


1208 1 1208 Light greish brown silty compact sand with inclusions of pebbles (occ. fine and medium).

0.05 x 0.06 x 0.12


1211 1211 2 Circular in plan. Breaks of slope (top only) - gradual ( W - imperceptible). Shape of base is circular.

0.06 x 0.07 x 0.05


1210 1 1210 Light greyish brown silty compact sand 0.06 x 0.07 x 0.05


182

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Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

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Dim

ensions (m

)

1212 Pit fill 1213 628 1213 Very soft black sandy silt. Occasionally angular pebbles all sizes. Moderate char-coal flecks. Diffuse smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.39 x 0.30 x 0.13

1213 Pit cut 1212 1212 2 Circular shaped. Sharp break of slopes top and mostly gradual break of slope base (at N and W side - imperceptible). N side steep smooth; S side vertical smooth; E side steep concave and W side imperceptible (truncated by a furrow 628). Sub-circular concave base.

0.39 x 0.30 x 0.13

1214 Stakehole fill

1215 1 1215 Soft dark brown, almost black silty sand with charcoal mottling.

0.13 x 0.09 x 0.19

1215 Stakehole cut

1214 1214 2 Circular shaped. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Vertical sides. Concave base. Top orientated to the S from base.

0.13 x 0.09 x 0.19

1216 Fill of pit 1228 1; 1170 1217 Mid brown soft sandy silt with rounded freq. fine pebbles angd mod. Sub-rounded medium pebbles and small and medium sub-angular stones ( freq. and mod. amount). Charcoal flecks ( mod.) and small pieces (occ.)

(l) not visible x 0.60 m x 0.15

1217 Fill of pit 1228 1216 1228 dark brown soft silt with occ. Fine rounded pebbles and mod. sub-rounded medium pebbles and occ. Sub-rounded small stones with charcoal flecks and small (freq.) medium (mod.) and large (occ.). And burnt clay mod. and . occ pieces

(l) not visible x 0.60 m x 0.15

1218 Stakehole fill

1219 1 1219 Friable dark brown, almost black silty clay. Moderate charcoal flecks and small pieces.

0.12 x 0.11 x 0.18

1219 Stakehole cut

1218 1218 2 Circular in shape. Sharp break of slope at top and base. All sides vertical. Oval in plan and V-shaped in profile base.

0.12 x 0.11 x 0.18

1220 Stakehole fill

1221 1 1221 Soft dark brown, almost black silty sand wit charcoal mottling.

0.09 x 0.09 x 0.19

1221 Stakehole cut

1220 1220 2 Circular in shape. Sharp break of slope at top and base. All sides vertical. Concave base. Top orientated to the E from base.

0.09 x 0.09 x 0.19

1222 Pit cut 1223 1223 2 Elongated oval in shape. All breaks of slope sharp at top and gradual at base. All sides gentle and concave. Elongated oval in plan and flat in profile base.

1.00 x 0.60 x 0.11

1223 Pit fill 1222 1178 1222 Stiff light greyish pink silt. Occasion-ally sub-angular fine and medium pebbles. Occasionally sub-angular and sub-rounded small stones. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

1.00 x 0.60 x 0.11

1224 Stakehole fill

1225 1 1225 Friable dark brownish grey silty clay. Moderate charcoal flecks and small pieces.

0.12 x 0.11 x 0.37

1225 Stakehole cut

1224 1224 2 Circular in shape. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Vertical sides. Sub-circular in plan and U-shaped in profile base.

0.12 x 0.11 x 0.37

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183


Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

1226 Stakehole cut

1227 1227 2 Circular in shape. All breaks of slope sharp at top and base. All sides vertical. Circular in plan and concave in profile base.

0.10 x 0.10 x 0.09

1227 Stakehole fill

1226 1 1226 Compact mid greyish brown sandy silt. Occasionally fine rounded pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks and small pieces.

0.10 x 0.10 x 0.09

1228 Cut of a pit 1170, 1216, 1217

1216 2 Irregular (linear) shape in plan wit cor-ners rather rounded. Breaks of slope (top) are ; sharp (N,W) and gradual (S,E), (base) all gradual. Sides are irregular : steep and concave (N, E, W), moderate and smooth (S). Shape of base in plan is irregular , and in profile ic concave.

2.9 x 0.98 x 0.33

1229 Posthole cut

1230 1230 2 Circular shaped cut. All breaks of slope sharp at top and base. All sides vertical and smooth. Circular flat base.

0.33 x 0.26 x 0.18

1230 Posthole fill 1229 1 1229 Soft mid to dark greyish brown sandy silt. Moderate angular and sub-angular pebbles all sizes and small stones. Oc-casionally angular and sub-angular medium stones. Occasionally flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.33 x 0.26 x 0.18

1231 Stakehole cut

1070 1070 2 Circular shaped cut. All breaks of slope sharp at top and gradual at base. All sides vertical and smooth. Circular tapered point base.

0.10 x 0.10 x 0.25

1232 Posthole cut

1233 1233 2 Irregular in plan. N, E and W break of slope top sharp, S - gradual. N side verti-cal undercut; S side moderate concave; E and W sides vertical concave. All break s of slope base sharp. Irregular flat base. Top orientated to the S from base.

0.28 x 0.28 x 0.22

1233 Posthole fill 1232 1 1232 Soft mid brown sandy silt. Occasionally angular coarse pebbles and sub-angular large stones. Moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.28 x 0.28 x 0.22

1234 Stakehole cut

1235 1235 2 Circular shape in plan. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. Vertical smooth sides. Circular in plan tapered blunt point in profile base.

0.08 x 0.07 x 0.10

1235 Stakehole fill

1234 1 1234 Soft mid greyish brown silty sand. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Occasion-ally angular and sub-angular fine and medium pebbles.

0.08 x 0.07 x 0.10

1236 Posthole cut

1237 1237 2 Oval shaped cut. Break of slope sharp at top. All sides vertical and smooth (except invisible truncated side E). Mostly sharp break of slope base (gradual at W side). Oval in plan and flat in profile base.

0.40 x 0.29 x 0.26


184

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

1237 Posthole fill 1236 1228 1236 Firm weakly cemented mid greyish brown sandy silt. Frequent fine and medium sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded coarse pebbles and sub-angular small stones. Occasionally medium sub-angular stones. Occasionally flecks of charcoal. Diffuse wavy boundary to next horizon.

0.40 x 0.29 x 0.26

1238 Posthole cut

1239 1239 2 Circular in plan. All breaks of slope at top and base - sharp. All sides vertical and smooth. Circular flat base.

0.28 x 0.28 x 0.0.8

1239 Posthole fill 1238 1 1238 Soft mid greyish brown clayey silt. Mod-erate angular and sub-angular pebbles all sizes. Occasionally angular small stones Occasionally charcoal flecks.

0.28 x 0.28 x 0.0.8

1240 Posthole cut

1241 1241 2 Circular in plan. All breaks of slope at top and base - sharp. All sides vertical and concave. Circular flat base.

0.29 x 0.28 x 0.20

1241 Posthole fill 1240 1247 1240 Weakly cemented mid grey silty sand. Moderate sub-angular fine and oc-casionally sub-rounded medium pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks.

0.29 x 0.28 x 0.20

1242 Stakehole fill

1247 1 1247 Soft mid brown sandy silt. Occasionally charcoal flecks.

0.05 x 0.03 x 0.10

1243 Posthole fill 1244 1 1244 Soft dark grey silt. Occasionally sub-angular fine and medium pebbles. Moderate charcoal flecks. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.21 x 0.19 x 0.06

1244 Posthole cut

1243 1243 2 Circular in shape. All breaks of slope at top and base are sharp. All sides vertical and smooth. Circular in plan and flat in profile base.

0.21 x 0.19 x 0.06

1245 Stakehole fill

1246 1 1246 Compact mid greyish silty sand. Oc-casionally fine and medium pebbles. Occasionally flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.065 x 00.65 x 0.20

1246 Stakehole cut

1245 1245 2 Circular shaped cut. Break of slopes sharp at top and gradual at base. All sides vertical and smooth. Tapered rounded point base.

0.065 x 00.65 x 0.20

1247 Stakehole cut

1242 1242 1241 Oval in plan. Sharp breaks of slope at top and base. Vertical sides. Oval in plan and concave in shape base.

0.05 x 0.03 x 0.10


1249 1249 1258 Irregular in plan. Mostly rounded cor-ners (except NE corner, which is square). Break of slope at top mostly gradual, only at N side sharp. N sides steep convex; S&NW sides moderate concave; NE side steep concave. Gradual break of slope at base. Irregular in plan, flat in some parts, concave in others base.

0.94 x 0.42 x 0.15

1249 Pit fill 1248 1 1248 Soft dark brown clayey silt. Frequent sub-rounded and rounded fine pebbles. Moderate sub-rounded medium pebbles and small stones. Moderate flecks and small pieces of charcoal. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.94 x 0.42 x 0.15

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

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Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

1250 Posthole cut

1251 1251 2 Circular in plan. Sharp breaks of slope at top and at base. All sides vertical and smooth. Circular in plan and flat in profile base.

0.47 x 0.42 x 0.33

1251 Posthole fill 1250 1 1250 Soft mid to dark greyish brown sandy silt. Moderate angular and sub-angular pebbles all sizes. Occasionally angular and sub-angular small and medium stones. Moderate flecks and occasionally small pieces of charcoal.

0.47 x 0.42 x 0.33


1268 1268 2 Irregular in plan. Mostly sharp break of slope at top (except truncated S side). N side moderate undercut; E sides moderate and concave; W side vertical irregular; S side not exist - is truncated by pit 1610. Break of slope at base: sharp on N and W side; gradual on E side. Irregular in plan and flat in profile base.

1.00 x 0.85 x 0.30

1253 Pit fill 1610 1 1267 Soft mid brown sandy silt. Occasion-ally fine angular pebbles. Moderate sub-angular medium and coarse pebbles. Occasionally sub-angular small and medium and angular large (ca. 0.3 m) stones. Moderate small pieces of charcoal.

1.20 x 0.60 x 0.40

1254 Posthole fill 1255 1 1255 Mid brownish grey firm silt with inclu-sions of mod. Sub-angular fine pebbles and occassional sub- angular medium and sub-rounded coarse pebbles. Char-coal is very occassional

0.28 x x 0.27 x 0.10

1255 Posthole cut

1254 1254 2 Circular shape in plan with all corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) are all sharp and (base) are all gradual. All sides are alll vertical and smooth.. Shape of plan ibase is circular and flat in profile.

0.28 x x 0.27 x 0.10

1256 Posthole cut

1257, 1258 1257 3 Oval shape in plan. With all the corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) - sharp. Breaks of slope (base), sharp (N, E, W) and gradual (S).Sides are vertical and smooth (N,S,W) and steep and smooth (E). Shape of base In plan is oval and flat in profile.

0.36 x 0.27 x 0.26

1257 Posthole fill 1256 1258 1256 Mid greyish brown soft sandy silt. With inclusions of Fine to medium (freq.) peb-bles esp. sub-rounded and roundedalso with charcoal flecks and small pieces ( occassional amount)

0.29 x 0.22 x 0.15

1258 Posthole fill 1256 1248 1257 Mid brownish (almost black) reddish soft clayey silt with inclusions of char-coalflecks and small pieces (freq.). With burnt clay (very small and small pieces)

0.20 x 0.19 x 0.12

1259 Stakehole fill

1260 1 1260 Mid grey brownish soft silt with inclusions of pebbles: fine (sub-angular occassional), small (sub-angular occas-sional), corse (sub- rounded ocassional). Charcola flecks (occassional).

0.10 x 0.10 x 0.12


186

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)


1259 1259 2 Circular shape in plan with all the corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) are all all sharp and (base) are all gradual. Sides Are all vertical and smooth. Shape of base in plan is circular and rounded in profile.

0.10 x 0.10 x 0.12

1261 Fill of furrow

1 1324 Dark brownish/black sandy soft silt with various types of pebbles(occ.). Flecks of charcoal.

~30.00 x 0.60 x 0.08



1264 1 1264 Mid grey brownish soft clayey silt with inclusions of fine sub-angular (occ.) pebbles, small sub-angular (mod.), coarse sub-angular (occ.) pebbles. Charcoal flecks - very occ.

0.09 m 0.09 x 0.23


1263 1263 2 Circular in plan. Breaks of slope (top) - sharp, (base) - gradual. Sides are all verti-cal and smooth. Shape of base in plan - circular, in profile - tapered pointed.

0.09 m 0.09 x 0.23


1266 1266 2 Oval in shape all corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top and base) are all sharp. Sides are all almost vertical smooth. Shape of base in plan is circular and pointed in profile.

0.09 x 0.08 x 0.18


1265 1 1265 Mid brown clayey sof silt. Some char-coal flecks detected.

0.09 x 0.08 x 0.18

1267 Pit fill 1610 1253 1610 Strongly cemented mid grey silty sand. Moderate sub-angular fine and medium pebbles. Occasionally sub-angular coarse pebbles. Moderate sub-angular small stones. Occasionally sub-rounded medium stones. Occasionally charcoal flecks.

0.80 x 0.70 x 0.28

1268 Pit fill 1252 1610 1252 Soft mid greyish brown sandy silt. Occasionally sub-angular fine and medium and sub-rounded coarse peb-bles. Occasionally sub-angular medium and angular large stones. Occasionally charcoal flecks.

1.50 x 0.60 x 0.10


1270 1270 2 Circular in shape with corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) - sharp, (base) - gradual. Sides are vertical and smooth. Shape of base is circular in plan and tapered rounded point in profile

0.09 x 0.09 x 0.1


1269 1 1269 Mid brown clayey sof silt. Some sub-angular fine and small pebbles occuring occ. small stones (occ.).

0.09 x 0.09 x 0.1


1272 1272 2 Circular in shape with all the corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) sharp, (base) - gradual. Shape of base in plan - is circular in plan and tapered rounded point in profile.

0.08 x 0.08 x 0.09


1271 1 1271 Mid brown clayey soft silt with some sub-angular , fine and small pebbles oc-curing occassional.

0.08 x 0.08 x 0.09

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Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)


1274 1274 2 Circular shape in plan with all corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) are all sharp and (base) are all gradual. Sides are almost vertical and smooth. Shape of base in plan is circular and tapered blunt point.

0.08 x 0.07 x 0.15


1273 1 1273 Mid brown clayey soft silt with inclu-sions of charcoal flecks , sub-rounded fine pebbles (occ.), coarse sub-angular pebbles (occ.)

0.08 x 0.07 x 0.15


1276 1276 2 Circular shape in plan with all corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) are all sharp and (base) are all gradual. Sides are almost vertical and smooth. Shape of base in plan is circular and tapered rounded point.

0.07 x 0.06 x 0.13


1275 1 1275 Mid brown clayey soft silt with inclu-sions of charcoal flecks , sub-rounded fine pebbles (occ.), coarse sub-angular pebbles (occ.)

0.07 x 0.06 x 0.13


1278 1278 2 Circular shape in plan with all corners rounded. Breaks of slope ( top) are all sharp and (base) gradual.Sides are verti-cal and smooth. Shape of base in plan is circular and tapered blunt point in profile.

0.09 x 0.09 x 0.15


1277 1 1277 Mid brown clayey soft silt with inclu-sions of sub-rounded fine pebbles (occ.), coarse sub-angular pebbles (occ.). On E side there was sub-rounded stone 0.6m (l and w).

0.09 x 0.09 x 0.15


1280 1280 2 Circular shape in plan with all corners rounded. Breaks of slope ( top) are all sharp and (base) gradual.Sides are verti-cal and smooth. Shape of base in plan is circular and pointed in profile.

0.08 x 0.07 x 0.1


1279 1 1279 Mid brown clayey soft silt with inclu-sions of fine, small, corse sub-angular pebbles (occ.). No charcoal.

0.08 x 0.07 x 0.1


1282 1282 2 Circular shape in plan with all the corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) are all sharp. Breaks of slope (base) are all gradual. Sides are vertical and smooth. Shape of base is circular in plan and rounded in profile.

0.06 x 0.06 x 0.08


1281 1 1281 Mid grey clayey soft silt with pebbles (fine, small) coarse (mod.) - sub-angular (mod.)

0.06 x 0.06 x 0.08


1284 1284 2 Circular shape in plan with all corners rounded. Breaks of slope ( top) are all sharp and (base) gradual.Sides are verti-cal and smooth. Shape of base in plan is circular and pointed in profile.

0.12 x 0.1 x 0.22


1283 1 1283 Mid brown clayey soft silt, with some occassional sub-angular fine and small pebbles. Charcoal flecks (occ.)

0.12 x 0.1 x 0.22


1286 1 1286 Reddish brown sandy soft silt with flecks of charcoal (occ.)

0.1 x 0.07 x 0.12


188

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Filled with

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)


1285 1285 2 Oval in shape and corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) are sharp , (base) - gradual. Sides are vertical. Shape of base is sub-circular.

0.1 x 0.07 x 0.12


1288 1288 2 Oval shape in plan with all the corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top and base)- sharp. Sides are vertical an smooth (N, E, W), steep and concave (S)

0.41 x 0.23 x 0.37

1288 Posthole fill 1287 1 1287 Mid greyish brown sandy soft silt with inclusions of sub-angular and sub-round-ed freq. fine, medium and coarse pebbles and moderate small stones with charcoal flecks (occ.).

0.41 x 0.23 x 0.37


1290 1290 2 Circular in shape with corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) are all sharp , (base) - all gradual. Sides are vertical and smooth. Shape of base in plan is circular and pointed in profile.

0.13 x 0.12 x 0.35


1289 1 1289 Mid/dark brown clayey soft silt with inclusions of charcoal flecks (all sizes)- frequent. Some sub-angular pebbles (fine, small, coarse) occuring mod., some burnt clay (mod.).

0.13 x 0.12 x 0.35

1291 Fill of pos-sible arch.feature

1297 1298 1297 Mid brownish grey soft clayey silt with medium sub-angular (occ.) pebbles with medium (mod.) sub-angular and sub-rounded (mod.) stones. Charcoal flecks (occ.)

0.39 x 0.58 x 0.21


1293 1293 2 Oval shape in plan. Breaks of slope (top) sharp, (base) - gradual. Shape of base in plan is oval and concave in profile.

0.09 x 0.07 x 0.12


1292 1 1292 Dark brown sandy soft silt with some charcoal flecks.

0.09 x 0.07 x 0.12

1294 Fill 677 454 677 Mid greyish brown (firm to soft) silt with fine and medium and coarse angular and sub-angular freq. pebbles (including frequent fired pebbles). Small (mod) sub-angular and angular stones. Charcoal flecks and small (freq.) and medium pieces (mod.) Also spots of ligghht yellowish grey sandy clay ( small freq. pieces).

1.55 x 0.48 x 0.23

1295 Fill of furrow

1296 1 1296 Dark brown silty loose sand with medium sub- angular and sub-rounded stones.

1.50 x 0.45 x 0.16

1296 Cut of furrow

1295 1295 3 Shape in plan is linear. Corners rounded (NE, SW). Breaks of slope (top and base) - gradual (E, W). Sides are gentle and smooth (N), moderate and smooth (S, E, W). Shape of base in plan is oval and concave /irregular in profile.

1.56 x 0.68 x 0.23

1297 Cut of pos-sible arch. feature

1291, 1298 1291 2 Irregular in shape. All corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) - gradual (N, E, W); Breaks of slope (base) - all gradual. Sides are steep and irregular (SE), moderate and smooth (SW). Shape of base in plan is irregular and concave in profile.

1.29 x 0.58 x 0.22

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

189


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Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

1298 Fill of pos-sible arch. feature

1297 1 1291 Mid orangish brown silty loose sand with coarse (mod.) sub-angular with medium sub-angualr (mod.), large sub-angular (occ.).

0.63 x 0. 58 x 0.22


1300 1 1300 Mid brown sandy soft silt with fine pebbles (fine. Occ.) with charcoal flecks (freq.)

0.06 x 0.07 x 0.13


1299 1299 2 Circular shape in plan. Breaks of slope (top) - Sharp, (base) - sharp/gradual. Sides are vertical and smooth. Shape of base is circular in plan and tapered rounded in profile.

0.06 x 0.07 x 0.13


1302 1 1302 Mid brown sandy soft silt with inclusions of fine pebbles (occ.) and charcoal small and flecks (freq.)

0.07 x 0.05 x 0.13


1301 1301 2 Oval shape in plan with all the corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) are sharp, (base) - gradual. Sides are vertical and smooth. Shape of base in plan is circular, and tapered pointed in profile.

0.07 x 0.05 x 0.13

1303 Burnt fill 1 2 Mid pinkish red sandy hard silt with inclusions of sub-angular (mod.) small stones with occ. flecks of charcoal and butnt clay.

0.60 x 0.42 x 0.05


1305 Fill of treebowl/archaeolog-ical feature

1306 1 1306 Mid brownish /reddish brown silty soft clay with sub - angular (mod.) fine pebbles to small stones and sub-angular occ. medium stones. Charcoal flecks to medium pieces (moderate).

3.24 x 0.82 x 0.37

1306 Cut of treebowl/archaeolog-ical feature

1305 1305 2 Linear shape in plan with corners rounded (N, S); Breaks of slope (top and base) - sharp. Sides are steep and irregu-lar (N, S, E) and vertical and irregular (W). Shape of base in plan is irregular and concave in profile

3.24 x 0.82 x 0.37


1308 1 1308 Mid/dark brown sandy soft silt. Inclu-sions of charcoal (small and flecks) - mod. Pebbles (fine - occ.).

0.07 x 0.06 x 0.15


1307 1307 2 Circular shape in plan with breaks of slope (top) - sharp, (base) - gradual. Sides are vertical and smooth. Shape of base in plan is circular and tapered pointed in profile.

0.07 x 0.06 x 0.15


1310 1 1310 Mid brown silty loose sand with inclu-sions of medium sub - angular (occ.) pebbles.

0.06 x 0.06 x 0.16


1309 1309 2 Circular shape in plan with all the corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) - sharp, (base) - gradual. Sides are vertical and smooth. Shape of base in plan is cir-cular and tapered blunt point in profile.

0.06 x 0.06 x 0.16

1311 Fill of possible stakehole

1312 1 1312 Mid brown sandy soft clay with pebbles (medium , occ. And sub-angular)

0.05 x 0.05 x 0.1


190

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)


1311 1311 2 Circular shape in plan with all the corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top and base). Sides are vertical and only E - aslant. Shape of base in plan is circular , and tapered rounded poited in profile.

0.05 x 0.05 x 0.1


1314 1 1314 Mid/dark brown sandy soft silt with inclusions of charcoal (small and flecks- mod.)

0.05 x 0.06 x 0.11


1313 1313 2 Circular shape in plan. Breaks of slope (top) - sharp, (base) - gradual. Sides are vertical and smooth. Tapered pointed.

0.05 x 0.06 x 0.11

1315 Cut of pit 1317 1317 1316 Irregular in shape. Breaks of slope (top) - sharp, (base) - gradual (only E - sharp).

0.60 x 0.27 x 0.20


1332 1315 1332 Dark greyish, brown sandy soft silt with inclusions of sub-angular occ. Fine and coarse pebbles and sub-angular small occ. stones. Charcoal flecks, small and medium (mod. freq.) charcoal flecks. And burnt clay (small , mod.) small pieces.

0.34 x 0.27 x 0.20

1317 Fill of pit 1315 1 1315 Mid yellowish brown sandy soft clay with inclusions of medium sub-angular (occ.) pebbles and sub-angular small (occ.) stones with charcoal flecks (occ.)

0.20 x 0.20 x 0.18


1319 1319 2 Sub-circular in plan. Breaks of slope (top) - sharp (N - gradual); (base) - gradual. Sides are vertical ( S, E, W); N - aslant. Shape of base is circular and taperedd rounded point.

0.11 x 0.11 x 0.19


1318 1 1318 Dark brown sandy soft silt with small charcoal flecks and small pieces - freq.)

0.11 x 0.11 x 0.19

1320 Cut of pos-sible pit

1321 1321 2 Circular shape in plan with corners rounded( S, NE, NW). Breaks of slope (top and base) gradual - (S, NE, NW). Sides are gentle and smooth - NW, steep and smooth - NE; gentle and irregular - S. Shape of base in plan sub- circular

0.23 x 0.60 x 0.10

1321 Fill of pos-sible pit

1320 1 1320 Mid yellowish brown silty compact sand with medium sub-angular (occ.) pebbles and medium sub-angular (mod.) stones. Charcoal small (mod.) pieces and burnt clay (mod.) flecks.

0.23 x 0.60 x 0.10


1323 Fill of pos-sible stone socket

1 2 Mid yellowish brown silty compact sand with coarse sub-angular (mod.) pebbles, and small (occ.), medium (freq.), large (occ.) sub-angular stones and charcoal flecks and medium pieces (occ.)

0.25 x 0.45 x 0.9

1324 Single fill of of posthole

1325 1261 1325 Mid greyish brown sandy firm silt with fine angular and sub-angular (occ), coarse occ. (angular and sub-angular) and charcoal flecks and small (mod.) pieces.

0.36 x 0.30 x 0.08

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

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Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)


1324 1324 2 Shape in plan is sub-circular/ oval with all the corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) gradual (N) , Sharp (S,E,W); Breaks of slope (base) - sharp (S,E,W) , imperceptible (N). Sides are vertical and smooth (S,E,W) and moderate smooth (N). Shape of base in plan sub-circular/oval. and in profile flat/slightly concave.

0.36 x 0.30 x 0.08

1326 Fill of possible stakehole

1327 1 1327 Mid brown sandy soft clay with inclu-sions of occ. Charcoal. Also medium sub-angular (occ.) pebbles. Coarse sub-angular pebbles (occ).

0.12 x 0.11 x 0.26


1326 1326 2 Sub-circular shape in plan. With corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) gradual (N) and sharp (W, E, S), (base) - gradual. All sides vertical. Shape of base in plan pointed and in profile tapered rounded point.

0.12 x 0.11 x 0.26


1328 1329 2 Circular shape in plan all corners round-ed. Breaks of slope (top and base) are all gradual. Sides are steep and concave. Shape of base is sub-circular in shape.

0.14 x 0.13 x 0.09


1329 1 1328 Dark reddish brown with flecks of reddish clay material silty soft sand with inclusions of (occ.) charcoal flecks and burnt clay.

0.14 x 0.13 x 0.09


1331 1331 2 Sub-circular with all corners rounded . Breaks of slope (top) - sharp ( S,E,W), gradual ( N). (base) - all gradual. All sides are vertical and smooth. Shape of base in plan is sub-circular and tapered blunt point in profile.

0.20 x 0.18 x 0.58

1331 Posthole fill 1330 1 1330 Mid brown sandy soft clay with inclu-sions of small occassional sub-angular pebbles and small occassional charcoal pieces.

0.20 x 0.18 x 0.58

1332 Cut of pit 1316 1316 2 Oval in plan. Breaks of slope (top) - sharp (only E -gradual), (base) - is gradual.

0.34 x 0.27 x 0.20


1334 1325 1334 Mid brown clayey firm silt with small pieces of charcoal pieces.

0.08 x 0.07 x 0.05


1333 1333 2 Sub-circular in shape with all the corners rounded.. Breaks of slope ( top and base) are sharp. Sides are smooth and vertical. Shape of base in plan is sub-circular/ oval in profile.

0.08 x 0.07 x 0.05



1377 1337 2 Cub-circular shape in plan with all the corners rounded , breaks of slope (top) sharp and (base) - gradual. All the sides are vertical and smooth . Shape of base in plan is sub -circular and in profile is irregular.

0.25 x 0.23 x 0.26


192

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Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

1337 Posthole fill 1336 1 1336 Mid brown soft sandy clay.with inclusions of medium occassional sub-rounded pebbles and small occassional charcoal pieces.

0.25 x 0.23 x 0.26


1339 1 1339 See comments


1338 1338 2 Circular /elongated - because of orienta-tion. Corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) - N, E ,W - sharp; S - gradual ; (base) - gradual. Sides are smooth . Shape of base is pointed.

0.12 x 0.1 x 0.18


1341 1 1341 See comments 0.07 x 0.07 x 0.15


1340 1340 2 Circular in shape with corners rounded. Breaks of slopes (top and base) sharp. Sides vertical and smooth. Shape of base in profile pointed and circular in plan.

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.15


1343 1 1343 See comments 0.08 x 0.07 x 0.15


1342 1342 2 Circular in shape with corners rounded. Breaks of slopes (top) sharp (N) gradual (S). Sides vertical and smooth. Shape of base in profile pointed (little rounded) and circular in plan.

0.08 x 0.07 x 0.15


1345 1 1345 See comments 0.08 x 0.08 x 0.16


1344 1344 2 Circular in shape with corners rounded. Breaks of slopes (top and base) sharp (W side is not visible - truncated by field boundary 41). Sides vertical and smooth (except W which is not visible - it’s gone truncated by field boundary). Shape of base in profile pointed and circular in plan.

0.08 x 0.08 x 0.16


1347 1 1347 See comments 0.13 x 0.1 x 0.09


1346 1346 2 Circular in shape with corners rounded. Breaks of slopes (top) gradual, (base) - Sharp. Sides steep and smooth. Shape of base in profile rounded and circular in plan.

0.13 x 0.1 x 0.09


1349 1349 2 0.06 x 0.05 x 0.1


1348 1 1348 Light brown clayey soft silt with inclu-sions of small charcoal pieces

0.06 x 0.05 x 0.1


1351 1351 2 Oval shape in plan with all corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) sharp, (base) gradual. Sides are all gradual. Shape of base in plan is oval and concave in profile.

0.08 x 0.05 x 0.04


1350 1 1350 Light yellowish brown sandy soft clay with occassional charcoal flecks and oc-cassional medium pebbles.

0.08 x 0.05 x 0.04

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Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)


1575 1575 2 Sub-rectangular in shape. Breaks of slope (top) - gradual, only N is sharp. Breaks of slope (base) - gradual. Sides are: vertical, smooth (N), gentle and smooth (s), steep and smooth (E, W). Shape of base in plan is oval and concave in profile.

0.26 x 0.18 x 0.08






1358 = 1359, 1360

1358 = 1359

2 Lineaar/irregular shape in plan with corners rounded (NE, SW). Breaks of slope (top) are: gradual (NE), sharp to gradual (SE, SW) and sharp (SW). Breaks of slope (base) are: gradual (NE) and Imperceptible (SE, SW, NW). Sides are Moderate and irregular ( NE, SE, NW - this is also undercut) and steep and irregular.Shape of base in plan and profile is irregular., sub-rectangular.

2.53 x 0.93 x 0.35


1357 1360 1357 Dark brownish /black soft silty clay with inclusions of coarse pebbles (mod) and subrounded and small and medium sub-angular moderate stones. And charcoal small and medium mod and occassional pieces.

1.78 x 0.84 x 0.25



1357 1 1358 - 1359

Dark reddish brown soft silty clay with inclusions of sub-angular coarse pebbles and small stones (mod.) and charcoal small and medium (freq.) pieces and large (mod) pieces.

0.75 x 0.73 x 0.20


1362 1 1362 Brownish reddish firm silty clay with in-clusions of moderate amount of charcoal flecks

0.07 x 0.05 x 0.09


1361 1361 2 Circular shape in plan with all corners rounded . Breaks of slope are sharp (top and base). Sides are vertical and smooth. Shape of base in plan and profile is concave.

0.07 x 0.05 x 0.09


1364 1 1364 Brownish reddish firm silty clay with inclusions of occassional amount of charcoal flecks

0.05 x 0.05 x 0.1


1363 1363 2 Circular shape in plan with all corners rounded . Breaks of slope are sharp (top and base). Sides are vertical and smooth. Shape of base in plan and profile is pointed.

0.05 x 0.05 x 0.1


194

Context #

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Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

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Dim

ensions (m

)


1366 1366 2 Oval shape in plan with all corners rounded . Breaks of slope are all sharp (top and base) Sides are all vertical and smooth. Shape of base in plan is oval and flat in profile

0.54 x 0.40 x 0.34

1366 Posthole fill 1365 1 1365 Mid brown yellowish brown silty soft clay with inclusions of whole sizez of peb-bles ( esp. sub-angular and sub-rounded) freq amount, and small and medium angular and sub-angular stones (mod.)

0.54 x 0.40 x 0.34

1367 Cut of ir-regular pit

1368 1368 2 Irregular (oval) shape in plan with all the corners rounded. All breaks of slope ( top) are sharp and (base) gradual. Sides mederate and concave (N, E) and steep and concave (S, W). Shape of base in plan is oval and concave in profile.

1.7 x 0.7 x 0.38

1368 Fill of ir-regular pit

1367 1 1367 Light yellowish brown sandy compact silt with rounded (occ) fine and medium pebbles, angular (occ.) coarse pebbles, angular and sub-rounded (occ) small and angular (occ) medium stones. Charcoal (occ) flecks and small pieces

1.7 x 0.7 x 0.38



1371 Posthole fill 1372 1 1372 Dark brownish/black clayey soft silt. With sub-angular and sub-rounded (mod) fine and (occ.) medium pebbles, angular and sub-angular small (occ.) stones and moderate flecks and small occassional charcoal pieces.

0.20 x 0.20 x 0.38


1371, 1374 1371, 1374

2 Sub-circular shape in plan with all the corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top and base ) are sharp. Sides are vertical and convex ( N, S, W) and steep and convex (E). Shape of base is irregular in plan and flat in profile.

0.46 x 0.30 x 0.44


1374 Posthole fill 1372 1 1372 Mid brownish yellow clayey soft sand with inclusions of fine sub-angular and sub-rounded (occ.) pebbles and sub-angular (occ.) small stones and charcoal (occ.) flecks

0.25 x 0.20 x 0.15

1375 Cut of hearth

1376 1376 Irregular shape in plan with corners rounded (N, S, W) and sqare (E). Breaks of slope (top and base) are gradual (N, E) and imperceptible (S, W). Sides are moderate and concave (N), gentle and concave ( E, W), not present (S). Shape of base is irregular in plan and in profile.

0.80 x 0.60 x 0.18

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

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Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

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escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

1376 Fill of hearth

1375 1 1375 Dark reddish brown, soft sandy silt. With almost all sizes of pebbles (every but angular) fine and medium (freq.) and coarse pebbles (mod.) Stones small (mod.) - every but angular ; medium sub-rounded (occ.) stones. Charcoal ( flecks to medium pieces (freq.) , burnt clay (flecks to small pieces) freq. and mod.

0.80 x 0.60 x 0.18


1378 1378 1375 Sub circular in plan with all the corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) all sharp, N, E - sharp, S, W - gradual (base). Sides S, W, N - vertical and smooth, E - con-cave; Shape of base in plan sub-circular and flat in profile.

0.16 x 0.15 x 0.12


1377 1 1377 Dark reddish compact sandy silt. With inclusions of charcoal up to 2 cm (freq.) and burnt clay (very few pieces).

0.16 x 0.15 x 0.12


1380 1380 1375 Circular shape in plan with all the cor-ners rounded. Breaks of slope are sharp ( top and base). All sides are vertical and smooth. Base is circular in plan and flat in profile.

0.1 x 0.09 x 0.09


1379 1 1379 Dark brown sandy compact silt. With inclusions of charcoal fecks (mod.) and pebbles (all variety).

0.1 x 0.09 x 0.09





1385 1385 2 Oval shape in plan with all the corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) - sharp, (base) - gradual. Shape of base is circular and profile rounded.

0.09 x 0.06 x 0.23


1384 1 1384 Dark brown sandy compact silt with inclusions of charcoal flecks and small pieces (mod.)

0.09 x 0.06 x 0.23


1387 1387 2 Circular shape in plan. All corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) - sharp. Gradual (base). Sides Vertical and smooth. Shape of base in plan circular and tapered rounded point in profile.

0.1 x 0.08 x 0.21


1386 1 1386 Mid yellowish.brown, clayey soft silt. Charcoal flecks and small pieces.

0.1 x 0.08 x 0.21

1388 Cut of kiln 1389 1389 1392 8 -shaped in plan (irregular). Breaks of slope (top and base) - imperceptible (NE, SE, SW, NW). All sides are gentle and concave. 8 - shaped base in plan and concave in profile.

1.70 x 0.70 x 0.07


196

Context #

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Filled with

Strat above

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Dim

ensions (m

)

1389 Kiln fill 1388 1 1388 Dark brownish/black sandy soft silt with inclusions of subrounded (occ.) medium, and sub-angular (mod.) coarse pebbles; stones sub-angular (mod.) medium and sub-angular (occ.) large stones (up to 0.3 m). Charcoal flecks (freq.), small (mod.) and medium (occ.). Burnt grain seeds (freq)

1.70 x 0.70 x 0.07

1390 Fill of furrow

1391 1 1391 Dark brown clayey firm silt with fine (occ.) pebbles -all variety. Small and me-dium angular and sub-angular freq. and ocassional stones. Charcoal flecks (occ.).

4.00 x 0.49 x 0.15

1391 Cut of furrow

1390 1390 2 Linear shape in plan. With square cor-ners (N, S).Breaks of slope (top) are sharp (E, W), (base) - gradual (E, W). Sides are moderate and concave (N, S). Shape of base is sub-rectangular in plan and flat in profile.

4.00 x 0.49 x 0.15

1392 Scorch 1388 1388 1396 Mid pinkish red firm sandy silt. With inclusions of charcoal flecks (occ.) and large pieces (occ.).

no dimensions

1393 Posthole fill 1394 1 1394 Mid brown/black silty soft clay. With (freq.) inclusions of charcoal

0.30 x 0.26 x 0.02


1393 1393 2 Circular in shape with all the corners rounded. Sides vertical and smooth. Breaks of slope sharp (top and base). Shape of base is circular in plan and flat in profile.

0.30 x 0.26 x 0.02

1395 Fill of a stone structure

1388 1392 1396 Mid yellowish brown soft sandy silt, with sub0rounded occassional medium peb-bles with charcoal flecks ( mod.)

2.00 x 0.2 x 0.1

1396 Stone structure

1397 1395 1397 Sub-angular stones (freq.) up to 0.36m 3.30 x 1.30 0.20

1397 Cut of stone structure

1397 1396 2 U - shaped in plan with corners rounded (NE, SW). Breaks of slope (top and base) - sharp. All sides are vertical and smooth. Shape of base in plan is U - shaped and flat in profile.

3.30 x 1.30 0.20



1400 Trough fill 1397 1 1397 Mid brownish brown silty soft clay with sub-angular and sub-rounded occ. Fine pebbles and stones (angular, sub-angular, and sub-rounded small (mod.), sub-angular and sub-rounded medium (mod.), and sub-angular large (occ.).

1.00 x 0.33 x 0.15


1402 1403, 1405, 1408, 1410

2 Irregular shape in plan. Corners round-ed. Breaks of slope (top) rather gradual beside N side which is sharp , (base) - All gradual. Sides are steep and concave (N, S, E), moderate and concave (W).Shape of base in plan is sub-circular/irregular, in profile (flat).

2.15 x 1.99 x 0.50

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Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

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Dim

ensions (m

)

1402 Fill of pit 1401 1 1404, 1406, 1409, 1411

Mid brown sandy soft silt. Inclusions of (freq.) sub-angular, sub-rounded, rounded pebbles (fine to coarse).Small to large sub-rounded and sub-rounded (freq.), (mod.) and (occ.). Charcoal flecks and small (mod.) and (med.) pieces.

2.15 x 1.99 x 0.50


1404 1404 1401 Circular shape in plan. All corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) - all sharp, (base) - sharp (N, S, W) and gradual (E).Sides are vertical and smooth. Shape of base is circular in plan and flat in profile.

0.34 x 0.33 x 0.4

1404 Posthole fill 1403 1402 1403 Light brown clayey soft silt with sub-angular and sub-rounded (mod.) fine to medium pebbles and with sub-angular (mod.) stones and charcoal flecks and small pieces (occ.)

0.34 x 0.33 x 0.4


1406 1406 1401 Circular in shape. Breaks of slope (top and base) sharp (N, S, W); gradual (E). Sides are vertical and smooth (N, S, W) and steep and smooth (E). Shape of base is circular and flat in profile.

0.49 x 0.41 x 0.40

1406 Posthole fill 1405 1402 1405 Light brown clayey soft silt with sub-angular and sub-rounded (mod.) fine to coarse pebbles and with sub-angular (mod.) small stones and charcoal flecks, small, and medium pieces (occ.).

0.49 x 0.41 x 0.40

1407 Posthole fill 1412 1 1412 Dark brownish/black clayey soft silt. With inclusions of angular and sub-rounded (occ.) pebbles, and angular and sub-angular (occ.) stones. With (freq.) charcoal flecks and small pieces.

0.20 x 0.17 x 0.09


1409 1409 1401 Circular in shape with all the corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) all sharp (base) sharp (N, E, W) and gradual (S). Shape of base in plan is circular and flat in profile.

0.39 x 0.30 x 0.29

1409 Posthole fill 1408 1402 1408 Light brown clayey soft silt.with inclu-sions of fine, medium and coarse pebbles moderate (sub-angular and sub-rounded) pebbles and moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded small stones. Charcoal flecks and small (mod.) pieces

0.14 x 0.13 x 0.24


1411 1411 1401 Circular shape in plan with all corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) are all sharp and (base) all gradual.Sides are vertical and smooth. Shape of base in plan is circular and tapered

0.14 x 0.13 x 0.24


1410 1402 1410 Light brown clayey soft silt with charcoal flecks and small pieces.

0.14 x 0.13 x 0.24


1407 1407 2 Circular shape in plan with all corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top and base) are all sharp. Sides are vertical and con-cave. Shape of base in plan is circular and concave in profile.

0.20 x 0.17 x 0.09

1413-1552

NOT USED


198

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Context type

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Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)


1554 1554 2 Circular shape in plan. Breaks of slope (top and base) - sharp. Sides are vertical and smooth. Shape of base in plan and flat in profile.

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.08


1553 1 1553 Light brown sandy soft silt with no inclusions.

0.07x 0.07 x 0.08


1556 1 1556 Mid/dark brown sandy soft silt with small occassional charcoal (small pieces).

0.09 x 0.07 x 0.20


1555 1555 2 Oval/sub-circular in shape with corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) - sharp, (base) - gradual. Sides are vertical, smooth. Shape of base in plan circular and profile is tapered rounded point.

0.09 x 0.07 x 0.20


1558 1558 2 Circular in shape. Breaks of slope (top) - sharp, (base) - gradual. Sides are vertical. Shape of base in plan is oval and tapered blunt point in profile.

0.04 x 0.04 x 0.08


1557 1 1557 Mid greyish brown silty soft clay with inclusions of occassional pebbles.

0.04 x 0.04 x 0.08


1560 1560 2 Sub-circular shape in plan with all the corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) - sharp( only E - gradual); Breaks of slope (base) - sharp. Sides are vertical and smooth (N, W, E); steep and concave (S). Shape of base in plan is irregular and in profile is tapered blunt point.

0.17 x 0.13 x 0.18


1559 1 1559 Mid brown silty soft clay with inclu-sions of fine and sub-angular (mod.) and medium sub-angular mod. pebbles. With no charcoal.

0.17 x 0.13 x 0.18

1561 Cut of shallow depression

1562 1562 2 Irregular shape in plan with all the corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) - are gradual (only NW is S). Breaks of slope (base) are gradual. Sides are gentle and smooth (only NW is vertical and undercut).Shape of base in plan is sub-circular/irregular and in profile - concave.

1.14 x 0.56 x 0.21

1562 Fill of shallow depression

1561 1 1561 Mid greyish brown silty loose sand with inclusions of fine sub-angular (occ.) and medium also sub-angular (mod.) pebbles. Small (mod.) sub-angular and (occ.) sub-angular medium pebbles. Charcoal flecks (occ.)

1.14 x 0.56 x 0.21

1563 Cut of pit/posthole

1564 1564 2 Sub-circular shape in plan with all the corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top and base) - all sharp; Sides are steep and smooth ( N, W), Vertical and smooth (S) and vertical stepped (E). Shape of base in plan is sub-circular and concave in profile.

0.83 x 0.74 x 0.37

1564 Fill of pit/posthole

1563 1 1563 Mid brown sandy soft silt with inclusions of fine to coarse sub-angular pebbles (fine, coarse - occ.; medium - mod.). Sub-angular small and medium (mod.) stones. Charcoal flecks and small pieces (occ.) and burnt clay.flecks ( occ.)

0.83 x 0.74 x 0.37

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

199


Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

1565 Pit fill 1582 1 1582 Soft mid yellowish brown silty sand. Occasionally small sub-angular and sub-rounded stones. One large angular stones. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

1.20 x 0.91 x 0.31

1566 Stakehole cut

1567 1566 2 Oval in plan. E break of slope top - grad-ual, N, S and W - sharp. E side steep; N, S and W almost vertical. Gradual break of slope base. Base circular in plan and tapered rounded point in profile. Top orientated to the E from base.

0.15 x 0.11 x 0.16

1567 Stakehole fill

1566 1 1567 Soft mid greyish brown silty sand. Oc-casionally sub-angular and sub-rounded medium pebbles.

0.15 x 0.11 x 0.16

1568 Stakehole cut

1569 1569 2 Circular in plan. Sharp break of slope at top and at base. All sides vertical. Base circular in plan and pointed in profile.

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.13

1569 Stakehole fill

1568 1 1568 Soft dark brown sandy silt. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Moderate sub-rounded and sub-angular all sizes pebbles.

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.13

1570 Posthole fill 1578 1 1578 Weakly cemented mid brown clayey sand. Moderate sub-rounded fine pebbles. Occasionally angular and sub-rounded small and angular and rounded medium stones. Frequent charcoal flecks. Clear boundary to next horizon.

0.52 x 0.47 x 0.23

1571 Posthole cut

1572 1572 2 Circular shaped cut. Mostly sharp break of slope at top (only E side - gradual) and gradual all breaks of slope at base. N side steep concave; S side vertical concave; E side moderate concave; W side steep undercut. Irregular in plan and flat in profile base.

0.35 x 0.34 x 0.15

1572 Posthole fill 1571 1 1571 Firm mid brown sandy silt. Moder-ate sub-rounded fine and sub-angular coarse pebbles. Occasionally sub-angular medium pebbles. Moderate sub-angular small and angular medium stones. Oc-casionally charcoal flecks.

0.35 x 0.34 x 0.15

1573 Pit fill 1574 1 1574 Soft greyish black sandy clay. Frequent angular coarse pebbles. Moderate me-dium and occasionally large (ca. 0.23 m) angular and sub-angular stones. Moder-ate charcoal flecks. Sharp irregular boundary to next horizon.

0.78 x 0.32 x 0.22

1574 Pit cut 1573 1573 2 Sub-circular in plan. N and W break of slope of top - gradual; S and E - sharp. N side steep stepped; S and E sides vertical irregular; W side gentle concave. Sharp break of slope at base. Sub-circular in plan and tapered point in profile base.

0.78 x 0.32 x 0.22

1575 Fill of pos-sible pit

1352 1 1352 Mid brown sandy soft silt. With angular and angular, sub-angular fine occ. Pebbles; angular and sub-angular mod. Medium and coarse pebbles and occ stones.. No evidence of charcoal.

0.26 x 0.18 x 0.08


200

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

1576 Deposit 1 2 Firm mid brown sandy clay. Occasion-ally sub-angular fine pebbles. Occasion-ally charcoal flecks.

0.65 x 0.30 x 0.11

1577 Deposit 1 1676 Firm mid brown sandy clay. Occasion-ally sub-angular medium pebbles. One sub-angular large (0.26 x 0.18 x 0.07) stone on the top in the middle. Occasionally flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

1.30 x 0.80 x 0.18

1578 Posthole cut

1570 1570 2 Circular shaped cut. N and E breaks of slope top gradual, S and W - sharp. N side gentle convex; S side steep convex; W vertical smooth; E side - truncated by animal burrow. Mostly gradual breaks of slope base (only W - sharp). Oval base.

0.61 x 0.55 x 0.22


1580 Posthole cut

1581 1581 2 Circular in plan. Sharp break of slope at top and at base. All sides vertical smooth. Circular flat base.

0.38 x 0.37 x 0.13

1581 Posthole fill 1580 1 1580 Soft mid brown clayey silt. Occasion-ally fine, moderate medium and coarse pebbles. Moderate small and occasionally medium angular stones. Moderate flecks and occasionally small pieces of charcoal. Occasionally burnt clay flecks.

0.38 x 0.37 x 0.13


1565 1565 2 Sub-circular in plan. Sharp break of slope top. N and E sides steep concave; S and W sides moderate concave. N and W breaks of slope at base sharp, S&E - gradual. Sub-circular flat base.

1.20 x 0.91 x 0.31

1583 Stakehole cut

1584 1584 2 Circular shape in plan with all the cor-ners rounded. Breaks of slope (top and base). Sides are concave. Shape of base in plan and profile is pointed.

0.09 x 0.09 x 0.19

1584 Stakehole fill

1583 1 1583 Brown silty soft clay with charcoal flecks. 0.09 x 0.09 x 0.19


1604 1604 2 Irregular in plan. Rounded corners, gradual breaks of slope top. N side gentle irregular; SW side moderate smooth; NE side steep irregular; E side vertical. Mostly gradual breaks of slope at base. Irregular flat base.

0.55 x 0.45 x 0.21

1586 Stakehole cut

1587 1587 2 Circular in plan. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Vertical sides. Circular in plan and flat in profile base.

0.05 x 0.05 x 0.04

1587 Stakehole fill

1586 1 1586 Soft light yellowish brown sandy clay. 0.05 x 0.05 x 0.04


1589 Stakehole fill

1590 1 1590 Firm greyish brown silty clay. Occasion-ally fine and medium pebbles.

0.08 x 0.06 x 0.15

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

201


Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

1590 Stakehole cut

1589 1589 2 Oval in plan. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. All sides vertical (but SE side slightly sloping down toward SE). Circular concave base. Top slightly orientated to the NW from base.

0.08 x 0.06 x 0.15

1591 Stakehole cut

1592 1591 2 Circular in plan. Sharp breaks of slope at top and base. Vertical smooth sides. Circular tapered rounded point in profile base.

0.11 x 0.10 x 0.08

1592 Stakehole fill

1591 1 1590 Soft mid brown sandy silt. Moderate fine and medium and occasionally coarse angular pebbles. Occasionally small angular stones (on sides at base).

0.11 x 0.10 x 0.08

1593 Same as 1604

1585

1594 Furrow cut 1596 1596 1679, 1688

Linear irregular in plan. Gradual break of slope at top and base. All sides moder-ate concave. Linear concave base.

5.70 x 0.59 x 0.27

1595 Pit fill 1601 1 1601 Soft mid brown sandy silt. Moderate medium and frequent coarse sub-angular pebbles. Moderate small sub-angular stones.

0.65 x 0.40 x 0.25

1596 Furrow fill 1594 1 1594 Soft mid greyish brown sandy silt. Oc-casionally medium sub-angular stones. Occasionally flecks and medium pieces of charcoal. Clear boundary to next horizon.

5.70 x 0.59 x 0.27


1598 1598 2 Curvy-linear, irregular in plan. Mostly gradual break of slope at top (except sharp NW side). NE side steep smooth; SW side moderate smooth; NW side vertical undercut; SE side moderate to steep irregular. Curvy-linear in plan and tapered rounded point in profile base.

3.00 x 0.40 x 0.40


1597 1 1597 Soft mid to dark brown sandy silt. Mod-erate angular and sub-angular all sizes pebbles. Moderate small and medium, occasionally large angular stones. Moder-ate flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

3.00 x 0.40 x 0.40

1599 Pit cut 1602, 1603 1602 1605 Oval in plan. Sharp break of slope top and gradual at base. E and W sides vertical smooth; S and N sides steep and smooth. Oval flat base.

0.47 x 0.37 x 0.10

1600 Deposit 1 2 Soft mid to dark brown sandy silt. Moderate sub-angular pebbles all sizes. Occasionally sub-angular small stones. Frequent flecks, moderate small and occasionally medium pieces of charcoal. Occasionally burnt clay(?) flecks.

0.40 x 0.30 x 0.20

1601 Pit cut 1595 1595 2 Irregular in plan. Sharp break of slope at top and mostly at base (except gradual W side). N, S and E sides vertical irregu-lar; W side vertical concave. Irregular concave base.

0.65 x 0.40 x 0.25


202

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

1602 Pit fill 1599 1603 1599 Firm mid brown silty clay. Moderate sub-angular small stones. Occasionally medium angular and large (ca. 0.3 m) sub-angular stones. Moderate small pieces of stones.

0.31 x 0.30 x 0.10

1603 Pit fill 1599 1 1602 Firm light yellowish brown silty clay. Oc-casionally well sorted sub-rounded fine pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.27 x 0.25 x 0.06

1604 Pit fill 1585 1 1585 Soft mid greyish brown silty sand. Oc-casionally sub-angular medium pebbles and small stones. Moderate small pieces of charcoal. Clear boundary to nest horizon.

0.55 x 0.45 x 0.21

1605 Stakehole fill

1606 1590 1606 Firm light greyish brown silty clay. Trun-cated by pit 1599.

0.06 x 0.06 x 0.05

1606 Stakehole cut

1605 1605 2 Circular in plan. Gradual break of slope at top. S and W sides vertical; N and E - sloping towards SW. Pointed base. Top orientated slightly to NE.

0.06 x 0.06 x 0.05

1607 Stakehole fill

1608 1 1608 Loose dark greyish brown silty sand. Charcoal flecks on the top; two small sub-angular pebbles.

0.10 x 0.08 x 0.14

1608 Stakehole cut

1607 1607 2 Sub-circular in plan. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. Vertical smooth sides (N side slightly undercut). Oval in plan and flat in profile base.

0.10 x 0.08 x 0.14

1609 Stakehole cut

1615 1615 2 Circular in plan. Gradual N and E, sharp S and W break of slope at top. N and E sides vertical; S and W - sloping (moderate). Sharp N and E and gradual S and W break of slope at base. Oval in plan and flat in profile base.

0.15 x 0.15 x 0.06

1610 Pit cut 1253, 1267 1267 1268 Oval in plan. N, E & W breaks of slope top sharp; S - gradual. N side is moderate stepped; S side steep irregular; E side moderate concave and W side vertical irregular. At base N break of slope is imperceptible; S and E - gradual and W - sharp. Base is oval in plan and flat to concave in profile.

1.40 x 0.50 x 0.45

1611 Pit fill 1612 1 1612 Soft mid greyish brown sandy silt. Frequent sub-angular fine and medium pebbles. Occasionally sub-rounded small stones. Occasionally flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

O.64 x 0.34 x 0.30


1611 1611 2 Kidney-shaped cut. Sharp break of slope at top and mostly sharp at base (except gradual N break). All sides vertical smooth. Kidney-shaped concave base.

0.64 x 0.34 x 0.30

1613 Stakehole cut

1614 1614 2 Oval in plan. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. All sides vertical (lower part of NE side slightly undercut). Oval in plan and tapered rounded point in profile base.

0.10 x 0.09 x 0.13

1614 Stakehole fill

1613 1 1613 Loose mod brown clayey sand. Few coarse size pebbles.

0.10 x 0.09 x 0.13

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

203


Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

1615 Stakehole fill

1609 1 1609 Firm medium to dark brown silty clay. On the top of fill frequent charcoal flecks and small (up to 10 mm) pieces.

0.15 x 0.15 x 0.06

1616 Stakehole fill

1617 1 1617 Firm mid brown sandy clay. Occasion-ally charcoal flecks and small pieces. Moderate fine and medium pebbles.

0.08 x 0.08 x 0.18

1617 Stakehole cut

1616 1616 2 Circular in plan. Gradual break of slope at top and base. All sides steep, almost vertical. Circular concave base.

0.08 x 0.08 x 0.18


1619 1619 2 Oval in plan. Gradual break of slope at top and at base. All sides gentle smooth. Sub-circular concave base.

0.90 x 0.60 x 0.16

1619 Pit fill 1618 1 1618 Soft mid greyish brown sandy silt. Mod-erate sub-angular small and large stones. Moderate small pieces of charcoal. Clear boundary to next horizon.

0.90 x 0.60 x 0.16


1621 Stakehole cut

1622 1622 2 Circular in plan. Sharp break of slope top and base. All sides vertical smooth. Circular flat base.

0.12 x 0.12 x 0.10

1622 Stakehole fill

1621 1 1621 Soft mid brown sandy silt. Moderate fine and medium angular pebbles. Occasion-ally angular and sub-angular coarse peb-bles. Moderate flecks and small, frequent medium pieces of charcoal.

0.12 x 0.12 x 0.10

1623 Stakehole cut


0.11 x 0.11 x 0.10

1624 Stakehole fill

1623 1 1623 Soft mid brown sandy silt. Occasionally fine and medium angular pebbles. Mod-erate angular and sub-angular coarse pebbles. Moderate flecks and small, frequent medium pieces of charcoal.

0.11 x 0.11 x 0.10

1625 Pit fill 1676 1334, 1348, 1556, 1638, 1641

1646 Firm mid yellowish and greyish brown silty clay. Occasionally sub-angular medium pebbles and small stones. Oc-casionally charcoal flecks. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

1.50 x 0.73 x 0.10

1626 Stakehole fill

1641 1 1641 Firm medium brown silty clay. Occa-sionally fine pebbles.

0.05 x 0.05 x 0.15

1627 CAN-CELLED

1628 CAN-CELLED

1629 Stakehole fill

1630 1 1630 Soft mid brown sandy silt. No inclusions. 0.07 x 0.07 x 0.12

1630 Stakehole cut

1629 1629 1645 Circular in plan. Sharp break of slope at top and imperceptible at base. N, E and W sides steep smooth, S side steep undercut. Tapered blunt point base. Top orientated to the N from base.

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.12

1631 Stakehole fill

1632 1577 1632 Firm greyish brown sandy clay. Occa-sionally charcoal flecks.

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.12


204

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

1632 Stakehole cut

1631 1631 2 Circular in plan. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. Sides steep, almost vertical. Circular in plan and concave in profile base. Top slightly orientated to SW from base.

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.12

1633 Stakehole fill

1634 1 1634 Loose mid brown clayey sand. Occasion-ally small pebbles.

0.12 x 0.08 x 0.12

1634 Stakehole cut

1633 1633 2 Oval in plan. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. All sides steep, almost vertical and smooth. Base oval in plan and concave in profile.

0.12 x 0.08 x 0.12

1635 Posthole fill 1636 1 1636 Loose mid greyish brown clayey sand. Moderate sub-rounded coarse pebbles and sub-angular and rounded small stones. Clear boundary to next horizon.

0.26 x 0.17 x 0.21

1636 Posthole cut

1635 1635 2 Oval in plan. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual to imperceptible at base. NE side steep concave; SE vertical undercut; W side vertical smooth; E side vertical concave. Oval concave base.

0.26 x 0.17 x 0.21

1637 Stakehole fill

1638 1 1638 Firm mid brown silty clay. Moderate charcoal flecks (concentrated on the top).

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.13

1638 Stakehole cut

1637 1637 2 Sub-circular in plan. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. Vertical smooth sides (W side slightly sloping towards E). Circular concave base.

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.13

1639 Stakehole fill

1640 1 1640 Soft dark brown sandy silt. Frequent charcoal flecks.

0.08 x 0.08 x 0.14

1640 Stakehole cut

1639 1639 1645 Circular in shape. Sharp break of slope at top and imperceptible at base. Tapered blunt point base.

0.08 x 0.08 x 0.14

1641 Stakehole cut

1626 1626 1625 Circular in plan. Gradual break of slope at top and base. All sides steep, almost vertical. Circular concave base.

0.05 x 0.05 x 0.15

1642 Stakehole fill

1643 1 1643 Loose dark greyish brown clayey sand. Occasionally inclusion of fine pebbles.

0.10 x 0.07 x 0.12

1643 Stakehole cut

1642 1642 2 Oval in plan. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Smooth, almost vertical sides. Oval flat base.

0.10 x 0.07 x 0.12

1644 Pit fill 1676 1 1645 Soft mid yellowish brown sandy silt. Occasionally sub-angular coarse pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Clear wavy boundary to next horizon.

0.55 x 0.35 x 0.15

1645 Pit fill 1676 1644, 1640, 1630

1646 Soft light yellowish and greyish brown clayey silt. Occasionally sub-angular me-dium and coarse pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

2.30 x 1.35 x 0.15

1646 Pit fill 1676 1625, 1645

1677 Soft mid greyish brown sandy silt. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded coarse pebbles. Frequent sub-angular and sub-rounded small stones. Occasionally sub-angular medium and large (ca. 0.3 m) stones. Occasionally charcoal and small pieces of charcoal. Clear wavy boundary to next horizon.

0.50(N-S)+0.80(NE-SW) x 0.60 x 0.20

1647 Stakehole fill


0.07 x 0.06 x 0.09

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

205


Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

1648 Stakehole cut

1647 1647 2 Circular in plan. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Sides smooth, almost verti-cal. Tapered rounded point base.

0.07 x 0.06 x 0.09

1649 Stakehole fill

1650 1 1650 Loose light brown clayey sand. Occa-sionally fine pebbles.

0.06 x 0.04 x 0.08

1650 Stakehole cut

1649 1649 2 Sub-circular in plan. Sharp break of slope at top. Almost vertical smooth sides. Tapered rounded point base.

0.06 x 0.04 x 0.08

1651 Posthole cut

1652 1652 2 Circular in plan. Mostly sharp break of slope at top (except gradual S break). S side steep concave; N sides gentle concave; W and E sides steep stepped. Circular concave base. Top orientated slightly to the S from base.

0.40 x 0.38 x 0.10

1652 Posthole fill 1651 1 1651 Stiff light greyish and orangish brown clay. Occasionally angular fine and sub-angular medium and coarse pebbles. Moderate charcoal flecks and small pieces.

0.40 x 0.38 x 0.10

1653 Stakehole fill


0.06 x 0.05 x 0.08

1654 Stakehole cut

1653 1653 2 Circular in plan. Sharp break of slope at top. Smooth, almost vertical sides. Tapered rounded point base.

0.06 x 0.05 x 0.08

1655 Posthole cut

1656 1656 2 Circular shaped. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. All sides vertical and smooth. Circular flat base.

0.30 x 0.27 x 0.16

1656 Posthole fill 1655 1 1655 Soft mid brown sandy silt. Moderate fine and medium and occasionally coarse angular pebbles. Occasionally angular and sub-angular small to large stones (mostly on sides and base making stone packing). Moderate charcoal flecks and small pieces of charcoal. Occasionally burnt clay flecks.

0.30 x 0.27 x 0.16

1657 Posthole fill 1658 1261 1658 Sot dark greyish brown sandy silt. Frequent fine sub-rounded and medium sub-angular pebbles. Moderate sub-angular coarse pebbles. Occasionally sub-angular small stones. Frequent flecks to medium pieces of charcoal.

0.29 x 0.28 x 0.13

1658 Posthole cut


0.29 x 0.28 x 0.13

1659 Stakehole fill

1666 1 1666 Soft mid brown sandy silt. Occasionally fine and medium sub-angular pebbles.

0.14 x 0.13 x 0.41

1660 Pit cut 1661 1661 2 Oval shaped regular cut. Sharp break of slope at top and mostly sharp at base (except gradual W break). All sides vertical and smooth. Oval flat, slightly concave base.

0.80 x 0.55 x 0.30

1661 Pit fill 1660 1 1660 Soft mid brown sandy silt. Occasionally fine and coarse, moderate medium angu-lar pebbles. Moderate small angular and medium angular and sub-angular stones. Moderate charcoal flecks and small pieces. Occasionally burnt clay flecks.

0.80 x 0.55 x 0.30


206

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

1662 Stakehole fill

1663 1 1663 Loose mid greyish brown clayey sand. 0.16 x 0.13 x 0.09

1663 Stakehole cut

1662 1662 2 Oval in plan. Sharp S and gradual N break of slope at top. E, S and W sides vertical and smooth; N side steep con-cave. Tapered rounded point base. Top orientated to the N from base.

0.16 x 0.13 x 0.09


1665 1665 2 Irregular in plan. Mostly sharp (except gradual N) break of slope at top. N side is gentle smooth. S side is vertical irregular. E side vertical smooth. W side is gentle is irregular. Base is irregular in plan and in profile as well.

0.19 x 0.18 x 0.10

1665 Pit fill( not clear)

1664 1 1664 Firm(?) mid grey sandy silt. Moderate an-gular all size pebbles. Occasionally small angular stones. Occasionally flecks and moderate medium pieces of charcoal.

0.19 x 0.18 x 0.10

1666 Stakehole Cut

1659 1659 2 Circular in plan. Gradual break of slope at top and base. All sides steep, almost vertical. Tapered rounded point base.

0.14 x 0.13 x 0.41

1667 Stakehole fill

1668 1 1668 Loose mid brown clayey sand. 0.08 x 0.07 x 0.07

1668 Stakehole cut

1667 1667 2 Circular shaped. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. All sides vertical and smooth. Circular concave base.

0.08 x 0.07 x 0.07

1669 Pit fill 1670 1 1670 Firm mid brown sandy silt. Moderate sub-angular medium pebbles. Occasion-ally charcoal flecks. Clear boundary to next horizon.

1.05 x 0.95 x 0.22

1670 Pit cut 1669 1669 2 Circular shaped. Gradual break of slope at top and imperceptible at base. All sides gentle and concave. Sub-circular concave base.

1.05 x 0.95 x 0.22

1671 Stakehole fill

1672 1658 1672 Soft mid brown sandy silt. Frequent fine and moderate medium sub-angular pebbles.

0.07 x 0.06 x 0.17

1672 Stakehole cut

1671 1671 2 Circular in plan. Mostly sharp break of slope at top (except gradual W break) and gradual at base. All sides vertical smooth. Circular tapered rounded point base.

0.07 x 0.06 x 0.17

1673 Stakehole cut

1674 1674 2 Circular shaped. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. Vertical smooth sides. Circular tapered rounded point base.

0.12 x 0.12 x 0.10

1674 Stakehole fill

1673 1 1673 Soft mid greyish brown sandy silt. Moderate medium angular pebbles. Oc-casionally charcoal flecks.

0.12 x 0.12 x 0.10

1675 Pit fill 1693 1 1693 Stiff reddish brown sandy clay with stones and pebbles (medium sizes, angular and sub-angular). Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

2.85 x 2.43 x 0.53

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

207


Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

1676 Pit cut 1644, 1625, 1645, 1646, 1677, 1577

1646, 1677

2 Irregular linear shape. Mostly sharp break of slope at top (except gradual E break). N side moderate to vertical concave; S and E sides steep concave; W sides moderate concave. Mostly sharp break of slope at base (except gradual W and imperceptible NW breaks). Irregular flat to concave base.

4.50 x 0.67-1.35 x 0.50

1677 Pit fill 1676 1646 1676 Friable mid brownish grey sandy silt with frequent pebbles - fine and medium size angular to sub-rounded. Moderate charcoal flecks. Clear wavy boundary to next horizon.

0.60 x 0.40 x 0.07


1679 1679 2 Oval in shape. Gradual break of slope at top and at base. All sides gentle smooth. Oval flat base.

0.82 x 0.43 x 0.07

1679 Pit fill 1678 1 1678 Soft mid greyish brown sandy silt. Moderate medium sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally small and medium sub-angular stones. Frequent medium pieces of charcoal. Occasionally burnt clay flecks. Clear boundary to next horizon.

0.82 x 0.43 x 0.07

1680 Posthole cut

1681 1681 2 Sub-circular in plan. Sharp break of slope at top. Vertical smooth sides. Tapered rounded point base.

0.16 x 0.15 x 0.15

1681 Posthole fill 1680 1 1680 Stiff mid greyish brown silty sand. Moderate angular and sub-angular all sizes pebbles. Occasionally small angular stones. Occasionally flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.16 x 0.15 x 0.15

1682 Stakehole fill

1683 1 1683 Firm mid greyish brown silty clay. Mod-erate charcoal flecks.

0.04 x 0.04 x 0.08

1683 Stakehole cut

1682 1682 2 Circular in plan. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. Vertical smooth sides. Circular concave base.

0.04 x 0.04 x 0.08

1684 Posthole/pit cut

1685 1685 2 Oval in plan. Gradual break of slope at top and base. N and S sides gentle smooth; W and E sides moderate con-cave. Circular concave base.

1.80 x 1.50 x 0.30

1685 Posthole/pit fill

1684 1 1684 Stiff light brown silt with frequent peb-bles and stones - concentrated on base, all sizes sub-angular and sub-rounded peb-bles, small angular stones and medium sub-rounded pebbles. Occasionally flecks to medium pieces of charcoal.

1.80 x 1.50 x 0.30

1686 Furrow fill 1687 1 1687 Loose mid greyish brown clayey sand. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded fine and medium rounded pebbles. Moderate small angular and rounded stones.

6 x 0.50 x 0.14

1687 Furrow cut 1686 1686 2 Linear in plan. Gradual break of slope at top and base. NW and SE sides gentle and concave. Concave linear base.

6 x 0.50 x 0.14


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1688 Pit fill 1689 1 1689 Loose mid greyish brown clayey sand with frequent large (ca. 0.3-0.4 m) stones all shapes. Moderate sub-angular and rounded fine and angular and rounded medium pebbles. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded medium stones. Mod-erate charcoal flecks.

1.50 x 1.20 x 0.25

1689 Pit cut 1688 1688 2 Oval cut. Gradual break of slope top. N and E sides steep concave; S side moder-ate concave. Sub-circular concave base.

1.50 x 1.20 x 0.25




1693 Pit cut 1675 1675 2 Oval/sub-circular in plan. Gradual break of slope at otp and mostly sharp at base. N side steep irregular; S side gentle stepped; E side steep stepped; W side moderate irregular. Sub-circular base.

2.85 x 2.43 x 0.53

1694 Pit cut 1644 1644 1645 Unknow/invisible shape in plan. Gradual NE and SW breaks of slope at top and at base. NW side steep concave; SE side steep and probably also concave. Base sub-oval and flat in part SW and irregu-lar in part SE.

0.38 x ? X 0.15

1695- 2000

NUM-BERS NOT USED

2001 Post-hole fill (possible)

2002 1 2002 Mid reddish brown clayey soft silt with all types of fine and medium (occasional) pebbles with charcoal flecks occurring occasional.

0.44 x 0.20 x 0.33

2002 Post-hole cut (possible)

2001 2001 2 Cut of posthole with corners rounded shape in plan is sub circular and break of slope (top) sharp. Sides are steep and concave. (only E side is vertical). Shape of base in plan is sub-rectangular and concave in profile.

0.44 x 0.20 x 0.33

2003 Pit fill 2004 1 2004 Mid greyish brown silty firm clay with angular and rounded fine and medium pebbles, coarse pebbles (occ..) and small stones with charcoal flecks (occ..).

1.00 x 0.64 x 0.14

2004 Pit cut 2003 2003 2 Oval feature with rounded corners Breaks of slope (top and base) gradual. Shape of base in plan is oval and concave in profile.

1.00 x 0.64 x 0.14

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2005 Pit fill 2006 1 2006 Mid darkish brown clayey soft silt with occasional fine and medium pebbles (sub-rounded and rounded), Stones small (freq.), medium (mod.) to large (occ..) - esp. angular and sub-angular; Char-coal flecks, small, medium (occurring occasional).

0.88 x 0.78 x 0.16

2006 Pit cut 2005 2005 2 Sub-circular in plan with corners rounded and breaks of slope top and base - gradual. Sides are gentle and smooth (N); and moderate and concave (S, E, W)

0.88 x 0.78 x 0.16

2007 Posthole fill (possible)

2008 1 2008 Mid brown clayey soft silt with fine angular to rounded pebbles, and me-dium angular and sub-rounded medium pebbles. and angular small occ.. stones. Charcoal (occ..) flecks.

0.20 x 0.19 x 0.11


2007 2007 2 Circular shape in plan Breaks of slope (top) - sharp and base - gradual. Sides are steep and concave (N, W); steep and smooth (S, E). Shape of base in plan is circular and in profile tapered rounded point/pointed

0.20 x 0.19 x 0.11

2009 Hearth/burnt layer

1 2 Dark reddish/black silty firm clay with sub-angular moderate small stones. Charcoal freq. flecks; small mod. pieces and medium occ.. charcoal. + burnt bone flecks (occ..)

0.94 x 0.62 x 0.05

2010 Pit fill (shallow)

2011 1 2011 Mid brown clayey soft silt with all types of fine pebbles (occ.).) Medium and coarse angular and rounded (occ..); Stones - angular and sub-angular small and medium (occ. and mod.) + charcoal fleck and small pieces (occ..).

1.18 x 1.12 x 0.16

2011 Pit cut (shallow)

2010 2010 2 Shape in plan sub-circular with corners rounded. Breaks of slope are gradual (top) and imperceptible (base). Sides are gentle and concave (N, W). Shape of base is sub-circular in plan and concave in profile.

1.18 x 1.12 x 0.16


2013 1 2013 Mid orangish brown silty firm clay with coarse sub-angular mod. sub-angular pebbles.Small sub-angular occ.. stones and charcoal flecks (occ..)

0.49 x 0.43 x 0.09


2012 2012 2 Shape in plan irregular. Corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) - sharp (N,S), gradual (E, W); base - sharp (N, S, W), gradual (E). Shape of base in plan is irregular and flat in profile.

0.49 x 0.43 x 0.09

2014 Pit fill 2015 1 2015 Mid pinkish brown soft silty clay with coarse sub-angular (mod.) pebbles. Sub-angular stones small and medium (occ.. and mod.) + charcoal (flecks) occasional.

0.95 x 0.72 x 0.24


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2015 Pit cut 2014 2014 2 Shape in plan irregular with corners rounded (SE, NW, SW). Breaks of slope (top) - sharp (SE, SW), gradual (NE, NW); base - sharp (SE), gradual (NE, NW), imperceptible (SW). Shape of base in plan is sub-circular and Tapered rounded point in profile.

0.95 x 0.72 x 0.24


2017 1 2017 Light greyish brown silty compact sand with all types of pebbles (occ..) and small angular and sub-angular (occ..) stones.

0.85 x 0.60 x 0.18


2016 2016 2 Oval feature with corners rounded, breaks of slope top - imperceptible (N, W), sharp (S), Gradual (E); base - imper-ceptible (N, W), gradual (S, E)

0.85 x 0.60 x 0.18

2018 Spread 1 2 Mid brown clayey firm silt with angular and sub-angular Fin to coarse mod and occ. pebbles. And stones (angular occ.) - small and medium

0.95 x 0.76 x 0.06

2019 Pit fill 2020 1 2020 Mid brownish brown silty firm clay. Stones sub-angular (freq.)/small, sub-angular (mod.)/medium. Charcoal flecks (occ..)

0.33 x 0.31 x 0.08

2020 Pit cut 2019 2019 2 Circular shape in plan. Breaks of slope top sharp (N, S, E) gradual (W) and base - gradual (N, S, W) and sharp (E). Sides are moderate and smooth and only W is steep and smooth. Shape of base in plan is sub-circular and flat in profile.

0.33 x 0.31 x 0.08


2022 1 2022 Light greyish brown friable clayey sandy silt with coarse sub-angular and sub-rounded mod. pebbles and stones small (angular and sub-angular occ..). Charcoal flecks, small and medium (occ..) pieces.

0.50 x 0.32 x 0.33


2021 2021 2 Sub-oval shape in plan with corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) sharp and base - gradual (N, E, W), sharp -(S). Sides are vertical and concave (N), Steep/vertical (smooth and overcut) - (S); steep and smooth , (E); moderate and stepped (W). Shape of base in plan is sub-oval and tapered blunt point.

0.50 x 0.32 x 0.33


2024 1 2024 Light greyish brown silty firm clay with coarse angular freq. pebbles. And stones (small and medium ) angular and sub-angular - mod. and freq.. Charcoal flecks (occ..)

0.75 x 0.72 x 0.33


2023 2023 2 Sub-circular in plan with breaks of slope top and base - sharp (N), gradual (S);Sides are Steep and smooth (N, E); gentle and smooth (S).

0.75 x 0.72 x 0.33

2025 Pit fill (top) 2027 1 2032 Light greyish brown sandy firm silt with fine sub-angular and sub-rounded (mod.) pebbles. Stones: sub-angular oc-casional + charcoal flecks (occ..).

0.7 x 0.7 x 0.18

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2026 Pit fill (base)

2027 2032 2027 Dark brown clayey firm silt with medium with mod. sub-angular pebbles and charcoal small (freq.) and medium (occ..); burnt bones (occ. flecks)

0.7 x 0.7 x 0.18

2027 Pit cut 2025, 2026, 2032

2026 2 Shape in plan is circular with corners rounded. Breaks of slope top - gradual; base - imperceptible. Sides are all steep/vertical concave. Shape of base in plan is circular and flat in profile and slightly concave.

0.7 x 0.7 x 0.3

2028 Pit fill 2029 1 2029 Mid brown silty firm clay with fine an-gular , sub-angular occasional charcoal flecks and small pieces.

0.67 x 0.67 x 0.14

2029 Pit cut 2028 2028 2 Circular shape in plan with all corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) are gradual (N, W) and sharp (S, E); base - gradual. Shape of base in plan is circular and concave in profile.

0.72 x 0.72 x 0.15


2031 2036 2031 Greyish brown soft silt. Pebbles with medium and coarse angular and sub-angular mod. pebbles. Small angular and sub-angular stones + flecks to medium pieces of charcoal (mod.)

0.49 x 0.35 x 0.22


2030 2030 2 Oval shape in plan with all corners rounded. Breaks of slope top and base are sharp. . Sides are vertical and smooth ( W side is undercut). Shape of base is oval and flat in profile.

0.49 x 0.35 x 0.22

2032 Pit fill 2027 2025 2026 Light/mid orangish yellow sandy firm silt.and fine angular occasional pebbles, coarse angular occasional pebbles.

0.7 x 0.01x 0.01 (*)

2033 Burnt spread

2034 2 Dark reddish brown, firm silty clay wit fine angular and sub-angular (occ..) peb-bles + charcoal flecks (mod.)

0.5 x 0.45 x 0.05

2034 Furrow 1 2033 Mid brown sandy firm silt with me-dium angular (occ..) pebbles and small (angular and sub-angular, sub-rounded) - occasional.

20 x 0.65 x 0.2

2035 Stakehole fill

2036 1 2036 Brownish grey very soft silt with fine to medium occasional angular and sub-angular pebbles and frequent amount of flecks, small and medium pieces of charcoal

0.09 x 0.09 x 0.25

2036 Stakehole cut

2035 2035 2030 Circular shape in plan with all corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) all sharp; (base) - sharp (N, W), imperceptible (S, E). Shape of base in plan is sub- circular and flat in profile.

0.09 x 0.09 x 0.25

2037 Posthole and stake-hole fill

2038 1 2038, 2046

Mid greenish brown silty firm clay with medium sub-angular pebbles (occ..) and large angular (mod.) stones

0.63 x 0.44 x 0.28

2038 Posthole cut

2037 2037 2 Oval shape in plan. With all corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top and base) - gradual. All sides are steep and concave. Shape of base in plan is circular and concave in profile.

0.63 x 0.44 x 0.28


212

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2039 Posthole fill 2040 1 2040 Mid brown firm silty clay with pebbles fine and medium (occ.. angular and rounded) and coarse angular and sub-angular (mod.) and small angular stones (occ..) and occasional charcoal flecks and small pieces.

0.46 x 0.40 x 0.32

2040 Posthole cut

2039 2039 2 Sub-circular with corners rounded with breaks of slope (top) - all sharp and (base) - all gradual. Sides are vertical and smooth (N, E, W), vertical and concave (S). Shape of base in plan is circular and concave in profile.

0.46 x 0.40 x 0.32

2041 Posthole fill 2045 2042 2045 Mid brown soft clayey silt with fine and medium pebbles (angular and rounded occ..); with charcoal flecks (mod.) and small pieces (occ..).

0.44 x 0.44 x 0.11

2042 Posthole fill 2045 2043 2041 Mid yellowish brown silty soft clay with coarse angular and rounded occasional pebbles (no charcoal)

0.38 x 0.27 x 0.20

2043 Posthole fill 2045 2044 2042 Mid brown clayey soft silt with fine, medium and coarse angular and rounded (occ..) pebbles and charcoal flecks and small (mod.)

0.44 x 0.44 x 0.19

2044 Posthole fill 2045 2045 2043 Mid yellowish brown silty soft clay with fine and medium angular and rounded pebbles.

0.35 x 0.17 x 0.11

2045 Posthole cut

2041, 2042, 2043, 2044

2041 2 Circular shape in plan with all the corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) are all sharp and (base) are all gradual. Sides are all vertical and smooth. . Shape of base in plan is circular and concave in profile.

0.44 x 0.44 x 0.29

2046 Stakehole cut

2037 2037 2 Circular shape in plan with corners rounded and sharp breaks of slope at the top and gradual at the base . Sides are concave . Shape of base in plan is circular and in profile concave.

0.12 x 0.15 x 0.28

2047 Feature/tree bowl fill

2048 1 2048 Mid greyish brown silty firm clay with coarse sub-angular (mod.) pebbles. Stones (angular, sub-angular) - mod. and charcoal flecks (freq.) small (mod.) , medium (occ..)

3.1 x 2.1 x 0.46

2048 Feature/tree bowl cut

2047 2047 2 Irregular shape in plan. Breaks of slope (top) - sharp and (base) - Sharp/gradual - (N); sharp (E).

3.1 x 2.1 x 0.46

2049 cancelled2050 Deposit of

charcoal1 2 Mid brownish grey sandy soft silt. with

coarse pebbles and small stones (angular and sub-angular) with charcoal flecks to medium pieces (freq.)

0.59 x 0.46 x 0.10

2051 Furrow fill 2052 1 2052 Mid to dark brown clayey firm silt with fine and medium (mod.) pebbles (angu-lar and sub-angular), with charcoal flecks and small pieces (occ..).

11.60 x 0.80 x 0.15-0.40

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Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

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Dim

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)

2052 Furrow 2051 2051 2 Linear shape in plan. Breaks of slope top and base are gradual (NE) and sharp (SW) with sides moderate and smooth (SW) , and gentle and moderate /concave (NE).

11.60 x 0.80 x 0.15-0.40

2053 Deposit 1 2 Mid to dark brown clayey firm silt and medium and coarse pebbles and small stones (angular and sub-angular) mod. and freq. + charcoal flecks (occ..)

3.70 x 0.95 x 0.10

2054 Pit fill 2061 1 2055 Mid dark grey clayey firm silt with medium occ.. rounded pebbles with charcoal flecks and small occ.. pieces.

0.40 x 0.40 x 0.12

2055 Pit fill 2061 2054 2056 Black charcoal layer. Flecks to medium frequent charcoal pieces

0.44 x 0.42 x 0.03

2056 Pit fill 2061 2055 2057 Light grey clayey firm silt. with fine and medium angular and rounded (occ..) and rounded occ. small stones with charcoal flecks and small pieces (occ..)

1.05 x 0.70 x 0.16

2057 Pit fill 2061 2056 2058 Mid orangish brown soft clayey silt with fine and medium angular and rounded occ.. pebbles and charcoal occ.. flecks.

0.64 x 0.45 x 0.24

2058 Pit fill 2061 2057 2059 Light whitish grey soft clayey silt with no inclusions.

0.64 x 0.40 x 0.23

2059 Pit fill 2061 2058 2060 Orangish brown soft silty clay with no inclusions.

0.64 x 0.44 x 0.33

2060 Pit fill 2061 2059 2069 Mid greyish white clayey silt with fine , medium coarse pebbles and small stones (occ..) angular and rounded with char-coal flecks, small (mod.) and medium (occ..)

1.05 x 0.95 x 0.12

2061 Pit cut 2054, 2055, 2056, 2057, 2058, 2059, 2060, 2062

2062 2 Irregular shape in plan with corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top and base) gradual (N) and sharp (S, E, W). Sides are gentle and concave (NE) , verti-cal and concave (E, S), moderate and smooth (W). Shape of base in plan and profile is irregular.

1.70 x 1.05 x 0.35

2062 Pit fill 2061 2057 2061, 2058

Mid brownish grey soft clayey silt with fine and medium angular and rounded occ.. pebbles and small rounded (occ..)

0.60 x 0.38 x 0.10


2064 1 2064 Light grey weakly cemented silty sand with various types of fine pebbles to small stones (mod and occ.. amount) with charcoal flecks and small pieces.

1.50 x 0.27 x 0.26


2063 2063 2 Linear shape in plan with all the corners rounded (SE, NW). Breaks of slope (top and base) gradual (NE, SE, NW), sharp (SW). Sides are moderate and irregular (NE, NW) and steep and irregular (SE) and vertical and irregular/undercut (SW). Shape of base in plan linear and in profile irregular/tapered rounded point.

1.50 x 0.27 x 0.26


2066 1 2066 Mid reddish brown firm silty clay with moderate coarse pebbles, small and medium angular and sub-angular stones. And charcoal occasional flecks.

1.14 x 0.61 x 0.54


214

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Filled with

Strat above

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Dim

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2065 2065 2 Oval/irregular feature with rounded cor-ners ( NE, SE) and breaks of slope (top and base) - sharp. Sides are steep and smooth (S, W). Shape of base in plan (oval and sub-rectangular), and concave in profile.

1.14 x 0.61 x 0.54

2067 Pit/post-hole cut (possible)

2068, 2069, 2070, 2077

2077 2 Sub-rectangular shape in plan. With corners rounded ( N, NE, SW). Breaks of slope (top) - sharp, (base) - sharp (N, W) , imperceptible (S, E). Sides are verti-cal and smooth (W), vertical and convex (N); steep and concave (S, E). Shape of base in plan is sub-circular and flat in profile.

0.56 x 0.40 x 0.29

2068 Pit/post-hole fill (possible)

2067 2069 2077 Dark greyish brown clayey soft silt with medium angular occ.. pebbles and char-coal flecks (freq.) and small (occ..)

0.38 x 0.30 x 0.03


2067 2070 2068 Mid greyish yellow soft sandy silt. with fine and medium angular and sub-angu-lar , occasional pebbles. And occasional charcoal flecks.

0.30 x 0.14 x 0.11


2067 1 2069 Mid greyish brown clayey soft silt with coarse sub-angular pebbles (occ.).) and charcoal flecks (occ..)

0.36 x 0.32 x 0.16


2072 1 2072 Mid orangish brown weakly cemented silty sand with fine pebbles to medium stones (mostly angular and sub-angular). Stones medium are angular , occasional. Charcoal flecks and small pieces (occ..)

0.51 x 0.50 x 0.18


2071 2071 2 Circular shape in plan with all corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) - sharp (NE, SE, SW) , gradual (NW); Breaks of slope (base) - gradual (NE, SE, SW), imperceptible (NW). Shape of base in plan is circular and flat/concave in profile.

0.51 x 0.50 x 0.18

2073 Posthole fill 2074 1 2074 Mid orangish brown/black with clayey very soft silt with fine angular and rounded occ.. pebbles.

0.15 x 0.15 x 0.21

2074 Posthole cut

2073 2073 2 Circular with corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) - sharp, and (base) - gradual. Shape of base in plan is circular and in profile (tapered rounded point)

0.15 x 0.15 x 0.21

2075 Posthole fill 2076 1 2076 Mid pinkish grey silty soft clay with coarse sub-angular occ.. pebbles and small sub-angular occ.. stones.

0.19 x 0.17 x 0.32

2076 Posthole cut

2075 2075 2 Circular shape in plan. Rounded corners. Breaks of slope (top and base) - sharp. Sides are steep and smooth. Shape of base in plan circular and tapered pointed in profile.

0.19 x 0.17 x 0.32


2067 2068 2067 Mid brownish grey sandy soft silt with coarse occ.sub-angular and small sub-angular occ.. stones. No charcoal.

0.25 x 0.20 x 0.15

2078 Posthole fill 2079 1 2177 Mid orangish brown very soft clayey silt with angular occ.. coarse pebbles with no charcoal.

0.15 x 0.14 x 0.31

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Strat below

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Dim

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)

2079 Posthole cut

2078 2177 2 Sub-circular shape in plan with all the corners rounded with breaks of slope (top and base) sharp. Sides are steep and irregular.

0.15 x 0.14 x 0.31


2081 2081 2 Sub-circular shape in plan with corners rounded (NE, SW) with breaks of slope (top and base) - sharp. Sides are steep and concave. Shape of base in plan is oval and in profile tapered rounded point.

0.81 x 0.62 x 0.29


2080 1 2080 Mid brownish grey firm silty clay with fine sub-angular and sub-rounded (mod.) and angular (mod.) coarse peb-bles + small (angular and sub-angular) occ..

0.81 x 0.62 x 0.29

2082 Pit fill 2085 1 2083 Greyish brown clayey soft silt with small and medium angular and sub-angular occ./mod. stones with charcoal flecks and mod.

1.49 x 0.67 x 0.10

2083 Pit fill/spread

2085 2082 2084; 2109, 2105, 2091, 2098, 2103, 2107, 2101.

Mid black silty very soft clay. With no inclusions of pebbles or stones but with charcoal flecks and small pieces (frequent).

3.19 x 2.19 x 0.07

2084 Pit fill 2085 2083 2085 Mid brown firm clayey silt with fine to medium angular and rounded (occ..) pebbles and small angular (occ..) stones.

0.96 x 0.86 x 0.23

2085 Pit cut 2084 2082, 2083, 2084

2 Sub-rectangular shape in plan with breaks of slope (top) - sharp and (base) - gradual. with sides vertical and smooth. Shape of base in plan is sub-rectangular and flat in profile.

0.96 x 0.86 x 0.40


2087 2087 2 Irregular shape in plan with corners rounded (N, S); Breaks of slope top (all sharp) and base - sharp (S, W), gradual (E), imperceptible (N)

1.6 x 0.7 x 0.4


2086 1 2086 Mid greyish brown sandy soft silt with medium mod. sub-rounded pebbles and small sub-angular occ.stones. + charcoal small occ.. pieces.

1.6 x 0.7 x 0.4

2088 Posthole fill 2089 2176 2089 Mid orangish brown clayey soft silt. with charcoal flecks (occ..)

0.18 x 0.12x 0.26

2089 Posthole cut

2088 2088 2 Oval shape in plan with all corners rounded. Breaks of slope ( top) - sharp, (base) - gradual. Sides are vertical and irregular.

0.18 x 0.12x 0.26

2090 Stakehole cut

2091 2091 2 Circular with rounded corners . Breaks of slope top (sharp), base - not to be seen. Sides are vertical. Shape of base: base’ s not reached.

0.05 x 0.05 x 0.13

2091 Stakehole fill

2090 2083 2090 Mid brown firm silty clay 0.05 x 0.05 x 0.13

2092 Stakehole cut

2093 2093 2 Circular. Rounded corners. Breaks of slope (top) - sharp and (base) - couldn’t be reached. Shape of base not to be seen. Orientation base at S; top at N.

0.05 x 0.05 x 0.13


216

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Dim

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)

2093 Stakehole fill

2092 2083 2092 Mid brown silty firm clay with no inclusions.

0.05 x 0.05 x 0.13

2094 Burnt deposit of charcoal

2123 1 2123 Dark brown clayey soft silt with fine sub-angular and medium angular occasional pebbles and charcoal flecks (freq.) and small occasional pieces. + burnt bones (flecks and small pieces (frequent).

0.9 x 0.8 x 0.2

2095 Slot trench fill (possible)

2096 1 2096 Mid brown silty very soft clay. With all types and sizes various of pebbles and small and medium stones. Charcoal flecks and small pieces (occ..)

0.82 x 0.41 x 0.21

2096 Slot trench cut (possible)

2095 2095 2 Sub-rectangular with corners square and rounded. Breaks of slope (top and base) - gradual (N, S), sharp (E), imperceptible (W). Sides are moderate and concave (N), Moderate and smooth (S), gentle and concave (E), vertical and smooth (W). Shape of base in plan is sub-rectan-gular and concave in profile.

0.82 x 0.41 x 0.21


2098, 2099 2099 2 Sub-circular shape in plan with all the corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) - gradual (N, S) and sharp (E,W); and (base) - all gradual. Sides are gentle and convex (N, S) and moderate and convex (E, W). Shape of base in plan is sub-circular and concave in profile.

0.85 x 0.80 x 0.23


2097 1 2099 Mid brownish grey clayey firm silt with fine angular and sub-angular pebbles and small and medium angular (mod. and occ..) stones + charcoal flecks and small (mod.) and occ.. medium pieces. + burnt clay flecks (mod.).

0.85 x 0.80 x 0.23


2097 2098 2097 Dark brownish grey sandy soft silt with fine angular and sub-angular (mod.) pebbles and angular frequent coarse peb-bles and small stones. Charcoal flecks , small ,medium pieces.

0.56 x 0.43 x 0.08

2100 Stakehole cut

2101 2101 2 Circular. Rounded corners. Breaks of slope (top) - sharp and (base) - gradual. Shape of base is circular and concave in profile.

0.05 x 0.05 x 0.06

2101 Stakehole fill

2100 2083 2100 Mid brownish brown silty firm clay. No charcoal.

0.05 x 0.05 x 0.06

2102 Stakehole cut

2103 2103 2 Circular, Corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) - sharp and (base) - gradual. Sides are vertical. Shape of base in plan circular and concave in profile.

0.04 x 0.04 x 0.09

2103 Stakehole fill

2083 2102 Mid brownish brown silty firm clay. Overlaying by the natural 2083.

0.04 x 0.04 x 0.09

2104 Stakehole cut

2105 2105 2 Circular shape in plan. Circular in shape. Breaks of slope (top) - sharp, (base) - gradual. Sides are vertical. Shape of base in plan circular and concave in profile.

0.04 x 0.04 x 0.08

2105 Stakehole fill

2104 2083 2104 Mid brown firm silty soft clay. 0.04 x 0.04 x 0.08

2106 Stakehole cut

2107 2107 2 Sub-rectangular . Breaks of slope (top) - sharp, (base) - gradual. Shape of base in plan circular and concave in profile.

0.07 x 0.04 x 0.04

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Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

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Dim

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)

2107 Stakehole fill

2106 2083 2106 Mid brownish brown silty firm clay. 0.07 x 0.04 x 0.04

2108 Stakehole cut

2109 2109 2 Circular in plan with rounded corners. Breaks of slope (top) - sharp and (base) - gradual. Sides are vertical. .Shape of base in plan - circular and concave in profile.

0.09 x 0.09 x 0.1

2109 Stakehole fill

2108 2083 2108 Mid brownish brown silty firm clay, with one stone inside (0.1 m. in diameter)

0.09 x 0.09 x 0.1

2110 Linear cut 2111, 2112, 2113, 2114, 2115

2115 2 Linear shape in plan with corners rounded (N, S); Breaks of slope (top and base) - sharp (N), gradual (S). Sides are moderate and concave (N), gentle and irregular (S). Shape of base in plan - ir-regular and in profile concave.

3.65 x 0.95 x 0.40

2111 Linear fill 2110 1 2115 Mid greyish brown firm silty clay with medium sub-angular (occ..), coarse sub-angular (occ..) pebbles + medium sub-angular (occ..) and 7 large sub-angular stones.

1.06 x 0.56 x 0.27

2112 Linear fill 2110 1 2114, 2111

Mid brownish (also with pinkish hue) grey soft clayey silt with sub-angular (mod.) and sub-rounded (occ..) pebbles.

2.3 x 0.21 x 0.07

2113 Linear fill 2110 1 2114 Light yellowish brown soft clayey silt with fine sub-angular (occ..) pebbles with medium (sub-angular) - occ.. + small angular (occ..) - medium sub-angular (occ..) and large angular and sub-angular (occ..) - 1 stone is sitting vertically in the fill.

1.3 x 0.23 x 0.15

2114 Linear fill 2110 2112, 2113

2115 Dark orangish brown soft clayey silt. + fine pebbles (sub-rounded - occ..) medium pebbles (sub-angular). Small and medium sub-angular stones (mod.). Large angular (occ..) stones. 1 stone is put vertically.

2.5 x 0.34 x 0.22

2115 Linear fill 2110 2114, 2111

2110 Light pinkish/grey brown soft clayey silt with fine and medium sub-angular (mod.) pebbles and medium sub-angular (occ..) stones and large angular (occ..) stones.

1.09 x 0.15 x 0.25

2116 Deposit/poss. tree bowl?

1 2123 Mid/dark greyish brown clayey soft silt with coarse angular, sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles (mod.) and small stones (angular and sub-angular (mod.) small stones. With charcoal flecks and small pieces ( freq.) and burnt bones - flecks and small pieces (occ..)

1.62 x 1.2 x 0.24


2118 1 2118 Mid pinkish brown, very soft silty clay with inclusions of coarse pebbles (angular and sub-angular , mod.) pebbles. Stones are small - angular and sub-angular (freq.) and medium, angular (occ..). Charcoal flecks (occ..) and small (occ..).

0.48 x 0.28 x 0.20


218

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

2118 Slot trench cut

2117 2117 2 Shape in plan is sub-rectangular. With corners rounded (E,W) and sharp (N, S). Breaks of slope top and base - sharp (N) and gradual (S, E, W). Sides are moder-ate and concave. Shape of base in plan is sub-rectangular is in profile concave.

0.48 x 0.28 x 0.20


2120, 2121, 2122

2122 2 Linear shape in plan with rounded corners (NE, SE); Breaks of slope (top) - imperceptible (NE), gradual (SE), sharp (SW, NW); Breaks of slope (base) - imperceptible (NE), sharp (SE, NW). Sides are steep and undercut (NW); steep/vertical and stepped (SW); steep and convex to concave (SE); moderate and concave (E)

2.10 x 0.60 x 0.37


2119 2121 2122 Mid pinkish/brownish grey friable peb-bley/sandy silt. with fine sub-angular and sub-rounded (freq.) pebbles and small sub-angular (occ..) stones.

2.00 x 0.60 x 0.15


2119 1 2120 Dark greyish brown sandy friable silt with fine and medium angular and sub-angular freq. and mod. pebbles.

1.97 x 0.30 x 0.13


2119 2120 2119 Mid yellowish/brownish grey pebbley friable silt with: small and medium sub-angular (occ..) stones and sub-rounded large stones (occ..). Charcoal flecks (occ..)

1.79 x 0.34 x 0.30

2123 Burnt deposit

1 2 Mid brownish red clayey soft silt with fine sub-angular occasional.

1.00 x 0.7 x 0.1

2124 Stakehole cut

2125 2125 2 Circular shape in plan with corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) are sharp and (base) - gradual. Shape of base in plan circular and profile is concave.

0.04 x 0.04 x 0.05

2125 Stakehole fill

2124 2083 2124 Mid brown silty firm clay. 0.04 x 0.04 x 0.05

2126 Stakehole cut


0.04 x 0.04 x 0.04

2127 Stakehole fill


2128 Stakehole cut


0.13 x 0.13 x 0.14

2129 Stakehole fill



2131 1 2131 Mid reddish brown clayey firm silt with various types and sizes of pebbles (medium- mod. and coarse freq.) angular and sub-angular pebbles + stones and small (mod.) and (occ..) medium angular and sub-angular stones. Charcoal flecks (occ..)

1.7 x 0.73 x 0.33

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Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)


2130 2130 2 Linear/irregular with corners rounded (E, NW, SW); Breaks of slope (top) - gradual (E); sharp (NE, SW, NW); (base) - gradual (E, NW); sharp (SW), sharp/gradual (NE). Sides are moder-ate/steep and irregular (NE), steep and smooth (SW), moderate and smooth (E, NW). Shape of base in plan is irregular and in profile - flat.

1.7 x 0.733 x 0.33




2135 2135 2 Oval shape in plan with corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) are sharp (N, S, W) and gradual (E); base - all gradual. Sides are steep and convex (NE, NW) steep and concave (SE), steep and stepped (SW). Shape of base in plan is oval and flat in profile.

0.67 x 0.55 x 0.27


2134 1 2134 Dark brown soft silt with pebbles (fine, medium, coarse) - angular (occ..). Stones are small: angular and sub-angular (mod.), medium: angular (occ..) + char-coal flecks (occ..)

0.67 x 0.55 x 0.27

2136 Linear cut 2137, 2138, 2142, 2144, 2145, 2146, 2147, 2148

2148, 2147

2 Linear shape in plan. Breaks of slope (top) - sharp (NE, SW); base - (NE, SW); Sides are moderate/steep and smooth/concave (NE), gentle/moderate and smooth/concave (SW), Shape of base in plan - linear and concave in profile.

16 x 0.70 x 0.25

2137 Linear fill 2136 2146 2136 Mid orangish brown clayey firm silt. with coarse angular and sub-angular pebbles and small angular sub-angular pebbles (mod.) stones + charcoal flecks (mod.) and small (occ..) charcoal.

8.24 x 0.59 x 0.11

2138 Linear fill 2136 1 2137 Mid brownish grey sandy firm silt. Pebbles fine, medium angular and sub-angular (mod.) pebbles; coarse pebbles -angular (occ..) + charcoal flecks and small (freq.) pieces. + medium (occ..) pieces of charcoal.

3.00 x 0.35 x 0.04

2139 Pit fill 2141 1 2140 Mid brown clayey soft silt with various types and sizes of pebbles. (mod.) and small (mod.) and medium (occ..) angular and sub-angular stones + charcoal flecks (mod.) and small (occ..) pieces.

0.90 x 0.86 x 0.20

2140 Pit fill 2141 2139 2141 Black charcoal layer. . Frequent flecks , medium and small pieces.

0.90 x 0.86 x 0.20

2141 Pit cut 2139, 2140 2140 2 Sub-circular with corners rounded. Breaks of slope ( top) - all sharp , base - all gradual. Sides are moderate and concave (N, E). Shape of base in plan is sub-circular and concave in profile.

0.90 x 0.86 x 0.20


220

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

2142 Linear fill 2136 1 2136 Mid orangish brown soft clayey silt with coarse sub-angular (freq.) pebbles and small sub-angular (mod.) stones, and sub-rounded (occ..) medium stones. + charcoal flecks (occ..)

1.6 x 0.66 x 0.15

2143 Deposit 2142 2 Mid brownish grey firm clayey silt with coarse sub-angular (mod.) pebbles and small sub-angular small (mod.) stones +charcoal flecks (freq. and occasional pieces (occ.).)

1.6 x 0.91 x 0.18

2144 Linear fill 2136 1 2146 Mid yellowish brown clayey soft silt with fine and medium sub-rounded (occ..) pebbles. + charcoal flecks ( occ..)

? X 0.75 x 0.07

2145 Linear fill 2136 1 2147, 2146, 2137

Mid brown silty firm sand with fine and medium angular and sub-angular (mod.) pebbles. Coarse angular pebbles (occ..) - with charcoal flecks (occ..).

0.70 x 0.20 x 0.13

2146 Linear fill 2136 2144 2137, 2147

Dark greyish brown clayey soft silt. Pebbles fine (mod.) and medium (occ..) - sub-angular and sub-rounded. + small and medium (occ..) sub-angular stones. Charcoal flecks and small pieces (occ..)

6.70 x 0.55 x 0.15

2147 Linear fill 2136 2137 2136 Light yellowish/whitish grey sandy firm/soft clay with fine to coarse (angular and sub-angular mod. pebbles.) and small angular and sub-angular stones (occ.).)

1.05 x 0.5 x 0.27

2148 Linear fill 2136 2137 2136 Dark reddish brown sandy, very soft silt with inclusions of sub-angular, coarse (occ..) pebbles with flecks and small fre-quent and medium (moderate) charcoal pieces.

1.8 x 0.48 x 0.06

2149 Stakehole cut

2150 2150 2 sub-circular/oval shape in plan with corners rounded. Breaks of slope are (top and base) are sharp. Sides are vertical (SE, SW, NE), gradual (NW). Shape of base in plan and profile.

0.13 x 0.11 x 0.25

2150 Stakehole fill

2149 1 2149 Dark brown silty soft clay with charcoal flecks ( max. size 0.1 m).

0.13 x 0.11 x 0.25

2151 Pit fill 2152 1 2152 Mid greyish brown silty firm clay with medium (angular and sub-angular , occ..) and coarse angular and sub-angular (occ..) pebbles. Stones: oc-casional small and medium angular and sub-angular.

0.95 x 0.53 x 0.19

2152 Pit cut 2151 2151 2 Sub-rectangular with corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) - gradual (N, S) and sharp (E, W); Breaks of slope (base) - all gradual. Sides are moderate and concave (N, W); moderate and irregular (S); steep and concave (E). Shape of base in plan is sub-rectangular and in profile (flat).

0.95 x 0.53 x 0.19

2153 Pit fill 2154 1 2154 Dark brown silty firm clay with various types of medium and coarse pebbles and small occ.. stones and medium , (occ.). stones. + charcoal flecks (mod) and small (occ..)

2.56 x 1.50 x 0.20

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

221


Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

2154 Pit cut 2153 2153 2 Irregular shape with all the corners rounded breaks of slope are impercep-tible and gradual (various sides). Breaks of slope base are all imperceptible. Sides are gentle and irregular (N,E); moderate and concave (S), gentle and concave (W). Shape of base is irregular and concave in profile.

2.56 x 1.50 x 0.20

2155 Stakehole cut

2156 2156 2 Oval shape in plan. Breaks of slope top (sharp) ; base (gradual). Sides are vertical. Shape of base in plan oval and concave in profile.

0.07 x 0.06 x 0.1

2156 Stakehole fill

2155 1 2155 Light greyish brown sandy firm silt with occ.. charcoal and pebbles.

0.07 x 0.06 x 0.1

2157 Stakehole cut

2158 2158 2 Oval shape in plan Breaks of slope (top and base) - sharp. Sides are vertical Shape of base in plan is oval and flat in profile.

0.07 x 0.05 x 0.07

2158 Stakehole fill

2157 1 2157 Light greyish brown sandy firm silt with inclusions of occ. pebbles.

0.07 x 0.05 x 0.07

2159 Stakehole cut

2160 2160 2 Oval shape in plan. Breaks of slope (top and base) - sharp. Sides are vertical. Shape of base in plan is oval and flat in profile.

0.07 x 0.06 x 0.09

2160 Stakehole fill

2159 1 2159 Light greyish brown sandy soft silt with inclusions of charcoal and pebbles.

0.07 x 0.06 x 0.09

2161 Posthole cut

2162 2162 2 Irregular shape in plan with breaks of slope (top and base) - sharp. Sides are vertical and convex (N); vertical and concave (S, E, W); Shape of base is plan is irregular and flat in profile.

0.17 x 0.15 x 0.29

2162 Posthole fill 2161 1 2161 Light greyish brown sandy firm silt with sub-angular mod. fine and coarse pebbles. Charcoal small (occ.) and large (occ.)

0.17 x 0.15 x 0.29

2163 Stakehole cut

2164 2164 2 Circular shape in plan. Breaks of slope (top and base) are sharp. Sides are gentle. Orientated top from base is W.

0.05 x 0.05 x 0.04

2164 Stakehole fill

2163 1 2163 Light greyish brown sandy soft silt with occ. pebbles.

0.05 x 0.05 x 0.04

2165 Furrow cut 2166 2166 2168 Linear. Breaks of slope (top and base) - gradual (except SW which is Impercep-tible). Sides are gentle and convex (NE, SE, NW). SW - not excavated. Shape of base in plan - linear and concave in profile.

2.20 x 0.23 x 0.06

2166 Furrow fill 2165 1 2165 Mid greyish brown firm silt with angular and sub-angular fine, angular (mod.) medium pebbles + coarse angular occ.. pebbles. Charcoal flecks and small occ.. pieces.

2.20 x 0.23 x 0.06

2167 Pit cut 2168, 2169, 2170

2170 2 Sub-circular shape in plan with rounded corners. Breaks of slope (top and base) gradual. Sides are: moderate and convex (N) ; steep and smooth (S) ; steep and convex (E) ; steep and irregular (W). Shape of base in plan sub-circular and flat in profile.

1.16 x 1.03 x 0.24


222

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

2168 Pit fill 2167 2171, 2165

2169 Dark greyish/black sandy friable silt. with charcoal as the main component (flecks, small, medium - freq.) with peb-bles (fine sub-rounded and sub-angular , moderate) + stones, small (occ..) angular and sub-angular and medium (occ..) angular stones.

1.10 x 1.00 x 0.05

2169 Pit fill 2167 2168 2170 Mid grey firm silt with medium angular and sub-angular (mod.) + angular coarse (freq.) + stones are small angular (mod.) + charcoal flecks, small, medium (mod.) + burnt clay + flecks and small (occ..) pieces.

1.16 x 1.03 x 0.14

2170 Pit fill 2167 2169 2167 Mid brown clayey stiff silt. with coarse angular and sub-angular mod. pebbles.

1.15 x 1.00 x 0.12


2172 2172 2168 Irregular shape of plan. Corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) sharp (N, W) gradual. Breaks of slope (base) - all gradual. Sides are steep convex (N); gen-tle and stepped (S) moderate and concave (E); steep and stepped (W). Irregular shape in plan is irregular and tapered blunt point in profile.

0.58 x 0.45 x 0.20


2171 1 2171 Light/mid brown sandy firm silt with fine (occ..) and medium (mod.) sub-angular and sub-rounded and coarse angular and sub-angular (mod.) pebbles. Charcoal flecks (occ..).

0.58 x 0.45 x 0.20

2173 Pit fill 2175 1 2174 Mid greyish brown clayey firm silt. with various types and sizes of pebbles and stones (except large stones)

1.73 x 1.42 x 0.16

2174 Pit fill 2175 2173 2175 Dark brown clayey soft silt with various types and sizes of pebbles and stones + charcoal flecks and small (mod.) and medium (occ..)

1.53 x 0.98 x 0.27

2175 Pit cut 2173, 2174 2174 2 Irregular with rounded corners. Breaks of slope top (rounded) - N, E, W. Breaks of slope (base) - Sharp (N, E), Gradual (S, W). Sides are moderate and smooth (N); steep and concave (S, E); steep and irregular (W). Shape of base in plan (ir-regular) and concave in profile.

1.73 x 1.42 x 0.43

2176 Packing stones

2088 1 2088 Pebbles (sub-angular cc.); Stones (sub-an-gular , mod.) + medium stones angular (mod.)

0.26 x 0.23 x 0.31

2177 Packing stones

2079 2078 2079 Stones (sub-angular and sub-rounded) small to large (mod.)

2178-2499

NUM-BERS NOT USED

2500 Pit cut 2501 2501 2 Oval shaped, sharp break of slope at top . N side - steep smooth; S side - moderate concave; E side - vertical smooth; W side steep concave. Oval flat base.

0.80 x 0.60 x 0.21

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

223


Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

2501 Pit fill 2501 1 2500 Soft dark brown silt. Occasionally sub-angular and sub-rounded fine to coarse size pebbles. Moderate charcoal and occasionally burnt clay flecks and small pieces. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.80 x 0.60 x 0.21

2502 Pit cut 2503 2503 2 Oval shaped. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual to sharp at base. N and E sides steep smooth; S and W sides mod-erate smooth. Oval concave base.

0.64 x 0.40 x 0.15

2503 Pit fill 2502 1 2502 Soft friable mid yellowish brown sandy silt. Occasionally angular to sub-rounded fine to coarse pebbles and angular and sub-angular small stones. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.64 x 0.40 x 0.15

2504 Posthole cut

2505 2505 2 Circular shape, sharp break of slope at top. All sides vertical smooth. Circular flat base.

0.33 x 0.33 x 0.15

2505 Posthole fill 2504 1 2504 Soft/compact mid greyish brown clayey sand. Occasionally sub-angular fine to coarse pebbles. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.33 x 0.33 x 0.15

2506 CAN-CELLED

2507 CAN-CELLED

2508 Pit fill 2511 2520 2509 Friable mid greyish brown sandy silt. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles and small stones. Occasionally charcoal flecks and small pieces. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.47 x 0.40 x 0.09

2509 Pit fill 2511 2508 2510 Soft dark greyish black sandy silt with very frequent charcoal (flecks to medium size pieces). Occasionally burnt clay flecks. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.66 x 0.50 x 0.08

2510 Pit fill 2511 2509 2511 Compact to weakly cemented mid grey-ish white sand. Occasionally angular fine and sub-rounded medium and coarse size pebbles. Occasionally angular small and medium stones. Occasionally me-dium pieces of charcoal. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.87 x 0.50 x 0.09

2511 Pit cut 2508, 2509, 2510

2510 2 Oval shape, sharp break of slope at top and mostly gradual at base. N side steep smooth; S side moderate smooth; E side steep irregular; W side gentle irregular. Oval concave base.

0.87 x 0.50 x 0.17

2512 Pit fill 2513 1 2513 Compact mid brown clayey sand. Mod-erate angular and sub-angular medium pebbles and angular to sub-rounded small stones. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Sharp boundary to next horizon.

0.59 x 0.47 x 0.10

2513 Pit cut 2512 2512 2 Oval shape. Gradual break of slope at top. N, S and E sides moderate concave; W side gentle concave. Circular concave base.

0.59 x 0.47 x 0.10


224

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

2514 CAN-CELLED

2515 Stakehole fill

2520 1 2520 Soft friable light yellowish brown sandy silt. Occasionally angular to sub-rounded fine and medium pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.06 x 0.06 x 0.09

2516 CAN-CELLED

2517 Stakehole cut

2529 2529 2 Circular shape. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Steep smooth S, E and W sides; Vertical smooth N side. Circular flat base. Top slightly orientated to the S.

0.06 x 0.06 x 0.11

2518 Stakehole fill

2519 1 2519 Soft dark brown sandy silt. Moderate flecks and small (up to 20mm) pieces of charcoal.

0.07 x 0.05 x 0.10

2519 Stakehole cut

2518 2518 2 Sub-circular shape. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. Vertical smooth sides. Circular tapered rounded point base.

0.07 x 0.05 x 0.10

2520 Stakehole cut

2515 2515 2508 Circular in shape. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. Vertical smooth sides. Circular concave base.

0.06 x 0.06 x 0.09

2521 Pit cut 2522 2522 2 Sub-rectangular shape/ rounded corners, sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. NW, SW and NE sides steep and smooth; SE side steep irregular. Sub-rectangular flat base.

0.78 x 0.60 x 0.16

2522 Pit fill 2521 2539 2521 Soft mid black silt with very frequent (ca. 70% of fill) charcoal (flecks to 60 mm pieces). Occasionally angular to sub-rounded pebbles and angular small stones.

0.78 x 0.60 x 0.08

2523 Posthole cut

2524 2524 2 Triangular shape. Break of slope sharp at top and mostly gradual at base. N side vertical smooth; SE side steep concave and SW side moderate concave. Sub-circular flat base.

0.25 x 0.20 x 0.13

2524 Posthole fill 2523 1 2523 Soft mid brown clayey silt. Moderate sub-rounded fine and medium pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.24 x 0.19 x 0.11

2525 CAN-CELLED

2526 Stakehole fill

2527 1 2527 Soft mid brown sandy silt. Moder-ate rounded and sub-rounded all sizes pebbles.

0.18 x 0.12 x 0.14

2527 Stakehole cut

2526 2526 2 Oval on the disturbed top, sub-circular below. Sharp break of slope at top and at base. Almost vertical smooth sides. Circular pointed base. Top slightly orien-tated to the NW.

0.18 x 0.12 x 0.14

2528 Pit fill 2530 2549 2530 Soft friable mid greyish brown sandy silt. Moderate angular to sub-rounded all sizes pebbles and occasionally small angular stones. Moderate charcoal flecks and small pieces. Clear irregular bound-ary to next horizon.

0.60 x 0.43 x 0.15

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

225


Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

2529 Stakehole fill

2517 1 2517 Soft friable dark grey brown sandy silt. Frequent sorted charcoal.

0.06 x 0.06 x 0.11

2530 Pit cut 2528 2528 2 Sub-circular in plan. Gradual to sharp break of slope at top and imperceptible at base. N side moderate smooth; NE side gentle smooth; SE side gentle stepped; S side steep stepped. Irregular in plan; V - shaped in profile base.

0.60 x 0.43 x 0.15

2531 Pit cut 2532 2532 2 Sub-circular shape. Mostly sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base (except W side gradual at top at imperceptible at base). N, E and S sides steep and smooth; W gentle smooth. Sub-circular flat base.

0.65 x 0.65 x 0.12

2532 Pit fill 2531 1 2531 Soft dark greyish brown clayey silt. Oc-casionally sub-angular and sub-rounded fine and medium pebbles. Occasionally sub-angular and sub-rounded small and medium stones. Occasionally charcoal and burnt clay flecks and small pieces.

0.65 x 0.65 x 0.12

2533 Stakehole cut

2534 2534 2 Sub-circular shape. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. N side steep irregular; S side vertical smooth; E and W sides steep smooth. Sub-rectangular in plan and tapered rounded point in base .

0.23 x 0.20 x 0.15

2534 Stakehole fill

2533 1 2533 Compact mid brown silty sand. Oc-casionally sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Moderate charcoal flecks and small pieces.

0.23 x 0.20 x 0.15

2535 CAN-CELLED

2536 CAN-CELLED

2537 Stakehole cut

2538 2538 2 Oval on the top, sub-circular below shape. Sharp break of slope at top (except gradual SW break) and gradual at base. Vertical smooth sides, except steep SW side. Circular tapered rounded point base. Top orientated to the SW from base.

0.12 x 0.07 x 0.11

2538 Stakehole fill

2537 1 2537 Soft mid brown clayey silt. Moderate flecks to small pieces (up to 20 mm) of charcoal.

0.12 x 0.07 x 0.11

2539 Pit fill 2521 1 2522 Soft mid brownish grey sandy silt. Occasionally angular and sub-angular fines and sub-rounded medium pebbles. Moderate flecks and occasionally small pieces of charcoal.

0.68 x 0.33 x 0.08

2540 Ditch/pit fill

2541 2549, 2556

2541 Soft dark brownish grey sandy silt. Oc-casionally angular and sub-angular fine and medium pebbles. Frequent small and occasionally medium angular and sub-angular stones. Moderate flecks and occasionally small pieces of charcoal Occasionally flecks and small pieces of burnt clay. Clear irregular boundary to next horizon.

2.20x 0.80 x 0.30


226

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

2541 Ditch/pit cut

2540 2540 2579 Curved-linear cut. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. N, W and S sides steep concave. E side steep smooth. Curved linear flat base, U shape profile.

2.20x 0.80 x 0.30

2542 Stakehole cut

2543 2543 2 Sub-circular shape. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. Vertical smooth sides. Circular tapered rounded point base. Top slightly orientated to the SW.

0.08 x 0.06 x 0.11

2543 Stakehole fill

2542 1 2542 Soft mid brown clayey silt. Occasionally charcoal flecks and small pieces. Moder-ate fine and medium sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles.

0.08 x 0.06 x 0.11

2544 Posthole cut

2545 2545 2 Circular shape. Gradual break of slope at top and at base. Vertical smooth sides. Circular flat to concave base.

0.21 x 0.17 x 0.08

2545 Posthole fill 2544 2546 2544 Soft mid brownish grey clayey silt. Oc-casionally sub-angular fine and coarse pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks and small pieces.

0.21 x 0.17 x 0.08

2546 Pit cut 2547, 2548 2548 2545 Oval in plan. Sharp break of slope at top and mostly gradual at base. N, S and W sides vertical smooth, E side steep smooth. Oval concave base.

0.67 x 0.55 x 0.30

2547 Pit fill 2546 1 2548 Stiff mid grey silt. Moderate fine, oc-casionally medium and coarse angular and sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally angular and sub-angular small stones. Moderate flecks and small, occasionally medium pieces of charcoal. Occasionally burnt clay flecks.

0.40 x 0.35 x 0.20

2548 Pit fill 2546 2547 2546 Soft mid brownish grey clayey silt. Occa-sionally angular and sub-angular pebbles and small stones. Moderate flecks and occasionally small pieces of charcoal. Occasionally burnt clay flecks.

0.67 x 0.55 x 0.10

2549 Furrow cut 2550 2550 2528 Linear in plan. Sharp at top and gradual at base SE and NW break of slope. NW and SE sides moderate smooth. Linear in plan concave in profile base.

35 x 0.36 x 0.05

2550 Furrow fill 2549 1 2549 Soft dark brown sandy silt. Occasion-ally angular to sub-rounded pebbles and small stones. Occasionally flecks and small pieces of charcoal. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

35 x 0.36 x 0.05

2551 Posthole cut

2552, 2553 2553 2 Sub-circular in plan. N and W sharp and S and E gradual breaks of slope at top and base. N side vertical concave; S side moderate smooth; E side steep smooth; W side vertical smooth. Circular flat base.

0.34 x 0.29 x 0.20

2552 Posthole fill 2551 1 2553 Loose soft mid brown sandy silt. Moder-ate sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles all sizes. Moderate charcoal flecks and small pieces. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.13 x 0.12 x 0.10

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

227


Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

2553 Posthole fill 2551 2552 2551 Soft dark brownish black clayey silt. Oc-casionally sub-angular and sub-rounded all sizes pebbles. Frequent fine and small, moderate medium pieces of charcoal. Occasionally burnt clay flecks. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.34 x 0.29 x 0.20

2554 Pit fill (poss)

2555 1 2555 Firm mid greyish brown sandy silt. Oc-casional angular fine and sub-angular coarse pebbles. Moderate angular and sub-angular medium pebbes. Very oc-casional charcoal felcks. Clear irregular boundary to next horizon.

0.47 x 0.34 x 0.23

2555 Pit cut (poss)

2554 2554 2 Oval shape. Sharp break of slope at top and except gradual at E, sharp break of slope at base. N side vertical smooth; S side steep concave; E side moderate smooth; W side vertical undercut. Ir-regular base.

0.47 x 0.34 x 0.23

2556 Furrow cut 2557 2557 2540 Linear in plan. Sharp at top and gradual at base SE and NW break of slope. NW and SE sides moderate smooth to con-cave. Linear in plan concave in profile base.

30 x 0.50 x 0.21

2557 Furrow fill 2556 1 2556 Firm mid brownish grey sandy silt. Occasionally angular and sub-angular all sizes pebbles and small stones. Oc-casionally charcoal flecks. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

30 x 0.50 x 0.21

2558 Pit fill 2585 2582 2585 Dark brown silt with very frequent (70-80% of fill) pebbles and stones - angular and sub-angular; fire shattered. Frequent flecks and small, occasionally medium pieces of charcoal. Occasionally burnt bones flecks. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

1.50 x 0.72 x 0.18

2559 CAN-CELLED

2560 Cut pit 2561, 2562, 2563, 2587, 2592

2592 2 Sub-oval in shape. Mostly sharp break of slope at top (except gradual N break). N side steep smooth; S side steep undercut; E and W sides vertical smooth. N and W imperceptible; S and E gradual break of slope at base. Sub-oval flat base.

1.08 x 0.56 x 0.22

2561 Pit fill 2560 2564 2562, 2587

Soft dark brownish black silt with very frequent (ca. 70% of fill) charcoal (pieces up to 0.1 m). With frequent angular and sub-angular pebbles, small and medium stones; many of them - fire shattered. Sharp boundary to next horizon.

0.38 x 0.32 x 0.14

2562 Pit fill 2560 2561 2563 Soft dark brown sandy silt with very frequent (ca. 60-70% of fill) angular to sub-angular fire shattered pebbles and small to medium sizes stones. Moder-ate flecks to medium pieces of charcoal. Occasionally flecks and small pieces of burn bones.

0.98 x 0.54 x 0.11


228

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

2563 Pit fill 2560 2562, 2587

2512 Firm mid brownish grey sandy silt. Moderate medium, occasionally fine and coarse angular pebbles and small stones. Occasionally charcoal flecks and small pieces.

0.34 x 0.17 x 0.09

2564 Furrow cut 2565 2565 2561 Linear in plan. Gradual at top at base SE and NW break of slope. SE and NW sides steep and smooth. Linear concave base.

6.50 x 0.48 x 0.12

2565 Furrow fill 2564 1 2564 Compact mid brown silty sand. Moder-ate angular all sizes pebbles and small stones. Moderate flecks and occasionally small pieces of charcoal. Sharp boundary to next horizon.

6.50 x 0.48 x 0.12

2566 Spread 1 2567 Firm mid brownish grey silt. Moderate sub-angular fine pebbles. Frequent flecks and moderate small pieces of charcoal.

0.47 x 0.23 x 0.04

2567 Fire spot/hearth

2566 2 Stiff mid pinkish and orangish red sandy silt. Occasionally sub-rounded fine peb-bles and charcoal flecks.

0.27 x 0.22 x ?

2568 Pit cut 2569 2569 2 Sub-circular in shape. Sharp to gradual break of slope at top and base (except gradual W breaks). N, S and W sides moderate smooth; E side steep smooth. Sub-circular flat base.

0.42 x 0.40 x 0.09

2569 Pit fill 2568 1 2568 Soft light grey sandy silt. Occasionally angular and sub-angular pebbles all sizes and small stones. Sharp smooth bound-ary to next horizon.

0.42 x 0.40 x 0.09


2571 2575 2571 Compact soft brownish grey silty sand. Occasionally angular and sub-angular medium and coarse pebbles and small stones. Moderate flecks and occasionally small pieces of charcoal. Clear smooth boundary to the next horizon.

2.03 x 0.28 x 0.08


2570 2570 2 Linear in plan. Rounded corners. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. N, S and W sides gentle smooth; E side moderate smooth. Linear concave base.

2.03 x 0.28 x 0.08

2572 Pit fill 2575 2573 2574 Very soft dark brownish black silt. Moderate fire cracked angular and sub-angular medium and coarse pebbles and small to medium (occasionally) stones. Moderate flecks and small pieces and occasionally medium and large pieces of charcoal. Occasionally burnt bones flecks and small pieces. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.45 x 0.32 x 0.06

2573 Pit fill 2575 1 2572 Very soft mid greyish brown silt. Moder-ate angular and sub-angular pebbles and stones (up to 0.30 m), some of them fire cracked. Moderate charcoal flecks to large pieces. Occasionally flecks and small pieces of burnt bones. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.85 x 0.32 x 0.23

2574 Pit fill 2575 2572 2575 Soft grey clayey silt. Occasionally angu-lar and sub-angular pebbles. Occasion-ally charcoal flecks.

0.74 x 0.32 x 0.08

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

229


Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

2575 Pit cut 2572, 2573, 2574

2574 2570 Oval in plan. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. All sides moderate smooth. Oval concave base.

0.98 x 0.74 x 0.30

2576 Posthole cut

2577, 2581 2577 2 Irregular in shape. Sharp break of slope at top, and at base - sharp at S&SW, gradual at N&NW. N side steep smooth; NW steep undercut; S and SW vertical smooth. Sub-rectangular flat base. Top orientated to the N from base.

0.32 x 0.20 x 0.16

2577 Posthole fill 2576 2581 2576 Soft compact dark brown sandy silt. Oc-casionally sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Frequent flecks and small, occasionally medium pieces of charcoal. Moderate flecks and occasionally small pieces of burnt clay. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.32 x 0.20 x 0.16

2578 Deposit 2541 2579 Firm light yellowish brown sandy silt. Moderate angular to sub-rounded peb-bles. Moderate angular and sub-angular small and medium stones. Occasionally small pieces of charcoal. Diffuse irregu-lar boundary to next horizon.

1.80 x 1.70 x 0.30

2579 Deposit 2578 2635 Soft dark greyish brown sandy silt. Occasionally angular to sub-rounded pebbles and angular to sub-angular small stones. Moderate charcoal flecks to small pieces. Sharp irregular boundary to next horizon.

0.75 x 0.52 x 0.28

2580 CAN-CELLED

2581 Posthole fill 2576 1 2577 Soft compact mid brownish red sandy silt. Occasionally sub-angular and sub-rounded fine and medium pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks and small pieces. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.10 x 0.08 x 0.07

2582 Pit fill 2585 1 2558 Soft dark brown clayey silt. Moderate an-gular and sub-angular fine and medium pebbles. Occasionally angular coarse pebbles and small stones. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

1.07 x 0.70 x 0.12

2583 Pit fill 2584 1 2584 Soft mid brown clayey silt. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded fine and occasionally angular medium pebbles. Moderate charcoal flecks. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.63 x 0.45 x 0.09

2584 Pit cut 2583 2583 2558 Oval in plan. Gradual break of slope at top and imperceptible at base. N, E and W sides gentle and smooth. S side gentle irregular. Irregular, nearing oval in plan concave base.

0.63 x 0.45 x 0.09

2585 Pit cut 2558, 2582 2558 2 Kidney-shape. Mostly sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. N side steep smooth; S and E sides steep convex; W side moderate smooth. Kidney-shape flat base.

1.50 x 0.74 x 0.32


230

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)


2607 2607 2? Linear, slightly curving toward NW shape. Generally gradual break of slope at top and imperceptible at base. N side gentle smooth to convex. E and W sides steep smooth. S side not define - con-nected with pit 2585. Linear flat base.

1.50 x 0.29 x 0.14

2587 Pit fill 2560 2561 2563 Soft dark brown sandy silt. Occasionally fire shattered angular fine and coarse pebbles and small stones. Moderate angular medium pebbles. Occasionally flecks and medium and moderate small pieces of charcoal. Occasionally burnt bones flecks. Sharp boundary to next horizon.

0.36 x 0.32 x 0.06

2588 Furrow cut 2589 2589 2 Linear cut. Gradual NW and SE break of slope at top and at base. NE side gentle smooth; SW side moderate concave. Linear concave base.

15 x 0.50 x 0.08

2589 Furrow fill 2588 1 2588 Soft mid brownish grey sandy silt. Oc-casionally angular to sub-angular pebbles and small stones. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

15 x 0.50 x 0.08

2590 Deposit 1 2591 Soft dark bluish brown silt with very frequent charcoal flecks and small pieces, which make almost the majority of the fill. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.18 x 0.14 x 0.03

2591 Deposit 2590 2 Soft light greyish brown sandy silt. Occasionally angular fine and medium pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks and small pieces. Sharp irregular boundary to next horizon.

0.38 x 0.20 x 0.05

2592 Pit fill 2560 2563 2560 Compact mid yellowish brown silty sand. Occasionally angular and sub-angular fine and medium pebbles, sub-angular and sub-rounded coarse pebbles and sub-angular small stones. Occa-sionally charcoal flecks. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.25 x 0.12 x 0.05

2593 Pit cut 2594, 2595 2595 2 Sub-rectangular in shape. Sharp break of slope at top and mostly sharp at base (except gradual N and NW break). S and E side vertical undercut; W side steep to vertical concave; N side steep to vertical smooth. Sub-rectangular flat base.

0.46 x 0.25 x 0.16

2594 Pit fill 2593 1 2594 Soft mid greyish brown sandy silt. Oc-casionally angular to sub-rounded fine pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks and small pieces.

0.22 x 0.13 x 0.07

2595 Pit fill 2593 2594 2593 Soft dark greyish black silt with very frequent charcoal - (pieces up to 60 mm), which make one of the main component of the fill. Occasionally burnt clay flecks to medium pieces. Sharp smooth bound-ary to next horizon.

0.39 x 0.30 x 0.11

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

231


Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

2596 Pit cut 2597 2597 2611, 2615

Oval/sub-rectangular in shape. Except gradual W, all sharp breaks of slope at top and gradual at base. N and S sides steep concave; E side vertical smooth; W side moderate concave. Oval/sub-rectan-gular concave base.

0.70 x 0.58 x 0.15

2597 Pit fill 2596 1 2596 Soft dark orangish grey clayey silt with frequent fire shattered angular pebbles and small stones (they make up ca. 50-60% of fill). Frequent flecks, moderate small and occasionally medium pieces of charcoal. Occasionally flecks and small pieces of burnt clay. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.70 x 0.58 x 0.15

2598 Pit cut (poss)

2599 2599 2 Irregular in shape. Gradual to sharp break of slope at top. N side vertical smooth; S side gentle concave; W side steep concave and irregular; NE side moderate, SE gentle, irregular. Break of slope at base: gradual at N and E; sharp at W and imperceptible at S. Irregular concave base.

0.83 x 0.46 x 0.22


2598 1 2598 Soft mottled mid greyish brown and orange sandy silt. Moderate fine sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally angular and sub-angular small and medium stones. Moderate flecks and occasionally small pieces of charcoal.

0.83 x 0.46 x 0.22

2600 Stakehole cut

2601 2601 2 Sub-circular in shape. Gradual break of slope at top and imperceptible at base. Vertical smooth sides. Circular tapered rounded point base.

0.09 x 0.08 x 0.13

2601 Stakehole fill

2600 1 2600 Compact light brown silty sand. Occasionally fine sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles.

0.09 x 0.08 x 0.13

2602 Pit fill 2603 2632 2633 Loose mid greyish brown clayey sand. Moderate angular to rounded fine and medium pebbles. Moderate small and occasionally medium sub-angular stones. Occasionally small pieces of charcoal. Sharp boundary to next horizon.

1.20 x 0.92 x 0.28

2603 Pit cut 2632, 2602, 2633, 2634, 2604.

2604 2 Roughly oval shape. Break of slope at top: sharp to gradual at N; sharp at S; imperceptible at E and gradual at W. N side moderate convex (NW&NE con-cave); S side steep concave; E side steep undercut; W side moderate smooth. Sub-circular flat base.

1.40 x 1.10 x 0.28

2604 Pit fill 2603 2634 2603 Loose light yellowish orangish brown clayey sand. Occasionally sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles.

0.92 x 0.50 x 0.11


2606 2585? 2622, 2812

Soft dark brown clayey silt. Moder-ate angular and sub-angular fine and medium pebbles. Occasionally angular coarse pebbles. (Pebbles are fire shat-tered). Occasionally charcoal flecks and small pieces. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

1.10 x 0.29 x 0.17


232

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)


2605, 2622, 2812

2622, 2812

2 Linear in shape. Mostly sharp (except imperceptible E) break of slope at top and mostly gradual (except sharp at E) break of slope at base. N side steep smooth to convex; S side vertical convex; E side moderate stepped; W side steep undercut. Linear flat base.

1.12 x 0.29 x 0.17


2586 1 2586 Very soft dark brown silt. Frequent (ca. 10 % of fill) fire cracked angular and sub-angular pebbles. Moderate flecks and occasionally small pieces of charcoal. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

1.40 x 0.31 x 0.13

2608 Stakehole fill

2609 1 2609 Soft brownish grey silt. Some inclusions of flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

0.10 x 0.07 x 0.16

2609 Stakehole cut

2608 2608 2 Sub-circular/oval in plan. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Steep and smooth sides. Concave circular base.

0.10 x 0.07 x 0.16

2610 Stakehole cut

2611 2611 2 Circular in plan. Sharp break of slope at top. Vertical smooth sides. Circular V-shaped base.

0.1 x 0.09 x 0.2

2611 Stakehole fill

2610 2596 2610 Soft black clayey silt with very frequent charcoal flecks and small pieces.

0.1 x 0.09 x 0.2

2612 Stakehole cut

2613 2613 2 Circular in plan. Sharp break of slope at top. Vertical smooth sides. Circular V-shaped base. Top orientated to the W from base.

0.09 x 0.08 x 0.20

2613 Stakehole fill

2612 1 2612 Soft mid orangish grey clayey silt. Mod-erate charcoal flecks.

0.09 x 0.08 x 0.20

2614 Stakehole cut

2615 2615 2 Circular in plan. Sharp break of slope at top. Steep, almost vertical smooth sides. Circular V-shaped base.

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.10

2615 Stakehole fill

2614 2596 2614 Soft mid orangish grey clayey silt. Oc-casionally charcoal flecks.

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.10

2616 Stakehole fill

2617 1 2617 Soft light brownish grey silt. Some char-coal flecks and small pieces.

0.08 x 0.06 x 0.10

2617 Stakehole cut

2616 2616 2 Circular in plan. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Steep smooth sides. Circu-lar rounded point base.

0.08 x 0.06 x 0.10

2618 Pit cut 2619 2619 2 Linear (elongated oval, wider in N part) in plan. Rounded corners. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. N, S and E sides steep and smooth; W side vertical smooth. Linear concave base.

1.09 x 0.40 x 0.18

2619 Pit fill 2618 1 2618 Soft light greyish brown clayey silt. Fre-quent angular and sub-angular all sizes pebbles Occasionally angular and sub-angular small stones and angular large stones. Occasionally charcoal flecks.

1.09 x 0.40 x 0.18

2620 Stakehole fill

2621 1 2621 Soft mid brownish grey silt. Some inclu-sions of charcoal flecks.

0.10 x 0.08 x 0.15

2621 Stakehole cut

2620 2620 2 Circular in shape. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Steep smooth sides. Circu-lar tapered rounded point base.

0.10 x 0.08 x 0.15

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

233


Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)


2606 2605 2606 Soft black silt with very frequent charcoal flecks and small pieces (65-70% of fill). Moderate angular and sub-angular fire shattered pebbles. Occasionally burnt bones flecks. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.36 x 0.27 x 0.12

2623 Stakehole fill

2624 1 2624 Soft grey silt. Some charcoal flecks. 0.12 x 0.12 x 0.04

2624 Stakehole cut

2623 2623 2 Sub-circular in plan. S, E and W break of slope at top sharp; N - gradual. S and W sides steep, N and E - gentle. Sub-circular tapered rounded point base. Top orientated to the NE from base.

0.12 x 0.12 x 0.04

2625 Stakehole fill

2626 1 2626 Soft brownish grey silt. Some inclusions of flecks of charcoal.

0.08 x 0.07 x 0.15

2626 Stakehole cut

2625 2625 2 Circular in plan. Sharp break of slope at top. Steep and smooth sides. Circular tapered rounded point base.

0.08 x 0.07 x 0.15


2628 2628 2 Linear in plan. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. N, S and W sides steep concave; E side moderate concave. Linear flat base.

1.10 x 0.38 x 0.14


2627 2629 2627 Firm mid greyish and orangish brown clayey silt. Occasionally angular and sub-angular fine; sub-angular medium and sub-angular and sub-rounded coarse pebbles. Moderate flecks and occasional-ly small pieces of charcoal. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

1.10 x 0.38 x 0.14

2629 Furrow fill 1 2628 Firm mid brownish grey clayey silt. Moderate medium, occasionally fine and coarse sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks.

1 x 0.20 x 0.025

2630 Deposit 2631 1 2631 Soft mid brown clayey silt. Occasionally sub-angular fine pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Sharp irregular bound-ary to next horizon.

0.30 x 0.26 x 0.04

2631 Natural depression

2630 2630 2 Irregular in plan. Gradual breaks of slope at top and base. N and S sides gentle smooth; E side moderate irregular; W side steep smooth. Irregular base.

0.30 x 0.26 x 0.04

2632 Pit fill 2603 1 2602 Loose light brown clayey silt. Occasion-ally charcoal flecks. Sharp boundary to next horizon.

0.60 x 0.25 x 0.15

2633 Pit fill 2603 2602 2634 Loose mid brown clayey sand. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded fine and angular and rounded medium peb-bles. Moderate flecks to medium pieces of charcoal. Sharp boundary to next horizon.

0.50 x 0.35 x 0.15

2634 Pit fill 2603 2633 2604 Soft dark brown clayey sand. Moderate flecks and occasionally small pieces of charcoal.

0.70 x 0.35 x 0.05

2635 Deposit 2579 2 Soft dark greyish brown sandy silt. Occa-sionally angular to sub-rounded pebbles and small stones. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Clear irregular boundary to next horizon.

1.32 x 1.10 x 0.19


234

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

2636 Deposit 1 2 Soft dark brownish grey, almost black silt with moderate inclusion of charcoal flecks. Sharp irregular boundary to next horizon.

0.11 x 0.11 x 0.04

2637 Stakehole fill

2638 1 2638 Soft light brownish grey silt. Some charcoal flecks.

0.08 x 0.07 x 0.14

2638 Stakehole cut

2637 2637 2 Circular in plan. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Steep smooth sides. Circu-lar rounded point base.

0.08 x 0.07 x 0.14

2639 Stakehole cut

2640 2640 2 Circular in plan. Sharp break of slope at top. Steep, almost vertical smooth sides. Circular tapered point base. Top orientated slightly to the SW

0.08 x 0.08 x 0.21

2640 Stakehole fill

2639 1 2639 Soft mid orangish grey clayey silt. Oc-casionally charcoal flecks and fine and medium angular pebbles.

0.08 x 0.08 x 0.21

2641 Stakehole cut

2642 2642 2 Sub-circular in plan. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. Vertical smooth sides. Circular tapered point base.

0.09 x 0.08 x 0.13

2642 Stakehole fill

2641 1 2641 Soft mid brown greyish sandy silt. Oc-casionally fine and coarse sub-angular pebbles. Moderate medium sub-angular pebbles.

0.09 x 0.08 x 0.13

2643 Furrow cut 2644 2644 2645 Linear in plan. Imperceptible break of slope at top and at base. NW and SE sides gentle smooth. Linear flat base.

1.15 x 0.33 x 0.05

2644 Furrow fill 2643 1 2643 Soft dark greyish brown silty clay. Oc-casionally fine sub-rounded pebbles. Moderate charcoal flecks.

1.15 x 0.33 x 0.05

2645 Hearth 2643 2 Weakly cemented orangish red clayey sand with frequent fine rounded pebbles. Diffuse wavy boundary t next horizon.

0.66 x 0.42 x 0.04

2646 Pit cut 2647, 2648 2648 2 Oval in plan. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. S and W sides steep and smooth; N and E sides vertical and smooth. Oval concave base.

1.22 x 0.90 x 0.20

2647 Pit fill 2646 1 2648 Soft dark greyish brown clayey silt. Mod-erate angular and sub-angular (in many cases fire shattered) all sizes pebbles and small and medium stones. Frequent char-coal pieces up to 60 mm. Occasionally burnt soil flecks.

1.10 x 0.80 x 0.15

2648 Pit fill 2646 2647 2646 Soft black silt with very frequent (ca. 70 % of fill) charcoal flecks and small pieces. Moderate angular and sub-angular (including fire shattered) pebbles and small stones. Occasionally burnt soil flecks.

1.22 x 0.90 x 0.05

2649 Pit fill 2657 2670, 2671

2567 Soft dark orangish brown sandy silt. Occasionally fine and coarse, moder-ate medium angular and sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally angular small and medium stones. Moderate flecks, occasionally small and medium pieces of charcoal. Occasionally flecks of burnt bones. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

2.20 x 1.55 x 0.10

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

235


Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

2650 Stakehole cut

2651 1651 2 Sub-circular in plan. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. Vertical smooth sides. Circular tapered point base.

0.08 x 0.08 x 0.16

2651 Stakehole fill

2650 1 2650 Firm mid greyish brown clayey silt. Oc-casionally sub-angular fine and medium and sub-rounded coarse pebbles.

0.08 x 0.08 x 0.16

2652 Furrow fill 1 2 Soft dark greyish brown sandy silt. Oc-casionally angular to sub-angular pebbles and small stones.

7 x 0.45 x 0.06

2653 Furrow fill 1 2701 Soft dark greyish brown sandy silt. Oc-casionally angular to sub-angular pebbles and small stones. Moderate charcoal flecks and small pieces.

6 x 0.40 x 0.06

2654 Furrow fill 1 2701 Soft dark greyish brown sandy silt. Oc-casionally angular to sub-angular pebbles and small stone. Occasionally charcoal flecks and small pieces.

5 x 0.50 x 0.06

2655 Furrow cut 2656 2656 2 Linear shape. Gradual SE and NW break of slope at top and imperceptible at base. SE and NW sides gentle and smooth. Linear concave base.

7 x 0.45 x 0.10

2656 Furrow fill 2655 1 2655 Soft dark greyish brown sandy silt. Oc-casionally angular to sub-angular pebbles and small to medium stone. Occasionally charcoal flecks and small pieces.

7 x 0.45 x 0.10

2657 Pit cut 2649 2649 1 Sub-oval/sub-rectangular shape. Imper-ceptible break of slope at top and base. Gentle smooth sides. Oval flat base.

2.20 x 1.55 x 0.10

2658 Pit fill 2659 1 2659 Very soft mid brownish grey clayey silt. Occasionally fine angular and medium sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Occasionally charcoal and burnt bones flecks. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.28 x 0.18 x 0.13

2659 Pit cut 2658 2658 2 Oval in plan. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base (except gradual at top and imperceptible at base W break). N side steep concave; S side vertical smooth; E side vertical undercut; W side gentle smooth. Oval concave base.

0.28 x 0.18 x 0.13

2660 Hearth/smelting pit cut

2661 2661 2 Oval in plan. Gradual break of slope at top and at base. Moderate concave sides. Oval concave base.

0.31 x 0.23 x 0.04

2661 Hearth/smelting pit fill

2660 1 2660 Soft compact dark brownish grey sandy silt. Frequent fine, occasionally medium and coarse angular pebbles. Occasionally small angular stones Frequent charcoal flecks and small pieces. Frequent burnt soil lumps up to 60 mm. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon. Frequent slags fragments.

0.31 x 0.23 x 0.04

2662 Deposit 1 2 Soft light grey sandy silt. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded medium pebbles and small to medium stones. Occasionally charcoal flecks and small pieces; Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

2.72 x 1.09 x 0.25


236

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

2663 CAN-CELLED

2664 Pit cut 2665, 2666 2665 2 Oval shape. Except gradual E, all sharp break of slope at top. N side gentle smooth; S and E sides steep, almost verti-cal undercut; W side moderate concave. Imperceptible N and E; gradual S and W break of slope at base. Oval flat base.

0.53 x 0.42 x 0.12

2665 Pit fill 2664 2666 2664 Firm dark greyish black clayey silt. Moderate medium and coarse angular, fire affected pebbles. Occasionally sub-rounded small stones. Frequent flecks and moderate small to medium pieces of charcoal.

0.35 x 0.30 x 0.08

2666 Pit fill 2664 1 2665 Firm mid greyish brown clayey silt. Moderate medium heat affected angular pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks and small pieces. Sharp boundary to next horizon.

0.35 x 0.30 x 0.11

2667 Spread 1 2 Firm dark brownish black silty clay. Moderate medium and coarse fire shattered angular pebbles. Frequent flecks, moderate small and occasionally medium pieces of charcoal.

0.50 x 0.50 x 0.03

2668 Pit cut (poss)

2669 2669 2 Irregular roughly oval in plan. Break of slope at top: N and S sharp to gradual; E - imperceptible; W - sharp. NE, E and SE sides gentle smooth (irregular because of protruding stones); NW, W and SW sides steep to vertical smooth. Sharp break of slope at base. Irregular, roughly circular base.

0.76 x 0.42 x 0.22


2668 1 2668 Firm dark greyish brown sandy silt. Moderate fine and medium angular and sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally sub-angular and sub-rounded coarse pebbles and angular to sub-angular small and medium stones. Moderate flecks and occasionally small pieces of charcoal

0.76 x 0.42 x 0.22

2670 Furrow fill 1 2649 Soft dark greyish brown sandy silt. Occasionally angular to sub-rounded fine and medium pebbles. Occasionally angular coarse pebbles and small stones. Occasionally charcoal flecks.

12 x 0.38 x 0.06

2671 Furrow fill 1 2649 Soft dark greyish brown sandy silt. Occa-sionally angular to sub-rounded pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

9 x 0.27 x 0.04

2672 Kiln cut 2673, 2674, 2675, 2745

2673 2 Roughly oval in plan. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. Vertical smooth sides. Oval base. Flat in E part and concave in W part.

2.50 x 1.20 x 0.50

2673 Kiln fill 2672 2674 2672 Soft black silt/charcoal. Charcoal and carbonised wood pieces, up to 0.2 m long, make up ca. 85% of fill. Occasion-ally angular fine and medium pebbles and small stones. Moderate angular medium and large stones.

1.70 x 0.90 x 0.07-0.30

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

237


Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

2674 Kiln fill 2672 2745 2673 Soft mid orangish red burnt silty clay. Occasionally fine and medium angular pebbles. Moderate small to medium angular stones. Occasionally charcoal flecks.

1.60 x 0.90 x 0.40

2675 Kiln fill 2672 1 2745 Soft light brown sandy silt. Frequent angular pebbles all sizes and small to medium stones. Occasionally charcoal flecks.

1.20 x 0.90 x 0.30

2676 Furrow cut 2677 2677 2694, 2680

Linear shape. Sharp at top and gradual at base SE and NW break of slope. NW and SE sides gentle smooth. Linear concave base.

35 x 0.33 x 0.07

2677 Furrow fill 2676 1 2676 Soft mid brown sandy silt. Moderate an-gular and sub-angular pebbles and small stones. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

35 x 0.33 x 0.07

2678 Furrow cut 2679 2679 2680, 2681

Linear shape. Sharp at top and gradual at base SE and NW break of slope. NW and SE sides gentle smooth. Linear concave base.

35 x 0.57 x 0.13

2679 Furrow fill 2678 1 2678 Soft mid brown sandy silt. Moderate an-gular and sub-angular pebbles and small stones. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

35 x 0.57 x 0.13

2680 Deposit 2676 2 Soft friable mid pinkish brown sandy slit. Occasionally angular and sub-angular pebbles and small to medium stones. Clear irregular boundary to next horizon.

2.1 x 0.94 x 0.35


2692 2678 2692 Soft friable mid pinkish brown sandy silt. Angular and sub-angular moderate fine, occasionally medium and coarse pebbles and small stones. Clear wavy boundary to next horizon.

1.33 x 0.94 x 0.19

2682 Pit fill 2683 1 2683 Firm mid greyish black silt. Occasionally angular pebbles. Occasionally flecks and small pieces of charcoal. Moderate burnt bones flecks. Occasionally nut shell.

0.51 x 0.32 x 0.07

2683 Pit cut 2682 2682 2691 Oval shape. Imperceptible break of slope at top and at base. N, E and W sides gen-tle irregular; S sides moderate irregular. Oval concave base.

0.51 x 0.32 x 0.07

2684 CAN-CELLED

2685 Stakehole fill

2686 1 2686 Soft dark orangish grey sandy silt. Moderate charcoal flecks. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded fine pebbles.

0.08 x 0.08 x 0.13

2686 Stakehole cut

2685 2685 2 Circular shape. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. Vertical smooth sides. Circular tapered rounded point base.

0.08 x 0.08 x 0.13


238

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

2687 Pit fill 2688 2690 2688 Very soft dark brownish grey clayey silt (60% of fill) with pebbles (25%) and stones (15%). Pebbles and stones (small, occasionally medium) are mostly angular and sub-angular. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

1.50 x 1.26 x 0.30

2688 Pit cut 2687 2687 2740 Sub-circular in shape. Sharp break of slope at top and mostly gradual at base. N side steep smooth; S side moderate concave; W side moderate irregular. Sub-circular flat base.

1.50 x 1.26 x 0.30

2689 Linear pit fill

2690 1 2690 Friable dark bluish black sandy silt (60/5 of fill) with stones (40%) - angular and sub-angular, heat affected. Occasionally small pieces of charcoal.

2.50 x 0.75 x 0.24

2690 Linear pit cut

2689 2689 2687 Linear in plan. Rounded SE end. S side steep concave; SW side steep irregular; NE side steep concave. S and SW grad-ual and NE sharp break of slope at base. Irregular nearing linear and flat base.

2.50 x 0.75 x 0.24

2691 Hearth (poss)

2683 2 Compact mid brownish red silty sand. Occasionally angular and sub-angular all sizes pebbles. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.45 x 0.41 x 0.10

2692 Pit cut (poss)

2681 2681 2 Roughly sub-rectangular shape. Mostly gradual beak of slope at top and gradual to imperceptible at base. W side steep smooth; NW side moderate smooth; SW side gentle smooth; E side imperceptible (truncated by furrow 2878). Irregular base.

1.33 x 0.94 x 0.19

2693 Pit cut (poss)

2694 2694 2 Oval in plan. Sharp break of slope at top at base. All sides steep smooth. Oval concave base.

0.32 x 0.20 x 0.16

2694 Pit fill 2693 2676 2693 Soft mid greyish brown sandy silt. Oc-casionally angular and sub-angular fine and medium pebbles. Moderate charcoal flecks and small pieces. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.32 x 0.20 x 0.16

2695 Posthole fill 2696 1 2697 Soft mid brownish grey silt. Occasionally sub-angular ands sub-rounded pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.40 x 0.27 x 0.11

2696 Posthole cut

2695, 2697 2697 2 Oval shape. Sharp break of slope at top and base. N side steep smooth; S side vertical concave; E side vertical smooth; W side vertical undercut. Sub-circular tapered point base.

0.55 x 0.43 x 0.41

2697 Posthole fill 2696 2695 2696 Very soft dark grey silt. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded coarse pebbles and small to medium stones. Occasional-ly charcoal flecks to medium sizes pieces. Occasionally burnt bones flecks.

0.40 x 0.28 x 0.25

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

239


Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

2698 Modern feature cut

Sub-circular shape. Gradual break of slope at top and base. N side gentle concave; E side moderate concave; S side steep concave; W side gentle smooth. Sub-circular concave base.

0.80 x 0.70 x 0.30

2699 Posthole fill 2704 1 2704 Stiff mid grey clayey silt. Moderate sub-angular fine and medium pebbles. Occasionally sub-angular and sub-rounded coarse pebbles and sub-angular small stones. Frequent flecks and small, occasionally medium pieces of charcoal. Diffuse irregular boundary to next horizon.

0.90 x 0.70 x 0.32

2700 Linear pit cut

2701 2701 2 Linear shape. Except sharp N at top; all breaks of slope at top and base gradual. N side vertical smooth; SW side gentle concave; SE gentle irregular; E side mod-erate smooth; W side gentle irregular. Linear mostly concave base.

1.51 x 0.48 x 0.20

2701 Linear pit fill

2700 2653, 2654

2700 Firm mid reddish brown sandy silt. Moderate medium sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Occasionally fine angular and sub-angular and coarse sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Mod-erate small angular stones. Occasionally charcoal flecks and small pieces.

1.51 x 0.48 x 0.20

2702 Pit fill 2703 1 2703 Stiff mid reddish brown silty clay. Occasionally angular to sub-rounded fine and medium and angular coarse pebbles. Moderate small and occasionally medium angular pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks and small pieces.

0.71 x 0.59 x 0.21

2703 Pit cut 2702 2702 2 Sub-circular in plan. N and S break of slope at top imperceptible; E - sharp and W - gradual. N side destroyed by animal. S side gentle smooth. E and W sides moderate smooth. Imperceptible break of slope at base. Oval concave base.

0.71 x 0.59 x 0.21

2704 Pit cut 2699 2699 2 Oval shaped. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. N side steep smooth; S side moderate concave; E side steep concave; W side vertical smooth. Oval concave base. Top orientated to the SE.

0.90 x 0.70 x 0.32

2705 Hearth (poss)

1 2 Compact dark greyish red silty sand. Moderate medium sub-rounded pebbles. Occasionally small pieces of charcoal. Sharp wavy boundary to next horizon.

1.10 x 0.56 x 0.08

2706 Posthole fill 2712 2744 2707 Firm mid grey sandy silt. Occasionally sub-angular and sub-rounded medium pebbles and small stones. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.45 x 0.26 x 0.11

2707 Posthole fill 2712 2706 2708 Compact dark brownish grey silty sand. Occasionally sub-angular and sub-rounded medium and coarse pebbles; moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded small stones. Moderate flecks and small, occasionally medium pieces of charcoal. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.44 x 0.17 x 0.16


240

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

2708 Posthole fill 2712 2707 2712 Weakly cemented light yellowish brown silty sand. Occasionally sub-angular and sub-rounded coarse pebbles. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.55 x 0.15 x 0.09

2709 Post pipe fill

2744 2711 2710 Very soft dark brownish grey silt. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded medium and coarse pebbles and stones up to 0.25 m large. Most of them are fire cracked. Moderate flecks and small pieces, occasionally medium pieces of charcoal. Occasionally burnt bones flecks and small pieces.

0.44 x 0.30 x 0.43

2710 Post pipe fill

2744 2709 2744 Firm mid brownish grey silt. Occasion-ally sub-angular and sub-rounded small stones. Occasionally charcoal flecks to medium pieces.

0.41 x 0.16 x 0.05

2711 Post pipe fill

2744 1 2709 Soft pinkish grey silt. Occasionally sub-angular and sub-rounded coarse pebbles and small stones.

0.21 x 0.12 x 0.1

2712 Posthole cut

2706, 2707, 2708

2708 2 Sub-circular/oval in shape. Sharp break of slope at top and at base. N side vertical undercut; rest sides steep smooth. Circu-lar concave base.

1 x 0.71 x 0.51

2713 Posthole fill 2714 1 2714 Firm mid greyish brown silty clay. Mod-erate sub-rounded medium pebbles and angular small stones. Frequent flecks and occasionally small pieces of charcoal.

0.50 x 0.40 x 0.12

2714 Posthole cut

2713 2713 2 Sub-circular in shape. Gradual break of slope at top and at base. N side gentle smooth; S, E and W sides gentle concave. Circular flat base.

0.50 x 0.40 x 0.12

2715 Posthole cut

2716 2716 2 Circular in plan. Sharp break of slope at top. Moderate concaves sides. Circular concave base.

0.43 x 0.40 x 0.19

2716 Posthole fill 2715 1 2715 Firm mid brownish grey silt. Frequent flecks and occasionally small pieces of charcoal. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.43 x 0.40 x 0.19


2718 2718 2 Roughly oval shape. Gradual break of slope at top and at base. N and W sides gentle concave, S side steep smooth; E side gentle smooth. Sub-circular flat base.

0.45 x 0.35 x 0.04

2718 Posthole fill (poss)

2717 1 2717 Firm mid orangish brown clayey silt. Oc-casionally sub-rounded fine and medium pebbles. Occasionally sub-angular small pebbles. Occasionally small pieces of charcoal

0.45 x 0.35 x 0.04


2720, 2721 2721 2746 Linear irregular shape. S and SW break of slope at top and at base sharp. N, NE and NW break of slope at top and at base gradual. N side moderate smooth; S side steep smooth; NE and NW sides moder-ate concave. Linear flat base.

2.35 x 0.68 x 0.15


2719 2723 2721 Soft dark brownish grey clayey silt. Fre-quent flecks and small pieces of charcoal. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.22 x 0.18 x 0.10

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

241


Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)


2719 2720 2719 Soft dark brown clayey silt. Occasionally sub-angular to rounded fine and me-dium pebbles; occasionally sub-angular and sub-rounded coarse pebbles; Oc-casionally angular and sub-angular small stones. Moderate flecks and occasionally small pieces of charcoal. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

2.35 x 0.68 x 0.15

2722 Pit cut 2728, 2727, 2726

2728 2 Oval/sub-rectangular in plan. Sharp break of slope at top and at base. NE and NW sides steep to vertical smooth; SE side vertical undercut; SW side vertical concave. Oval flat base.

0.70 x 0.56 x 0.24

2723 Furrow fill 1 2720, 2764

Soft mid brown sandy silt. Occasionally charcoal flecks.

30 x 0.40 x 0.15

2724 Furrow fill 1 2721 Soft mid brown sandy silt. Occasionally charcoal flecks.

30 x 0.40 x 0.15

2725 Post pipe cut of 2722

2737 2737 2726 Oval in shape. Sharp break of slope at top and at base. N side vertical undercut; S and W sides steep smooth; E side verti-cal smooth. Oval flat base.

0.13 x 0.09 x 0.20

2726 Pit fill 2722 2725 2727 Soft mid greyish brown sandy silt. Oc-casionally angular pebbles and small stones. Moderate flecks and occasionally small pieces of charcoal. Occasionally flecks and small pieces of burnt clay. Oc-casionally flecks of burnt bones. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.65 x 0.35 x 0.13

2727 Pit fill 2722 2726 2728 Compact friable light greyish/pinkish white sandy silt. Occasionally sub-an-gular pebbles all sizes and sub-rounded small stones. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Occasionally burnt clay lumps. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.69 x 0.56 x 0.14

2728 Pit fill 2722 2727 2722 Soft dark greyish brown sandy silt. Occasionally angular pebbles all sizes. Occasionally small angular and sub-rounded stones and angular large (up to 0.26 x 0.1 m) stones; moderate angular to sub-rounded medium stones. Moder-ate flecks and small, occasionally small pieces of charcoal. Sharp smooth bound-ary to next horizon.

0.57 x 0.45 x 0.08

2729 NOT USED

2730 Pit cut 2731, 2732, 2733, 2734, 2795

2795 2 Irregular in plan. Sharp break of slope at top and at base. NE side steep irregular; SE and SW sides moderate stepped; NW side steep concave. Irregular concave base.

4.40 x 1.75 x 0.60

2731 Pit fill 2730 2732 2795 Soft mid greyish brown sandy silt with frequent stones (ca 30% of fill) - all sizes, up to 0.2-0.3 m, angular. Occasion-ally rounded fine pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks and small pieces. Sharp boundary to next horizon.

4.40 x 0.80 x 0.50

2732 Pit fill 2730 2734 2731 Soft light greyish brown sandy silt. Oc-casionally rounded fine pebbles.

0.50 x 0.40 x 0.15


242

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

2733 Pit fill 2730 1 2734 Soft dark brown sandy silt. Occasionally fine angular pebbles and small angular stones. Moderate charcoal flecks.

0.30 x 0.20 x 0.10

2734 Pit fill 2730 2733 2732 Soft light yellowish brown sandy silt. Occasionally angular fine pebbles and angular small and medium stones. Occa-sionally charcoal flecks and small pieces.

4.20 x 0.40 x 0.12

2735 Posthole fill 2736 1 2736 Compact light grey clayey sand. Moder-ate angular fine pebbles. Occasionally angular and sub-angular medium peb-bles. Very occasionally angular coarse pebbles. Moderate charcoal flecks and small pieces. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.30 x 0.28 x 0.23

2736 Posthole cut

2735 2735 2 Sub-circular in plan. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. Almost vertical smooth sides. Sub-circular concave base.

0.30 x 0.28 x 0.23

2737 Post pipe fill

2725 1 2725 Soft dark greyish brown sandy silt. Occasionally angular pebbles all sizes and small stones. Moderate flecks and small pieces, occasionally medium pieces of charcoal. Occasionally flecks and small pieces of burnt clay. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.13 x 0.09 x 0.20

2738 Pit fill 2739 2790 2767 Firm mid brownish grey silt. Occa-sionally medium and moderate coarse pebbles and small stones - all sub-angular and sub-rounded. Occasionally charcoal flecks and small pieces.

0.60 x 0.60 x 0.15

2739 Pit cut 2738, 2938, 2767, 2847, 2848, 2849

2849 2 Large oval shape. Sharp break of slope at top at base. NW side steep smooth; SE side steep concave. Oval flat base. Not fully excavated.

5.10 x 3.20 x 0.38

2740 Pit fill 2741 2688 2741 Friable dark brownish black sandy silt (50% of fill) with angular brittle stones (50% of fill). Occasionally small pieces of charcoal. Clear irregular boundary to next horizon.

0.60 x 0.45 x 0.18

2741 Pit cut 2740 2740 2 Irregular in plan. S and NW corners rounded E - square. N sharp and SE and SW gradual break of slope at top and at base. N side steep smooth; SW side mod-erate irregular; SE side steep stepped. Sub-rectangular flat base. Top orientated to the W from base.

0.60 x 0.45 x 0.18

2742 Pit cut 2743 2743 2726 Irregular in shape. NE and NW gradual and SE and SW sharp break of slope at top. N and E sides gentle smooth; S and W sides steep irregular, W side slightly undercut. Except sharp SW, all break of slope at base gradual. Irregular pointed base.

0.24 x 0.23 x 0.07

2743 Pit fill 2742 1 2742 Soft mid greyish brown sandy silt. Oc-casionally angular and sub-angular fine pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks and small pieces. Sharp boundary to next horizon.

0.24 x 0.23 x 0.07

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

243


Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

2744 Post pipe cut of post C.2712

2709, 2710, 2711

2710 2706 Sub-circular in plan. Sharp break of slope at top and at base. N side vertical smooth; S, E and W sides steep smooth. Sub-circular pointed base. Top orientated slightly to the W from base.

0.71 x 0.54 x 0.51

2745 Kiln fill 2672 2675 2674 Soft dark greyish brown clayey silt with frequent angular stones and pebbles (they make up ca. 50 % of fill). Occasionally flecks of charcoal.

0.95 x 0.60 x 0.30

2746 Stakehole cut

2747 2747 2 Circular shape. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. Vertical smooth sides. Circular tapered rounded point base. Top slightly orientated to the NE.

0.09 x 0.08 x 0.14

2747 Stakehole fill

2746 2719 2746 Soft mid brown clayey silt. Few flecks of charcoal.

0.09 x 0.08 x 0.14

2748 Deposit 1 2 Soft mid grey clayey silt. Occasionally sub-angular and sub-rounded medium pebbles. Frequent flecks, moderate small and occasionally medium pieces of charcoal.

0.60 x 0.49 x 0.08

2749 Posthole cut

2750 2750 2 Sub-circular shape. Sharp break of slope at top and at base. Steep smooth sides. Sub-circular flat base.

0.20 x 0.20 x 0.25

2750 Posthole fill 2749 1 2749 Soft light yellowish brown silt. Diffuse smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.20 x 0.20 x 0.25

2751 Pit fill 2752 1 2752 Firm mid yellowish brown silty sand. Occasionally sub-angular medium pebbles, Moderate sub-angular medium stones. Occasionally small pieces of charcoal.

0.44 x 0.38 x 0.11

2752 Pit cut 2751 2751 2 Sub-circular shape. Mostly gradual break of slope at top and gradual at base. N and S sides gentle concave; E side steep smooth; W side gentle concave. Circular flat base.

0.44 x 0.38 x 0.11

2753 Stakehole cut

2754 2754 2 Circular shape. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. Vertical smooth sides.

0.10 x 0.09 x 0.14

2754 Stakehole fill

2753 1 2753 Soft dark greyish brown clayey silt. Some charcoal flecks and small pebbles occur.

0.10 x 0.09 x 0.14

2755 Spread 1 2757 Compact dark brown silty sand. Oc-casionally sub-angular and sub-rounded fine and medium pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks and small pieces. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.60 x 0.13 x 0.03

2756 Stakehole fill

2760 1 2760 Soft mid orangish clayey silt. Occasion-ally flecks of charcoal and fine pebbles.

0.07 x 0.05 x 0.16

2757 Hearth 2755 2 Firm reddish brown silty clay. Moder-ate sub-angular and sub-rounded fine and medium pebbles. Moderate small and occasionally medium sub-angular and sub-rounded stones. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.80 x 0.70 x 0.06

2758 Posthole cut

2759 2759 2 Irregular, nearing oval shape. Gradual S break of slope at top and at base; sharp elsewhere. N side steep smooth; E and W sides vertical smooth; S side gentle smooth. Irregular flat base.

0.30 x 0.23 x 0.12


244

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

2759 Posthole fill 2758 1 2758 Firm light yellowish brown silt. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.30 x 0.23 x 0.12

2760 Stakehole cut

2756 2756 2 Oval shape. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. Steep smooth sides. Circular tapered rounded point base. Top slightly (75-80 degrees) orientated to the NE from base. Stone (0.18 x 0.07 x 0.04) vertical on NE side.

0.07 x 0.05 x 0.16

2761 Posthole fill 2762 1 2762 Stiff mid grey sandy silt. Moderate sub-angular medium, occasionally angular and sub-angular fine and coarse pebbles. Occasionally angular small stones. Very occasionally flecks of charcoal. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.30 x 0.30 x 0.27

2762 Posthole cut

2761 2761 2 Circular on top, oval below shape. Sharp break of slope at top and mostly gradual (except sharp at S) at base. N and E sides steep smooth, S side vertical undercut, W side vertical smooth. Oval concave base.

0.30 x 0.30 x 0.27


2764, 2765 2765 2 Linear shape. Square E and SE corners. Sharp break of slope at top and at base. N, S and SE sides vertical smooth. Linear concave base..

2.60 x 0.45 x 0.25


2763 2723 2765 Angular, fire affected pebbles all sizes (80% of fill). Soft dark greyish brown sandy silt mixed with ash (20% of fill). Occasionally sub-rounded small stones. Moderate flecks and small pieces and occasionally medium pieces of charcoal Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

2.25 x 0.35 x 0.24


2763 2764 2763 Soft mid greyish brown clayey silt. Occasionally fine angular pebbles. Oc-casionally charcoal flecks. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.61 x 0.38 x 0.07

2766 Furrow fill 1 2764 Soft mid brown clayey silt. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

30 x 0.40 x 0.15

2767 Pit fill 2739 2738 2848 Firm pinkish grey silt. Occasionally sub-angular and sub-rounded medium and coarse pebbles and small stones. Oc-casionally charcoal flecks.

1.10 x 0.70 x 0.16

2768 Stakehole cut

2768 2768 2 Circular shape. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. Vertical smooth sides. Circular concave base.

0.13 x 0.12 x 0.08

2769 Stakehole fill

2769 1 2769 Soft mid greyish brown clayey silt. Some charcoal flecks and all sizes pebbles.

0.13 x 0.12 x 0.08

2770 Stakehole cut

2771 2771 2 Sub - circular shape. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. Vertical smooth sides. Circular concave base.

0.17 x 0.14 x 0.09

2771 Stakehole fill


0.17 x 0.14 x 0.09

2772 Stakehole cut

2773 2773 2 Circular shape. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. Vertical smooth sides. Circular pointed base.

0.08 x 0.08 x 0.18

2773 Stakehole fill


0.08 x 0.08 x 0.18

2774 Stakehole cut

2775 2775 2 Circular shape. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. Vertical smooth sides. Circular pointed base.

0.10 x 0.09 x 0.19

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

245


Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

2775 Stakehole fill


0.10 x 0.09 x 0.19

2776 Stakehole cut

2777 2777 2 Circular shape. Sharp break of slope at top and base. Almost vertical smooth sides. Circular flat base. Stone on the base. Top orientated slightly to the SW. On NE side truncated by animal activity.

0.09 x 0.08 x 0.21

2777 Stakehole fill

2776 1 Soft dark orangish grey sandy silt. Moderate medium and fine pebbles. Oc-casionally charcoal flecks.

0.09 x 0.08 x 0.21

2778 Stakehole cut

2779 2779 2 Circular shape. Break of slope top : sharp at NE, NW and SW; gradual at SE. SE side steep smooth; NE, NW and SW vertical smooth. Sharp to gradual break of slope at base. Circular flat base.

0.08 x 0.07 x 0.05

2779 Stakehole fill

2778 1 Soft mid orangish grey sandy silt. Moderate fine and medium pebbles. Oc-casionally charcoal flecks.

0.08 x 0.07 x 0.05

2780 Stakehole cut

2781 2781 2 Oval shape. Sharp at N and gradual at S break of slope top. Steep, almost vertical sides. Gradual break of slope at base. Circular concave base. Stone on the top on N side.

0.14 x 0.11 x 0.10

2781 Stakehole fill

2780 1 Soft mid orangish grey sandy silt. Moderate fine and medium pebbles. Oc-casionally charcoal flecks.

0.14 x 0.11 x 0.10

2782 Stakehole cut

2783 2783 2 Sub-circular shape. Sharp break of slope at top and at base. N and E sides steep concave; S and W steep and smooth. Circular slightly concave base. Top orientated to the NE.

0.10 x 0.10 x 0.08

2783 Stakehole fill

2782 1 Friable/crumbly when dry and combines when wet mid orangish grey/brown. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded fine and medium pebbles.

0.10 x 0.10 x 0.08

2784 Stakehole cut

2785 2785 2 Oval shape. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. N, W and E sides vertical smooth; S side steep smooth. Oval tapered rounded point base. Top orientated to the N from base.

0.12 x 0.08 x 0.07

2785 Stakehole fill


0.12 x 0.08 x 0.07

2786 Stakehole cut

2787 2787 2 Sub-circular shape. Sharp break of slope at top and at base. N, S, and E sides verti-cal smooth, W side steep smooth. Sub-circular flat sloping base. Top orientated to the NW from base.

0.15 x 0.15 x 0.07

2787 Stakehole fill


0.15 x 0.15 x 0.07


2789 1 2789 Firm mid greyish brown clayey silt (80%) with pebbles (20%). Occasionally small pieces of charcoal. Clear irregular boundary to next horizon.

0.70 x 0.63 x 0.30


246

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

2789 Pit cut (poss)

2788 2788 2 Irregular in shape. Sharp break of slope at top. NW and E sides steep irregular. SW side steep smooth. Break of slope base gradual at E and SW, sharp at NW. Sub-circular concave base. Top orien-tated to the SE from base.

0.70 x 0.63 x 0.30

2790 Furrow fill 1 2738 Stiff mid grey sandy silt. Moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded medium and coarse pebbles and small stones. Oc-casionally charcoal flecks.

0.60 x 0.60 x 0.10

2791 CAN-CELLED

2792 Pit fill 2794 2793 2794 Firm mid brownish grey sandy silt. Mod-erate medium angular and sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally sub-angular fine and coarse pebbles and sub-angular and sub-rounded small stones. Frequent flecks and moderate small pieces of charcoal Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

1.50 x 1.10 x 0.30

2793 Pit fill 2794 1 2792 Compact mid brown silty sand. Moder-ate angular and sub-angular fine and coarse pebbles. Occasionally angular to sub-rounded medium pebbles and angular and sub-angular small stones. Moderate charcoal flecks. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

1.60 x 1.10x 0.30

2794 Pit cut 2792, 2793 2792 2 Irregular in shape. Rounded corners. Sharp break of slope at top and gradual at base. All sides steep concave. Irregular flat or concave base.

2.90 x 1.50 x 0.30

2795 Pit fill 2730 2731 2730 Soft light brownish yellow clayey silt (50%) with angular and sub-angular small and medium stones (50%). Clear wavy boundary to next horizon.

4.40 x 0.70 x 0.40

2796 Pit cut 2797 2797 2 Irregular, nearing trapezium, shape. Sharp break of slope top and sharp to gradual at base. N side gentle irregular. SE gentle stepped; SW vertical smooth; E vertical irregular. W steep irregular. Oval concave base.

0.94 x 0.62 x 0.39

2797 Pit fill 2796 1 2796 Firm mid greenish brown sandy silt. Angular and sub-angular pebbles - moderate fine and occasionally medium and coarse. Occasionally small sub-angular, large sub-rounded and moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded medium stones. Occasionally charcoal flecks and small pieces.

0.94 x 0.62 x 0.39

2798 Stakehole fill

2799 1 2799 Compact mid greyish brown silty sand. Occasionally angular and sub-angular fine and medium and angular coarse pebbles. Occasionally small angular stones. Occasionally charcoal flecks and small pieces.

0.19 x 0.15 x 0.28

2799 Stakehole cut

2798 2798 2 Oval shape. Sharp break of slope at to and gradual at base. Vertical smooth sides. Circular concave base.

0.19 x 0.15 x 0.28

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

247


Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

2800 Pit cut 2801 2801 2 Oval shape. Sharp break of slope top. N and S sides steep smooth; E side vertical irregular; W side moderate smooth. Oval concave base.

0.24 x 0.15 x 0.08

2801 Pit fill 2800 1 2800 Soft mid yellowish brown sandy silt. Occasionally angular fine pebbles. Occasionally flecks and small pieces of charcoal and burnt bones. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.24 x 0.15 x 0.08

2802 Stakehole cut

2803 2803 2 Sub-circular in shape. W gradual, elsewhere sharp break of slope at top and gradual all at base. Vertical smooth sides. Oval tapered rounded point base.

0.10 x 0.09 x 0.14

2803 Stakehole fill

2802 1 2802 Firm light brown sandy silt. Occasionally charcoal flecks and fine angular pebbles.

0.10 x 0.09 x 0.14

2804 Stakehole cut

2805 2805 2 Sub-circular shape. Break of slope top: N and W gradual, E and S sharp. Steep to vertical smooths sides. Gradual break of slope at base. Sub-circular tapered rounded point base.

0.10 x 0.09 x 0.15

2805 Stakehole fill

2804 1 2804 Firm light brown sandy silt. Occasionally charcoal flecks and fine angular pebbles.

0.10 x 0.09 x 0.15

2806 Spread 1 2 Hard dark greyish brown clayey silt. Moderate coarse pebbles and occasion-ally small stones - angular and sub-angular. Frequent flecks and smal pieces, occasionally medium pieces of charcoal. Sharp boundary to next horizon.

0.77 x 0.73 x 0.04

2807 Pit cut 2811, 2816, 2809

2811 2 Oval shape. Gradual break of slope at top. S and W sides vertical undercut; N side vertical concave; E side steep smooth. Except gradual at N, all sharp break of slope at base. Sub-circular flat base.

0.63 x 0.56 x 0.29


2810, 2817 2810 2809 Sub-circular shape. Sharp break of slope at top and at base. N and S sides vertical undercut; E side steep to vertical slightly convex; W vertical undercut. Sub-circu-lar pointed base, sloping from W to E.

0.45 x 0.45 x 0.20

2809 Pit fill 2807 2808 2816 Soft light greyish brown sandy silt. Moderate angular to sub-rounded fines pebbles. Occasionally angular and sub-angular medium pebbles. Occasionally small angular stones Occasionally char-coal flecks and small pieces. Occasion-ally flecks and small pieces of burnt clay. Sharp wavy boundary to next horizon.

0.38 x 0.28 x 0.15


2808 2817 2808 Soft dark grey/black sandy silt with frequent charcoal (60%). Occasion-ally angular and sub-angular fine and medium pebbles. Occasionally small and medium angular stones. Occasionally flecks and small pieces of burnt clay and burnt bones. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.45 x 0.45 x 0.20


248

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

2811 Pit fill 2807 2816 2807 Firm mid greyish white sandy silt. Occasionally angular to sub-rounded fine and medium pebbles. Occasionally flecks and small pieces of charcoal. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.52 x 0.35 x 0.25


2606 2605 2606 Soft mid brown clayey silt. Occasionally heat affected angular to sub-angular peb-bles. Moderate flecks and occasionally small pieces of charcoal Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.49 x 0.26 x 0.18

2813 Pit fill 2814 1 2815 Weakly cemented light grey sand. Oc-casionally to moderate angular and sub-angular pebbles all sizes and small stones. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.55 x 0.51 x 0.10

2814 Pit cut 2813, 2815 2815 2 Sub-rectangular shape. Square at W and rounded elsewhere corners. Sharp break of slope at top. N side moderate smooth; S side steep smooth; E side steep concave; W side steep smooth. Break of slope base: imperceptible at N; gradual at E and sharp at S and W. Oval concave base.

0.55 x 0.51 x 0.18

2815 Pit fill 2814 2813 2814 Firm brownish grey sandy silt. Occasion-ally sub-rounded and sub-angular coarse pebbles. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.55 x 0.51 x 0.07

2816 Pit fill 2807 2809 2811 Soft mid greyish brown sandy silt. Occasionally angular and sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally flecks and small pieces of charcoal. Clear wavy boundary to next horizon.

0.40 x 0.38 x 0.10


2808 1 2810 Soft light greyish brown sandy silt. Mod-erate angular to sub-rounded fine and occasionally angular and sub-angular medium pebbles. Occasionally charcoal and burnt bones flecks and small pieces. Sharp wavy bpundary to next horizon.

0.38 x 0.30 x 0.05

2818 Pit cut (poss)

2819, 2820 2820 2 Irregular elongated shape. Corners square at S and E and rounded at N and W. N side steep smooth. E side steep concave; S side steep irregular; W side steep irregular. Sharp break of slope at base. Irregular base.

0.56 x 0.20 x 0.20


2818 1 2820 Firm heterogenious mix mid greenish brown silt. Moderate charcoal flecks. Diffuse irregular boundary to next horizon.

0.56 x 0.20 x 0.16


2818 2819 2818 Firm light yellowish brown sandy silt with pebbles. Diffuse irregular boundary to next horizon.

0.30 x 0.20 x 0.10

2821 Stakehole fill

2822 1 2822 Weakly cemented dark greyish brown silty sand. Occasionally sub-angular medium pebbles. Moderate flecks and occasionally small pieces of charcoal. Clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.11 x 0.10 x 0.13

2822 Stakehole cut

2821 2821 2 Sub-circular shape. Sharp break of slope at top and at base. Vertical smooth sides. Sub-circular flat base.

0.11 x 0.10 x 0.13

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

249


Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

2823 Posthole cut

2824, 2825, 2826, 2827

2824, 2827

2 Oval shape. Break of slope top sharp at N, S and E; gradual at W. W side steep, undercut; E side steep concave; N side vertical smooth; Sside steep smooth. All gradual break of slope at base. Sub-circular flat base.

0.60 x 0.52 x 0.32

2824 Posthole fill 2823 2825 2823 Compact mid yellowish brown clayey sand. Occasionally sub-rounded fine and medium and sub-angular coarse pebbles.

0.35 x 0.21 x 0.26

2825 Posthole fill 2823 2826 2824, 2827

Firm light yellowish brown sandy silt. Occasionally fine sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks.

0.26 x 0.25 x 0.20

2826 Posthole fill 2823 1 2825 Hard mixed mid brown and light brownish grey clayey silt. Occasionally fine sub-rounded pebbles.

0.40 x 0.26 x 0.18

2827 Posthole fill 2823 2825 2823 Compact mid yellowish brown clayey sand. Occasionally sub-angular fine and medium pebbles. Occasionally small sub-angular stones.

0.30 x 0.10 x 0.19

2828 Stkahole fill

2829 1 2829 Soft mid brown sandy silt. Occasionally charcoal flecks.

0.06 x 0.05 x 0.08

2829 Stakehole cut

2828 2828 2 Sub-circular plan. Sharp break of slope at top and agradual at base. Vertical smooth sides. Circular tapered rounded poinst base. Top orientated to the E from base.

0.06 x 0.05 x 0.08

2830 Stakehole fill

2831 1 2831 Soft dark brown sandy silt. Occasioanlly charcoal flecks.

0.05 x 0.05 x 0.05

2831 Stakehole cut

2830 2830 2 Circular in shape. Gradual break of slope at top. Vertical smooth sides. Break of slope base gradual at S; sharp elsewhere. Circualr flat base.

0.05 x 0.05 x 0.05

2832 Hearth (poss)

2833 2 Loose mid yellowish red silty sand. Occasionally fine angular; moderate medium angular and coarse angular to sub-angular pebbles.

0.42 x 0.30 x 0.03

2833 Spread 1 2832 Firm mid brownish black sandy silt. Occasionally fine and medium angular pebbles. Moderate flecks and occasional-ly small pieces of charcoal. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.60 x 0.16 x 0.02


2835 2835 2 Irregular shape. Break of slope top: imperceptible at N; sharp at S and E; gradual at W. N and W sides gentle ir-regular. S side moderate irregular. E isde steep to vertical irregular. Braek of slope at base: gradual at N, S and W; sharp at E. irregular concave base.

1.64 x 1.50 x 0.22

2835 Spread 2834 1 2834 Firm mid reddish brown silty clay. Frequent angular and sub-angular coarse pebbles and small to medium size stones. Moderate charcoal to medium pieces of charcoal Diffuse irregular boundary to next horizon.

1.64 x 1.50 x 0.22

2836 Hearth 1 2 Hard mid brownish red sandy clay. Occasionally fine rounded pebbles. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Diffuse smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.66 x 0.54 x 0.07


250

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

2837 Deposit 2838 1 2843 Soft mid to dark brownish grey stony silt. Occasionally small and medium pieces of charcoal Wavy boundary to next horizon.

0.400 x 0.37 x 0.15


2837, 2843, 2844

2844 2 Sub-circular shape. Sharp break of slope at otp and sharp (E, NE) to gradual (S, NE) at base. E side vertical undercut; S side steep irregular; NW side vertical undercut; NE side vertical stepped. Ir-regular base.

0.70 x 0.55 x 0.50


2841 2841 2 Sub-circular plan. Sharp break of slope at top and at base. NW and SE sides steep to vertical concave; NE side steep smooth; SW side steep irregular. Circular flat base.

0.45 x 0.40 x 0.23

2840 Post pipe cut (poss)

2842 2842 2841 Circular shape. Gradual break of slope top and sharp at base/ Steep smooth sides. Circular slightly poninted base. Top slightly orientated to the SW from base.

0.18 x 0.17 x 0.23

2841 Posthole fill (poss)

2839 2840 2839 Friable light yellowish brown sandy silt with frequent stones (70% of de-posit) - small and medium angular and sub-angular; occasionally sub-rounded. Moderate angular to sub-rounded peb-bles. Occasionally charcoal flecks and flecks to small pieces of burn clay. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.45 x 0.40 x 0.23

2842 Post pipe fill (poss)

2840 1 2840 Friable soft dark greyish brown sandy silt with very frequent charcoal -flecks to medium pieces (20%) and stones (30%) - small angular and sub-angular. Occasionally fine and medium angular and sub-angular pebbles. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.18 x 0.17 x 0.23

2843 Deposit 2838 2837 2844 Soft mid brown slighlty sandy silt. Oc-casionally medium and moderate coarse sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Occasionally small and medium sub-angular stones. Occasionally charcoal flecks. Clear wavy boundary to next horizon.

0.50 x 0.35 x 0.25

2844 Deposit 2838 2843 2838 Firm mid brownish grey sandy silt with frequent stones (20%). Occasionally small pieces of charcoal. Diffuse irregu-lar boundary to next horizon.

0.75 x 0.28 x 0.35

2845 CAN-CELLED

2846 CAN-CELLED

2847 Pit fill 2739 2790 2848 Soft brownish pink sandy silt. Oc-casionally fine and moderate medium sub-angular pebbles. Occasionally small pieces of charcoal clear smooth boundary to next horizon.

0.45 x 0.10 x 0.07

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

251


Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

2848 Pit fill 2739 2767 2849 Very soft mid yellowish brown silt with very frequent angular and sub-angular medium and coarse pebbles and small stones. Sharp smooth boundary to nexxt horizon.

4.00 x 3.80 x 0.38

2849 Pit fill 2739 2848 2739 Stiff mid brown silt. Occasionally angu-lar and sub-angular coarse pebbles and sub-rounded and rounded small stones. Sharp smooth boundary to next horizon.

4.60 x 1.06 x 0.38

2850 CAN-CELLED

2851 CAN-CELLED

2852-2999

NUM-BERS NOT USED


3001 1 3001 Mid pinkish brown silty compact sand. With sub-angular occ.. fine pebbles and charcoal flecks (mod.)

3001 Pit/post-hole cut (possible)

3000 3000 2 Oval shape in plan. Breaks of slope (top) - gradual (N)), sharp (S, E), impercepti-ble (W). Breaks of slope (base) - gradual (N, S, E), sharp (W)

0.22 x 0.19 x 0.15

3002 Posthole fill 3003 1 3003 Mid greyish brown silty sand (weekly cemented). With sub-angular and sub-rounded (mod.) fine and medium pebbles and charcoal (mod.) flecks.

0.24 x 0.22 x 0.08

3003 Posthole cut

3003 3002 2 Sub-circular shape in plan. Corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top and base) are sharp (N,S,E) and gradual (W). Sides are steep and concave (W) and (vertical and smooth (N,S, E). Shape of base in plan is sub-circular /irregular and in profile - irregular.

0.24 x 0.22 x 0.08

3004 Stone socket fill (possible)

3005 1 3005 Dark greyish brown silty soft clay + fine sub-angular and sub-rounded (mod.) pebbles with flecks (mod.); small (occ..)

0.32 x 0.30 x 0.09

3005 Stone socket cut (possible)

3004 3004 2 Circular . Rounded corners. Breaks of slope (top and base) gradual. Sides are moderate and concave (N,E) and steep and convex (W,S)

0.32 x 0.30 x 0.09

3006 Pit fill 3007 1 3007 Light yellowish brown sandy soft silt with fine sub-angular (occ..).

0.50 x 0.42 x 0.12

3007 Pit cut 3006 Sub-circular shape in plan with corners rounded . Breaks of slope (top and base) gradual. Sides are moderate and convex (N), steep and smooth (S,E,W). Shape of base in plan is sub circular in plan and flat in profile.

0.50 x 0.42 x 0.12


3009 1 3009 Dark greyish brown silty weakly cement-ed sand with fine and medium angular and sub-rounded (occ.).); coarse , angular (occ..). Charcoal flecks (occ..)

0.20 x 0.19 x 0.05


3008 3008 2 Circular. All rounded corners. Breaks of slope are all imperceptible (top and base). Sides are all gentle and concave. Shape of base is sub-circular and flat in profile.

0.20 x 0.19 x 0.05


252

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

3010 Hearth fill 3011 3015 3011 Dark greyish brown/black soft silty clay with fine to coarse angular and sub-angular (freq.) + charcoal flecks and small (mod.) and (freq.).

0.80 x 0.58 x 0.1

3011 Hearth cut 3010, 3015 3010 2 Oval shape in plan . Corners rounded . Breaks of slope top and base (impercepti-ble). Sides are gentle and concave. Shape of base in plan is oval and flat in profile.

0.80 x 0.58 x 0.1

3012 Hearth fill 3014 1 3014 Mid greyish brown sandy soft silt. with sub-angular small and medium (occ..) stones. Charcoal flecks - (mod.)+ burnt clay flecks (occ.) + burnt bone flecks, small (occ..)

1.45 x 0.65 x 0.08

3013 Furrow fill 3016 1 3034 Mid brownish grey sandy compact soft silt with fine pebbles, sub-angular (occ.).

7.90 x 0.88 x 0.07

3014 Hearth cut 3012 3012 2 Red scorched soil heat affected sub circu-lar in shape and flat in profile.

? X 0.65 x 0.08

3015 Hearth fill 3010 1 3010 Dark brown silty soft clay with angular and sub-angular (freq.) fin to coarse pebbles+charcoal flecks and small pieces (mod.) amount

2.40 x 0.10 x 0.10

3016 Linear fea-ture cut.

3013, 3030, 3033, 3037, 3038, 3039

3039 2 Linear shape in plan. Breaks of slope (top and base) - gradual (SE, NW). Sides are moderate and concave (SE) and moder-ate and concave (NW). Shape of base in plan - linear, and concave in profile.

17.58 x 0.88 x 0.24


3021 1 3018 Light yellowish brown sandy firm silt with sub-angular and sub-rounded freq. fine to coarse pebbles (freq.).

0.24 x 0.22 x 0.09


3021 3017 3019 Mid yellowish brown silty weakly cemented sand with coarse sub-angular (mod.) pebbles and small and medium sub-angular mod. stones.

0.75 x 0.65 x 0.24


3021 3018 3020 Dark brown sandy soft silt with fine sub-angular (occ..) pebbles, sub-angular and sub-rounded (occ..) small stones and sub-angular occ.. medium stones. + charcoal flecks (mod.).

1.00 x 0.65 x 0.3


3021 3019 3021 Mid greyish yellow sandy/pebbley firm silt with sub-rounded and sub-rounded (freq.) fine pebbles, sub-angular medium and coarse (mod.) pebbles. small sub-angular occ.stones . No charcoal.

0.33 x 0.65 x 0.13


3017, 3018, 3019, 3020

3020 2 Irregular shape in plan with all the corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) - Sharp; Breaks of slope (base) - sharp (N,S), gradual (E,W)

1.05 x 0.65 x 0.3

3022 Pit fill 3023 1 3023 Dark greyish brown soft clayey with sub-angular and sub-rounded fine (mod.), medium (occ..) pebbles + charcoal flecks (mod.) and small (occ..).

0.94 x 0.70 x 0.23

3023 Pit cut 3022 3022 2 Irregular shape in plan with all the corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) - sharp (W), imperceptible (N,E), gradual (S). Sides are : gentle and irregular ( N, E); moderate and irregular (S) steep and concave (W). Shape of base in plan and profile is irregular.

1.00 x 0.92 x 0.23

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

253


Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

3024 Pit fill 3025 1 3025 Dark greyish brown silty compact sand with angular and sub-angular (mod.) fine pebbles and medium (occ..) + stones small (occ..) angular and sub-angular + charcoal flecks (freq.) and small occ.. pieces.

1.80 x 1.20 x 0.17

3025 Pit cut 3024 3024 2 Oval shape in plan . Breaks of slope (top) are gradual (NE, SE) , imperceptible (SW, NW); Breaks of slope (base) - all imperceptible. Sides are gentle and con-cave (NE, NW, SW); gentle and convex/concave (SE).Shape of base in plan oval, and concave in profile.

1.80 x 1.20 x 0.17

3026 Stakehole fill

3027 3012 3027 Dark greyish black soft sandy silt. With inclusions of charcoal flecks (freq.) and occ.. small pebbles.

no dimensions

3027 Stakehole cut

3026 3026 2 Circular shape and rounded corners, Breaks of slope top and base - sharp. Sides are vertical. Shape of base in plan is circular and tapered rounded in profile

no dimensions

3028 Pit fill (small)

3029 1 3029 Dark brown silty compact sand with fine angular (mod.) and medium sub-angular (mod.).

0.23 x 0.19 x 0.09

3029 Pit cut (small)

3028 3028 2 Circular shape in plan with breaks of slope top and base - all gradual. All sides are moderate and concave. Shape of base in plan is circular and concave in profile.

0.23 x 0.19 x 0.09


3016 3033 3038 Dark and black clayey soft silt with sub-angular (occ.).medium stones. Charcoal rich fill.

2.34 x 0.42 x 0.11

3031 Linear curved fea-ture fill

3032 1 3032 Dark brownish/orangish grey sandy compact silt with fine and medium sub-angular and sub-rounded (occ..) pebbles. Stones are small, sub-angular (mod.) + charcoal flecks (occ..)

3.0 x 0.35 x 0.34

3032 Linear curved fea-ture cut

3031, 3059, 3061

3031, 3059, 3061

2 Linear shape in plan. All breaks of slope (top and base) - sharp. Sides are all steep/vertical and smooth. Shape of base in plan is linear with flat/concave in profile.

13.0 x 0.58 x 0.35


3016 3034 3030 Dark grey clayey soft silt with inclusions of charcoal flecks (occ..).

3.86 x 0.54 x 0.15

3034 Furrow 3013 3033 Linear with Breaks of slope (top) - gradual (SE, NW), (base) - imperceptible (SE, NW). Sides are gentle and concave (SE, NW). Shape of base in plan - linear and concave in profile.

7.90 x ? X 0.15

3035 Posthole fill 3036 1 3036 Mid yellowish brown sandy soft silt with charcoal flecks (mod.)

0.26 x 0.25 x 0.13

3036 Posthole 3035 3035 2, 3022 Circular shape in plan with breaks of slope (top and base) - gradual. Sides are steep and concave. Shape of base in plan is circular and in profile is concave.

0.26 x 0.25 x 0.13


3016 3038 3049 Mid yellowish grey silty firm clay with inclusions of sub0angular pebbles and sub- rounded occ.. pebbles with sub-angular and sub-rounded (mod.) small stones. + medium (sub-angular occ..) stones with charcoal flecks (occ..).

17.58 x 0.47 x 0.19


254

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

3038 Linear feature fill (burnt)

3016 3030 3037 Mid reddish brown silty soft clay with small sub-angular (occ..) with charcoal occ.. flecks.

0.78 x 0.22 x 0.11


3016 3037 3016 Light grey silt weakly cemented clay with fine and medium sub-angular and sub-rounded (occ..) pebbles + burnt clay (flecks ) mod.

1.24 x 0.16 x 0.24

3040 Pit fill 3041 1 3041 Dark greyish brown clayey soft silt. with sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles (mostly occ..) and stones (small-freq.), medium (mod.), large (occ.) and flecks of charcoal (occ..)

2.56 x 1.62 x 0.27

3041 Pit cut 3040 3040 2 Sub-oval shape in plan with all rounded corners. Breaks of slope top and base are imperceptible (N, E) and gradual (S, W). Sides are gentle and concave (N) moderate and concave (S, W), and gentle and convex (E). Shape of base in plan is irregular and in profile (irregular ,convex and sometimes concave).

2.56 x 1.62 x 0.27

3042 Deposit of hearth’s base

1 2 Mid pinkish red sandy firm silt with flecks of mod. charcoal.

0.41 x 0.33 x 0.02






3048 1 3048 Dark greyish brown silty compact sand with sub-angular and sub-rounded freq. and moderate amount all sizes of pebbles and stones. Charcoal flecks (occ..) and burnt bones (flecks - occ..)

4.40 x 1.10 x 0.35

3048 Linear fea-ture cut.

3047 3047 2 Linear. Breaks of slope top and base is imperceptible (E,W), gradual (N,S). Shape of base is irregular in plan and in profile s irregular.

4.40 x 1.10 x 0.35

3049 Posthole fill 3050 1 3050 Dark brown silty sand weakly cemented with sub-angular and rounded occ.. me-dium pebbles and charcoal flecks (mod.) and small occ.. pieces.

0.17 x 0.13 x 0.04

3050 Posthole cut

3049 3049 2 Oval shape in plan with corners rounded. Breaks of slope top and base is gradual. Sides are moderate and concave (N,W), steep and smooth (S) , moderate and concave (E). Shape of base in plan is oval and concave in profile.

0.17 x 0.13 x 0.04

3051 Stakehole fill

3052 1 3052 Light brown sandy soft silt (no inclusions).

0.05 x 0.05 x 0.08

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

255


Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

3052 Stakehole cut

3051 3051 2 Circular. Breaks of slope (top) -sharp, (base) - gradual. Sides are vertical. Shape of base in plan circular and in profile concave.

0.05 x 0.05 x 0.08

3053 Stakehole fill

3054 1 3054 Light brown sandy soft silt (no inclusions).

0.07 x 0.06 x 0.1

3054 Stakehole cut

3053 3053 2 Oval shape in plan. Sharp breaks of slope (top)), and gradual at base. Shape of base in profile is concave. Sides are vertical.

0.07 x 0.06 x 0.1

3055 Pit (shal-low), fill

1 3056 Mid brownish brown silty firm clay. Medium and coarse pebbles (sub-angular, mod.) and coarse. Sub-circular stones: small (mod.) and medium (occ..) + charcoal flecks, small (freq.) , medium (mod.), large (occ..).

1.16 x 0.80 x 0.15

3056 Pit (shal-low), cut

3055 2 Sub-circular/oval. Corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top and base) - gradual. Sides are gentle smooth (N, W); gentle /steep and convex (S); moderate and convex (E). Shape of base in plan is sub-circular and concave in profile.

1.16 x 0.80 x 0.15

3057 Enclosure ditch cut

3058 2058 2, 3037 Linear. Corners rounded. (E,W). Breaks of slope (top and base) - gradual (E,W). Shape of base in plan is oval and flat / concave in profile.

~12.00 x 1.1 x 0.26

3058 Enclosure ditch fill

3057 1 3057 Mid pinkish brown silty firm clay and small sub-angular (occ..) stones with charcoal flecks (occ..).

~12.00 x 1.1 x 0.26


3032 1 3032 Dark greyish brown silty soft clay. Peb-bles fine sub-angular and sub-rounded (occ..) and medium sub-angular and sub-rounded (occ..). + charcoal flecks (occ..)

3.0 x 0.30 x 0.20


3016 1 3016 Mid yellowish/brownish brown silty firm clay with medium sub-angular (mod.), sub-angular coarse (mod.). Small and medium stones (sub-angular, mod.) + charcoal flecks, small + medium (mod.).

1.86 x 0.63 x 0.17


3032 1 3032 Dark greyish brown clayey very soft silt. with inclusions of sub-angular and sub-rounded mod (fine) and occ.. (medium) pebbles and sub-angular (occ.) small stones + charcoal flecks (occ..)

7.0 x 0.38 x 0.20

3062 Stakehole cut

3063 3063 2 circular shape with rounded corners . Breaks of slope (top) sharp; (base) gradual. Sides are vertical. Shape of base in plan circular and tapered rounded point.

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.25

3063 Stakehole fill

3062 1 3062 Light yellowish brown sandy very soft silt with inclusions of pebbles (medium, sub-angular)

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.25

3064 Stony fill 3016 3039 3016 Stone fill lying in the bottom of the eastern end of section Gradual of linear feature 3016

2.09 x 0.29 x 0.16


3016 3034 3033 Yellowish mottled orangish grey clayey soft silt with inclusions of sub-angular (occ..) fine pebbles. Small and medium sub-angular occ.. stones. No charcoal

1.54 x 0.44 x 0.12


256

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

3066 Hearth fill 3068 1 3067 Dark greyish black soft silt with inclu-sions of fine sub-angular and sub-round-ed (occ..) pebbles and charcoal flecks (freq.) and small (freq.).

0.33 x 0.30 x 0.03

3067 Hearth fill 3068 3066 3068 Mid greyish brown firm silt with inclu-sions of fine (occ..), medium (mod.) coarse (occ..) sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles and small, medium (freq.) angular and sub-angular stones. No charcoal.

0.91 x 0.90 x 0.10

3068 Hearth cut 3066, 3067 3067 2 Sub-circular shape in plan with rounded corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) - all gradual; (base) - all imperceptible. Sides are all gentle and concave. Sub-circular shape in plan and flat in profile.

0.91 x 0.90 x 0.10

3069 Pit fill 1 3080; 3071;

Dark greyish brown silty weakly ce-mented sand. Pebbles: fine and medium sub-angular (occ..); Stones (small, sub-angular occ..). + charcoal flecks (freq.), small (freq.), medium (freq.), large (occ..). + bones flecks (freq.), small (mod.), medium (mod.).

0.46 x 0.26 x 0.06

3070 Pit cut 3069, 3071, 3080

3071 2 Oval shape in plan with rounded corners. Breaks of slope top sharp (S,W) and gradual (N,E); (base) - sharp. Sides are steep and concave (N, S,E), vertical and concave (W). Shape of base in plan is circular and flat in profile.

0.62 x 0.54 x 0.31

3071 Pit fill 3070 3080; 3069

3070 Light greyish white silty firm clay with inclusions of fin and medium pebbles (occ..), sub-angular and sub-rounded; small (occ..) sub-angular stones with charcoal (flecks- occ..).

0.62 x 0.54 x 0.22

3072 Pit small cut

3073, 3074 3073; 3074

2 Irregular shape in plan with all the corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) - gradual, (base) - imperceptible. Sides are gentle and smooth (N,E,W,S), vertical and smooth (SW). Shape of base in plan is irregular and flat in profile.

0.55 x 0.38 x 0.10

3073 Pit small fill

3072 1 3072 Light grey sandy very soft silt with medium pebbles: sub-angular and sub-rounded (mod.)

0.55 x 0.38 x 0.05

3074 Pit small fill

3072 3073 3072 Light whitish grey sandy very soft silt. with inclusions of fine sub-angular (occ..) pebbles.

0.55 x 0.38 x 0.05

3075 Pit large fill 3076 1 3076 Mid grey clayey soft silt with inclusions of pebbles (fine, mod.), (medium occ..) sub-angular and sub-rounded.+ small sub-angular (occ..) stones.

0.74 x 0.63 x 0.29

3076 Pit large cut 3075 3075 2 Sub-circular with corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) sharp (only W is gradual); Breaks of slope (base) - all gradual. Sides are steep and concave (W); vertical and smooth (N,S,E); Shape of base in plan is oval and concave in profile.

0.74 x 0.63 x 0.29

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Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)


3078, 3079 3078 2 Sub-circular in plan. Rounded corners. Breaks of slope (top) - imperceptible (N, W) ; gradual (S, W).. Breaks of slope (base) - all imperceptible. Sides are gentle and smooth (N, E), vertical and smooth (S, W). Shape of base in plan is irregular and flat in profile.

0.80 x 0.55 x 0.15


3077 3079 3077 Light pinkish grey sandy very soft silt with inclusions of pebbles fine (mod.) - sub-angular and sub-rounded, medium (occ.) - sub-angular, coarse (occ.) - sub-angular. No charcoal.

0.80 x 0.55 x 0.05


3077 1 3078 Mid greyish brown sandy very soft silt. Inclusions of medium (mod.) sub-round-ed pebbles. Charcoal flecks and small pieces (mod.)

0.80 x 0.55 x 0.10

3080 Layer 3070 3060 3071 Dark brownish brown firm silty clay. Charcoal flecks (mod.) and small (occ.) + bones (flecks) occ..

0.24 x 0.20 x 0.02

3081 Pit fill 3082 1 3082 Light white/grey firm silt. Pebbles (all sizes of sub-angular and sub-rounded occasional). No other inclusions.

0.43 x 0.33 x 0.19

3082 Pit cut 3081 3081 2 Oval shape in plan. Corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) - sharp (N, S, W), gradual (E). Breaks of slope (base) - all gradual. Sides are Steep and smooth (E); vertical and smooth (W, N, S). Shape of base in plan is oval and concave in profile.

0.43 x 0.33 x 0.19

3083 Posthole cut

3084 3085 2 Circular shape in plan. Rounded corners. Breaks of slope (top and base) - all sharp. Sides are vertical and smooth. Shape of base in plan is circular and flat in profile.

0.40 x 0.40 x 0.19

3084 Posthole fill (packing stones)

3083 3085 3083 Stones ( 2 small flat angular ); medium sub-angular stones.

0.40 x 0.40 x 0.19

3085 Posthole fill 3083 1 3084; 3083

Light brownish grey sandy very soft silt. Inclusions of fine and medium (mod.) pebbles - sub-angular and sub-rounded + occasional sub-angular small and medium sub-angular stones.

0.40 x 0.40 x 0.19


3087 1 3087 Light grey sandy firm silt with fine sub-angular and sub-rounded (occ.) pebbles and medium sub-angular (occ.) pebbles + sub-angular and sub-rounded (freq.) medium stones.

0.26 x 0.26 x 0.17

3087 Posthole cut

3086 3086 2 Circular shape in plan with corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) - all sharp, (base) - all gradual. Sides are vertical and smooth (N,E, W) and steep and smooth (S).

0.26 x 0.26 x 0.17

3088 Pit cut (possible, small, oval).

3089 3089 2 Oval shape in plan with all corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top and base) - sharp. Only near the base (NW side is gradual). Shape of base in plan is oval and flat in profile. Sides are vertical and smooth.

0.55 x 0.23 x 0.20


258

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

3089 Pit fill (pos-sible, small, oval)

3088 1 3088 Light brownish grey sandy very soft silt. Pebbles fine (sub-angular, mod.) and medium (sub-angular, mod.) + stones medium (sub-angular, occ.) + charcoal (small, occ.)

0.55 x 0.23 x 0.20


3092 3091 3092, 2 Mid greyish (mix of colours white, grey, black) silty firm clay with coarse sub-angular mod. pebbles and sub-angular small and medium mod. stones + char-coal flecks, small (mod.) and medium and large (occ.) Charcoal pieces.

0.90 x 0.75 x 0.13


3092 1 3090 Mid greyish grey/black silty soft clay with sub-angular occ. coarse pebbles and small and medium sub-angular mod. stones + charcoal flecks, small, medium (freq.) and large (mod.) charcoal pieces.

0.90 x 0.75 x 0.13


3090, 3091 3090 2 Irregular shape in plan with corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top) - sharp (S,W) and gradual (N,E); Breaks of slope (base) - sharp (S), gradual (E, NW). Sides are steep and concave (NW); mod-erate and concave (E), steep and irregular (S). Shape of base in plan is irregular and flat in profile.

0.90 x 0.75 x 0.13


3094 3093 2 Sub-circular shape in plan with corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top and base) - sharp. Sides are steep/vertical and irregular (W, S)

0.50 x 0.48 x 0.64


3094 3093 2 Sub-circular shape in plan with corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top and base) - sharp. Sides are steep/vertical and irregular (W, S)

0.50 x 0.48 x 0.65

3095 Pit fill 3096 1 3096 Dark greyish brown silty weakly cemented sand with medium and coarse sub-angular (occ.) and small stones (occ.) angular, sub-angular + charcoal flecks (mod.), small (mod.); medium (occ.).

0.34 x 0.29 x 0.07

3096 Pit cut 3095 3095 2 Sub-rectangular with corners rounded. Breaks of slope top (gradual), (base) - im-perceptible (N, E), gradual (S, W). Sides are gentle and concave (N,E); moderate and concave (S, W). Shape of base in plan is circular and concave in profile.

0.34 x 0.29 x 0.07

3097 Stakehole fill

3098 1 3098 Mid greyish brown silty compact sand with inclusions of sub-angular occ. fine pebbles.

0.1 x 0.1 x 0.07

3098 Stakehole cut

3097 3097 2 Circular shape with corners rounded. All sharp breaks of slope at top and base of feature. Sides are steep and concave. Shape of base in plan is circular and concave in profile.

0.1 x 0.1 x 0.07

309931003101 Pit oval fill 3102 1 3102 Mid brownish white /grey silty compact

sand with moderate fine, medium, coarse (sub-angular and sub-rounded) and sub-angular occ. small stones + flecks (occ.)

0.52 x 0.32 x 0.18

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Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

3102 Pit oval cut 3101 3101 2 Sub-oval shape in plan. Corners rounded. Breaks of slope top and base - gradual. Sides are steep and irregular. Shape of base in plan and profile is irregular.

0.52 x 0.32 x 0.18


3104 1 3104 Mid brownish brown silty firm clay with coarse sub-angular (mod.) and medium sub-angular (freq.) and sub-angular (occ.) large stones. No other inclusions.

0.47 x 0.45 x 0.42


3103 3103 2 Circular shape of cut is circular. Corners rounded. Breaks of slope (top and base) sharp. Sides are vertical and smooth (N, S, W), steep and smooth-to-concave (E). Shape of base in plan is circular. And tapered pointed in profile.

0.47 x 0.45 x 0.42

3105 Stakehole cut

3107 3107 2 Circular shape with rounded corners. Breaks of slope top (sharp) and gradual at base.

0.06 x 0.06 x 0.13

3106 Stakehole cut

3108 3108 2 Circular with corners rounded with breaks of slope (top) sharp. Sides are ver-tical and smooth. Shape of base in plan - circular and tapered rounded point.

0.05 x 0.06 x 0.11

3107 Stakehole fill

3105 1 3105 Light greyish brown sandy very soft silt. Inclusions of pebbles: fine, sub-rounded (occ.)

0.06 x 0.06 x 0.13

3108 Stakehole fill

3106 1 3106 Light greyish brown sandy, very soft silt with charcoal flecks and pebbles (fine - sub-rounded).

0.05 x 0.06 x 0.11


3110 3110 2 Irregular shape in plan. Rounded corners. Breaks of slope (top and base) - sharp. Sides are steep/vertical and ir-regular/undercut (SE); steep/vertical and irregular (NW).

0.72 x 0.54 x 0.72


3109 1 3109 Mid yellowish grey sandy firm clay with inclusions of fine sub-angular (occ.) pebbles and small sub-angular (mod.) stones and sub-angular (occ.) medium stones. No charcoal.

0.72 x 0.54 x 0.72

3111 Stakehole cut

3112 3112 2 Circular shape in plan. Rounded corners. Breaks of slope (top and base) mostly sharp. Sides are vertical and smooth. Shape of base in plan is sub-circular and tapered rounded point in profile.

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.07

3112 Stakehole fill

3111 1 3111 Light greyish brown sandy very soft silt. Pebbles (fine sub-rounded, mod.) and medium, sub-rounded (mod. pebbles). No charcoal detected.

0.07 x 0.07 x 0.07

3113 Pit fill 3117 1 3114 Mid brown silty compact sand with an-gular moderate fine, medium and coarse pebbles and small angular occ. stones with charcoal occ. flecks.

2.90 x 1.40 x 0.15

3114 Pit fill 3117 3113 3115 Dark greyish black silty compact sand. Inclusions of fine angular and sub-angu-lar (occ.) pebbles and sub-angular (occ.) medium pebbles and small sub-angular (occ.) stones. Charcoal flecks, small and medium freq. pieces.

0.90 x 0.65 x 0.07


260

Context #

Context type

Fill of

Filled with

Strat above

Strat below

Short D

escription

Dim

ensions (m

)

3115 Pit fill 3117 3114 3116; 3123

Yellow/brown + grey compact sand. Inclusions of fine angular (freq.) and medium angular freq. pebbles + small sub-angular (mod.) stones + charcoal mod. flecks and small occ. pieces of charcoal.

1.10 x 0.80 x 0.15

3116 Pit fill 3117 3115 3117 Mid brownish grey sandy soft silt with fine angular (occ.) pebbles, medium sub-angular (mod.) pebbles and sub-angular and sub- rounded (mod.) coarse pebbles + charcoal (occ.) flecks.

1.60 x 0.25 x 0.34

3117 Pit square cut

3113, 3114, 3115, 3116, 3123.

3116; 3123

2 Irregular/square. Corners sharp. Breaks of slope (top) - sharp, (base) - gradual , only NW is imperceptible. Sides are steep and smooth (SE, SW); steep and concave (NE), gentle and smooth (NW). Shape of base in plan is irregular /square and flat in profile.

2.90 x 1.40 x 0.34

3118 Ditch cut 3119; 3120 3119 2 Linear shape in plan. Breaks of slope (top) - gradual (E, W, SW). Breaks of slope (base) - imperceptible (E,W,SW). Sides are gentle concave (E, W, SW). Shape of base in plan is sub-rectangular and concave in profile.

18.00 x 1.22 x 0.38

3119 Ditch fill 3118 3120 3118 Light orangish grey silty firm clay + medium sub-angular (occ.) pebbles and small angular (occ.) stones. No charcoal.

18.00 x 1.22 x 0.38

3120 Ditch fill 3118 1 3119 Mid yellowish brown silty firm clay with medium angular and sub-angular (occ.) pebbles + small angular (occ.) and medium sub-angular (mod.) stones.

18.00 x 0. 70 x 0.19

3121 Stakehole cut

3122 3122 2 Oval shape in plan. Sharp breaks of slope (top) and imperceptible at the base. Sides are vertical and smooth. Shape of base in plan and profile oval and concave.

0.10 x 0.07 x 0.08

3122 Stakehole fill

1 3121 Dark brown silty firm clay with very rare amount of sub-angular pebbles + few charcoal flecks

0.10 x 0.07 x 0.08

3123 Pit fill 3117 3115 3117 Dark black soft silt with charcoal flecks to large pieces (freq.), one large piece of a burnt wood

0.74 x 0.54 x 0.02

3124 Ditch cut 3125; 3126 3125; 3126

10 x 1 x 0.3

3125 Ditch fill 3124 1 3124 Light grey sandy firm silt with sub-angular and sub-rounded fine pebbles to medium stones.(mod.). Charcoal flecks and small pieces (occ.)

? X 1.0 x 0.16

3126 Ditch fill 3124 1 3124 Grey soft silt with sub-angular and sub-rounded (occ.) pebbles and small and medium stones (occ.) sub-angular and sub-rounded.

? 1.07 x 0.14

3127 Ditch cut 3128 Ditch fill

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Appendix 2 Stratigraphic Matrix


262

Appendix 3 Groups and subgroups

IntroductionThe group and subgroups text was undertaken by the site supervisors Sebastian Lugowski and Magda Miciak, under the direction of the site directors Nickolas Bower and Linda Hegarty, during the initial process of post-excavation works. Some of the information, in particular structure numbers, and interpretation is at variance with the final presentation and interpretation outlined in the excavation report. Many of the find numbers referred to in this text are the site find numbers which were changed during the post-excavation process. The photo numbers and the figure numbers match the digital and paper record. The groups and subgroups text has not been altered as it is an important record in its own right compiled by the site supervisors under the direction of the site directors.

The terminology Area 1, Area 2 and Area 3 is used extensively in the site archive. Area 1 comprised the Early Neolithic house Structure 1 and the area to the south of the structure. Area 2 was located in the eastern portion of the site. Area 3 was located in the northern portion of the site. Area 1 was excavated by Nicholas Bower and Area 2 and 3 by Linda Hegarty.

Subsoils:Contexts: 2, 3, 548, 550, 562 and 660.A number of subsoils were encountered during excavation, with context 3 a glacial till, a hard orange clay, with angular pebble and stone inclusions being the most common. Above this deposit context 2, a soft, fine eroded orange silt was present, with a maximum depth of 0.25 m. The silt was often present as the upper fills of features, as it easily washes downslope after rainfall.

Other glacially derived fills include a pinkish-white indurated gravel context 976, which contained large charcoal pieces and sometimes unworked flints, this material was present in irregular pockets scattered throughout the site.

Topsoil:The topsoil was a dark brown silty-sand, with moderate pebble, a frequent sub-angu-

lar and sub-rounded stone and occasional charcoal inclusions, varying in depth from 0.15 m to 0.30 m..

Infilled River:An infilled stream was located during excavation in grids 10 and 38. Samples were taken from the primary fill context 387 and from the uppermost fill context 408. The river was located 5 m to the southwest of Structure # 4 (Group 3), possible providing a water source approximately 100 m closer than the extent stream to the southwest.

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Group No Description Structure No.1 Neolithic House 72 Pits with carinated bowl pottery3 Structure with central hearth 44 Structure possible Beaker 35 Structure 56 Structure-post constructed 27 Circular posthole group 18 Structure possible post/henge 69 Pit group 10 Trough and associated features11 Kiln12 Hearth and firespots13 Group pits, postholes and anomalous features14 Curvilinear ditch and drainage system15 Medieval building and corn-drying kiln 816 Later field systems and modern deposits17 Pit and ditches with heat shattered stone18 Corn-drying kiln and associated features19 Postholes in grids177 and 13320 Postholes and pits in Grid 16221 Ditches and associated features22 Stone extraction pits23 Isolated hearths24 Isolated features in Area 225 Pits (one pit contained burnt bone)26 Modern ditches27 Ditches28 Possible structure29 Kiln and postholes30 Features in grids 299-30231 Isolated features32 Linear feature33 Linear feature and associated features

Group 1

Early Neolithic House: Cut 410. Remains of the Neolithic house are located in NW part of the site, on the slope down

the hill, in grids: 36B, 39B, 40A-D and 41A.

House construction

The house is represented by a sub-rectangular shape slot trench cut 410, two stout postholes within the house and a number of postholes within slot trench and around it. It is orientated NE – SW and measured ca. 9.2 m in length by 7.1 m in width. The entrance is probably on the NE wall, between two large entrance pits/postholes: cuts 946 and 1052.


264

Slot trench.

Cut: 410 Fills: 411, 838, 846, 890, 891, 920, 936, 953, 968, 969, 1004Grid: 36B, 39B, 40A-D, 41ADrawings: 134 (pre-ex plan); 264-275, 277, 279-291, 295, 301 (sections); 133, 203,

389, 390 (post-ex plans)Photos: Folders: 21-25 (not all photos), 27, 28, 30, 31, 33, 35, 36, 38Finds: 55, 307-309, 317, 328, 338, 343, 347-350, 352-360, 363, 364, 366, 368, 370, 372,

373, 375 (pottery sherds and pieces), 329, 341 (flints); 340 (crystal fragment)Description:Slot trench has an almost rectangular shape. Walls of house are linear, almost parallel,

with rounded corners. Length of the slot trench in longer walls is 9.2 m in SE wall to 9.3 m in NW wall and 7.1 m in shorter SW wall. Width of the slot trench is ranging from 0.5 to o.85 m, and depth from 0.25 to 0.6 m. Break of slope at top is generally sharp, oc-casionally gradual. Sides are very steep, relatively vertical and in all walls more steep on inner and gentle on outer sides, mostly concave and smooth. Break of slopes at base are gradual to sharp. Base is linear in shape and generally flat in profile. Partially the bedrock is occurring on the base of cut.

Stones – cont. 846 – are reinforcing the sides of slot trench and posts put into it. Gen-erally there is a one row of large sub-rounded stones on the base; large flat slabs-like stones setting uprights near the inner in SE and outer in NW walls (sides down the slope) and smaller also flat stones upright on the opposite sides. In some parts of slot trench, stones from bedrock have been used. Stones are also packed around possible posts within slot trench (in some cases posts are indicating mainly by arrangement of stones).

Mainly two fills occur in almost whole cut – cont. 411 and cont. 838, although in some parts there is a different cont. no issued for them.

It seems that the primary fill is cont. 838 (the same as cont. 889, 951, 1009 and 1036), located mostly on the upslope sides, which is yellow sandy silt, occasionally with charcoal and burnt clay flecks. It contains only one pottery sherd (find no. 357).

The main fill on the slot trench is cont. 411 (the same as cont. 890, 936 and 956) and it relate to occupation or destruction phase of the house. It is very mixed brown silt with frequent lumps of burnt clay and charcoal (from flecks to medium size pieces). This fill contains the great amount of finds – mostly pottery, but in some parts also crystal frag-ments, burnt bones and nut shells.

Different fills occurring in some parts of slot trench are probably also related to oc-cupation or destruction phase of house. Among them there is a fill 920 (the same as 953), which seems to be the main fill in NW wall of house (sect. XV to XIX). This context is similar to 411 in texture and composition, but contains much less burnt clay and charcoal pieces. It is also poor in finds (only one pottery rim – find no. 352). In further part of slot trench (to the NE - sect. XX) terminal had been located. Main fill there is a cont. 1004, lighter and more homogenous than 920.

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Fill 891, occurring also in NW wall of house, on the top of 920 is mainly a burnt clay being thus an evidence of some burning in situ (destruction phase?).

Discussion:SW wall of house had been truncated and disturbed by later activity in this area:Field boundary cut 265 cut through the SE part of this wall (near S corner; in sect.

VI). It made this part of house more narrow and shallow in compare with the rest of slot trench.

Pit cut 1039 truncated the NW part of this wall (sect. X – XI). In this part the slot trench is wider; there is much less stones and they do not make visible packing such as cont. 846. Fills in pit (cont. 942 and 948) are very mixed and contain the same inclusions as main fill of slot trench (in this part it is cont. 890).

Cont. 411 is probably related to occupation or destruction phase of house, and cont 838 it is a material that had been washed down into slot trench after the packing stones cont. 846 but before the deposition of cont. 411

Cont. 411 is very similar to fills in postholes within the slot trench, what can suggest that they had been deposited at the same time.

Postholes within the slot trenchCuts: 1046 (Fills: 897, 1047), 1030 (Fills: 1013, 1008, 1031, 1035, 1032, 1036), 991

(Fills: 990, 1019), 1010 (Fills: 1006, 1020), 972 (963, 964, 965, 966, 1005), 1056 (Fills: 1057, 1058), 899 (Fills: 888, 997), 995 (Fills: 950), 1044 (Fills: 968, 1053), 1002 (Fills: 1003, 1040, 1007)

Drawings: 133, 390, 389, 203 (Post-ex plans)Photos: F.33/31, 41, 48, 56 F.35/17, 29, 43 (cut 1046); F.33/33, 34; F.35/38, 48 57 F.36/10,

16, 26, 54 (cut 1030); F.33/49, 57, 58; F.35/13, 22, 47; F.36/7, 20 (cut 991); F.35/47 F. 36: 7, 33 (cut 1010); F.31/11, 40, 42 F.33/5, 6,8, 9, 20, 30, 40 (cut 972); F.27/46, 52, 55, 57 F.28/1 F.33/11, 12, 50 (cut 1056 & 899); F.35/6, 53 F.36/9, 21, 22, 29, 44, 45 (cut 995); F.31/48, 55, 56 F.33/15, 21, 23, 24, 28 F.38/11 (cut 1044); F.33/32, 36 F.35/18, 19, 30, 39 F.36/3, 5, 6 (cut 1002).

Description:There is a series of postholes within slot trench 410: two postholes in S and W corners

(cuts 991 and 995) and two postholes in walls SE, SW and NW each. There are mostly circular shaped with diameter ranging from 0.45 to 1 m (mostly ca.

0.65 – 0.75 m) and depth ranging from 0.30 to 0.55 m (mostly ca. 0.45 – 0.50 m). All of them are stone packed – generally there are flat stones put up straight on the sides (espe-cially at these one downhill and on the corners) and smaller stones around the rest of sides and on the base.

Postholes are filled mainly with one fill, which in every case is very similar to sur-rounding fills in slot trench. That can suggest they were contemporary.

Two of the postholes – in SW wall – are supported by smaller post placed just outside the slot trench – posthole cut 991 by 1010 and posthole cut 1056 by 899. Between them very close to outer side of wall are postholes cut 980 (connected with slot trench) and cut


266

947 (ca. 0.1 m from slot trench – in its truncated part; originally may have been con-nected). They were probably also supporting posts for the wall.

Internal postholes

Cuts: 886 (Fills: 883, 884, 885); 892 (Fills: 893, 894, 896, 900, 901)Drawings: 134, 255/47, 203, 389 (cut 886); 134, 256/52, 390 (cut 892)Photos: F.25/15-17 F.27/6-8, 18, 21-24 F.31/2, 3, 19, 20, 45, 53 F.33/10-12 (cut 886);

F.27/16, 17, 31, 32, 41, 42, 47-50 F.28/8, 9, 16, 17, 20, 24-26, 28 (cut 892)Description:Two large substantial postholes are appeared within building – ca in the middle in

its length: cut 886 in SE part (0.4 m from slot trench) and cut 892 in NW part (0.38 m from slot trench).

They both are rectangular shaped, orientated NW - SE and measured 1.15 m (cut 892) and 1.6 m (cut 886) in length by 0.65 - 0.7 m in width and up to 0.7 m in depth. They contain substantial packing stones, which are composed of two kinds of stones: large flat slab-likes stones set upright along NW and SE sides of cuts and small angular stones ran-domly spread through whole cut.

Posthole cut 886 is filled by two deposits: 883 and 884. 884 is orange sandy silt, oc-casionally with charcoal pieces and burnt clay flecks, without any finds and probably is a construction deposit – soil packing around the post. Instead cont. 883 is brown silt with frequent charcoal and burnt clay lumps, containing some pottery sherds, and is probably related to occupation phase of the building (similar to cont. 411).

Posthole cut 892 is filled mainly by deposit 901, similar to cont. 883, except charcoal, burnt clay and pottery, containing also burnt bones. Besides cont. 901 there are three de-posits on the top in SE part of cut posthole. They are probably related to latest disturbance (topsoil dislocated during striping and soil washed down the hill after the sit was open).

On the base of one of posthole cut 892 foot print/post pipe have been revealed. It gives an accurate estimation of the diameter of the post – ca. 0.27 m.

Discussion:The oval shape of foot print cut 1000 is probably caused by slippage during the initial

placement of the post, due to gravitational pressures caused by a sloping location (sloping down from SE to NW).

On the SE side of posthole cut 886 there is a 45o sloping cut downwards from SE to NW, what can suggest the post was slide in lying down, then pulled upright or that a repair post may have been slide into place behind the original post, before removing the original damaged/rotten one. That could also explain bigger length of this cut in compare with posthole cut 892.

The burnt clay and charcoal in fills of postholes may suggest that the building has been burnt down, though there is no evidence of burning in situ in the posthole cuts.

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External postholes

External postholes are making a line around the SE, SW and NW sides of slot trench. Beyond this line of postholes, there are three others postholes arranged in a short line parallel to SW wall of house, located near W corner of building. There is also one large posthole outside NE wall, in the middle of its length in quite big distance from slot trench (in compare with rest of postholes), but ‘right’ place: cut 854.

Posthole cut 854

Cut: 854 Fills: 833, 855Drawings: 250-253/49, 389Photos: F.22/36, 41, 49 F.23/31-32 F.25/11-12 F.27/4, 5, 9-11Description: Posthole cut 854 it is a large sub-rectangular cut orientated NW – SE, located ca. 1.8

m from the middle part of NE wall of the house (where possibly entrance is). Distance from the corners postholes cuts 822 and 472 is 3.5 m and 3.8 m Bedrock appears on the base of cut. Posthole measures 1.15 m by 0.65 m and is deep up to 0.60 m, what makes it very similar to internal postholes cuts 886 and 892. Also the same as them, it contains a substantial stone packing (cont. 855) composed of large slabs-like stones set vertical around the sides of cut. One of the stone is placed flat/horizontal in SE side of cut. The space between the stones is filled with greyish brown silt with charcoal (cont. 833).

Discussion:Rectangular shape of this feature and most of all arrangement of stones and their

largeness, can suggest also different function of this pit. Vertically set of stones around the sides and two flat stones, which seem to cap the structure, indicate that this could be a cist.

Postholes around the slot trench

Cuts: 822 (Fills: 821, 876), 921 (Fills: 922), 974 (Fills: 975, 976, 977), 955 (Fills: 949), 947 (Fills: 954), 980 (Fills: 979), 939 (Fills: 935), 877 (Fills: 878, 879), 978 (Fills: 967, 1001), 485 (Fills: 486)

Drawings: 133, 390, 389, 203 (Post-ex plans)Photos: F.21/55, 60 F.22/6, 8, 15, 23, 28 (cut 822); F.28/55; F.30/42, 46 (cut 921); F.33/33,

35 F.34/53; F.36: 42; F.36/53, 55 (cut 974); F.31/43; F.31/21; F.31/39 (cut 955); F.31/12, 18 (cut 947); F.35/55 F.36/1 (cut 980); F.30: 12, 18 (cut 939); F.25/1-3(61-63), 6(66) F.27/1, 2 (cut 877); F.33/13, 46, 54 F.36/4-6 (cut 978); F.15/47, 48 F.16/4, 5, 18-21 (cut 485)

Description:There are three postholes near the corners of the buildings, two postholes along the

SE and three postholes along the walls SW and NW each.‘Corners’ postholes are: cut 822 distant 0.7 m from E corner; cut 955 – 0.1 m from S

corner and cut 485 – 0.4 m from N corner. (Posthole 485 has been cut into large stone packed pit cut 472). These three postholes are circular to sub-circular shaped and mea-sures 0.55 to 0.70 m in diameter and up to 0.4 m in depth. Their sides are mostly (except


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disturbed cut 955) vertical and bases are flat to concave. All of them contain stout stone packing, especially on down slope sides. Fills are similar, with some charcoal flecks, and except posthole 485 containing 6 pottery sherds (find no.71), they are without any finds.

Postholes making a line along the sides are mostly circular, in some cases sub-circular or slightly oval. They all have steep to vertical sides and concave to flat base. Their sizes are ranging from 0.25 m in diameter by 0.15 m in depth to 0.6 m in diameter by 0.45 m in depth, but most of them measures ca. 0.55 m in diameter and up to 0.40 m in depth. In all of them stone packing occur, sometimes quite substantial. Mostly they are filled with brown/grey silt with some charcoal and occasionally burnt clay flecks. In two postholes (cut 921 and cut 974 – both outside SE wall) pottery sherds have been found. Distance between them and the slot trench is not bigger than 0.3 m.

Near W corner of slot trench, in place where fourth postholes ‘should’ be, there is a large boulder and a socket after it (cut 985). About 1 m to the SW, there are three post-holes (cuts 844, 862 and 872) which are set in a line ca. 3 m long, parallel to SW wall of the house. Cut 864 is sub-rectangular shaped and two rest postholes are sub-circular. Mostly they have steep or vertical smooth sides and flat bases. Their dimension is ranging from 0.25 m to 0.45 m in diameter/longest axis and depth from 0.15 m to 0.25 m. Only one of postholes (cut 844, the most to the SE, the closest to the slot trench) contains stone packing. All of them are filled with similar deposits – greyish brown sandy silt with charcoal flecks and small pieces and some sub-angular pebbles. Except that, in one of the postholes (cut 862, the middle one), two others fills occur: the second one (cont. 861) – similar to the main cont. 867, but rich in charcoal and third one being a pinkish yellow silt with pebbles. Fill of postholes 872 (the most to the NW) contains a pottery sherd.

Discussion:Slot trench cut 410 have been a foundation slot for a roughly rectangular building.

Revealed postholes within it were functioned as a support for a roof structure and possibly also as a frame for a walls. Substantial stone packing occurring in the slot trench helped to keep the walls upright, being in the same time a stone packing for the posts and planks (?) between them.

The main weight of the roof structure may have been founded on two large posts inside house (cuts 868 and 892) and one outside NE wall (cut 854).

Postholes cuts 921 and 974 along SE wall and postholes cuts 877 and 978 along NW sides are bigger, well cut and stone packed. They were probably used as a support for roof structure, together with postholes near the corners and with the postholes within slot trench 410. Note that postholes inside the slot trench are located close to postholes along its longer sides.

Postholes along the shorter SW side had been probably used as a support for wall structure rather than roof. They are not so well cut (more irregular, shallower, more gentle sides) neither stone packed like the rest of postholes. Two of them – cuts 899 and 980 – are connected/set into slot trench 410 and the third one – cut 947 is very close to it. Posthole cut 939 near NW wall and W corner may have been used for similar function.

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Function of postholes cuts 844, 862 and 872 is not so clear, but pottery sherd found in one of them, may relate this group to the house. They are smaller and not so well dug and packed as the postholes around the walls, they are also in bigger, but not longer than 1 m, distance from the wall. They could be connected with roof of the building and making a kind of some outer division? But they seem to be too small as a roof support, especially, that they are situated down the slope, where the pressure of gravitation is the biggest.

Entrance to the building was probably located in the NE wall. In N part of it, the terminus of the slot trench is appeared. Just outside it, large pit – possibly an entrance way posthole cut 946 occur. The opposite terminus has not been found. In that part of the slot trench, where it could be – sections XIV – XV – the cut of slot trench is more irregular and packed with stones from bedrock, smaller and more irregular in compare with the rest of structure. Bedrock occurs also on the base of those sections. Probably earlier than the house, large pit cut 1050 is located in that part of building – it is extended between the slot trench cut 410 and linear feature cut 898; they seem to truncate the pit cut 1050. Possibly re-deposits occurring between linear cut 898 and entrance way (cont. 903 and 1037) are related to that pit.

Whole area between posthole cut 946 and E corner of the house (section XXV of slot trench) is full of broken stones. They seem to be intentionally chopped out from the bed-rock and placed in that passage, what made it durable and good drained.

Linear cut 898 situated within the building, near the entrance way, may have been a foundation slot for additional/proper wall of the house. Thus entrance to the interior would be between posthole cut 1002 within slot trench cut 410 and NW end of slot trench cut 898.

Entrance way postholes

Two large postholes have been revealed in NE wall of house – cut 946 in NW part, close to NE terminus of slot trench; and cut 1052 in SW part, close to possibly.

Posthole/pit cut 946

Cut 946 Fills: 944, 945, 1059, 1060Drawings: 261/52, 389Photos: F.28/37 F.30/6, 27, 32 F.31/4 F.36/13, 14, 17, 31, 32Description:Posthole 946 is has an irregular cut, in shape nearing NW – SE orientated oval, with

dimension of 1.50 by 1.20 m in plan and 0.3 m in depth. Sides of cut are also irregular in shape and generally moderate in slope. Base is sub-circular concave. This posthole has been filled with two deposits. The primary fill – cont. 945 – is similar to main fill in the slot trench 410 and besides frequent charcoal and burnt clay lumps, contains abundance of pottery sherds and some debitage stones. The great amount of stones in this context may have been interpreted as a remains of stone packing, especially that bigger stones are concentrated on the edges of cut (cont. 1060). Second fill of postholes is cont. 944 and in compare with the first one, it is quit sterile yellow silt. There is also evidence of possible


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stone packing in this fill (cont. 1059), but in compare to cont. 1060 these stones are ran-domly scattered throughout the fill.

Posthole/pit cut 1052

Features inside the building.Except two substantial postholes making a main support for a roof structure, there are

few others features within the building. Unfortunately no occupation floor has survived, only those features dug into the subsoil. Among them there is a linear slot trench cut 898 in NE part of the interior, two small postholes 905 and 928, one stakehole 988 and one not clear feature 1027 – all in W corner of the house.

Linear feature 898

Cut: 898 Fills: 971, 897, 924, 929, 1015Drawings: 134, 511, 389; 257/52, 262/47, 300/58, 291/60Photos: 134, 511, 389; 257/52, 262/47, 300/58, 291/60Description:Cut 898 is a cut of linear feature orientated NW – SE and located in NE part of the

interior. Distance from possibly entrance way takes 0.65 m (in part SW) to 1 m (in part SW). SE end is distant 0.2 m from SE wall of building and the opposite end – 1.3 m from NW wall. Cut 898 measures ca 4 m in length by 0.65 to 1 m in width and 0.35 to 0.50 m in depth. The shape in plane is not very regular, the same as sides, which slopes are rang-ing from moderate to vertical and shape from smooth to concave and irregular. Base is also irregular, but generally nearing linear and flat.

Linear 898 is filled with a couple of deposits. Three of them (1015, 929 and 924) are concentrated on the base in the deepest part of cut. Thickness of those three fills is not bigger than 0.15 m. Primary fill is cont. 1015 – dark grey sandy silt with frequent charcoal. Boundary to the next upper horizon, which is a yellow sand cont. 929, is sharp, but very irregular. On the top of them, making even surface/base of cut, there is laying cont. 924 – greyish brown silt with some charcoal and fine pebbles. Pottery sherds occur in those two last contexts.

The main fills of cut 898 are greyish brown silt – cont. 897 and 971. It is mottled with orange clay and charcoal and burnt clay pieces. One row of sub-angular stones is running through the middle of linear feature and great amount (ca. 20 % of whole fill) of angular and sub-angular pebbles is deposited in it. Many of pebbles are concentrating in the lower parts of cut; rest of them is distributed randomly. Pottery sherds, but mostly small pieces and two flints occur scattered throughout fill.

Discussion:Large flat stone is set horizontally near the base of cut, roughly in the middle of its

length.

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Contexts 1015, 929 and 924 probably have been deposited shortly after the cut had been dug out. Charcoal rich fill 1015 indicate some burning activity in proximity of cut. Cont. 929 and 924 seem to be an effect of natural silting up.

Linear 898 have been truncated by a kiln/oven cut 973, revealed in NW part of its length (ca. 1.5 m from its end). Fills 897 and 971 are probably one deposit, which had been cut through by the feature 973.

Kiln/oven cut 973

Cut: 973 Fills: 943, 957, 952, 961, 1038, 1054, 1055Drawings: 262/47, 257/58, 511, 389Photos: F.28/40, 41, 45, 51, 57 F.30/22, 39, 44 F.31/5, 9, 10 F.33/1, 2 F.38/5, 6, 13, 14Description:Feature cut 973 have been revealed in NE part of house, cut into the linear feature

898. It has sub-circular shape with dimensions of 0.8 by 0.6 m and 0.3 m deep. The top of the kiln/oven is orientated to the SW making undercut in part NE. Sides SE and NW are steep, almost vertical, with sub-angular medium size stones set in a line on the edge across them. Smaller stones and pebbles, in few cases heat affected, are arranged on the base along undercut NE part of cut. Base is sub-circular and concave, almost flat. All breaks of slope are sharp.

Feature is filled with rich in charcoal deposits, which occur on the base and around edges of cut (1054, 1055, 1038, 952, 961) and with mixed orange silt in the middle. There are few deposits connected with kiln/oven on its NE side – stiff yellow/orange sandy silt, only occasionally with charcoal flecks, with some fine and medium pebbles (957, 1042) (related to construction phase) and red/pink scorches on its NE (930 and 1043) and SW (923) (related to using phase).

There are only two sherds of pottery found in the feature – one of them comes from cont. 1038 –primary fill of kiln/oven, located on the base in undercut part; and the second piece from cont. 952 – in upper part of feature, in its SW part. Cont. 952 contains also some flecks of burnt bones.

Discussion:Feature cut 973 is possibly remains of some kind of kiln or oven, maybe related to

occupation phase of the building. Context 957 and 1042 probably are deposits connected to construction phase of the kiln/oven. They are similar to natural subsoil and may had been used to make a chamber-like undercut part. Scorches 930 (more intensive indirectly on the edge of kiln/oven) and 1042 (lighter and in some distance from the cut) are an ef-fect of heating and are scorched deposit 1042. The opposite cont. 923 is scorched natural subsoil. There are some traces of heating of layer 929 – one of the base layers of linear 898.

Contexts 952, 961, 1038, 1054 and 1055 probably are remains from occupation phase of kiln/oven. They all contains great inclusion of charcoal (bigger in lower fills), and two of them some pottery sherds.

Cont. 943 seems to be a backfill of feature, which had not been used anymore.


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Features in W corner

Cuts: 905 (Fills: 904, 913, 914), 928 (Fills: 925), 988 (Fills: 982)Drawings: 390 (post-ex plan) Photos: F.28/7, 22, 23, 36 (cut 905); F.28/54, 30 (cut 928); F.35/3, 8 (cut 988)Description:Posthole 905 is located near the slot trench (ca. 0.1 m from section XI). It is circular

shaped with vertical sides and concave base and measured 0.3 m in diameter and depth. It is filled with three deposits, rich in charcoal (especially uppermost fill) and contain-ing flints flakes (middle fill) and burnt bones (primary fill). That strongly relates it to the domestic activity.

In proximity of posthole 905, to the NE from it, there is another similar in shape, but smaller posthole cut 928. It is located ca. 0.20 from section XIII of the house and measures 0.15 m in diameter and o.13 m in depth. It is stone packed and contains fine homogenous fill with some charcoal flecks.

Cut 988 is the only stakehole revealed in the interior. It is ca. 1.7 m from slot trench sect. IX (ca. 1.1 m to the SE from posthole 905). It has circular shape, vertical sides and u-shape base. It is filled with one charcoal rich fill.

Discussion:Postholes 905 and 928 may have functioned as an additional support for roof or walls

structure (suggesting by proximity to the slot trench 410 and location in down slope the hill) or being related to some domestic activity (charcoal, burnt bones, flints).

Between these three features there is a not clear function deposit of stones and soil similar to main fill 411 in slot trench 410 (cont. 1022, 1023, 1027). Probably it is just a later disturbance than feature itself.

House related featuresFeature in the vicinity of house have been treated as a features possibly related to

house 410. Convinced relationships are only for two hearths and for those features that are filled with soil similar to main fill of slot trench. All others relations are hypothetically. Most of feature around the house are concentrated to the E and S from it; space to the NW from building is very poor in archaeological features and those few postholes and stakeholes could relates to the Structure 1 rather to house.

Hearths

Contexts: 820, 832, 859, 1375 + related stake- and postholes cuts: 826, 828, 839; 835, 837, 845; 1372, 1377, 1379, 1384 and 1386

Drawings: 134, 389, 239/44; 238/44 (cut 820), 203; 460/61 (cont. 832); 389, 244/44 (cut. 859); 435 (cut 1375)

Photos: F.21/53, 54, 61 F.22/27 (cut 820); F.22/31, 51 F.23/4 (cont. 832); F.23/36-37 F.24/2 (cut 859); F 32/32, 37, 39, 49; F.34/20, 21 (cut 1375)

Description:

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Two hearths are appeared in the proximity of house: cut 820 located ca. 2.5 m to NE from E corner and hearth cont. 832 located ca. 3 m the SE from section XXVII of the slot trench. They both are oval in shape with dimensions of 0.8 m by 0.6 m (hearth 832) to 1.1 m by 0.85 m (hearth 820) and heat affected soil up to 70 mm. Remains of burning consist of thin layer of dark soil with frequent charcoal occur on the top of both hearths. In hearth cut 820 flecks of burnt bones have been found.

‘Tripod’ structures made of stakes are directly related to both of hearths. Three stake-holes (cuts 826, 828 and 830) are appeared cut into hearth 820. They are circular shaped with diameter ranging from 90 to 110 mm; with vertical sides and concave bases, dug into feature up to 50 mm. All of them are filled with surrounding charcoal rich soil.

Similar structure has been revealed around the hearth 823. This structure is created by two stakehole (cut 835 and 845) and one small posthole (cut 837). Stakeholes are sub-circular shaped with 60 to 90 mm in diameter and up to 70 mm deep. Posthole is circular in plan and measures 0.13 m in diameter and 0.15 in depth. These three features are dug into natural subsoil, with steep to vertical sides, orientated to each other. Bases of stake-holes are rounded point and on the base of postholes there is a small flat stone. All of them are filled with topsoil-like deposits.

There is one more stakehole (cut 849) ca. 1 m to the W from hearth 832. It has sub-circular cut with vertical sides and concave base, with dimensions of 0.17 by 0.14 m in plan and 0.17 m in depth. It is filled with similar soil like the rest of stakeholes (topsoil-like) and could also be related to this hearth.

Two others features interpreted as hearths (cuts 859 and 1375) have been revealed in the area around the building and may relate to it.

The first one – cut 859 is a shallow pit (80 mm) filled with tree deposits, including traces of burning in situ on the top of feature, just outside the NE terminus of the slot trench 410. Or, this may be a depression, filled with deposits related to the destruction phase of the house, rather than a hearth.

The hearth cut 1375 is situated ca. 8 m to the NE from the possibly entrance of the building. In compare with two others hearth, cut 1375 is very irregular, both in plan and profile. It measures approximately 0.8 m by 0.6 m in plan and 0.18 m in depth. It is filled with brown sandy silt mixed with frequent burnt clay/silt lumps and charcoal pieces (up to 60 mm). Contains also frequent pebbles and small stones and there are traces of burnt subsoil underneath.

Five stakeholes have been revealed in proximity of the hearth (cuts 1372, 1377, 1379, 1384 and 1386).

Stakeholes 1372, 1386 and 1384 are cut into natural subsoil and appeared to surround the hearth cut 1375 from the N to NW side. Cut 1372 is the bigger one in this group and it is consists of the stakehole cut and irregular shaped depression around it. The stake (fill 1371) is circular shaped with vertical sides and concave base and measured 0.2 m in diameter and ca. 0.4 m in depth. On the top of the cut adjacent from NE side, there is a yellow sand fill, mottled with charcoal, spread up to 0.25 m from the stake. Stakeholes 1384 and 1386 are oval in plan, have vertical smooth sides and tapered rounded base.


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Stakeholes cuts 1377 and 1379 are cut up to 0.12 m into hearth cut 1375. They both are roughly circular in plan, with vertical smooth sides and flat base. Diameter of those four stakeholes (except the 1372) is ranging from 0.08 m to 0.15 m and they all are filled with similar silt soil with some charcoal flecks.

Large pits with structural elements

Cuts: 875 (Fills: 874, 880, 881, 882, 895), 842 (Fills: 824, 841, 852)Drawings: 248/47, 254/47; 203 (cut 875) 133, 390. 239/44, 242/44 (cut 842)Photos: F.25/4(64) F.27/3, 15, 37, 38, 39, 40 (cut 875); F.22/11, 18-9, 32-3, 47-8, 59

F.23/18-20 F.24/6, 32-3 (cut 842)Description:Pit cut 875 is situated ca. 2 m to the SE from the middle part of SE wall of building,

roughly parallel to it. Feature is irregular, nearing kidney, in shape, orientated NE – SW and measures 2.9 m in length by 1.5 m in width. It is dug into natural subsoil up to 0.4 m. Sides of cut are concave, from moderate in S part to steep in N part. Base is oval and concave. Pit is filled with 5 deposits (874, 880, 881, 882 and 895). Deposits 880 and 882 mainly are yellowish sandy silt occasionally with pebbles and charcoal flecks (early silting up). Primary fill is cont. 881 – yellowish brown silt with frequent charcoal, pebbles and stones (up to 0.35 m). Stones are lying along the line NE – SW. Second fill is cont. 895, reddish brown silt with charcoal, ash and burnt soil clots. Uppermost fill is orange silt, occasionally with charcoal inclusion.

Two small postholes (cut 907 and 916) are cut one next to another into cont. 882 in pit cut 875. They are circular in shapes with diameters 0.2 m and 0.25 m and up to 0.13 in depth. Posthole cut 907 has smooth vertical sides and flat base and posthole cut 916 has vertical concave sides and concave base. They both are filled with dark soil with charcoal, similar to fill 881 of pit cut 875.

Pit cut 842 is situated ca 1 m to the SW from posthole 899 connected with SW wall of the house. Pit is sub-rectangular shaped, orientated NW - SE and measures 1.60 m by 1.1 m. It is dug into natural subsoil up to 0.32 m. All of its sides are steep and irregular (although this irregularity is probably caused by the plant and animal activity in this area). Base is sub-rectangular roughly flat. E part of pit is defined by various size pebbles and stones (up to 0.2 m) – cont. 841, mostly angular and sub-angular. They are making a kind of wall structure: N – S line of bigger stones, which are arranged horizontal on the base and oblique to vertical in upper part of deposit and reinforced by smaller stones and pebbles. Along the E side of this structure dark brown, almost black soil has been ap-peared (soil does not made a straight line, but occur in small half-circular shaped patches). Exclude stones cont. 841, pit cut 842 is filled with 2 deposits: the first one – cont. 852 is brown silty sand, occasionally with charcoal flecks. There are frequent different sizes pebbles and stones (up to 0.2) randomly scattered through this context. This deposit fills the majority of the cut. Cont. 824 is the uppermost fill of this pit. It is brown silty sand with scattered pebbles and occasionally small stones, with few flecks of charcoal. In this fill 4 pottery sherds and one flint flake have been found.

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Discussion:Function and relationships of those features with house are not certain. Pits cuts 875

and 842 are located very close to the slot trench and both in the middle of its length and width. Both of them contain frequent pebbles and stone, which can indicate remains of some structure; and their fills suggest burning (rich in charcoal, traces of ash and burnt silt). It is possibly that burnt in situ are also two post revealed on the base of pit cut 875. Pottery and flint found in pit cut 842 can help to confirm relationships with the house.

Features to the SE from house

Terrain to the SE from the house appears to be a place of the most intensive activity around the house. Beyond pit cut 875 and heart cont. 832, three pits and one spread de-posit have been revealed in their vicinity. In some distance from this group, but also on SE side of the house, few more features have been revealed and treated as possibly related to house occupation.

Cuts: 849 (Fills: 840, 848), 871 (Fills: 870), 1012 (Fills: 1011) + Context 1018 Drawings: 203 – post-ex planPhotos: F.22/65-6 F.23/ 9, 10, 33-34 (cut 849); F.24/8, 9, 24, 25 (cut 871); F.36:15, 23,

28; F. 36: 35, 39, 41 (cont. 1018)Description:Features cuts 849 and 871 are roughly oval shaped pits with similar dimension of

0.6/0.7 m by 0.6/0.5 m and depth ca. 0.25 m. Pit cut 871 seems to be more regular, with steep concave sides and oval concave base, filled with one simple deposit cont. 870 (yel-lowish brown sandy silt, occasionally with pebbles and charcoal flecks). Pit cut 849 is ir-regular in shape and profile. It is filled with two deposits: cont. 848 (greyish brown sandy clay, occasionally with medium pebbles, no charcoal) and cont. 840 (yellowish brown clayey sand with charcoal flecks and pebbles).

0.35 m to the N from pit cut 849 there is another small pit cut 1012, circular shaped, with dimension 0.5 m in diameter, with steep concave sides and circular concave base, dug up to 0.3 m. It is filled with one deposit cont. 1011, which is brown clayey silt, occa-sionally with charcoal flecks. On the base of pit there are some pebbles and small stones.

In very close proximity to pit 1012, down the slope, deposit 1018 is appeared. It is very similar to fill of this pit – cont. 1011 (brown clayey silt with some charcoal flecks. This deposit is irregularly spread in extent of 0.75 m by 0.45 m and it is deposited in natural shallow (0.1 m) depression.

Cuts: 1182 (Fills: 1181), 1135 (Fills: 1134), 1213 (Fills: 1212)Drawings: 407/406, 203 (cut 1182); 406/46; 203 (cut 1135); 411/46, 203 (cut 1213)Photos: F.23/38, 51, 54 (cut 1182); F. 22/64 F.23/12 (cut 1135); F.23/59, 60, 68 (cut 1213)Description:Two postholes (cuts 1182 and 1135) and one small pit (cut 1213) are located in a dis-

tance of ca. 2.5 – 3 m to the SE from hearth cont. 832. Postholes are sub-circular with dimension ca. 0.2 m and 0.35 in diameter and 0.15 m and 0.2 m in depth. Their sides are


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steep to vertical and bases are concave. They both are filled with very soft brown silt with moderate inclusions of charcoal flecks and occasionally with angular pebbles. Posthole 1182 is stone packed from SE side.

Pit cut 1213 is circular shaped with diameter ca. 0.4 m and depth ca. 0.15 m. Its sides are steep to vertical, smooth or concave and base is concave. It is filled with one context 1212, which is very soft black silt with charcoal and occasionally with angular pebbles. This pit has been truncated by a furrow cont. 628.

Cuts: 528 (Fill: 529), 480 (Fill: 481), 482 (Fill: 483), 489 (Fill: 490), 597 (Fill: 598)Drawings: 203 – post-ex planPhotos: F.17/10-1, 13 F.18/22, 27 (cut 528); F.15/44, 45, 49, 50 F.16/12, 13 (cut 480);

F.15/44, 46, 49, 51 F.16/12, 14 (cut 482); F.16/1, 2, 11 (cut 489); F.18/36 (cut 597)Description:One pit (cut 528), two postholes (cuts 480 and 482) and two stakeholes (cut 489 and

597) are situated ca 5 m to the SE from S part of slot trench and ca. 2.5 m to the SW from large pit cut 875.

Stakehole cut 489 is circular with smooth almost vertical sides and tapered rounded point base and measures 0.1 m in diameter and 0.1 m in depth. It is filled with one fill (cont. 490), which is dark brown silt with charcoal flecks. Stakehole cut 597 is circular in shape with steep sides and concave base and measures 0.1 m in diameter and 0.1 in depth, but in opposite to stakehole cut 489, is filled with dark brown sandy silt without any charcoal.

Both postholes are circular in plan with diameter ranging from 0.35 m (cut 482) to 0.45 m (cut 480) and depth from 0.2 m to 0.27 m. The smaller posthole has vertical smooth sides and rounded base, the bigger one – moderate to steep concave sides and irregular base. They both are filled with orangish brown sandy silt and contain charcoal and burnt clay flecks.

Pit cut 528 had been truncated by curvy-linear feature cut 506. Its remains indicate that pit was oval in plan, orientated E - W, ca. 0.9 m long and 0.25 m deep. Its sides were moderate concave and base oval and concave. It is filled with brownish grey sandy silt with charcoal flecks and pebbles. One flint find have been found in this pit.

Discussion:Regular pit 871 may have been function as a pit to keep something and been related

to occupation phase of the house. It is located very close to large pit cut 875 and to hearth cont. 832; it is also very close to SE wall of house, between two outer roof support post-holes (cuts 921 and 974), then it could be partially under the roof. Similar function may have been made by a pit 1012. Context 1018 is probably a material from this pit, washed down the hill and sediment in natural hollow.

In opposite to cuts 871 and 1012, irregular pit 849 does not seem to be a proper cut. Although, being in this part of the ‘house yard’, may have been remains of some not clear activity (especially the uppermost fill).

All those features are concentrated in a small area close to slot trench of house, pit cut 875 and hearth cont. 832 – they all can be remains of domestic activity.

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Three small features – pit cut 1213 and postholes cuts 1182 and 1135, located ca. 3 m from that first concentration, may have been also related to the settlement, although they are also very close to other concentration of features, where pits 1252 and 1610 are. Relationship to the house is indicated by similar shape and fills of those features to the rest of features surrounding the slot trench.

Features located to the E from linear cut 506, including pit, which had been truncated by this linear, contains fills similar to fills in slot trench of the house and that make the possibility of its relationship with this settlement. Cut 506 is related to Beaker activity on the site and truncating one of those features, can confirm their Neolithic date. Stakehole cut 597, can be relate either to house or to linear cut 506.

Features to the NE and NW from house

Cuts: 865 (Fills: 864, 863, 852); 1365 (Fill: 1366); 1028 (Fill: 1024); 932 (Fill: 933)Drawings: 243/47, 389 (cut 865); 456/61; 389 (cut 1365); 303/64; 389 (cut 1028); 390

(cut 932)Photos: F.24.1, 5, 21, 24 (cut 865); F.32/5, 24 (cut 1365); F.36/46, 56; F.37/3, 4 (cut

1028); F.30/7 (cut 932)Description:To the NE from possibly entrance way, beyond hearths cuts 820 and 1375 and large

posthole cut 854, shallow pit cut 865 and posthole cut 1365 are appeared. Pit 865 is adjacent from the N to posthole 854. It is irregular shaped, orientated NE

- SW and measures 0.75 in length by 0.55 in width. Its depth is only 0.1 m. This pit is filled with three deposits: on the base homogenous cont. 864 (greyish brown clayey silt with few sub-angular pebbles); cont. 863 (charcoal rich black clayey silt) and on the top – cont. 851 (orangish brown clayey silt, occasionally with fine pebbles). Ca. 0.2 m to the NW from pit 865 there is a spread of mixed fill from pit cut 865, deposited in a shallow depression and disturbed by animal activity.

Posthole cut 1365 is located ca. 1.5 m to the N from large posthole 854, and ca 4 m to the possibly entrance way to the house. Posthole is oval shaped and orientated NE – SW with dimension 0.55 m by 0.4 m, dug in natural subsoil up to 0.35 m. All its sides are vertical smooth and base is flat, packed with sub-angular stones. It is filled with one deposit – cont. 1366, which is a yellowish brown silty clay, containing frequent charcoal (pieces up to 60 mm), crystal fragment and pottery sherd.

Small irregular pit cut 1028 is located 1.5 m to the NE from slot trench terminus, close to ‘corner’ posthole 485. It is orientated E – W and measured 0.8 m by 0.55 m. Its sides, the same as shape and base, are irregular, from gentle to vertical; on the top it is truncated by field boundary. In profile it is generally concave. It is filled with brown silty clay with charcoal pieces and flecks and occasionally pebbles.

Posthole cut 932 is situated ca. 3 m to the NW from the NW wall of the house. It is sub-circular shaped and measures 0.2 m in diameter and 0.15 m in depth. All sides are smooth vertical and base is flat, with evidence of stone packing. Posthole is filled with one


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fill cont. 933, which is brown clayey silt and contains charcoal and burnt clay flecks, what make it similar to deposits in slot trench 410.

Cuts: 917 (Fill: 918), 908 (Fill: 909), 911 (Fill: 912); 926 (Fill: 927); 937 (Fill: 938), 940 (Fill: 941)

Drawings: 390 – post-ex plan + 259/51 (cut 917)Photos: F.28/31, 38, 44 (cut 917); F.28/11, 18 (cut 908); F.28/21, 27 (cut 911); F.30/1, 3

(cut 926); F.30/11, 14 (cut 937); F.30/17, 21 (cut 940)Description:There is a group of small posthole and five stakeholes located to the NW from the W

corner of the building. Posthole cut 917 is circular shaped, with mostly vertical smooth sides and concave base. The top of it is orientated to the W thus W side of it is more ir-regular and moderate in slope. This posthole is filled with yellowish brown sandy silt, occasionally with sub-angular pebbles and charcoal flecks. It measures 0.2 in diameter and 0.3 m in depth.

All the five stakeholes (cuts 908, 911, 926, 937 and 940) are circular shaped with verti-cal sides and tapered rounded point base. In all of them diameter measures around 0.1 m and depth is ranging from 0.13 to 0.2 m. They are filled with yellowish brown sandy silt with some charcoal flecks and fine pebbles.

Discussion:Shallow pit cut 865 could be a depression made during construction phase of the

house, especially digging out the posthole cut 854, which seems to truncate the S edge of pit cut 865. This feature is a shallow and irregular and its fills are deposited as layers and they have been probably washed in from the slope, therefore they could be evidence of activity outside the building.

Group of stakeholes and posthole to the NW from W corner of the building do not make any visible structure. They are in some distance, but not big, from stakeholes and postholes that make up a possible structure 1 (to the W from house) and it is possible, that they are related to this structure 1 rather to the house.

Group 2

Carinated Bowl Feature: This group consists of two intercutting pits containing large numbers of finds of

pottery, crystals, flints and other stone objects. Other features include two postholes, seven stakeholes and a number of charcoal rich spreads. These features are located ap-proximately 5 m to the southwest of the Neolithic House, Group 1, in grid 36a and 36c. (Photo 40 (44))

Pit cuts 602 and 609Contexts : 602 (287, 455, 456, 457, 476, 478, 553, 600, 610, 611, 696, 697 and 687)

and 609 (566 and 580).

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Drawings: 222 (pre-ex plan), 133 (post-ex plan), 188(NEF), 189(SEF),Photos: F.14/38-9 F.15/1-3, 37-40 F.16/55-6 F.17/6-7, 13, 32-3, 51-2 F.18/6, 11, 15-7, 29-

33, 61-4 F.19/16, 23, 61 F.20/11, 19-24 F.21/34Finds: 85-169, 198-279, 283-285 (flints, pottery, crystals, axe)Description:A small pit cut 609 was present in Grid 36c. It was oval shaped, orientated north to

south and measured 0.70 m by 0.60 m, with depth of 0.20 m. The north and south sides were steep and concave, with the east and west sides being more gentle and smooth. The base was concave in profile, oval and narrowing at the centre (Photo 20 (20)). The pri-mary and main fill 580, was a greyish and orangish-brown silt, with frequent sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles (concentrated around edges) and very frequent charcoal pieces (up to 60 mm in length) at the centre of the fill (Photo 18 (6)). Finds from this fill in-cluded flint (FIND 214), stone (FIND 216) and pottery (Find 217).

The second and uppermost fill 566, was present in the western area of cut and was a brownish-yellow silt, with frequent charcoal flecks and occasionally fine pebbles. Finds included pottery (Find 215) and crystal (Find 259).

Pit cut 602: it is a large shallow irregular pit, which truncates cut 609. Cut 602 was oval in plan, orientated northeast to southwest, with dimensions 3.00 m by 1.60 m by 0.30 m in depth. The sides of the cut were gentle and smooth, with the west side being steeper and irregular. The base was rather irregular in plan and profile. The eastern side of this pit was truncated by a field boundary cut 265 running northeast to southwest through almost whole site (Photo 14 (38) and 15 (3)).

Interface with subsoil:Six deposits were present at the interface between the pit cut 602 and the natural sub-

soil, these were 462, 478, 599, 610, 611 and 769. All of these deposits had some charcoal in their matrix, but were sandy in composition and so were interpreted as having been stained with colour and charcoal flecking from the charcoal rich fills within pit cut 602. Of these interface deposits 462 is of note as it contained a fine clear crystal tool (Find 270). This fill was a mid brown clayey and sandy-silt, moderate with sub-angular to sub-rounded fine and medium pebbles and moderate charcoal flecks. Some lenses of pinkish brown silt occur within this context and very small fragments of pottery, presumably from the pit fill 287 above.

Fills of the Pit Cut 602:Pit cut 602 contained many deposits, which are quite mixed/diffuse at their bounda-

ries, the fills contain a large number of finds, including Carrinated Bowl pottery, Neo-lithic flints (cores, tools and flakes) and crystal fragments and a re-used Mesolithic axe fragment.

The primary and main fill 287, was soft brownish-grey silt, with frequent inclusions of charcoal flecks and pieces (up to 60 mm), angular and sub-angular pebbles and small


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stones including fire shattered pebbles, that occur only in this fill and small spots of light yellowish grey sandy-silt, which may be ash. This deposit was present in most of cut 602 and measured 2.20 m by 1.50 m by 0.10 m depth. The majority of pottery retrieved from this group was present in fill 287 (Finds 85-169, 198-279, 283-285=Group Finds, too nu-merous to list here individually).

Above the fill 287 three fills occurred 455, 476 and 456(Drawing # 188). They were similar in extent, with shallow layers, deposited one atop the other, ranging from 0.05 m to 0.10 m in depth. Their dimensions were 0.65 m to 1.20 m in width by 1.20 m to 1.50 m in length. In all three fills pottery and crystals were found and a small flint came from fill 476.

Fill 455 was above 287 and was a very soft orangish-brown fine silt with moderate inclusions of flecks to small pieces of charcoal and occasional angular and sub-angular pebbles.

Fill 476 was above 455, it was mid to dark greyish brown silt with frequent angular and sub-angular pebbles and small stones and frequent charcoal flecks and small pieces (similar to cont. 287).

Fill 456 was above 476 and was a pinkish and greyish brown sandy silt with frequent angular and sub-angular pebbles (many of them are flat) and moderate charcoal flecks.

Beside these fills in the northeastern area of cut 602, there are appeared two small fills 492 and 457, which appeared to be the same. Fill 492, was a dark greyish-brown sandy-silt, with moderate charcoal flecks and sub-angular pebbles of all sizes. Some fragments of pottery were present (Find 107-110). These two deposits appeared to be contemporary with fill 456 and represent the latest activity in the feature.

The southwest area of pit cut 602 was the deepest part. This is the area of the pit which truncates pit 609. Four fills of pit cut 602 were present, fills 553, 696, 697 and 687.

Fill 553 was located in the middle of the feature, partially between context 287 and 476. This was a very heterogeneous fill, from mid to dark pinkish brown to grey silt with frequent charcoal flecks and pieces and moderate angular and sub-angular pebbles. Most of the flint artefacts have been found in this context (Find 199, 202-204, 210 and 218) and some pottery was also present (Find 207 and 211-213).

Above fill 553 was fill 696, partially spread on the sloping southwestern edge of cut. It was pinkish/reddish and orangish-brown clayey and sandy-silt, oily in texture, with frequent angular and sub-angular pebbles, with flecks and spots of pinkish sand and oc-casional charcoal flecks and pottery pieces (Find 200).

Above fill 696, a small irregular fill 697 was present. It was composed of dark brown-ish-grey, silty-clay with frequent angular and sub-angular pebbles and frequent flecks to medium (up to 60 mm) pieces of charcoal. The charcoal is different from other fills of cut 602, as it was moist. No finds were present in this fill.

On the W side of feature, between stones and pit cut 677, appears a re-deposit of natural subsoil, context 600. It was mid brownish-orange, sandy-silt with frequent angu-lar and sub-angular pebbles and small stones and occasional charcoal flecks. Dimensions

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were 0.75 m by 0.45 m by 0.20 m. Stakehole cut 612 seems to have been hammered into this deposit.

Above fill 600 lay fill 687, a greyish-brown sandy-silt, with frequent charcoal flecks and small pieces, and moderate angular and sub-angular pebbles. This deposit was 0.10 m in depth and was spread in the western area of cut 602. One flint was retrieved (Find 209).

Coarse pebbles and small and medium size stones are apparent in the pit cut 602. They were concentrated in the southwestern area of the cut and look like a remains of a stone structure. They occur in every context, appearing connected more to the cut than to the fills. The stones were more than one layer deep, in some cases laing one on atop an-other. In the western area of the pit, they seemed to have been arranged in a semi-circular arc. In the northwestern area of this arc, the stones are adjacent to redeposit 600 and were set against its edges (Photos 17 (32) and 18 (64)). A large rectangular stone, dimensions 0.65 m by 0.35 m by 0.10 m was present sitting above the fills of pit cut 602, but this stone was removed during topsoil stripping, so its original orientation is not known (Photo 40 (43)).

Discussion:It is not clear whether pit cut 609 and the larger pit cut 602 are broadly contemporary,

part of the same feature or whether pit cut 602 is later. However both pits contain pot-tery, flints and crystal, so it appears likely that they are directly related.

The function of pit 602 is not clear. A large number of deposits have been place within its cut, mostly silt with charcoal, most of which have contained pottery, flints or crystal. This feature does not appear to be a waste pit, as some of the finds were tools in good working order, suggesting that they may have been deposited here deliberately, rather than having been accidently dropped.

Stones in the feature seem to be remains of some kind of stone structure. The re-deposited natural subsoil context 600, may have been connected with construction phase. Context 600 was situated directly behind stone deposit in western area of the cut and could have been used as a kind of soil packing.

Despite the presence of large amounts of charcoal within the fills of pit cut 602, there is no evidence of burning in-situ, indicating that the stone structure was not a kiln or oven. The burnt fills would have had to come from somewhere else and have been de-posited here.

The large flat stone present on top of pit 602 appears to have been a capping stone. It is possible that this may have been standing upright at some earlier time, but there is no clear cut to indicate this. At least three other features at the site appear to have been capped with a stone, though none of them used such a large stone. At present nothing from the other capped features appears to link them to this pit.

Feature 677 and Posthole 1095Contexts: 677 (1294 and 454) and 1095 (1096).


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Drawings: 222, 133 (pre-ex and post-ex plans)Photos: 19 (17), 20 (45) and 21 (45).Finds: 229, 238, 271-72, 274-76, 247, 256, 277-78, 283-84, 257, 269, 273, 279, 285

(flints, pottery, crystals)Description:Cut 677 was an elongated roughly oval shaped feature cut into the northwestern area

of cut 602. It is north to south orientated and measures 1.60 m by 0.50 m, with depth of 0.25 m. Its sides were moderate to steep, mostly concave and the base was roughly oval in plan and concave (Photo 20 (45)). It was filled with two fills, 1294 and 454.

Fill 1294 was the main and primary fill of pit, very similar and probably the same as fill 287 from pit cut 602. Fill 1294 was concentrated in the southern area of the feature. It was soft brownish-grey silt, with frequent inclusions of charcoal flecks and pieces (up to 60 mm), angular and sub-angular pebbles and small stones including fire shattered pebbles, which occur only in this fill and small spots of light yellowish grey sandy silt, which may possibly be ash. At least 15 sherds of pottery, four crystals and two flints were retrieved from this fill.

Fill 454, occurred in the northern area of the cut and above fill 1294 in southern area of the pit. This fill was a greyish-brown, sandy-silt, with frequent sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles and moderate inclusions of charcoal flecks to small pieces and spots of grey sand, which may possibly be ash. Two pottery sherds were retrieved from this fills (Finds 229 and 238).

Pebbles and small stones are randomly scattered throughout all of the cut, although higher concentrations of stones occur on the base in northern area of the pit (Photo 19 (17)).

At the northern end of pit cut 677, an oval posthole cut 1095, was revealed (Photo 21 (45)). It was orientated north to south and measured 0.55 m by 0.45 m by 0.33 m deep. It had steep to vertical sides, with an irregular in shape and irregular oval base. The fill 1096, which was a greyish-brown clayey-silt, with moderate sub-angular to sub-rounded pebbles and occasional charcoal flecks. Pebbles are concentrated around southeast and southwest sides. There are no finds in this pit.

Discussion:As the fills of feature cut 677 and pit cut 602 are so similar, it is not clear whether

they are contemporary or whether feature 677 is cut into the main fill of pit cut 602. Given that the posthole cut 1095 is connected to 677, but at a distance from the pit cut 602 and its finds-rich fill 287, and it does not contain any finds, it would seem likely that both cuts 677 and 1095 post date the main pit cut 602. With the finds present being the result of cut 677 cutting through fills of pit cut 602. A stratigraphic relationship may have been present, but as the fills were extremely dark and charcoal rich and this has not been identified.

These two features 677 and 1095 do not appear to contribute to a structural pattern for cut 602 or any of the surrounding features.

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Posthole cut 1095 is truncated by or contemporary with pit cut 677. It looks like a posthole on the end of cut 677.

Stakeholes Around and Within Cut 602Contexts: 453 (452), 461 (460), 524 (530), 612 (601), 698 (477), 754 (755), 1102 (1103)

and 1117 (1118). Drawings: Photos: 14 (50) and 17 (13).Description:Stakehole cuts 453, 754 and 524 are similar in shape and dimensions and are posi-

tioned in a straight line, orientated NNW – SSE 2 m long. They were circular in shape, with 0.10 m to 0.15 m in diameter, with steep to vertical, smooth sides and a tapered, blunt to rounded point. Their depth ranged from 0.15 m to 0.25 m (Photo 14 (50).

Stakehole cut 453 is slightly orientated to the south, with its fill 452 a mid brownish/orangish-grey clayey silt, with occasional charcoal flecks and fine angular pebbles.

Stakehole cut 524 was orientated towards the east and was present in the base of pit cut 602, it had a depth of 0.25 m. Primary fill 530 was a mid greyish-orange, silty-clay, with occasional charcoal flecks and moderate medium and coarse pebbles, placed on the edges of cut (Photos 17 (13)). The uppermost fill 523, is dark orangish-brown and grey, silty-clay, with occasional charcoal flecks and fine angular pebbles

Stakehole 754 was also cut into the base of pit cut 602 and had a depth of 0.26 m. Its fill 755, was a mid brown, silty-sand, with occasional charcoal flecks and fine sub-angular pebbles.

Cut 461 is a circular stakehole, with steep, smooth sides and tapered, rounded point. It measured 0.04 m in diameter by 0.10 m in depth and wat is orientated to the northwest. It was filled with greyish/orangish-brown, clayey-silt, with moderate charcoal flecks and occasional fine angular pebbles.

Stakehole cut 461 was located 1.20 m to the ENE of stakehole cut 754, these two stakeholes made a line perpendicular to the first line.

Cut 612 is small circular stakehole with diameter of 0.04 m and depth of 0.12 m and was orientated towards the east. It was cut into the re-deposited natural context 600, which had also slumped over it. It was filled with orangish and greyish-brown, fine silt, with moderate charcoal flecks and fine angular pebbles.

Stakehole cut 698 was shallow stakehole on the northeastern edge of feature 602. It was circular with a diameter of 0.2 m and depth of 0.06 m. It was filled with mid brown, silty-sand, with frequent coarse sub-angular pebbles, placed around the edges of stakehole.

Stakehole cut 1117 is oval, with vertical, smooth sides and a tapered, rounded point base, it measured 0.12 m by 0.10 m by 0.10 m in depth. It contained fill similar to that of the pit cut 602.

Discussion:


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This group of stakeholes is situated around and within feature cut 602. Materials filling those features are mostly dark sandy or clayey silt with charcoal flecks and fine sub-angular pebbles, similar to the fills of pit cut 602. (Stakeholes related to the nearby Structure 1, have very distinct light grey fills).

The depth of stakeholes cut into pit cut 602 is 0.25 m. This suggests that they were hammered into the base of cut 602, if they were hammered into fills of the pit cut 602, then their total depth would have been 0.55 m, which seems unlikely.

These stakeholes appear to relate to some structural element of the carinated bowl feature.

Postholes Possibly Related to Cut 602Contexts: 1115 (1116) and 1125 (1126).Drawings: 395.Photos: Description:Two postholes are located in proximity of feature cut 602 may be related to it. Post-

holes cuts 1115 (Drawing 395) and 1125 are similar in shape, oval to sub-circular, with dimensions ranging from 0.22 by 0.27 m to 0.24 by 0.32 m and depth from 0.14 m to 0.27 m. They both have steep to vertical smooth sides and oval, concave (cut 1115) and flat (cut 1125) bases.

Both postholes were filled with deposits of brown, clayey-silt, with moderate charcoal flecks and sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles.

Discussion:These postholes are situated on the periphery of postholes and stakeholes making up

Structure # 1, which is to the west of cut 602, but their fills are more similar to deposits in pit cut 602.

Group Discussion:This group of features appears to make up some kind of structure relating to the pit

cut 602. Finds within this and other features do not appear to be accidentally dropped or discarded, as they include several tools in good working order. These features appear to represent some form of deliberate deposition. The large number of fills within cut 602, may suggest some elaborate ceremony in which many deposits are laid down over a period of time. The presence of rare crystal tools within these features suggest that this activity was very important to the people that took part

The main feature, pit cut 602 is approximately 5 m from the Neolithic house, where similar pottery and burnt fills are present, suggesting that the features are related. In-situ burning at the Neolithic House might suggest that charcoal-rich deposits within cut 602 and other related features came from activities at the Neolithic House.

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Group 3

3 Circular House with central hearth: Structure 4This group is located at the south-west end of the site, approximately 5 m north of

an infilled stream on ground sloping gently downwards from north to south and north to west. The group consisted of a hearth, a metalled surface, some small firespots, a domestic waste pit, a curved slot trench making up one quarter of a circle, with an op-posing stone packed posthole, suggesting a circular structure, approximately 8 m to 9 m in diameter.

3a. Slot trench and stone-packed posthole

Cut numbers 18, 27, 53, 55, 58-60. Fills 12, 13, 52, 56, 57, 142-144.Drawings 9, 10, 17, 19-23, 49 and 54.Photos F 4 (17, 19, 43, 44, 49, 50 and 55) and 5 (21-25).Grid 3D, 8C, 8D and 9A.Description:A slot trench C.27 ran in an arc, making up the north eastern quarter of a circle. It

was 5.50 m along its length, with a width of 0.45 m and depth 0.17 m. It had vertical sides and a rounded base (Photo 3 (12). The fill C.13 was a mid brown, firm silty-clay, with occasional charcoal inclusions and one fragment of flint (Find#22).

At the northern terminus of this slot, another slot ran perpendicular C.18. This fea-ture had a length of 1.18 m, width 0.48 m and 0.06 m depth. It had gentle sloping sides and a flat base. Three stakeholes were present at its base C.58, 59 and 60, with dimen-sions of diameter 0.10 m by depth 0.10 m. All had a mid brown silty clay, with occasional charcoal inclusions. Their fills appeared similar to C.12, the fill of this slot.

Posthole C.55 was present opposite slot trench C.27 approximately 8 m to the east. It was circular with a diameter of 0.30 m and depth 0.51 m. It had vertical sides and a rounded base, with three fills and an upright packing slab on its western side (Photo 4 (55). The primary fill C.57 was redeposited boulder clay subsoil, with some small packing stones in its matrix, with a depth of 0.28 m. The second fill was a black, soft clay, with occasional small stones and frequent charcoal inclusions. The uppermost fill was a mid brown silty clay, similar to that found in the slot trench C.27.

Discussion:The slot trench C.27 appears to make up one quarter of a circle, with another shal-

lower slot at its northern terminus C.18 suggesting that the entranceway to this structure may have been to the northeast. The three stakeholes may relate to a simple door, pivot-ing on a pole. Though the slot trench was clearly evident when the site was first cleaned, no further slots were found to make up the other three quarters of this structure. It may be that the slot was needed only on the upslope side of the building to drain the rainwa-ter around the building rather than through it and that posts were used for downslope construction. Only one posthole was found with sufficient depth and width, this post


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had a large flat, upright stone for packing on its western side. This stone would have been placed on the western side to counteract gravity pushing the building westwards downs-lope. This technique is also present at structure five, 50 m to the north

3b. Hearth and firespots

Deposit numbers 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 20, 21 and 33.Drawings 3 and 49.Photos 1 (5 and 6).Grids 3D,4B, 8C and 9A.Description:One large centrally located hearth was present C.10 and C.6, with five additional

smaller firespots in close proximity to the main hearth possibly representing spills from the main hearth. The main hearth C.6 is oval in shape, orientated north to south, with a length of 1.80 m, width 1.50 m and depth 0.07 m depth, with an additional 0.05 m depth of subsoil burning (C.10) underneath the charcoal.

The firespots (C.4, 5 20, 21 and 23) ranged in size from 0.15 m to 0.68 m length, by 0.10 m to 0.50 m width, by 0.02 m to 0.09 m depth and were scattered radially around the main hearth.

Discussion:The main hearth was oval in shape with an orientation north to south. This may

suggest that wind may have been present at times, perhaps coming in through an open doorway to the north. The fire was of large enough size to suggest a permanent dwelling.

3c. Metalled Surface

Contexts 22, 23 and 30.Drawings 54.Photos 3 (5) and 4 (30).Grids 8C and 9A.Description:The metalled surface C.30, was 1.60 m to the southeast of the main hearth C.10, The

surface comprised angular and smoothed sandstone pebbles and small stones (50 to 100 mm) embedded into the boulder clay subsoil (Photo 4 (30)), with dimensions of 1.38 m by 1.25 m by 0.04 m depth. The deposit was truncated by a 2 m wide test trench, so the deposit may have been substantially larger.

Overlaying the metalled surface was a deposit of dark brown sandy-clay C.22, con-taining very frequent charcoal inclusions. It was 0.05 m in depth.

Overlaying the charcoal rich deposit was a deposit of sandy clay C.23, with occasional charcoal inclusions, with a depth of 0.02 m.

Discussion:The metalled surface relates to an occupational surface within structure 4, close to the

hearth. The surface was probably much larger and may have covered most of the internal

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area of the habitation. The charcoal rich deposit above the metalled surface would likely have come from fire debris being trampled or scattered onto the metalling.

3d. Posthole, Pits and roasting pit for hazelnuts

Contexts 8, 9, 11, 69, 82, 83, 95, 98 and 99.Drawings 2, 33, 50 and 53. Photos 1 (7, 8, 12 and 14), 5 (57), 6 (2,, 13, 21, 22, 28, 29, 33-36).Grids 4b, 8a and 9b.Description:Three pits were identified, two were outside of the structure C.83 and C.99, the third

was inside the structure C.9. Pit cut C.9 was southwest of the main hearth, with an oval shape, moderate sloping

sides and a tapered blunt point at base. The dimensions were length 0.56 m by width 0.42 m by 0.22 m depth. The pit contained two fills (Photo 1 (12)), with the primary fill C.8 containing frequent charcoal and occasional flecks of bone. The uppermost fill C.11 ap-peared to be eroded orange silt, perhaps deposited naturally over time.

Pit cut 83 was approximately 9 m to the north of the centre of structure 4 and was oval in shape. The pit had moderate sloping sides and a concave base. The dimensions were 0.71 m length by 0.36 m width by 0.08 m depth. The fill C.82, was a light greyish-brown, clayey-sand, with occasional charcoal flecking.

Pit cut C.99 was oval in plan, with moderate sloping sides and a concave base and was located 7 m to the north of structure 4. The dimensions were 1.14 m length by 0.91 m width by 0.14 m depth. The pit contained evidence of in-situ burning, though not very deep burning, with the primary fill C.98, a black clayey-silt containing frequent charcoal inclusions and burnt hazelnut shell fragments (Photo 6 (33)). The uppermost fill C. 95, a dark, orangish-brown sand, contained occasional charcoal flecks and moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. It is not clear whether this fill was deposited or whether it was eroded soil.

A irregular depression context 69 contained dark brown sandy-clay, with moderate charcoal flecking and burnt hazelnut shells. This deposit was 1.57 m long by 0.60 m wide by 0.07 m deep

A stone packed posthole cut 120, was found to the east of Structure 4. This feature was well defined with a diameter 0.33 m by 0.22 m depth. The fill 119, was a dark brown, silty-clay, with frequent angular pebbles and moderate charcoal inclusions.

Discussion:Two of these pits, C.9 and C.99 suggest domestic activity, both inside and outside

structure 1. C.9 may be a small refuse pit, with bone indicating remains from cooking a meal, whereas C.99 outside the structure appear to be a roasting pit, perhaps used as a rudimentary oven. Burnt hazelnut shells in context 69 may have come from the roasting pit.

Group Discussion:


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This area of the site was badly truncated by plough furrows and it may be that further structural features have been destroyed. Field boundaries C.17 and C.39 and 41 enclose this area to the north and east, with an earlier drainage system C.152 enclosing to the east C.121 an additional drainage ditch cutting through the interior of Structure 4, suggest-ing that all these features post-date the structure and may have truncated other features relating to the structure.

Structure 4 would appear to be the remains of a habitation, circular, with a door to the north and approximately 9 m in diameter. Given the limited nature of the remains, little can be said about construction techniques. Sloping ground appears to have been taken into consideration when selecting a suitable location, with a stream 5 m to the south probably providing water. Additional features may be present further southwest beyond the limit of excavation.

GROUP 4

4 Beaker-like structure: Cut 278. Structure 3This group of features is located in the middle of the site in grids 16c and 16d; 2 m

to the east of ditch cut 152. Structure 3 is represented by a slot trench cut 278, hearth deposit 294 and number of features including, pits, postholes and stakeholes (Photo 40 (37)). The structure was situated on a gentle slope, running downwards from southeast to northwest and was overlaid by 0.10 m to 0.15 m deep layer of soft greyish orange silt, layer 280, which had been washed down from further up the slope.

4a. Slot Trench, Posthole, Stakeholes, Pits and Hearth

Contexts: 262 (261 and 260), 264 (263), 278 (347), (294 and 288), 338 (339), 346 (345 and 344), 354 (277) 364 (363) and 384 (383).

Drawings: Blowup of post-ex of Grid 16 (Grid 187 on Bens digitized plan), 98 and 125 ( Section through slot trench),

Photos: 10, (28), 12 (37 and 52), 13 (15 and 16).Grids: 16b and 16d. Description:Slot trench cut 278 is an irregular crescent shape (Photo 13 (15)). The teminii of cut

have not been found, due to the features being cut into fine orange eroded silt, with most of the fills being fine orange eroded silt. The excavated and identified length measures 2.4 m and width is ranging from 0.15 m to 0.45 m, with the depth of the slot ranging from 0.10 m to 0.15 m. The slot has vertical sides, which are concave in shape and a flat base (Photo 13 (16)).

One fill is present in the slot, fill 347, which was a soft mid brownish-grey clayey-silt, partially mottled with orange silt inclusions and with moderate charcoal flecks and small pieces. Frequent angular and sub-angular, small stones and pebbles are present.

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Two stakeholes have been revealed on the base of slot trench, cuts 338 and 384. They both occur in wider parts of slot trench, cut 384 roughly in the middle of the slots length and cut 338 to the east, where pit cut 354 has been defined.

Both stakeholes are very shallow, 0.04 m and 0.07 m, are circular in shape with di-ameter of 0.07 m. Their sides are concave almost vertical and bases are tapered rounded point. Stakehole cut 338 is slightly orientated towards the northwest, with stakehole cut 384 orientated towards the southeast. They are filled with soft silty material with charcoal flecks and fine to medium size angular pebbles, the fill is similar to the fill of slot trench.

Two pits are connected with the eastern end of slot trench, cuts 354 and 346.Pit cut 354 is situated in the eastern part of slot trench cut 278. Its shape and sides

are not clearly defined as the pit had been cut into orange silt and filled with orange silt. It measures approximately 0.65 m by 0.60 m by 0.20 m deep, with a flat base. The pits fill context 277 was a soft, mid grayish-orange, clayey-silt with frequent angular and sub-angular pebbles and small stones and occasionally with charcoal flecks and small pieces. Three pieces of prehistoric pottery and one flint have been found close to the base of fea-ture (Finds 41-44). Context 277 partially filled slot trench cut 278 to the west of the pit.

Pit cut 346 is perpendicular to the slot trench and adjacent to pit cut 354. It has ir-regular elongated shape, orientated north to south and measures 1.05 m in length, 0.45 in width, by 0.15 m in depth. North and south sides were moderate and concave, with the east and west sides being gentle and smooth. The base was mostly flat in profile and irregular in shape. The pit had been disturbed by animal activity. The pit contained two fills, context 345 and context 344.

Fill 345 was a firm dark orangish grey silty clay with frequent flecks and small pieces of charcoal. It filled almost the whole length of pit to a depth of 0.10 m. In the middle of its extent, where cut is the most shallow, there are frequent predominantly angular and sub-angular pebbles and small stones(30 % of the fill in this area). These pebbles and composition of fill are very similar to context 347, the main fill in slot trench 278.

Fill 344 was located in southern part of the feature, above fill 345 and measured 0.45 m by 0.40 m in extent and 0.1 m in depth. It was a soft mid grayish-orange, clayey-silt with frequent fine and medium and occasionally coarse size angular to sub-rounded pebbles and occasionally with charcoal flecks and small pieces.

Posthole cut 364 (Photo 12 (37 and 52)) is situated to the 0.25 m southwest of slot trench cut 278, near pit cut 354. It is composed of two parts, oval shaped and deeper to the southwest, the cut of posthole and a smaller and shallower part to the northeast, prob-ably created during removing post. The main cut is oval shaped, orientated northeast to southwest with dimensions of 0.67 m in length by 0.42 m in width and depth of 0.13 m. Its sides are steep and concave and base is oval and flat. Stone packing made of angular to sub-angular coarse pebbles and small stones was evident on the edges of cut. The post-hole contained fill 363, a firm, mid to dark brownish and orangish-grey silty-clay, with moderate charcoal flecks and small pieces and frequent fine and medium angular and sub-angular pebbles.


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The remains of a hearth are situated about 1.50 m to the northeast, partially en-closed by the slot trench. The hearth measured 1.10 m by 0.80 m, orientated northeast to southwest. The subsoil context 294 had been burnt to a depth of 0.01 m, producing an oxidised orange/brownish-red colour, though the heating doesn’t appear as intense as other hearths at the site. The fill of the hearth, fill 288 which was a mixed soft brown sandy-silt with frequent flecks and small and occasionally medium pieces of charcoal. Fill 288 was concentrated in southwestern area of the hearth, where its depth was 0.15 m (Photo 10 (28)). Frequent angular and sub-angular pebbles and small stones were ran-domly scattered throughout whole extent of hearth. Similar material like fill 288 is spread in small patches to the southwest of the hearth. Two stakeholes 262 and 264 are present immediately to the north of the hearth and may have been used in conjunction with the hearth for cooking.

Discussion:The slot trench cut 278 was only to the southwest of the hearth and may represent

approximately one quarter of a structure. It may be that the slot represents a partial struc-ture such as a hide or windbreak, alternatively other elements of this slot and construction may have been eroded due to the soft silt subsoil present.

The function of pits 346 and 354 on the line of the slot are not clear, but may suggest support posts within the trench or posts to bind wall fabric to horizontally, such as wicker . The central section of pit 346, containing the same kind of material as the slot trench, seems to suggest it was a continuation, rather than a terminus of slot trench.

Pit 354 could be later truncation of the slot trench or some pit/posthole within it re-lated to its construction - its edges are very unclear; on the base of it there was a stakehole, the same as on the base of slot trench suggesting that they may have been contemporary.

Posthole 364 probably acted as an external support post for the structure, it appears to be the only well constructed, stone packed posthole surviving.

The hearth appears to be in a depression and contained a large number of stones, it may have been the centre of activity in this area. The remains of the hearth fill 288 are spread to the southwest from the area of in-situ burning, towards the slot trench, this may suggest that there was no protection from the wind, (such as a wall) on the northeast side. The stakeholes with a hearth were present ‘upwind’ of the hearth, similar stakeholes are clustered near hearths elsewhere on site near dwellings (see Group 1, context 832).

4b. Features Associated with Structure 3

Contexts: 283 (295), 289 (330, 291, 290 and 257), 307 (306), 352 (349), 373, 374, 375, 581 (583), 584 (586) and (585).

Drawings: 103 and 185 Photos: 10 (38), 10 (17), 11 (25), 12 (71 and 72) and 18 (28).Grids: 16c and 16d. Description:Pit cut 307 was a small pit located within the area partially enclosed by slot trench

278. It was a shallow, sub-rectangular shape, was orientated northwest to southeast. Di-

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mensions were 0.63 m by 0.52 m by 0.10 m deep. Its sides were moderate in slope, smooth to concave in shape, with an oval flat base. Its fill 306, was firm dark grayish-brown, silty-clay, with frequent small and medium angular and sub-angular stones making up 30 % of fill. Moderate charcoal flecks and small pieces and fine and medium pebbles were present in fill. The fill appeared to have been spread on the surface around the edges of cut.

Two small pits are connected with each other and due to the similar materials filling them, relationship between them was not clear (Photo 12 (32)).

Pit cut 352 was oval shaped, orientated east to west and measures 0.70 m in length by 0.63 m in width and 0.25 m in depth. Sides are smooth, steep at north and east and moderate at south and west. The base is irregular, roughly oval in plan and flat in profile.

Pit cut 283 is oval shaped, orientated NW - SE, with dimensions of 0.80 m by 0.73 m by 0.11 m in depth. It had steep sides and a circular, flat base.

Both features were filled with a similar fill, a firm mid grayish-brown silt, with oc-casional charcoal flecks and sub-angular fine ad medium pebbles and medium stones.

In area near these two pits at the northwest end of the slot trench, there were spread two amorphous deposits, context 374 and 373.

Context 373 was closer to the slot trench cut. Dimensions were 1.50 m by 1.00 m by 0.10 m deep. The deposit was a soft dark grayish/orangish-brown, clayey-silt, with frequent angular to sub-rounded pebbles and small to medium size stones, with frequent charcoal flecks and small pieces.

Context 374 was similar to context 373, although it was slightly lighter and contained less pebbles. It measured 2.60 m in length by 1.15 m in width and 0.2 m in depth. The boundary between these two deposits was not visible on the surface, but was clear in the section (Photo 12 (71 and 72)).

Context 375, was beneath both deposits, it was a soft mid grayish-orange silt, with moderate charcoal flecks to small pieces and with sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. This deposit had dimensions 1.50 m length by 1.00 m width by 0.20 m depth.

Pit cut 581 is oval shaped north to south orientated and measures 0.52 m in length by 0.48 m in width and 0.12 m in depth. It has moderate to steep smooth sides and oval flat base. Pit was filled with fill 583, a firm mid brown silt, occasionally with sub-angular fine pebbles and sub-rounded small stones and contained two flints (Find no. 182), (Photo 18 (28)). This pit had been truncated by the posthole cut 584 (Drawing # 185).

This feature was circular shaped with 0.20 m to 0.28 m in diameter and 0.3 m in depth. It had vertical smooth, undercut sides and an oval concave base. The top is ori-entated towards the northwest at an angle of 75o. It was filled with fill 586, a firm mid brown silt, ocasionally with sub-rounded fine pebbles. Deposit 585 overlay both features.

A large pit cut 289 was present to the east of the slot trench, it had four fills and a large flat, angular stone, capping the uppermost fill. It was sub-oval in shape, with a gradual break of slope top and imperceptible break of slope base, with moderate and irregular sides and a sub-oval, concave base. Dimensions were 2.05 m by 1.40 m by 0.34 m in depth, with the feature (and large capping stone) orientated east to west. (Photo 10 (17)


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and 11 (25)).(Drawing # 192)The primary fill 330, was a soft mid brownish-orange silt, with frequent sub-rounded and rounded fine pebbles, moderate sub-angular and angular medium pebbles.

The second fill 291, was a soft mid orangish-brown, clayey-silt, with moderate sub-rounded and rounded fine and sub-angular and rounded medium pebbles.

The third fill 290, was a soft dark brown silt, with moderate sub-rounded and rounded fine and sub-angular and sub-rounded medium pebbles, with occasional sub-angular and sub-rounded coarse pebbles and sub-angular small stones. Frequent flecks of charcoal were present.

The uppermost fill 257, was a loose orange silty sand, with frequent, fine rounded pebbles, moderate coarse sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles, moderate sub-rounded to rounded medium and large stones, with occasional flecks to small pieces of charcoal. A capstone lay on top of the fill measuring 1.00 m by 0.28 m by 0.10 m.

Discussion:This area was badly truncated by plough furrows. Many likely geological features,

composed of strongly cemented light pinkish grey/white sand mixed on the top with dark brown and orange silt, in some places with frequent angular and sub-angular pebbles and stones, were also present, making definitive analysis of these features difficult.

Context 375 appears to be early deposited orange silt washed down from the slope. Spread deposits of silt with charcoal and stones as well as pits cut 283 and cut 352 may indicate some activity in this area, though there is no finds in any of them.

Pits 283 and 352 may be internal features, with cut 352, with its steep sides and flat base possibly being a truncated posthole.

The large pit cut 289 may be a domestic refuse pit.Other periphery features may be associated with structure 3.Group Discussion:This group probably represents the remains of a poorly built dwelling and domestic

activity. The structure may have been only partly enclosed or poorly built or both. Simi-lar badly defined structures were present elsewhere on the project and have indications that they may be Beaker related. Analysis of pottery found may help with dating.

Several of the structures at Caherdrinny 3 indicate partial enclosure, this may repre-sent a stylistic norm during the Bronze Age in this area.

Group 5

5 Substantial Building. Structure 7This group consists of six features, a curvilinear slot trench with a stone lined base,

a stone packed posthole which appears to have had the post removed and reused for the deposition of thermally shattered sandstone (see Group 10), an area of burning, a small pit or posthole with horizontally packed stones and burnt bone and two indeterminate truncated pits or postholes.. Due to the presence of a clay lined trough cut 258 of the

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fulacht fiadh type and a large number of features in this area containing thermally shat-tered stone, it is difficult to determine which features relate to the trough and which fea-tures relate to structure 7. All features containing thermally shattered stone or excessive amounts of charcoal have been added to group 10. All other features (unless otherwise stated) within the enclosing arc of the curvilinear slot trench cut 506, will be treated as possibly related to structure 7.

5a. Slot Trench

Contexts; 506 (507).Drawings: Blow-up post-ex plan of only features mentioned in Group 5, 169.Photos: 17 (11), 21 (13), 40 (31).Grids: 21a, 36b, 37a, 41a and 41c.Description:This curvilinear slot trench runs for a length of 9.40 m (Photos 21 (13) and 40 (31)).

At its northwest end a shallow terminus could be seen, but along its length as it curved southeast and then southwest it had a consistent profile, with a width of 0.47 m and 0.25 m depth, the sides were steep, almost vertical and the feature had a flat base. It was trun-cated by furrow cut 627 to the southwest and could not be followed any further. The slot trench was packed with small angular stones laid horizontally along its base (Photo 17 (11)). The fill 507 was a dark greyish-brown sandy-silt, with occasional sub-angular fine and medium pebbles. Fill 507 filled the entire cut.

One feature pit cut 528 was cut by the curvilinear slot trench, indicating that this area had been used prior to construction of Structure 7.

Discussion:It is hard to interpret the dimensions this structure as only approximately one quar-

ter of an enclosing element is present. At least two other structures appear to be only partly enclosed with a slot trench in this fashion (Structures 3 and 4). The full enclosure may have been circular, sub-rounded or sub-rectangular or may have been only partly enclosed. Possible dimensions range from 5 m by 10 m to 12 m by 12 m. The stones packed at the base of this feature may have been laid to produce a compact, stable surface on which to place posts to support the structure, no packing stones, such as those evident in the slot of Structure 5 were present.

5b. Stone Packed Posthole

Contexts 409 (419, 414 and 413).Drawings: 135Photos: 13 (48 and 50), 14 (1) and 40 (30),Grids: 37b.Description:This posthole had dimensions of 0.46 m length, 0.42 m width, 0.39 m depth. The

sides were vertical and smooth, with a sharp break of slop to a flat circular base (Photo 40 (30)). This posthole containeda post pad of small stones, a vertically wedged packing


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stone (Photo 14 (1)) and three fills, the stone was wedged along the northeastern side of the post. The primary fill 419 was a mid brown silty-sand, which was soft and loose, with occasional pebbles of all sizes and types and occasional sub-angular small stones. Oc-casional charcoal was also present. This soil appeared to be packed behind the packing stone to the northeast (Drawing # 135), probably during the original positioning of the post. The second and third fills 414 and 413 were of thermally shattered stone (Photo 13 (48 and 50)), relating to the trough cut 258 discussed in Group 10 below. These fills appear to have been deposited some time later, after the post had been removed from the posthole.

Discussion:Posthole 409 appears to be a substantial support post, with a large stone wedged along

its northeast side. This suggests the pressures on the post originate from the southwest side. A similar post was present as part of Structure 4 (Group 3a, cut 55). The presence of thermally shattered stone fills directly above the cut suggest that the post was still stand-ing when activities relating to trough 258 commenced. The post was removed and two deposits 414 and 413, along with a broken polished stone axe and a hammer stone were placed within the posthole, perhaps suggesting an acknowledgement by the inhabitants of earlier activity at the site.

5c. Horizontally Packed Post or Pit.

Contexts 436 (447 and 438).Drawings: 147,Photos: 14 (40 and 45),Grids: 37b.Description:This feature was 1 m west of posthole cut 409. It was 0.45 m long, 0.40 m wide ,

0.16 m deep, with moderate sloping and undercut sides and a sub-circular flat base and appeared partly truncated (Photo 14 (45). It contained two fills, one of soil and one of horizontally laid stones (Photo 14 (40)). It is not clear whether the packing stones or the soil was deposited first, as soil may have silted through gaps between the stones. The soil fill 438 was a mid brown silty sand, which was soft and loose, with moderate to frequent pebbles, occasional to moderate charcoal inclusions and occasional fragments of burnt bone (Find 68). The stone fill 447 was presumed to have been laid above this deposit to protect it. The small and medium sub-rounded stones filled the cut and appear to have been selected and laid horizontally.

Discussion:This feature may be the truncated remains of a cremation. It appears to be inside the

structure.

5d. Interior, Indeterminate Pits and Burning

Contexts: 468 (471, 470 and 469), 479 (471), 491, 645 (639) and 1107 (1108) .Drawings:

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Photos: 16 (8) and 21 (52).Grids: 36d, 37b and 41c.Description:Context 491 was a small area of burning, several other smaller areas of burning were

also present, but were not recorded. It was 0.80 m in length, 0.68 m in width and 0.01 m. Occasional fine sub-angular pebbles and occasional charcoal was present.

A large poorly defined sub-circular pit cut 645 was present, with dimensions 2.00 m length, 1.50 m width, 0.31 m depth. It had moderate, smooth sloping sides and an ir-regular flat base. Some evidence of insitu burning was found at the pits base. The pits fill 639 was mid brown silty-sand, with moderate coarse sub-angular pebbles and occasional small angular stones. Charcoal was occasionally present towards the base of the fill, where in-situ burning was present.

The fills of pit cut 645 were cut by two additional pit cuts (Photo 16 (8)); 468 which was poorly defined with three fills and pit cut 479 with one fill 471. Pit cut 471 had vertical sides, with an irregular flat base, the pit had dimensions 0.60 m diameter, 0.70 m depth. The fill 471 was the same as the primary fill of cut 468, a white compact sand, with occasional sub-angular fine and medium pebbles and occasional charcoal flecks.

Pit cut 1107 was truncated whilst excavating test pits and was only recorded in section(Photo 21 (52)). It had a diameter of 0.18 m and depth of 0.14 m, with moder-ate sloping concave side and a rounded concave base. The fill 1108 was a mid greyish-black silty-clay, with oiccasional medium, sub-angular pebbles and occasional charcoal inclusions.

Discussion:None of the features in this sub group gives a very clear picture of the activities going

on within Structure 7. During initial cleaning of the area, small deposits of a possibly metalled surface were indicated and some flint fragments were retrieved. However due the the raised profile of this area (approximately 0.10-0.15 m higher than the surrounding subsoils, it seems that additional features may have been erased in recent times.

Features in this group and corroboratory finds indicate that this was possibly a do-mestic area, perhaps a simple habitation, with many of the features erased by both trough related activity and much later land improvements.

Group Discussion: Possible habitation area. Similar partial construction and layout to Structures 3 and

4.

Group 6

6 Post constructed House: Cut 1336: Structure 2Photos: 40 (8 and 9)


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Drawings: Blow-up post-ex of grids: 26, 27, 57 and 58 (or grids 189, 190, 203, 204 on Ben’s digitized plan)

Structure 2 is the remains of a rhombus-shaped structure situated in grids: 26, 27, 57 and 58 (or grids 189, 190, 203, 204 on Ben’s digitized plan) situated 20 m southeast of Structure 1. Structure 2 was truncated along its northwestern aspect by the later field boundary cut 41 and it that other Structure 2 related features are missing because of this truncation.

Three of the sides of this structure are less substantial, with the southern wall being more substantial. The structure was constructed of stakes and posts, with possible oc-cupation areas, both inside and out.

6a. The Walls

The Southern Side Wall: Contexts: 1071(1069), 1231(1070), 1300 (1299), 1302 (1301), 1308 (1307), 1314 (1313)

1599 (1602 and 1603) 1606 (1605) and 1609 (1615).Drawings: Photos: 8 (21) and 26 (50) Grids: 27a, 27b and 57a.Description:The southern wall of the building is consisted of two postholes and seven stakeholes.The stakehole cuts were similar in size and shape, circular in plan with sharp breaks of

slope at the top, sides all vertical and a smooth tapered point. Dimensions were 0.07 m. in diameter, with depths varied from 0.11 m - 0.25 m, with stakehole cut 1231 being the deepest. Fills were similar, a mid brown, soft, silty-sand, with inclusions of fine pebbles and occasional charcoal flecks. The stakeholes were in a row, orientated east to west, with stakes positioned 0.6 - 0.8 m apart (Photo 26 (50)). Stakeholes 1231 and 1606 are nearer to the postholes.

The posthole cut 1071 (Photo 8 (21)) had dimensions of 0.20 m diameter and 0.12 m depth, with steep, concave sides and a concave, circular base. The fill 1069, was a dark brown silty-clay, with occasional fine pebbles of all types and occasional flecks and small pieces of charcoal. A piece of fired clay was found in this fill (Find # 191).

Posthole cut 1599 was oval, with dimensions of 0.47 m by 0.37 m by 0.10 m depth. It had vertical sides and a flat base, with two stones making up a post pad at its base (Photo 32 (23 and 41)). Stakehole cut 1606 was present within the posthole cut 1599, at its southwestern edge and was orientated towards where the post would have been, sug-gesting that the stake braced the post. The primary fill of the posthole was fill 1602, a mid brown, silty-clay, with moderate charcoal inclusions. A small secondary fill 1603 comprised light yellowish-brown, silty-clay, with occasional subrounded fine pebbles and occasional charcoal flecking.

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The southern side wall was orientated east to west, with the posthole cut 1071 being at the western end of this line, with another possible post cut 1599 making up a corner post for the junction with the eastern wall. The southern wall was 7.50 m in length.

Discussion:Stakehole cut 1606 was present within the posthole cut 1599, at its southwestern edge

and was orientated towards where the post would have been, suggesting that the stake braced the post.

The Eastern Wall:Contexts: 1608 (1607), 1613 (1614), 1617 (1616), 1634 (1633), 1636 (1635), 1643 (1642),

1648 (1647), 1650 (1649) 1654 (1653) and 1663 (1662).Drawings: 507Photo:Grid 57a and 58cDescription:The eastern wall of the structure comprised nine stakeholes and one posthole. This

wall was roughly orientated northeast to southwest.Stakeholes: 1608 (1607), 1617 (1616), 1634 (1633) and 1663 (1662).These stakeholes were circular in plan, with vertical sides,with sharp break of slope at

top and gradual break of slope at base, they have flat, round bases. Dimensions ranged between 0.08 m to 0.15 m in diameter and 0.06 m to 0.14 m. in depth. The fills of the stakeholes was a firm, sandy-silt, with charcoal flecks. These stakeholes created a line run-ning northeast to southwest, spaced between 1 m and 2 m apart.

Additional stakeholes: 1613 (1614), 1643 (1642), 1648 (1647), 1650 (1649) and 1654 (1653).

There were five additional stakeholes scattered in proximity to the stakeholes described above. These stakeholes were smaller 0.06 m to 0.10 m in diameter, with depth 0.05 m to 0.12 m. Soils were mostly a loose, mid brown clayey-sand, with no charcoal inclusions. In one stakehole cut 1650, a find of flint was retrieved (Find 505).

Posthole 1636 was situated next to the stakehole 1634, a likely support post half way along the east wall of the structure. It was oval with dimensions of 0.26 m by 0.17 m by 0.21 m depth. The sides were vertical and concave, with an oval concave base (Photo 34 (4)). The fill 1635, contained a mid grayish-brown, clayey-silt, with moderate, sub-rounded, coarse pebbles.

Discussion:Posthole 1636 was situated next to the stakehole 1634, a likely support post half way

along the east wall of the structure.The Northern Wall:Contexts: 1198 (1197), 1215 (1214), 1221 (1220), 1312 (1311), 1334 (1333), 1658 (1657),

1666 (1659),1672 (1671), 1683 (1682)Photos: 34 (50)Drawings: Grid: 26d, 27b, 57a and 58c.


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There were a large number of stakeholes and two postholes which could be related to each other on this side of the structure. In the northern area of this cluster of features some division can be made. There were six stakeholes and two postholes creating a line running northwest to southeast. The line begins at posthole 1198 and ends at stakehole 1683, near the large pit 1676.

Stakeholes varied in size from 0.07 m to 0.13 m in diameter and 0.17 m to 0.20 m in depth. One stakehole 1666 was 0.41 m deep. The stakeholes shape in plan was circular, with vertical sides and rounded bases. These stakeholes had no consistent spacing be-tween them. Only two stakeholes were orientated, cut 1221 orientated east and cut 1666 orientated north. Stakehole fills were mostly dark brown silty and sandy-clay, with inclu-sions of occasional fine, medium pebbles and occasional charcoal flecks.

Posthole cut 1658 was circular in plan, with vertical sides and a sharp break of slope at base, with a flat bottom. It was 0.29 m in diameter and 0.13 m deep. At the base of this feature there was a stakehole 1672 (Photo 34 (50)), though the stakehole was not ori-entated towards the post. Posthole cut 1658 is similar to 1599 in that it has a stakehole at its base and it contains stones which may be for packing. The posthole contained one fill 1657, a dark grayish-brown, sandy-silt, with frequent sub-angular pebbles of all sizes and occasional small sub-angular stones, frequent charcoal flecks and one fragment of crystal. This feature was truncated by a furrow, as were other features within this group

A second posthole nearby cut 1325, also contained a stakehole cut 1334, this feature makes up part of the western wall.

Discussion:Two postholes 1658 and 1325 are very similar, each of these postholes have a stakehole

at the base and have similar fills. They are also similar to other postholes such as 1198, 1200, 1336, 1658 and 1330 in the area and may relate to an internal division within the structure, though this is far from certain.

The Western Wall:Contexts: 1200 (1199), 1219 (1218), 1225 (1224), 1310 (1309), 1325 (1324), 1327 (1326)

1330 (1331), 1336 (1337), 1339(1338), 1341(1340), 1343(1342), 1345(1344), 1347(1346) and 1632(1631).

Photos: 29 (18, 23, 44)Drawings: 410Grids: 26c and 27a.The western wall of this structure was comprised a large number of stakeholes and

postholes. Some features on the west side of the structure may have been destroyed by field boundary cut 41.

Posthole cut 1336 was surrounded by six of stakeholes 1339, 1341, 1343, 1345, 1347 and 1632. This was a sub-circular feature with a packing stone at the base. Sides are vertical and smooth (Photo 29 (44)). The posthole contained one fill 1337 containing occasional charcoal flecks.

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The six stakeholes around the posthole are all similar in shape and dimensions. Their diameter was between 0.07 m to 0.13 m and depth 0.09 m to 0.16 m, fills were a grayish-brown, sandy-clay, with charcoal flecks.

Posthole 1325 was surrounded by five stakeholes 1348, 1556, 1590, 1638 and 1641 and with stakehole cut 1334 cut into its base (Photo 29 (23)). It was similarly laid out to posthole cut 1336 in which there was also stakehole located. Dimensions were 0.36 m by 0.30 m wide by 0.08 m in depth. Posthole 1325 contained fill 1324, a mid grayish-brown, sandy-silt, occasional fine and coarse pebbles, moderate flecks and small pieces of char-coal. Eight pottery sherds (Find 193) were retrieved. This feature was truncated by a plough furrow.

Posthole cut 1330 was circular in plan, with rounded corners and sharp breaks of slope at the top and gradual at the base, sides are vertical and smooth (Photo 29 (18)). The base is tapered blunt point in profile and sub-circular in plan. It was orientated towards the north. Dimensions were 0.20 m by 0.18 m by 0.58 m. The fill 1331, contained medium sub-angular occasional pebbles and occasional charcoal flecks.

Posthole cut 1200, (Drawing 410) was sub-circular, with rounded corners, sides were steep and concave, with only southwest side being vertical and smooth. The base was a tapered rounded point. The cut was orientated east to west. Dimensions were 0.29 m by 0.14 m by 0.12 m. The fill 1199, was similar to posthole 1330

Stakeholes 1219 (1218), 1225 (1224), 1310 (1309), 1327 (1326) were randomly scattered around the two postholes and may be related to other stakeholes along the western wall. Stakehole dimensions were 0.06 m to 0.12 m diameter, with depths 0.16 m to 0.37 m. Sides were vertical, with pointed or tapered rounded points. Fills were mid brown sandy silt or sandy clay, containing charcoal flecks and small pebbles.

Discussion:The western wall is both confused and badly truncated. Some of the features here

may be related to domestic activity in this area, rather than building construction.General Wall Discussion:The walls of Structure # 2 vary in length and construction. Some of the features

which make up the walls may have been completely destroyed by plough furrows and by the field boundary cut 41 to the northwest. The structure appears to comprise a series of posts, generally larger at the corners, some with support struts. Along the lengths of the walls, occasional mid length posts are present. A large number of stakeholes complete the structure, with no slot trench being present. With so many stakeholes in the north west corner, it may be surmised that either a large number of repairs were carried out here or that occupational activities were present.

No clearly defined entranceway has been determined.

6b. Occupational Activity:

Contexts: 1303, 1664 (1665), 1670 (1669), 1676 (1577, 1625, 1645, 1646, and 1677) and 1694 (1644).


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Photos: 26 (53 and 56), 34 (11, 49, 57), 37 (4, 23, ), Drawings: : 514.Grids: 26d, 27b 57a and 58c.Description:This sub-group consists of four pits, two stakeholes and an area of in-situ burning. A small pit 1664, was present 3 m to the northeast of Structure 2, it was irregular in

plan, with irregular, vertical sides and irregular base, with dimensions of 0.19 m by 0.18 m 0.10 m in depth. The fill contained occasional charcoal.

A larger pit cut 1670, was present 2 m northeast of Structure 2. This feature was oval in plan, with gentle, concave sides, with an oval concave base (Photo 37 (4). The feature was orientated northeast to southwest. Dimensions were 1.05 m length by 0.90 m width by 0.22 m in depth. The pits fill 1669, was a mid brown, firm, sandy-silt, with moderate sub-angular pebbles and occasional charcoal flecks (Photo 34 (49).

Pit cut 1676 was the largest of the three pits. It was linear/ irregular in plan, sides were steep and concave, with an irregular, concave base. The cut was orientated east to west (Photo 34 (11 and 57) and 37 (23)) (Drawing 514). Dimensions were 4.50 m by 1.35 m by 0.50 m in depth. The base was cut by two stakeholes, cuts 1630 and 1640, both appear to be contemporary with the use of the pit.

The primary fill of cut 1676 was fill 1677, a friable material, a mid brownish-grey, sandy-silt, with all types of fine and medium, frequent pebbles and moderate flecks of charcoal. Depth was 0.07 m. This fill appeared to be a natural silted deposit.

The second fill 1646, was a mid grayish-brown, soft silt, occasional large angular stones and frequent, small sub-angular, and sub-rounded stones and charcoal flecks and small pieces. The fill was located in two places, to the west and to the northeast area of the cut. The fill had a depth of 0.20 m.

The third fill 1645 was a light, yellowish-brown, clayey-silt, with occasional charcoal flecks and medium and coarse pebbles. Flint fragments were retrieved in the fill (Finds #506 and 507). The fill had a depth of 0.15 m.

The fourth fill 1625, was a mid yellowish-brown, silty-clay, with occasional medium sub-angular pebbles and small stones and occasional charcoal flecks. This fill was truncat-ed by stakeholes (1348, 1556, 1641, 1638) and a posthole (1334) which all appear to relate to construction of Structure 2. This fill is also truncated by pit cut 1694 and a furrow. There was one pottery sherd (Find #502) and flint tool (Find #504) found in fill 1625. The fill had a depth of 0.10 m.

A pit cut 1694, was cut through this fill. This feature could only be discerned in sec-tion. It was circular or oval in plan, with steep sides and concave base, with a depth of 0.15 m. The fill 1644, was a fine silt, with occasional charcoal flecks.

An area of in-situ burning context 1303, was present to the north west of Structure 2. This deposit was badly truncated, with all of the charcoal deposits removed. Only the red oxidization of the subsoil was visible (Photo 26 (53 and 56)). This deposit measured 0.60 m by 0.42 m by 0.05 m in depth

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Discussion:These pits and stakeholes are indicative of occupational activity near and within the

structure. The truncated remains of a hearth to the northwest, may have been the cause of charcoal flecking in so many of these features. The presence of a very badly truncated hearth also indicates that many other subtle and shallow features, including additional hearth, are likely to have been destroyed by later ploughing and other activities. Pit cut 1676 appears to be both inside and outside the line of the northern wall. This may suggest that the earliest elements of this feature predate the construction of Structure 2.

Group Discussion:It has not been possible to determine were the entrance to this structure was. The

presence of a large number of stakeholes along the line of the walls, with fewer posts and no slot trench, may suggest that the walls were constructed in the wattle and daub fash-ion, rather than with vertical or horizontal split planks. No substantial internal support posts have been identified, suggesting that this structure was of lightweight construction.

The presence of a hearth and pits containing possible domestic debris, strongly suggest that this feature was a habitation. Analysis of soil samples, flints and pottery may indicate phasing for this settlement. Compared with Structure 3 (Group 4), this settlement ap-pears more solidly built and permanent.

Group 7

7 Circular Posthole Grouping Structure 1Drawing of post ex Grids 34 and 35 with only cut numbers of features listed in this

group.This group is located at the centre of the site, in the area of densest archaeological fea-

tures, approximately 10 m southwest of the Neolithic house. It consists of a semi-circular arrangement of well cut postholes and stakeholes along its eastern half, with very few posts and stakes along its western half (Photos 40 (1, 2, 3)). A few internal features are present. The structures proximity to other archaeological features and groupings makes it hard to discern whether external features belong to this group or other groups.

7a. Postholes and stakeholes

Contexts: Each feature is listed by cut, followed by stratigraphic order of fills, starting with earliest, all fills in (brackets).

Postholes567 (568), 569 (570), 578 (579), 587 (588, 589), 636 (637), 646 (647), 679 (680), (693),

710 (709), 744 (745), 746 (747), 779 (780), 787 (788), 801 (802),.Stakeholes590 (591), 605 (606), 619 (620), 634 (635), 648 (649), 650 (651), 652 (653), 654 (655),

656 (657), 681 (682), 764 (765), , 786 (785), 796 (795), 797 (798), 803 (804), 805 (806),


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1083 (1084), 1113 (1114), 1131 (1132),1138 (1133), 1139 (1140), 1141 (1142), 1145 (1146), 1147 (1148), 1159 (1160).

Drawings: 213.Photos F40 (1, 2, 3).Grids 34b, 34d and 35d.Description:

This subgroup was roughly semi circular, with the central point of its arc facing east, with the northern end of its arc being almost straight. The diameter of this structure could be 5 m to 8 m. The eastern-most aspect of this subgroup was defined by both a stonepacked, straight-sided posthole, cut 636, with a diameter of 0.28 m and 0.38 m depth and a similar sized large stakehole, cut 605 (Photo 18 (52). Fills of all the features in this sub-group were a mid greyish-brown, silty-sand, with frequent charcoal inclusions and could be identified as being contemporaneous, as this fill was markedly different from any other features this area.

There were 13 postholes in total ranging in size from 0.14 m to 0.56 m in diameter, by 0.10 m to 0.31 m in depth. Three of these postholes (cuts 636, 710, 779 (Draw# 213) ) were stone packed, with one further posthole cut 679 appearing to be braced at by stake-hole cut 681. The postholes had vertical sides and a flat base.

There were 24 stakeholes identified ranging in size from 0.05 m to 0.15 m in diameter, by 0.40 m to 0.20 m in depth, excluding cut 605 mentioned above, which was much larger. All but two (cuts 764 and 796) were vertical and where it could be clearly deter-mined, they had sharp pencil-points.

Discussion:These features appear to make up one half of a building if the building were circular,

or one quarter of the building if it were sub-rectangular with rounded corners. Very large postholes are present immediately southwest of this subgroup (see Group 8), but appeared to have been constructed differently and have dissimilar fills.

The substantial nature of the postholes within this subgroup, their regularity of spac-ing and the interspacing of the stakeholes suggest that an entire building was originally present. The deeply cut postholes at the eastern end of this subgroup would have coun-teracted the slope of the site from northeast to southwest. These postholes and stakeholes reflect the line of the building walls, lack of additional features such as slot trenches or postholes to the west, suggest that the western side of the building was either raised to produce a level interior or that additional features have been truncated

7b. Internal features


Cut numbers. 640 (641, 631), 781 (782), 807 (808), 810 (811), 812 (813), 817 (818), 1074 (1075, 1076), 1077 (1078), 1079 (1080), 1085 (1086).

Drawing 194 .Photo 19 (1).

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Grids 34c and 34d .Description:There are 10 internal features including seven postholes, two pits and some stakeholes.

All contained a mid greyish-brown, sandy-silt, with charcoal inclusions.Cut 640 (Photo 19 (1)) (Draw# 194) is the central support post, with a diameter of

0.38 m and depth of 0.14 m. It has vertical sides and a flat base. Posthole cut 812, con-tained fill 813, a mid greyish-brown sandy silt, with charcoal and burnt clay inclusions, whilst posthole cut 1074 contained burnt soil in its upper fill. Posthole 1079 contained stone packing.

Neither of the pit cuts 807 and 1085 contained any evidence of their function beyond occasional to moderate charcoal flecking .

The stakeholes formed no discernable pattern.Discussion:Only one feature cut 812, contained burnt soil, but no in-situ buning. A hearth

may have been present that has subsequently been destroyed, this would account for the consistant presence of charcoal in almost all fills of features in this group. Alternatively a hearth may have been present outside of the structure. The deepest feature in the interior of structure 1 is 0.22 m, most of the features are substantially shallower. It would appear likely that many of these features have been truncated, this would suggest that additional features were present, but have been destroyed. No discernable pattern could be identi-fied from the features present, excepting that a centrally located support post was identi-fied. This feature is likely to have been cut more deeply than most other features, due to the stresses placed upon it. The presence of only one such feature would suggest that structure 1 was circular, as other shapes, such as a a rectangle or oval would have needed more than one roof support.

7c. External features


Contexts 688 (689, 690, 691, 692), 694 (695), 734 (735), 1089 (1090), 1091 (1092), 1097 (1104) and 1098 (1099).

Drawings 391.Photos . (Photo 19 (31))Grid 35a.Description:There are five postholes in this subgroup all of which appear to contain stone packing

(Photo 19 (31)). They vary in diameter from 0.14 m to 0.56 m and depth 0.15 m to 0.31 m. All of these postholes have been truncated by a northeast to southwest running field boundary ditch, cut 265, so their full dimensions are not known. These features were selected for this group on the basis of an identical fill type present in subgroup 7a, a mid greyish-brown, sandy-silt, with charcoal inclusions and their close proximity to the east-ern side of structure 1.


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Posthole cut 688 contained burnt soil and ash in its upper two fills and both posthole cut 1089 and 1091 contained burnt soil in their fill.

Two stakeholes were also present, with 1097 possibly being a support strut for post-hole 1098.

Discussion:The function of these postholes is unclear. They are too close to the wall of the build-

ing for a hearth to have been present and they serve no structural purpose for the build-ing, despite evidence of stone packing.

Group Discussion:These features appear to represent the remains of a house or outbuilding. No pottery

was retrieved from these features

Group 8

Possible Post/Henge Feature, Structure 6The features in this area may have been truncated by land improvements, so may have

been substantially larger. Features with mounded stone, may have had a large proportion of the stone removed or dispersed during land improvements.

This group consists of a number of postpads, mostly shallowly cut into subsoil, with large mounds of stone packed and mounded about their bases. One feature cut 501, was rock-cut and much deeper than the others. An area of insitu burning context 368 was found close by.

8a. Rock-cut Posthole

Contexts: 501 (511 and 502), 531 (532).Drawings: of Grids 31d, 32b, 34c and 35a, including context 308 (wrongly labelled

362 in digital image), 161Photos: 16 (27), 17 (1 and 3).Grids: 31d, 32b, 34c and 35a.Description:A shallow, northwest to southeast orientated cut 531, had steep sides and a concave

base. It had dimensions of 1.38 m length, by 0.95 m width, by 0.12 m depth. It contained one fill context 532, a mid brown, sandy-silt, with frequent charcoal inclusions and occa-sional pebbles and stones. The fill of this feature appeared to be truncated by the rock-cut posthole 501.

The rock-cut posthole cut 501 had vertical sides and a slightly sloped, flat base. Di-mensions were 1.59 m northeast to southwest, width 0.94 m by 0.55 m depth. (Drawing 161) The sloping horizontal planes of the sandstone bedrock could be seen within this feature (Photo 17 (1)) and it was clear that flat fragments of sandstone had been prised out from the feature in order to create its shape and depth. This redundant stone had then been used to pack around the edges of a post or upright stone (Photo 17 (3)). There were

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two fills in this feature. Fill 511, the primary and main fill consisted of mid orangish-brown, sandy-silt, with occasional charcoal flecks. Stone prised from the bedrock within the feature accounted for approximately 50% of the fill, it was comprised occasional to moderate sub-rounded pebbles and frequent sub-angular stones ranging from 0.06 m to 0.25 m. The uppermost fill 502 was a mid brown sandy silt, with frequent charcoal inclu-sions and occasional sub-rounded pebbles and moderate subangular stones, with fewer larger stones within the matrix.

Discussion:The two features 501 and 531 appear to be contemporary. Cut 531 is shallow and

clearly orientated towards the deeper rock-cut posthole. It is possible that cut 531 was designed to facilitate the placement of either a large post or a standing stone. This would have been levered in from the northwest, with the stone prised from cut 501 being finally wedged around the post or stones base to present a striking vertical aspect. The stone packing in this feature is very angular and not weathered suggesting that it was directly prised from the bedrock and reinterred with this feature soon after. Other features within this group contained more weathered rock.

8b. Mounded Postpads.

Contexts: 308 (309), 499 (500).Drawings: 107 Photos: 11 (3), 16 (29), 17 (17 and 21), 40 (4, 5, 6,7).Grids: 31d, 32b, 34c and 35a.Description:This subgroup contains five stone packed features, two were outside the limit of exca-

vation, one of these was cleaned and photographed (Photo 40 (4)) and plotted, the other was plotted only. The other three features were excavated.

Cut 308 (Draw # 7) (Photo 11 (3)) had moderate to steep sides, with a smooth concave base. Dimensions were 2.12 m length, by 1.90 m width, for the stoney deposit, with the cut beneath being approximately 1.10 m in diameter, with 0.32 m depth. The fill 309 was a compact, mid greyish brown silt, with occasional charcoal inclusions. Occasional to moderate sub-angular pebbles and frequent small sub-angular and sub-rounded stones (0.06 m to 0.12 m) comprised approximately 50% of this fill. These stones were more weather worn than those retrieved from the rock-cut posthole. At the base of this fill was a post pad stone (Find# 40) 0.40 m in length (Photo 40 (5)), when the post pad was re-moved, underneath could be seen a small deposit of small stone and soil, which had been packed and flattened, so as to allow the post pad to lay flat at the base of the cut (Photo 40 (6)).

Cut 499 appeared to be the remains of possibly two truncated mounded stone post-pads, though they were recorded as one (Photo 16 (29)). The southwestermost feature was 1.10 m in diameter by 0.10 m deep, with the northeasternmost feature being slightly smaller at 1.00 m, but with a depth of 0.20 m (Photo 16 (39)). The fill for both features


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was context 500, a dark brown sandy silt, with frequent charcoal inclusions and occa-sional fragments of burnt clay. Moderate rounded and sub-rounded pebbles and frequent angular, sub-angular and sub-rounded stones (0.06 m - 0.20 m) comprised 50% of the fill, these were also weather-worn. Pottery was present in both features (Finds 75 and 80), with a postpad comprising two flat stones present in the northeastern most cut (Photo 40 (7)).

Discussion:The presence of two postpads within two of the three features suggests that some form

of structure stood here. The fact that none of these features were sufficiently deep enough or steep sided enough to maintain a post upright, may suggest one of two possibilities:

• The soil has been badly truncated in this area removing a majority of the depth and profile of these mounded stone postholes.

• These features may have been used to place standing stones rather than wooden posts.

The second possibility seems more likely. A shallow cut would have been sufficient, with postpads used where necessary, with stones wedged in around the base and sides of the standing stones. Differences in the shape, size and depth of the cuts may reflect the differing morphology of the standing stones themselves.

8c. Insitu Burning.

Contexts: 341, 368, 370, 389, 390 and 404. Drawings:Photos: 11 (66), 12 (54, 58, 65 and 70)Grids: 31d, 32b, 32d, 34c, 35a and 35c.Description:There were six areas of insitu burning, five (contexts 368, 370, 389, 390 and 404) all

in close proximity to each other and possibly part of the same burn, with the other burn-ing context 341, being 3.00 m to the east of this and along the same line as the postpads.

Context 341 appeared during exaction to resemble the uppermost layer of the stoney mounded postpads (Photos 11 (66)), with dimensions of 1.90 m length by 1.40 m depth, but upon full excavation was only 0.16 m in depth, with insitu burning at the base (Photo 12 (20)). This fill was a light greyish-brown silt, with frequent charcoal inclusions and frequent angular and sub-angular pebbles and small stones.

Of the other areas of insitu burning, context 368 (Photos 12 (54 and 65)) and context 370 (Photos 12 58 and 70) were the largest, with context 370 measuring 1.14 m by 0.67 m by 0.10 m in depth, the fill was similar to context 341, but also contained a burnt flint tool with knapped edges (Find# 50.)

Discussion:These areas of insitu burning appear related to the mounded postpads, as especially

context 341 has a very similar morphology to these postpads and may actually be a burnt out postpad. The other area of insitu burning appear to be the remains of fires enclosed by the rock-cut posthole and and the postpads.

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Group Discussion:This group may represent the remains of some sort of free standing monument. The

posthole-like features appear to be sufficiently different in morphology and size, to sug-gest that they may not represent posts, but perhaps pads for large stones. These stones may have been different in size and shape and therefore requiring different levels of pack-ing to hold them in place. Any such stones would likely have been removed from the area in modern times.

Group 9

Pit Group: Cut 451 Large rectangular feature.This group includes a sub-rectangular feature, possible cremations, a pottery vessel

feature, a pit containing knapped flints and crystals and additional periphery pits.

9a. Rectangular Feature

Contexts: 451 (405)Drawings: of grids 11, 16, 35d and 37c. (Grids 186, 187, 200 and 201 on site plan), 140

and 143 (stitched together), 145.Photos 14 (22), 40 (20)Grids: 11b and 16aDescription:This rectangular feature was orientated northwest to southeast, with a length of 4.19

m, by 2.50 m by 0.20 m deep. It was truncated by furrow cut 296 along its southeastern side. It had a steep slope on the northeast side, with a gentle to moderate slope on the oth-er three sides. The base was flat and oval/sub-rectangular in plan. The fill 405 had three variations, soil, small stones, larger stones. The soil was a mid brownish-grey, stoney-silt, with the stones being concentrated in the northern, deeper half of the feature. In the northern half of cut 451 stones made up approximately 65% of the fill ranging from fine sub-angular pebbles to medium angular and sub-angular stones, with the larger stones being placed near the base of the cut towards the northeast. Occasional charcoal flecks were present within the matrix.

Finds included a flint fragment, a possible hammer stone and a possible slingshot (Finds 61, 62 and 67.)

Discussion:This feature was located 2.00 m from the terminus of ditch cut 152, but does not

appear to be related, as it has been determined that the ditch drains in the opposite di-rection. Cut 451appears to be a focal point for several other features, with features im-mediately surrounding it to the southwest, north and northeast. The presence of a large quantity of stone packed into the deeper northeastern side of the feature might suggest a crude structure, with the northeastern half being raised above the grounds surface by the


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packing stones. No additional evidence for this such as plank footprints was found. The stones may also have been placed in the deeper part of the feature to allow for drainage.

9b. Pits and Stakeholes, Hearths, burnt bone and Vessel Feature

9bi. Nearby Pits and Stakeholes, Hearths, burnt bone and Vessel FeatureContexts: 336 (350), 439, 517 (516), 520 (519), 522 (521), 527 (539, 538, 554 and 526)

and 540 (541).Drawings: 171Photos 12 (8, 55), 17 (8, 9, 22, 23 36 and 58) and 40 (23).Grids: 11a and 11bDescription:An oval pit cut 517, was present immediately north of the pit containing burnt bone,

flanked by a stakehole cut 520 to the northeast and another stakehole cut 522 at the southwest (Photo 16 (59)). The pit had dimensions length 0.51 m, width 0.37 m, depth 0.07 m, with gentle to moderate sloping sides and an oval flat base. The fill 516 was a dark greyish-brown, silty-sand, containing occasional pebbles of all sizes and occasional small stones. Occasional charcoal flecks were also present. Both stakeholes had similar dimensions of 0.08 m diameter and 0.16 m depth, they had similar fills to the pit.

Three hearths were present in close proximity to a cremation pit cut 527. One hearth

was context 439, approximately 5.00 m to the west. It was oval in plan with a length of 1.87 m by 1.42 m width by 0.11 m depth. The fill was a light yellow sandy silt, with oc-casional charcoal flecking, in-situ burning was shallow and dispersed. No burnt bone was present.

The second hearth cut 336 was smaller and more clearly defined, immediately west of the cremation pit (Photo 12 (8)). It was oval in plan with dimensions of length 0.65 m, width 0.45 m and depth 0.08 m, with moderate sloping, concave sides and concave base. The base was lined with a layer of red oxidised subsoil 0.06 m deep, which was strongly cemented, indicating intense heating (Photo 12 (55)). The fill 350 was a mid greyish-brown, silty-sand, containing frequent sub-angular pebbles of all sizes and fre-quent sub-angular small stones. Frequent charcoal flecking and moderate to occasional larger charcoal pieces were also present. Moderate to frequent burnt bone fragments were also present.

A possible cremation pit cut 527 was present immediately west of the sub-rectangular pit cut 451. This feature was flanked immediately to the south by cut 540, which con-tained fragments of pottery and immediately to the north by cut 517 another small pit (Photo 40 (23)). The cremation pit 527 was circular with a circumference of 0.84 m and a depth of 0.25 m. It had a vertical northern side and undercut sides on the other three sides, it had a sub-circular flat base. The feature contained four fills.

The primary fill 539 was a mid brownish-orange, silty-sand, containing moderate pebbles of all sizes and occasional medium angular and sub-angular stones. Occasional

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to moderate charcoal inclusions of all sizes were present. Pottery (Find 81) and crystals (Sample 260) were present.

The second fill 538 was a dark brownish-grey, silty-sand, containing occasional peb-bles of all sizes and occasional medium stones, with occasional to moderate charcoal flecks.

The third fill 554 was a mid brownish-grey, silty-sand, containing occasional pebbles of all sizes and occasional small stones, which were used to separate this fill from fill 526. Moderate charcoal inclusions of all sizes were presents, as well as fragments of burnt bone. Two fragments of flint (Find 177) and pottery (Find 178) were present. Fill 554 appeared to have been deposited against the northeastern side of the cut 527 only (Photo 17 (36)).

The uppermost fill 526 was a mid grey, silty-sand, containing occasional pebbles of all sizes and occasional small and medium stones. Inclusions of occasional charcoal were also present. Finds included six flint fragments (Find 83), pottery (Find 174) and a com-bined flint scraper and awl (Find 176).

A small feature cut 540, interfaced with the southern edge of cremation 527. It was oval with length 0.28 m, width 0.17 m and depth 0.14 m, with vertical sides and a flat base. It appeared to be separated from the fills of the cremation pit by small stones. The fill 541, a mid brownish-grey, silty-sand, was very similar to fills in the cremation pit and contained occasional pebbles of all sizes, occasional to moderate charcoal flecking and occasional burnt bone (Photo 17 (23)). The fragmentary remains of a pottery vessel were present, with the fill enclosed within it.

Discussion:The oval pit cut 517 was flanked northeast and southwest by two stakeholes cut 520 to

the northeast and 522 to the southwest, both stakeholes were present so close to the edge of the pits cut, as to suggest that all three features were constructed together.

The larger hearth 439 appears to be a single event burning, without sufficient heat present to burn human remains. No burnt bone was retrieved from the fill. This feature was grouped here due to its proximity to these feature and its relative isolation from other features

Hearth cut 336 shows evidence of intense in-situ burning and could have been used on more than one occasion, fragments of burnt within its fill and its location only 1.00 m from the cremation pit suggest that the human remains were burnt here.

The vessel feature cut 540 appears to contain burnt remains. It is not clear whether the burnt material within the cremation pit (fill 544) is from the same burning. There may be two cremations, one in the vessel and one in the cremation pit, or the remains in the cremation pit may be left over from the vessel.

No finds of pottery, flint or crystal were present within the fill of the hearths, sug-gesting that these were deposited along with the burnt material after it remains had been burnt.

The presence of a flint tool, crystal and pottery deposited with the burnt remains sug-gest these were grave goods.


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9bii. Hearth/,Cremation, Pits and stakeholes:

Contexts: 214, 216 (224, 217 and 215), 371 (367), 366, 372 (382, 365, 379, and 353), 407 (406), 458 (459), 495 (496), 661 (662), 663 (664), 665 (666), 667 (668), 669 (670), 671 (672), 673 (674) and 675 (676).

Drawing: 80 and120, Photos: 8 (60), 12 (31 and 47) and 13 (9).Grid: 16b and 37Description:This sub-group consists of a hearth, a possible cremation pit, three pits and eight

stakeholes. These features are approximately 4 m to 7m to the northeast of the rectan-gular feature 451, but are focussed on a large hearth or possible cremation pit and so are considered to be related.

A large hearth or cremation pit 372, was orientated northeast to southwest. This fea-ture had dimensions of 1.16 m by 0.80 m by 0.25 m depth. The pit had gentle to moderate concave sides and smooth concave base. The subsoil had been heated very intensely, re-sulting in a bright red colour to a depth of 0.07 m. The pit contained four fills, with only the uppermost fill 353 containing charcoal. All fills contained occasional sub-rounded pebbles (Photos 12 (31, 47) and 13 (9)) . Cut 371 is a linear cut that runs east to west across this hearth/cremation pit. This cut has a mixed fill 367 and probably represents a stone being dragged through the hearth during topsoil stripping. (Drawing 120)

A small hearth context 214 was present in grid 16b, it measured 0.40 m in diameter by 0.03 m in depth. This feature was badly truncated and had no fill, it consisted only of red oxidised subsoil, with occasional charcoal flecking.

Three pits 216, 458 and 495 ranged in size from 0.30 m by 0.30 m by 0.10 m depth to 0.85 m by 0.65 m by 0.52 m in depth. Pits 216 and 458 had steep to vertical sides , with 495 having moderate smooth sides, all had rounded or flat bases. Fills of cuts 216 and 495 contained occasional charcoal, with pit cut 216 containing pottery (Find 34) in its primary fill 217 (Photo 8 (60).

The stakeholes were clustered around the hearth/cremation pit 372. They ranged in size from 0.05 m by 0.10 m depth to 0.10 m by 0.18 m in depth and mostly had a blunt, tapered points. Only 407 and 661 contained charcoal in their fills.

Discussion: The smooth, concave sides and base of hearth/cremation pit cut 372, suggest that it

has been cleaned out on several occasions. The deep red colour indicates prolonged high temperature burning. This feature may have been used to cremate bone found in pit 527. Analysis of the fills may indicate whether burnt bone is present in this feature.

The stakeholes may have acted as a windbreak for the hearth/cremation pit, compara-tive analysis of pottery may determine whether the pottery found in pit cut 216 is the same as that found in cut 540.

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9c Other Features

Contexts: 301 (302), 303 (304), 312 (313), 324 (325), 328 (329), 333 (335 and 340), 358 (351), 493 (494 and 525), 515 (512) and 571 (572).

Drawings:Photos: 10 (48), 12 (78) and 40 (25). Grids: 11b 11d, 16a, 35d and 37c.Description:This sub-group includes six pits, two possible postholes and two stakeholes, all within

2.50 m of the sub-rectangular pit 451 (Photo 40 (25)).The pits range in size from 0.75 m length, 0.58 m width, 0.28 m depth to 1.20 m

length, 0.95 m width, 0.36 m depth, with steep to vertical sides and concave bases. All pits had occasional charcoal flecking and pebbles and small stones (Photo 10 (48)). None of these pits indicated in-situ burning, burnt soil or pottery. Only pit cut 301 contained a find of flint (Find 36)

Postholes 358 and 493 ranged in size from 0.42 m length, 0.32 m width, 0.22 m depth to 0.62 m length, 0.51 m width, 0.27 m depth. Both had steep or vertical sides, with flat bases (Photo 12 (78)). Fills contained occasional to moderate charcoal and some occa-sional pebbles.

Stakeholes 328 and 571 contained similar mid brown, silty-sand, with occasional charcoal flecks.

Discussion:Other than a single find of a fragment of flint, there appears to be nothing diagnostic

about these features. They all contain similar fills, with occasional charcoal inclusions and all are in close proximity to the sub-rectangular pit 451. No discernable pattern has been noted. These features may have been placed here to link them with known features already within the landscape or they could have been placed here by coincidence.

Group Discussion:This group appears to focus on the sub-rectangular pit 451. This unusual feature may

represent a platform, ramp or dias, which was used during the interment of cremated hu-man remains. Additional activities may have subsequently happened at or near this focal point within the site.

Group 10

Clay Lined Trough and Associated Features:This group contains a clay lined trough, a hearth, a number of stakeholes and a large

number of features containing burnt stone and charcoal. Sub-groups 10b, 10c and 10d have been selected based on fill type, not necessarily proximity to the trough. Though


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most of the features are within a 10 m radius of the trough, some such as pit cut 113, are at a distance of almost 40 m from the trough.

10a. Trough and Hearth:

Contexts: 258 (537, 268 and 259), 395. Drawings: Blow-up postex plan of Grids 31a, 36d, 37b and 41c (201, 202, 215 and 216

on Bens digitised post-ex plan). 92Photos: 9 (45), 10 (13), 40 (28, 27) Grids: 31a, 36d, 37b and 41c. Description:The trough was rectangular in plan, orientated northeast to southwest with a length

of 1.50 m, 0.94 m width by 0.25 m depth (Photo 10 (13)). The trough had vertical and stepped sides and a flat base. The trough contains two fills 259 and 268, as well as a clay lining 537 along the sides and base of the trough.

The clay lining of the trough context 537 was mid yellowish-brown, sticky clay, con-taining moderate charcoal flecking and occasional burnt bone, it lined the trough to a maximum thickness of 0.10 m.

The primary fill of the lined trough was fill 268, a mid brown clayey-sand, with only occasional small pebbles in the matrix. No charcoal is recorded, though it appears present in photographs and this fill have a maximum length of 0.60 m, width 0.40 m, depth 0.17 m.

The main fill 259 is the uppermost fill of the trough and fills the trough. It comprises occasional coarse angular pebbles and frequent small angular sandstone stones, moder-ate charcoal flecking is present throughout the matrix. The stones appear to have been heated.

A large hearth 395 was present 0.40 m southeast of the trough. This feature was above slot trench 506 (foundation slot from Group 5) indicating that the trough was later than the structure. The hearth in turn was cut by a furrow running northeast to southwest. The hearth 395 was 1.50 m in length, 0.62 m in width, sharing the same size and orienta-tion as the trough and was scorched to a depth of 0.10 m. This feature contained little or no fill, due to its shallow nature.

Discussion:The trough was cut into silt, so the clay lining 537 would have been deposited along

the sides and base to prevent water draining from the trough during use.The primary fill 268 probably represents the finer particles of soils and sand that have

washed down through the stoney fill 259 above and have settled at the base of the trough.The main fill 259 appears to be identical to the fills usually retrieved from burnt

mounds. No burnt mound was visible on site and the subsoil was not stained with charcoal around this feature, as is usual at burnt mound sites, suggesting that pyrolithic technology was in use here, but that this is not the remains of a burnt mound. The burnt stones would appear to have been removed from site or deposited in nearby pits.

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The hearth 395 was irregular in shape, suggesting that it was an unenclosed fire. The location, size and orientation indicate that it was used to provide heated stones for the trough. The lack of fills within this feature may suggest that it was cleaned out after each period of activity, this would be in keeping with the ‘clean’ appearance of this area, with little charcoal spread and staining.

10b. Pits:

Contexts: 84 (74), 87 (88), 113 (112), 130 (131), 198 (199), 292 (293), 331 (332), 409 (419, 414, 413), 445 (448, 450, 449 and 446), 551 (552 and 546), 575 (565) and 1111 (1112).

Drawings: 29 and 135Photos: 6 (11), 7 (2), 9 (17) 11 (49) Grids: 31a, 36d, 37b and 41c. Description:This sub-group is comprised 13 pits containing thermally shattered stone. Two of

these pits cuts 92 and 232 had large capstones in the uppermost fill (Photo 6 (11), 7 (2), 9 (17)). There were only three finds from any of the features were one large piece of iron ore (Find 72) which appears incidental in pit cut 445 and half of a polished stone axe and a hammerstone (Finds 57 and 58) found in the upper fill 413, of posthole cut 409 (Group 5). The post appears to have been removed and this feature later reused for the deposition of two layers of burnt stone (Draw 135).

Burnt seeds were present within the fill of pit cut 113.The pits ranged in size from 0.39 m length, 0.31 m width, 0.16 m depth to 2.05 m

length, 1.40 m width, 0.34 m depth, were oval or round in plan, with steep or vertical sides and a flat or concave base. Soils ranged from mid to dark brown, with the matrix being silty-sand or sand, with frequent charcoal inclusions and angular pebbles and stone of all sizes dominating the fills. Presumably the soils were derived from decaying stone, small fractured pieces retrieved from the cleaning out of the trough, as well as soil silting down through the stones within the pits. No bone was retrieved from fills.

Eight of the pits (cuts 232, 292, 331, 409, 445, 551, 575 and 1111) were within 5 m of the trough, with the remaining five being further away.

Discussion:The capping of some of the pits appears to have some significance. The sealing of

these pits may indicate the ending of a particular activity, as the material within the pits is the ‘waste’ from heating water in the trough.

The deposition of burnt stone within the reused posthole 409 is significant, as the stone axe was not burnt, suggesting that it had been selected for placement with the de-posit of burnt stone, not just discarded as a broken tool.

The fills of the pits were all relatively dry, bone appears only to preserve in wet con-texts on this site. Burnt bone retrieved from the clay lining of the trough (which retained moisture and so preserved bone fragments) suggests that some of the fills would have contained bone.


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10c. Postholes:

Contexts: 281 (259) and 582 (474 and 467).Drawings: Photos: 10 (2), 15 (10 and 32), Grids: 31a, 36d, 37b Description:Two postholes were present, one posthole with cut 281was immediately southwest of

the trough, the second posthole cut 582 was 4 m to the north of the trough.Posthole cut 281 was 0.36 m in diameter, with a depth of 0.14 m, it had steep irregular

sides and a concave base. The fill 259 is the same as that of the trough, occasional coarse angular pebbles and frequent small angular sandstone stones, moderate charcoal flecking is present throughout the matrix. The stones appear to have been heated.

Posthole cut 582 was 0.43 m in diameter, with a depth of 0.30 m, with vertical smooth sides and a blunt tapered point. A stone was wedged into the point to make a flat surface on which to place the post. Packing stones were positioned around the post, these were angular, sub-angular and sub-rounded. The fill 467 was a mid brown sandy clay, with occasional charcoal flecks.

Discussion:Neither of these postholes were well constructed and would have served only a tem-

porary purpose. What links them to the trough is similar fills and thermally shattered stone. Posthole cut 281 is so close to the troughs edge that its function may relate directly to the trough’s use.

10d. Stakeholes

Contexts: 391, 392, 393, 396 (all listed with fill 403), 464 (465), 497 (498), 613 (614), 615 (616), 626 (627), 642 (643) and 658 (659).

Drawings: Photos: 13 (34) Grids: 36d and 37b. Description:There were eleven stakeholes in total, eight of which (cuts 391, 392, 393, 396, 497, 615,

626 and 642) were within 2 m of the southwestern end of the trough, the other three were 3 m to the north. The stakeholes in this sub-group were selected on the basis of similar fills to the trough and each other. The dimensions were an average of 0.13 m diameter by 0.08 m in depth, with moderate to steep, smooth sides and a tapered, rounded point. None of the stakeholes were orientated.

The fills were a dark grey clayey-sand with fine and medium sub-angular pebbles and frequent charcoal inclusions.

Discussion:

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The eight stakeholes near the southwestern end of the trough may have had a struc-tural function relating to the use of the trough, though no discernable pattern is present.

Group Discussion:Identification of charcoal retrieved from these fills will indicate species of tree avail-

able and utilised for the heating process. The presence of debris from the trough deposited in posthole 409 indicates that the

trough may have been constructed shortly after the demise of occupation (Group 5, Struc-ture 7) in the same location. Deposition within this posthole indicates that the post was still standing and was subsequently removed, as no silted soil appears present within the fills, below the trough debris of thermally shattered stones and charcoal.

No evidence of planking, such as linear bands of sand or a very straight cut were evident in the trough and it may be that the clay lining was considered sufficient for the process of heating water. The area of the trough and surrounding features differs from burnt mounds in that no mound is present. Had a mound been present and subsequently been removed, charcoal staining of the subsoil would likely have resulted.

The trough and pits are of sufficient depth to suggest that they have not been badly truncated so it seems unlikely that a mound has been removed. It seems more likely that the stone and charcoal residue from the heating process has been removed and deposited in pits and perhaps removed from the site entirely. The trough may have been used on only an occasional basis or it may have been in the vicinity of a permanent settlement resulting in the careful disposal of debris after use.

A large deposit of burnt stone is present some 70 m to the east in Area 2 and could be material removed from the trough. Burnt mounds are present 200 m further downslope to the southwest and northwest in more suitable wet conditions, close to extent streams.

The stone capping of three of the pits associated with the trough may suggest some form of ritual activity, rather than a purely domestic setting. Other activity at the site such as the carinated bowl feature indicate this.

Group 11

11. Kiln cut 48

Kiln cut 48 was identified during Phase I testing. This feature and many others were located in grid 22. Few features in close proximity of kiln appear directly related to it other than the bellows hole, the adjacent posthole at the southeast edge, some stakeholes to the north of the kiln (Photos 40 (41 and 42)). There are also some deposits to the south which may relate to construction of the kiln. Two additional spreads of charcoal rich material and large stakehole possibly related to usage. Other features in this group have been related by somewhat similar fills or their proximity to the kiln.

11a. Kiln

Context: 48 (46, 31, 66 and 45), 49, 97 (155), 151, 150 and 149.


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Drawings: Blow-up of post-ex plan Grids 21 and 22 (188 and 202 on Ben’s digital postex plan) and 14.

Photos: 4 (2, 51-53, 57, 58), 5 (1, 2, 5, 6, 18) and 4 (41 and 42).Description:Construction:Construction involved digging a hole much larger than the intended size of the kiln,

building the kiln within the oversize cut with a stone and possible clay lining and then backfilling subsoil around the sides of the structure. The original cut was approximately 2.60 m in length and 1.40 m in width.

Three deposits, one a packing fill and two of wash were revealed adjacent to the kiln around south and southeast sides (Photo 7 (38)).

Context 151 was the earliest deposit, a packing fill and was probably packed against the base of the stone lining, to prevent the stones shifting. It was soft mid brownish-orange clayey-silt, with moderate sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles, this deposit ap-peared to be redeposited subsoil. The extent of this deposit was recorded in section only and was 0.10 m in depth.

Kiln cut 48 was key-hole shaped; orientated north to south, 2.25 m in total length. The northern end was oval to rectangular with rounded corners, had a length of 1.00 m and width of 0.55 m. It had gentle smooth sides and concave base which was gently slop-ing towards the southern end of the kiln. The southern end of the kiln was a circular chamber with a diameter of 1.10 m and a depth of 0.50 m. It had concave undercut sides and a circular concave base. During excavation flat stones were discovered, pressed against the inside of this undercut (against context 151) (Photo 4 (51)), suggesting that the kiln had been either partially or fully stonelined.

Subsoil at the base of the kiln context 49, had been heated and oxidized to a depth of 0.10 m to an intense red (Photo 5 (18)). Bedrock was present in places at the base and sides of the cut.

The bellows hole cut 97, was apparent along the southwestern edge of the kiln and was defined by a 0.40 m long and 0.20 m thick funnel, running westwards from the chamber at the angle of 45o. Some angular stones occur along the longest axis of this tube/pipe, which was filled with soft mid brownish-grey silty-clay, with frequent flecks and small pieces of charcoal. On the surface it appeared as an oval-shaped hole with some darker material around it. This material was context 155, a soft mid greyish-brown silty-clay with moderate angular and sub-angular pebbles and occasional charcoal flecks. This material spread from the kiln toward the west for a distance of 1.20 by 0.30 m, with a depth of 0.03 m.

Fill Deposition:Context 150 was soft mid orangish-brown silty-clay, with moderate charcoal flecks

and occasional small pieces, with occasional sub-angular and sub-rounded medium and coarse pebbles. It was 0.17 m in depth and was probably deposited against the outside of the kiln during the kiln’s use, as indicated by the charcoal content.

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Context 149 was the uppermost deposit, washed in against the outside of the kiln. It was a soft mid yellowish and brownish-orange silt, with occasional charcoal flecks and moderate angular and sub-angular pebbles. It was 0.16 m thick and appeared to have washed in from upslope. This material is present on the south and southeast sides of the kiln and helped to define the shape of kiln cut 48.

The kiln contained four fills. Fill 46 lay on the base of the cut along its whole length and it was contemporary with

the use of the kiln. This fill was a 0.10 m thick layer of very soft black material, mostly charcoal, with pieces up to 0.1 m, with moderate inclusion of flecks and small spots of greyish brown silty clay (which might be ash) and frequent angular and sub-angular peb-bles and stones (up to 0.30 m), some of them are thermally shattered. Stones were con-centrated around the edges of cut (Photo 4 (40 and 5 (2)), with some of them having col-lapsed into the centre of the kiln. These stones appear to be the remnant of a stone lining.

The second fill 31, was very soft dark greyishbrown silty-clay with very frequent (30 % of fill) charcoal, pieces up to 60 mm, and moderate inclusion of angular and sub-angular fine and coarse pebbles. Fill 31 lay in almost the whole length of cut and was 0.07 m in depth. Preliminary analysis of 14 sherds of pottery retrieved (Finds 1-16) indicated Beaker and domestic cordoned urn was present in this fill.

The third fill 66, was a firm mid yellowish-orange silty-clay, with moderate charcoal flecking, with frequent angular and sub-angular pebbles of all sizes and moderate angular and sub-angular small stones. This fill was concentrated in the southern part of kiln and the boundary with lower cont. 31 is very irregular (Photo 4 (41)), suggesting slumped material. It was up to 0.40 m thick.

The uppermost fill 45, was a mixed mid greyish-brown silty-clay with frequent angu-lar and sub-angular pebbles and small stones, moderate charcoal flecks and small pieces and occasionally flecks to small pieces of orangish-red burnt soil. This fill was also con-centrated in the southern part of feature, with a depth of 0.25 m. Some pottery sherds (Find 10, 65), a flint blade (Find 17) and finger stone (Find 18) came from this context. On the edges of undercut part of kiln, traces of burnt soil and a very shallow layer of light greyish brown silty clay with charcoal flecks occurred.

Discussion:It seems likely that a large number of stones from the kiln’s sides and base have been

removed and reused elsewhere on the site. The uppermost fill 45 appears to be disturbed soil that has collapsed into the kiln, perhaps as a result of the removal of the stone.

It was originally thought that the kiln may have been used for the firing of pottery due to the volume of pottery retrieved and its variety, however preliminary analysis suggests that the pottery types found span a period of 1000 years and no ‘clinker’ usually present in pottery furnaces was identified.

Features such as the bellows hole and the intensity of the in-situ burning suggest that this feature was a furnace of some description. It seems unlikely to have been used for corn drying, as the heat would be too intense. No metal slag was identified indicating that it wasn’t used for metal production.


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One possibility is that it may have been used for cremating human remains. Deposits revealed to the S and SE, especially cont. 151, help define the shape and con-

struction of the kiln: the original cut was oversized, and then the kiln was built. Cont. 151 was probably soil packed in against the outside of the kiln, especially to the S – around the fire chamber. Stones present around the edges of cut are probably remains of stone lined. Because they are not large or well-shaped enough for that, it seems like most useful stones have been robbed out for use elsewhere. Orange silt – cont. 149 - around the upper part of kiln had been washed in from the slope and has acted like a mould, holding an imprint of the kilns shape, after the stones have been robbed out.

11b. Features Related to the Kiln.

Contexts: Stakeholes: 169 (163), 180 (173), 186 (185), 188 (187), 189-194, (195), 197 (196), 218,

249 (248), 252 (251), 773 (774), 1136 (1137), 1156 (1155), 1172 (1173), 1174 (1175), 1176 (1177),1190 (1189),1192 (1191), 1196 (1195), 1202 (1201), 1204 (1205), 1208 (1209) and 1210 (1211).

Other Features: (62), (63), 76 (61), 105 (104) and 220 (219) Drawings: 30Photo: 5 (11 and 58), 6 (30) and 8 (27 and 31) Description:28 stakeholes were present within 10 m of the kiln, all were to the north or northwest.

There were two groupings:Stakeholes 189-194, 218, 249 and 252 with an average diameter of 0.10 m by depth

0.08 m, containing a similar charcoal rich, clayey-sand, numbered fills 195, 248 and 251. These stakehole were 3 m north of the kiln and appeared to have a similar fill to the kiln.

Stakeholes 1190 (1189),1192 (1191), 1196 (1195), 1202 (1201), 1204 (1205), 1208 (1209) and 1210 (1211), which were mainly orientated in a line north to south, 8 m to 10 m to the north of the kiln. These stakeholes were an average of 0.07 m diameter, but were deeper than the other group with an average depth of 0.16 m. They contained a silty-sand, with occasional charcoal flecking.

Other stakeholes were present, randomly scattered, mostly with charcoal inclusions and soils of silty-sand or clayey-sand.

Stakehole cut 186 is located 1.50 m southwest of the kiln. It was oval shaped and east-west orientated, although this orientation may have been the result of the stakes removal, original shape was roughly circular with 0.12 m in diameter. Sides were vertical and smooth and base is tapered rounded point. It measured 0.35 m in depth and was filled with soft mid brownish-grey sandy/clayey silt, with moderate angular and sub-angular fine and medium pebbles and occasional charcoal and burnt clay flecks, especially near the surface.

Two stakeholes are located in close proximity of kiln, cuts 188 and 197. Although their fills were different, they were similar in shape, circular with vertical smooth sides and tapered rounded point base, with diameters of 0.07 m and depths of 0.20 m. These

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stakeholes are located opposite to each other at the northern end of the kiln (Photo 8 (31)). One of these stakeholes cut 188 (Photo 8 (27)), was situated to the east of the kiln, it was filled with very soft dark brownish-grey silty-clay, with very frequent charcoal flecks (ca 20 % of fill) and moderate fine angular and sub-angular pebbles. This fill is similar to fill 31 from the kiln, it contained a fragment of pottery that appears to be identical to that from the kiln (Find 31). The other stakehole cut 197, to the west of the kiln, has a much lighter fill than cut 188, a soft mid orangish-brown, silty-clay, with occasional charcoal flecks and fine angular pebbles.

Two small deposits contexts 62 and 63 (Photo 5 (11)) were present, with a depth of 0.10 m. They were spreads of dark soil with charcoal, in proximity to the kiln.

A small oval posthole cut 76 was present adjacent to the kiln on the southeast side (Photo 5 (58)) (Drawing 30). It was northwest to southeast orientated, with dimensions of 0.38 m by 0.25 m and depth 0.25 m. It had steep to vertical, concave sides and a pointed base. Angular flat stone had been placed against the southeast side to pack the post. The fill 61, was a soft, mottled, mid greyish-brown, with light pinkish/reddish-grey and orange silty-clay, with moderate inclusions of sub-angular and sub-rounded medium and coarse pebbles. Occassional flecks and small pieces of charcoal were present. This fill was simi-lar to the uppermost fill of kiln, fill 45, suggesting these two deposits are contemporary.

Two small pits were present within 4 m of the kiln, to the northeast. Pit cut 105 (Photo 6 (30)) had steep sides and a flat base, with dimensions of 0.42 m by 0.25 m by 0.10 m depth and appeared to be truncated. The fill 104 was a light orangish-brown, silty-clay, contained moderate charcoal and sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles of all sizes, the fill appeared similar to fills from the kiln.

Pit cut 220 was smaller with moderate, smooth concave sides and a concave base. The fill 219 was a light brownish-grey, with occasional charcoal and small angular pebbles.

DiscussionThe two stakeholes cuts 188 and 197 to the east and west of the kiln, may have been

related to construction of the kiln, as appears to be the case with the posthole cut 76, just to the southeast of the kiln.

Of the two large groups of stakeholes in proximity to the kiln, stakeholes 189-194, 218, 249 and 252 seem most closely related, as their fills are very similar to fills from the kiln. Analysis of soil samples will help further in the interpretation of this sub-group.

Discussion Spread deposits with charcoal to the west (contexts 62 and 63) and around bellow hole

(context 155) and to the south and southeast of the kiln (context 1500 likely related to the use of the kiln.

Pottery present in the kiln is from both Early and mMiddle Bronze Age and suggests that the kiln may have been re-used at later date. The later pottery sherds could also have been deposited when the kiln structure was having stones removed. Nothing further can be said of this feature until analysis of soil samples is complete.


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Group 12

Hearths and Firespots: Contexts: 72, 741, 751 (750)Drawings: Photos: Grids: 23c. Description:A number of hearths and firespots were present at the site, that did not appear to relate

directly to other features or structures and may represent casual, once of activities, such as a camp fire. Some of the firespots were not recorded as they were small and numerous.

Hearth context 72 was truncated by a test pit, but estimated dimensions were 2.00 m diameter by 0.05 m depth. No fill was present in this feature, just scorching of the subsoil. The hearth was centrally truncated by a small posthole cut 71. Posthole cut 71 is an isolated feature and appears unrelated.

Hearth 741 was a small area of in-situ burning, with a large number of stakeholes and one small posthole within 3 m of the hearth. The associated features were mostly to the south and southeast and did not form any recognizable pattern. Some of the stakeholes close to the hearth, such as cuts 751 and 753 may have been used to create stands, which could have been used for roasting meat or other cooking activities.

Group 13

13 Scattered Pits, Postholes and Anomalous Features: This group is comprised a large number of pits, postholes, stakeholes and anomalous

features. The group is separated into grid squares, except where features are present in more than one grid square and the author feels a number of features are connected. Then the features will be listed under the grid square containing the majority of the related features.

13a Grid 11:

Contexts: 386 (385), 535 (574 and 536), 617 (618), 624 (623) and 629 (630).Drawing:Photo: 17 (61)Description:Nothing to connect the four stakeholes.The pit cut 535 was an irregular, oval shape in plan, with steep concave sides and an

irregular concave base. Dimensions were 1.84 m by 1.29 m by 0.42 m in depth. The pit contained two fills, with the uppermost fill 536 containing a prehistoric pottery sherd (Find 170) (Photo 17 (61)).

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Grid 12:

Context: 135 (134).Description:An isolated posthole, with packing stones in its charcoal rich fill 134.

Grid 16:

Context: 239 (234), 279 and 280, 757 (756 and 753)Description:One pit 757, badly defined charcoal spreads and a deposit of pinkish soil.

Grid 17:

Context: 230 (229) and 558 (557)Description:An irregular oval, shallow feature 230 and an isolated small post or stakehole. Both

features contain occasional charcoal flecking.

Grid 18:

Context: 555 (556) and 564 (563 and 560).Photo: 17 (59).Description:Two similar sized oval pits. Pit cut 564 (Photo 17 (59)) was 1.00 m by 0.82 m by 0.18

m deep, with steep sides and concave bases. Both contained angular and rounded pebbles and stones and occasional to moderate charcoal flecking.

Pit 555 was truncated by field boundary 41.

Grid 19:

Context: 73 (70)Photo: 5 (44).Description:One truncated pit containing occasional fine and medium, subrounded pebbles and

occasional charcoal flecking.Grid 21:Context: 246 (247 and 250), 749 (748), 758 (752), 763 (762), 1150 (1149), 1152 (1151),

1154 (1153), 1188 (1187).Photo: 26 (1)Description:Two irregular pits, one cut 758 contains moderate to frequent pebbles and moderate

charcoal.Six stakeholes were present (Photo 26 (1)) ranging in size from 0.05 m to 0.12 m in

diameter by 0.10 m to 0.20 m in depth,. Most of the stakeholes contain charcoal and are not orientated. Cuts 1150, 1152 and 1154 make an arc. Another arc of stakeholes is also present 1190, 1192, 1196, 1202, 1208 and 1210.


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Discussion:Neither of these arcs of stakeholes appear directly related to other features in this grid.

The may have acted as wind breaks for a hearth, but no hearth was present.

Grid 22:

Context: 227 (228), 770 (771), 777 (778), 794 (793), 800 (799), 816 (809), 1158 (1157), 1162 (1161), 1171 91163) and 1179 (1180).

Photo:Description:This grid contained a small posthole cut 816, close to a hearth 741, two small pits and

nine stakeholes. Only one feature, pit 777, did not contain charcoal. Other features in this area are presumed to be related to the hearth 741 (see Group 12). The stakeholes were an average of 0.10 m diameter by 0.11 m depth and do not appear to be orientated.

Discussion:No evidence of an occupational structure was found, suggesting that this was a tem-

porary or outdoor hearth.

Grid 23:

Context: 71 (67) and 72.Photo 5 (26).Description:One small circular posthole, was present. It had a diameter of 0.18 m by 0.04 m in

depth. This feature was located at the centre of a hearth and cut the hearth deposit 72. Both the hearth and the posthole had been truncated by furrows and other modern farm-ing activity.

Discussion:The posthole fill 67, contained very little charcoal, suggesting that the hearth and the

posthole were unrelated.

Grid 26:

Contexts: 784 (792 and 783), 789 (772), 1244 (1243), 1255 (1254), 1260 (1259), 1264 (1263), 1285 (1286) and 1297 (1291 and 1298).

Drawing: 215.Photos: 20 (63)Description:Three pits, two postholes and three stakeholes were present.The pits cuts 784, 789 and 1297 ranged in size from 0.70 m by 0.52 m by 0.16 m deep

to 1.29 m by 0.58 m by 0.22 m in depth. All three pits contained angular pebbles and charcoal, with cut 789 containing fill 772, a mid brown, silty-sand, from which possibly worked crystals were retrieved (Find 190).

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Posthole cuts 1244 and 1255 were very similar to each other with smooth vertical sides and a flat base. Dimensions were 0.28 m diameter by 0.10 m depth, both postholes looked like they were truncated. Fills were grey-brown silt, with occasional charcoal and pebble inclusions.

The stakeholes all contained charcoal.Discussion:No pattern was discernable, features appear to be related only by the charcoal in their

fills. Crystals were found in one of the pits. These may be significant, as they have been shown to have been actively deposited in the carinated bowl feature elsewhere (see Group 2).

Grid 27:

Context: 1127 (1228).Description:One small posthole was present, with vertical sides and a flat bottom. It may have

been truncated.

Grid 34:

Contexts: 1166 (1167), 1168 (1169), 1183 (1184), 1185 (1186), 1228 (1217, 1216 and 1170), 1234 (1235), 1236 (1237) and 1121 (1122).

Drawings: 404.Photos: 22 (13).Description:There were four postholes (1121, 1164, 1168 and 1236), one pit (1228) and four stake-

holes in this grid which could not be linked to other features in the area.The postholes ranged from 0.20 m to 0.40 m in diameter and 0.12 m to .020 m in

depth. They had moderate to vertical sides (Drawing 404) (Photo 22 (13)), with fills being a mid greyish-brown, sandy-silt, with charcoal inclusions.

The pit was irregular in shape and indeterminate, with approximate dimensions of 2.90 m by 0.98 m by 0.33 m in depth, with three fills. The primary fill 1217 a dark brown, sandy-silt, contained moderate burnt clay, with all three fills containing moderate to fre-quent charcoal and moderate rounded and sub-rounded stones. The was no evidence of in-situ burning.

The stakeholes averaged 0.60 m diameter by 0.60 m in depth, occasional charcoal and could not be associated with other features.

Discussion:Some of the features in this grid may have been related to Structure # 1 (Group 7).

However most of the features encountered in that group relating to the structure, had a very specific, light grey fill, which was distinct from fills anywhere else on the site.

Grid 34 was in an area with a high concentration of features (Groups 1, 2, 7 and 8) some of the features may be related to these groups, but this could not be determined from analysis of the archive.


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The pit 1228, appears to be a refuse pit. The fills may be the remains of a hearth nearby. No pottery or other finds were retrieved.

Grid 36

Context: 505 and 508 (509, 518 and 510), 678, 686 (685), 732 (733), 738 (739) and 743 (742).

Photo: 16 (52)Description:This grid contained two contemporary pits 505 (Photo 16 (52)) and 509, a charcoal

rich layer 678 and four stakes. The two pits were poorly defined from each other and cut into the charcoal rich layer 678. Though the fills appeared similar to those of the trough in Group 10, there was only unburnt stone within the fill. The four stakeholes could not be clearly related to other features, though one stakehole cut 743 was on orientated south-eastwards in the side of the field boundary cut 265 and could be related to it. All features in this grid contained charcoal flecks.

Discussion:These features may relate to the trough in Group 10 or Structure # 7 (Group 5),

though other than charcoal rich fills, there is no clear link. Charcoal within the fills may have come from trough-related features.

Grid 37:

Context: 319 (318), 394 (402), 440 (441), 443 (444), 561 (559), 596 (593), 632 (633), 683 (684) and 1105 (1106).

Drawings: 137.Photos: 18 (25 and 37).Description:This grid contained three postholes, three stakeholes and three pits. All features in

this grid not related to other grids appear shallow or truncated. The posthole cuts 440, 561 and 683 were an average of 0.33 m in diameter by 0.09 m in depth. The had steep concave sides, with fills of brown silty-sand, with occasional charcoal flecks. Posthole cut 440 had a stone wedged upright along its southwest side (Drawing 137).

Pits 443 and 1105 were small, with irregular moderate sloping sides, and irregular flat bases, their fills were brown sandy/clayey-silt, with occasional pebbles of all sizes and occasional charcoal. Pit cut 596 was much larger 1.30 m by 1.17 m by 0.14 m in depth. It had gentle smooth sides and an irregular flat base. Its fill was different from any other features in the grid, a stiff light yellow clay, with occasional sub-angular pebbles and charcoal. Eight fragments of prehistoric pottery were retrieved from the fill (Find 184) (Photos 18 (25 and 37)).

The three stakeholes could not be linked to each other or to other features.Discussion:

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This grid square contains other features discussed in Groups 5 and 10. Pit cut 596 contained a fill 593 which was similar to fills in Group 8b. A comparison of pottery from these features may be interesting (see cut 499).

Grid 41:

Contexts: 506 (529), 849 (848 and 840), 1082 (1081), 1088 (1087), 1120 (1119), 1135 (1134) and 1292 (1293).

Photo: 17 (19).Description:The grid contained four pits 528, 849, 1082 and 1120, one posthole 1135 and two

stakeholes. The pits were irregular and ranged from 0.30 m to 0.92 m in diameter by 0.10 m to

0.60 m in depth. One pit cut 528 (Photo 17 (19)) was truncated by the slot trench cut 506 which is part of Group 5a. The pit contained fill 529, a light brownish-grey, sandy-silt, with occasional sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles and stones and moderate charcoal. A piece of flint was retrieved from the fill (Find 171).

The posthole and two stakeholes contained occasional charcoal flecks, all three fea-tures appear isolated and unrelated.

Discussion:A number of features in Grid 41 appeared to relate to Group 1, the Neolithic House.

Only one feature of those described has a stratigraphic link with any other feature, pit cut 528. This feature must be older than slot trench 506 and possibly other Bronze Age activity in this area.

Grid 42:

Context: 700 (699), 702 (701), 704 (703), 706 (705), 708 (707), 1093 (1094), 1123 (1124), 1129 (1130), 1206 (1207), 1238 (1239), 1248 (1249), 1250 (1251), 1256 (1257 and 1258), 1265 (1266), 1269 (1270), 1271 (1272), 1273 (1274), 1275 (1276), 1277 (1278), 1279 (1280), 1283 (1284), 1287 (1288), 1362 (1361), 1364 (1363), 1289 (1290) and 1583 (1584).

Drawing: of Grid 42 (228 on Bens digitised plan), 422Photo: 26 (23, 35, 36 and 43)Description:This grid contains seven postholes 1093, 1129, 1206, 1238, 1250, 1256 and 1287, one

pit 1248 and 18 stakeholes. The majority of these features being clustered in sub-grid 42d.

The stakeholes in this grid range in size from 0.05 m to 0.19 m diameter by 0.05 to 0.19 m in depth, mostly with tapered points (Photo 26 (35 and 36)). The fills range from silty-sand and clayey-silt, to silty-clay, mwith most containing charcoal flecks. Stake-hole1289 contained a pottery sherd (Find 495). A large number of the stakeholes made up a roughly circular pattern in Grid 42d, approximately 3 m in diameter.

Five of the seven postholes were also clustered in sub-grid 42d. They ranged in size from 0.28 m to 0.50 m in diameter by 0.08 m to 0.37 m in depth. Most had vertical sides


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with a flat base (Photo 26 (43)). Four cuts 1093, 1129, 1250 and 1256 contained stone packing (Drawing 422) (Photo 26 (23). All fills contained occasional to moderate char-coal flecking, with evidence of in-situ burning in posthole 1256.

The irregular pit 1248, has one charcoal rich fill 1249. This feature truncated posthole 1256.

Discussion:There is a lot of activity in sub-grid 42d. There is a possibility that there was a small

structure in this area that was not identified during excavation. This grid is 5 m west of the Neolithic House and may represent an outbuilding. Features in grid 42d have dif-ferent fills from the majority of features relating to the Neolithic House and only one fragment of pottery was retrieved. Analysis of the fills may shed further light on these features. Possible structure/outbuilding here.

Grid 46:

Context: 1357 (1358 and 1360) and 1394 (1393).Photo: 32 (47)Description:There were only two features in this grid, a heavily truncated posthole 1394 and a pos-

sible tree bowl (Photo 32 (37)). The tree bowl was recorded due to the high concentration of charcoal and the presence of a fragment of prehistoric pottery (Find 514).

The posthole was only 0.02 m in depth due to truncation, but was circular with verti-cal sides, with the fill being entirely charcoal, suggesting a burnt post.

Discussion:Due to the extremely truncated nature of the posthole, it seems likely that other fea-

tures may have been present in this grid and have been destroyed by furrows and other farming activity.

Grid 52:

Context: 1232 (1233), 1240 (1241), 1247 (1242), 1252 (1268), 1281 (1282), 1315 (1317), 1320 (1321), 1328 (1329), 1332 (1316), 1350 (1351), 1557 (1558), 1586 (1587) and 1612 (1611).

Drawings:Photos: 26 (16)Description:The grid contained two postholes 1232 and 1240, five pits 1252, 1315, 1320, 1332 and

1612 and six stakeholes.The two postholes were very similar in shape and size, with a diameter of 0.28 m by

0.22 m depth. Sides were vertical, with a flat base. Occasional to moderate charcoal flecking was present, with a flint find being retrieved from the fill of posthole cut 1240 (Find 291). Both postholes appeared to have a supporting stakehole cut into their sides (Photo 26 (16)).

The five pits were all irregular in shape and in close proximity to the postholes. They ranged in size from 0.23 m by 0.34 m by 0.20 m depth to 1.00 m by 0.85 m by 0.30 m in

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depth. The pits contained mostly occasional angular pebbles and occasional to moderate charcoal. Two pits 1320 and 1332 contained burnt clay in their fills. A fragment of pot-tery was retrieved from pit 1252 at the interface with topsoil.

The stakehole were an average of 0.05 m diameter by 0.06 m in depth. All contained charcoal in their fills.

Discussion:Two of the stakeholes 1247 and 1281 were in close proximity to the postholes and

may have acted as support struts for the posts, the other stakehole may relate to the pits.

Grid 53:

Context: 1563 (1564), 1574 (1573), 1578 (1570), 1591 (1592), 1597 (1598), 1651 (1652), 1684 (1685) and 1693 (1675).

Drawing: of post-ex of Grid 53 (231 on Bens digitised plan), 524Photo: 37 (38), 39 (4).Description:This grid contained four pits 1574, 1597, 1651 and 1693, three postholes 1563, 1578

and 1684 and one stakehole.Three of the pits are irregular shaped, with no defined edges, but contained moderate

charcoal and angular stones. The fourth pit cut 1693, was circular, with vertical sides and a flat bottom (Photos 37 (38) and 39 (4)). The feature was unusual in that it was extremely large and well defined. Dimensions were 2.85 m by 2.43 m by 0.53 m depth. The fill 1675 was a reddish-brown, sandy-clay, with frequent medium angular and sub-angular pebbles and frequent medium angular stones. This fill contained no charcoal at all.

The three postholes all contained charcoal, with posthole 1563 containing burnt clay also in its fill 1564. This posthole had vertical sides and a flat base, with stone packing at it sides and base also.

Discussion:Grid 53 is in close proximity to the eastern side of the Neolithic House (Group 1).

Some of these features may be periphery features relating to the house, though only posthole 1563 contains burnt clay (most of the features relating to Group 1 contain burnt clay).

The large pit is of interest as it contains no charcoal, very few features at the site con-tained no visible charcoal. The size and regularity of the pit may suggest some form of storage, perhaps for grain. This feature is likely to relate to one of the settlements at the site.

Grid 54:

Contexts: 1386 (1387), 1600, 1621 (1622), 1623 (1624), 1655 (1656), 1673 (1674), 1660 (1661), 1678 (1679) and 1689 (1688).

Drawing: 448Photo: 37 (18, 31 and 34)Description:


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The grid contains three postholes 1621, 1623 and 1655 , three pits 1660, 1678 and 1689, one burnt deposit 1600 and two stakeholes.

The postholes ranged in size from 0.12 m to 0.30 m in diameter by 0.10 m to 0.16 m in depth. All had vertical sides and a flat base. One posthole cut 1655, contained burnt clay and stone packing in its fill 1656, all posts contained charcoal. All three postholes are close together.

The pits ranged in size from 0.82 m by 0.43 m by 0.07 m depth to 1.50 m by 1.20 m by 0.25 m depth. Pits 1660 and 1678 contained burnt clay and charcoal within their fills and pit 1689 (Drawing 448) contained charcoal and a flint find (Find 508) and a large number of angular stones of all sizes (Photos 37 (18, 31 and 34)).

Deposit 1600 was a small deposit of dark brown sandy-silt, containing moderate sub-angular pebbles of all sizes, frequent charcoal and occasional burnt clay flecks.

The stakeholes contained charcoal.Discussion:Four of the features in this grid contained burnt clay, suggesting that a hearth or kiln

was nearby. This grid was situated between Grid 40, which contained Neolithic House related in-situ burning and Grid 55, which contained the remains of a kiln or oven.

Grid 59:

Context: 1562.Description:This grid contained a large irregular deposit1562 measuring 1.14 m by 0.56 m by 0.21

m in depth. This deposit was a mid greyish-brown, silty-sand, with occasional to moder-ate sub-angular pebbles and stones and occasional charcoal flecks. A flint was retrieved (Find 500).

Grid 60:

Contexts: 1352 (1575), 1568 (1569), 1580 (1581) and 1582 (1565).Description:This grid contained two small pits 1352 and 1582, one posthole 1580 and one stake-

hole. The pit cut 1582 contained a flint in its fill (Find 501) and sorted stones at its base. Pit cut 1580 contained charcoal and burnt clay in its fill, but no in-situ burning.

Group 14

Curvilinear Ditch and early drainage system: Cut 152 and Cut 397: This group consists of a series of intercutting small ditches and drainage gulleys.

These appear to drain into the infilled stream (fills 387 and 408) at the southern end of the site (Photo 40 (35). These features do not all relate to each other, though a stratigraphic sequence has been identified.

Photos 40 (10)

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14a. Earliest ditches and recuts.

Contexts: 397 (398 and 399), 400 (401, 420, 423, 421, 427, 422), 424 (425, 426, 433 and 434), 428 (429, 430, 431, 437, 432).

Drawings: 142, blow-up of site plan,Photos: (Photos 13 (43), 14 (21, 49)).Grids: 38a and 38c.Description:Ditch cut 397 was the earliest recorded ditch cut on site. It had been truncated by

ditch cut 400, so full dimensions were unknown. Ditch cut 397 was orientated east-south-east by west-north-west and ran for a visible length of approximately 5.00 m, it may have continued outside of the area of excavation towards the ESE up to and beyond an extant water source some 50 m away. The ditch cut had a width of 0.45 m by depth 0.38 m, but depth may have been truncated by cuts above. The profile was steep sided, with a concave base. All surfaces were rounded as a result of water erosion, with water continu-ing to drain from the ESE downhill towards the WNW. The primary fill context 398 was mid reddish-brown, clayey-silt, with occasional subrounded pebbles, occasional sub-angular small stones and occasional flecks of iron panning. The second fill context 399 was a mid brownish-grey, clayey-silt with similar stone inclusions, but no iron panning.

Ditch cut 424 runs parallel to ditch cut 397 within the area of excavation, but ap-pears to cut the earlier ditch to the ESE. Cut 424 has steep, almost vertical sides, with a rounded, concave base. The ditch has a length of approximately 5.00 m within the site, with a width of 0.86 m by 0.79 m depth. The ditch contained two fills, with the primary fill 425 being a lightbrownish-grey, clayey-sand, containing moderate water rolled pebbles and small stones, with a depth of 0.14 m. The second fill 426 was a light orangish-grey, sandy-silt, also contained moderate water rolled pebbles and small stones and had a depth of 0.27 m.

Ditch cut 400 has a V-shaped profile, with an unknown length, width of 0.94 m by 0.70 m depth. It contains six fills. The first three fills 401, 420 and 423 contain charcoal and all were light grey silty-sand, weakly cemented. The second fill 420 contains frequent small angular, sub-angular and sub-rounded stones (0.06 m to 0.12 m) which appear to have structural significance. Three later fills 421, 422 and 427 were all silty-sands with angular and rounded stones and pebbles, with only 421 containing iron panning, fill 427 overlayed the uppermost fill of the parallel ditch cut 424. Fill 427 had a very similar matrix to fill 420 and may be the same context divided by the later recut 428. All the fills within this cut appear to have unnatural lines of deposition.

Ditch cut 428 appears to be a recut of ditch cut 400, it has the same V-shaped profile with an unknown length, width of 0.37 m by 0.35 m in depth. The first three fills 429, 430 and 437 are sands, all contain frequent sub-angular, sub-rounded and rounded peb-bles of all sizes and small angular and sub-angular stones. Occasional charcoal is present in the first two fills and frequent iron panning are present in the first three fills. The two uppermost fills 431 and 432 may be later additions left by slumping of earlier ditch fills.


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These fills are light grey silty-sand, containing frequent charcoal and occasional iron pan-ning, the majority of these two fills appeared to consist of powdered lime.

Discussion:This sub-group represents the earliest ditches at the sites. Most of their length and

function appears to be offsite to the ESE up slope. Water still drains downwards through ditch cut 397, suggesting that these ditches were not designed to drain into the infilled river. These ditches do not continue on down the slope within the excavation,

14b. Later ditches

Contexts: 121=271 (272 and 273), 275 (276, 310 and 311).Drawings: 54, 105, 127 and 128Photos 9 (59), 40 (19)Grids: 9 and 38Description:This subgroup which includes ditch cut 275 and ditch recut 271 is curving and runs

from the southeast, towards the northwest and terminates within the site, by gently shal-lowing out . Like all the ditches in this group, it drains towards the infilled river. Its known length is approximately 10.00 m. This feature cuts through the interior of struc-ture # 4.

Ditch cut 275 has a width of 0.40 m by 0.35 m depth, with steep sides and a flat base. Its exact original width cannot be determined as it was dredged or recut by ditch cut 271 along its length on the northeastern side. The primary fill 276 was a mid orangish-brown, silty-sand, containing water rolled pebbles of all sizes and moderate sub-angular small stones. Upper fills 310 and 311 also appear present in the recut 271.

Ditch dredging or recut 271 has a width of 0.20 m by 0.13 m depth, with steep sides and a flat base. It has two fills, the first a mid orangish-grey silty sand, the second a mid brownish-orange, silty-clay, both contain water rolled pebbles of all sizes, with occasional sub-angular and sub-rounded small stones.

Above the fills of both ditch cuts was fill 310, a light yellowish-brown silty-clay, with sub-angular pebbles of all sizes, with moderate angular small stones, with the appearance of a naturally silted deposit. The uppermost fill 311 was a light, yellowish-grey, silty-clay, with sub-rounded pebbles of all sizes and occasional sub-angular small stones. It had dimensions of width 0.47 m by 0.20 m depth.

Discussion:The mixed nature of fill 311, with clumps of yellow and clumps of grey fill suggest that

it was backfill, which finally sealed both ditches. This fill with a width of 0.47 m across the top of both ditch and dredging or recut, suggest a combined ditch width of 0.47 m

These features cut through the interior of structure # 4, though they didn’t directly intersect any known features, this suggests that the ditch sequence post-dates structure # 4.

These ditch cuts appear to terminate within the site, with drainage towards the south-west and the infilled river, as with Group 3 (structure # 4) there is a possibility that this

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feature continued further on and that modern farming practices within this area have resulted in truncation; However the general orientation of this feature and the fact that it drains against the slope of the land towards the west, suggest that this is not so. These ditches appear to have been present to drain the land or to define a boundary.

14c. Latest ditch

Contexts: 152 (156, 157, 158 and 159) also fills in other sections (153), (177, 176, 175 and 174), (178 and 179), (184 and 183), (237, 235, 236 and 238), (274) and (320).

Drawings: 56, 59-63, Photo 8 (21), 9 (12), 10 (16), 40 (11 and 12, 13, 14) Grids: 9d, 11d, 14, 16c, 17, 18.Description:A large number of sections were excavated, with the most representative section only,

being used for descriptive purposes.Ditch cut 152 is a curvilinear ditch, with a V-shaped profile, with a flat base, it is

stepped in places along its inside edge (Photo 9 (12)). It has steep sides, with a sharp break of slope at top and bottom, except where it shallows out and terminates towards the northwest, here it had more rounded sides and a concave base (Photos 8 (21) 40 (13)). The ditch appeared to drain against the slope, back towards the infilled river at the south-west end of the site. The ditch ran in an almost straight line northeast to southwest, then curved to run northwest to southeast, with a total length of approximately 40 m. The width was 1.38 m at its widest point, with a maximum depth of 0.70 m (Photos 40 (11 and 12)).

The ditch had five fills including an angular stone deposit 156=235 (Photo 10 (16)), which was present along the ditches length, except where the ditch shallowed out.

The primary fill 156 contained some mid grey clayey-sand, containing moderate an-gular, sub-angular and sub-rounded medium pebbles, which may have washed down from above, through the small and medium angular stones which made up the majority of this fill. It had a width of 0.50 m by 0.20 m depth.

The second fill 157 was a mid yellowish-brown, silty-sand, containing angular occa-sional angular pebbles of all sizes. With a width of 0.96 m by depth 0.11 m.

The third fill 158 was a dark brown, sandy-silt containing moderate fine angular peb-bles. It had dimensions of 0.40 m width by 0.18 m depth.

The fourth and uppermost fill 159 was a light greenish-brown, sandy-silt, containing occasional fine and medium angular pebbles. With dimensions of width 1.38 m by 0.24 m depth. This fill was cut by a later field boundary, cut 41, which was running in the same northeast to southwest direction.

Discussion:Ditch cut 152 is the most substantial ditch present on site. During initial excavation

this ditch appeared to enclose a large area of the site and a large number of features were expected to be present within this enclosure. Upon excavation, almost no features were present, with a high concentration of features present just outside of the ditch terminus to


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the northeast. Like the earlier ditches on the site, this ditch drained against the slope of the site, back into the earlier ditches and possibly into the infilled stream. The purpose for this unusual practice is not yet known.The stoney fill 156/235 appears to be present in the subsoil, as a horizontal band perhaps a glacial deposit, at a depth of 0.80 m. This glacial deposit appeared to have been excavated, then deposited back within the base of the ditch to help with drainage.

All fills other than the primary fill and uppermost fill appear to be naturally deposited by erosion.

In many of the ditch sections a mixed yellow-grey, silty-clay was present, similar to fill 311 in ditch cuts 271 and 271. This fill suggests that the ditch was finally backfilled, the backfill may have come from the remains of a bank produced, during the initial con-struction of ditch cut 152. No such bank could be determined during on site excavations.

Two flint finds were present:Fill 153 (grid 18a) F # 27, flint tool fragment.Fill 174 (grid 18a) F # 30, flint fragment.

14d. Metalled Surface

Contexts: 321Drawings: Blowup of plan 54 (grid # 129d on Bens digitised postex plan)Photos: 11 (17) Grids: 9aDescription:Context 321 was a deposit of small, flat, angular and sub-angular stones, which over-

lay the upper fills of ditch cut 152. Context 321 covers a small defined area of 1.50 m by 1.12 n by 0.06 m depth

Discussion:Deposit 321 was a metalled surface. It may have been laid down to facilitate crossing

the silted up fills of ditch cut 152. Given that ditches often denote field boundaries, it may be that this was an entrance/exit point from one field to another. A metalled surface was present approximately 7 m to the northwest (see context 30 Group 3), but the stones in the matrix were rounded not angular. These two features appear unrelated.

Group Discussion:The ditches in subgroup 14a are mostly present outside the limit of excavation to the

southeast. Though some structural elements were encountered, it is not possible to ex-trapolate their function without further investigation. They do not appear to drain into the infilled stream, but run beside it. Lime present within their upper fills may suggest a link with lime processing somewhere east or southeast of the site. Another possibility is that these ditches represent the remains of a tailrace for a mill, which may have been uphill to the east or southeast

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Ditches in subgroups 14b and 14c are notable in that they appear to drain against the slope on the site, back into the infilled stream, towards the southeast, or at least in that direction. This may suggest that they fulfil a similar function to each other and are broadly contemporary.

Uppermost fills of the infilled stream contained preserved bone that appeared to be relatively modern. Deeper fills contained peat, suggesting that this river may have been at least partially filled in for a long time (Photo 40 (35)). The landowner who is 80 said that the river had not been filled in during his lifetime, nor that of his uncle who owned the land before him. A water pipe was present running parallel to the stream at a similar depth, suggesting that the stream was known about.

Group 15

Possible Medieval Building and Later Corn Drying Kiln. Structure 8:

This group consists of the remains of a stone built structure, some internal postholes and a corn drying kiln overlying the wall of Structure 8

15a. Wall foundation.

Contexts: 1397 (1396 and 1395)Drawings: of postex plan Grids 55 and 62 (grid 259 and 260 on Bens digitised postex

plan)Photos: 37 (36 and 41), 39 (11), 40 (32) Grids: 55a and 55b.Description:Cut 1397 consisted of a slot trench which represented one entire wall length and two

corners of a small building, with a length of 3.30 m orientated northeast to southwest. The slot was 0.40 m wide by 0.20 m deep (Photo 39 (11)). A stone lining context 1396 was present within the slot which consisted of carefully selected angular stones lining the sides of the cut, with wider flat stones bridging across the top. This resulted in a shallow gulley underneath, which subsequently silted up with fill 1395 (Photo 37 (41)). Fill 1395 was a mid yellowish-brown, sandy-silt, containing moderate charcoal flecking. A copper alloy coin was found in this fill (Find 521). Redeposited boulder clay was present above the stone in some places.

Discussion:This feature appears to be the foundation for a wall. Only one wall length of the

foundation remains because the slope of the land downwards from east to west would have dictated that the rest of the foundation be built above ground to produce a level floor surface. The remains of the other three walls, would subsequently have been destroyed by ploughing. The building appears to have been either rectangular and of unknown length or square with 3.30 m by 3.30 m.


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The subsurface remains with a small gulley at the base may have been designed to channel water away from the walls or to act as a flue for hot air or smoke. This feature may have been either a small dwelling or some for of drying or smoking room.

As the kiln was located directly above the wall foundation of this feature, it is likely that the fill 1395 is contaminated by charcoal from kiln fill 1389. However, the coin found lodged between stones of the wall foundation was not burnt and should produce an accurate date for either the construction, use or demise of the structure.

15b. Posts and Stakeholes

Contexts: 1401 (1402), 1403 (1404), 1405 (1406), 1408 (1409), 1410 (1411), and 1553 (1554).

Drawings: 466 Photos: 37 (50), Grids: 55a, 55b, 64c, 64d.Description:This sub-group consists of a pit, four postholes and two stakeholes.Pit cut 1401 was located at the centre of the area that would have been enclosed by the

building, it had steep concave sides and a sub-circular, flat base. Dimensions were length 2.15 m, width 1.99 m, depth 0.50 m. Constructed within this pit were three stone packed postholes, cuts 1403, 1405 and 1408 and a stakehole cut 1410 (Photo 37 (50)).

The postholes all had vertical smooth sides and a flat circular base, they ranged in size from 0.34 m to 0.41 m in diameter and 0.29 m to 0.40 m in depth. All contained a similar light brown clayey-silt, with occasional charcoal flecks and small angular stones packed around the posts. The stakehole cut 1410 had a diameter of 0.14 m and depth of 0.24 m, with the top of the stakehole orientated towards posthole cut 1403.

All four features within the pit were overlaid with fill 1402, a mid brown sandy-clay, with frequent pebbles and stones of all types , moderate charcoal inclusions and occa-sional burnt clay.

One small stakehole cut 1412 was present outside of the northeast corner of the build-ing, with no associated features.

Discussion:The pit cut 1401 appears to have been dug to facilitate the construction of three sub-

stantial postholesThe stakehole 1410 appears to be a brace for posthole cut 1403. The three postholes

appear to be contemporary and may act as supports for a heavy roof or be part of a me-chanical device.

15c. Corn Dryer and Posthole.

Contexts: 1388 (1389) and 1412 (1407)Drawings: Photos: 37 (1) Grids: 55b.

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Description:A figure of eight-shaped corn drying kiln cut 1388 was present overlay the remains of

the wall foundation 1397. The subsoil at the base of the kiln was scorched red to a depth of 0.10 m.

The kiln was orientated northeast to southwest, with a length of 1.70 m, width of 0.70 m and depth of 0.07 m. The cut had gentle sloping sides and a concave base. Some angular stones were present at the northeastern end, laid out in a semi-circular fashion, suggesting that the kiln had previously been enclosed. The stones were likely removed from the remains of the building for this construction as they are of the same type. The kiln was truncated and disturbed by a toothed bucket during spoil removal, resulting in deep gouges through the kiln. (Photo 37 (1)) Samples were retrieved between the evenly spaced bucket toothmarks.

The kilns fill 1389 was a dark brownish-black, sandy-silty, with frequent charcoal, burnt soil and burnt grain inclusions. Larger sub-angular pebbles and stones were present within the fill, presumably collapsed into the kiln during disuse.

A small posthole cut 1412 was found within this scorched area. It was 0.20 m in di-ameter and 0.09 m in depth, with vertical sides and a rounded, concave base. Its fill 1407 was the same as the fill of the kiln.

Discussion:Cut 1388 represents the remains of a badly disturbed kiln, overelaying an earlier stone

building. There are three possible kilns from Area 1, but only 1388 produced recogniz-able grains during excavation. Given the high number of structures and evidence of permanent settlement at the site, it would seem likely that this feature was used in grain production for one of the phases of occupation at the site.

The small posthole may have some support function relating to the kiln.

Group Discussion:This group represents the remains of a small stone built structure of medieval date,

with a corndryer later constructed directly above it, using materials available from that location.

Group 16

Later Field System, Land Improvements and Modern Deposits: Drawings: Post-ex plan showing field boundaries 17, 39, 41, 265 and present field

boundaries for Fields 56 and 57.

16a. Field System:

This sub-group consists of a description of the field system revealed by excavation, verified by excavation and ordinance survey maps or field systems still visible in the land-


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scape. Features in this group post-date Group 14, other than cut 265, which has no strati-graphic relationship to Group 14.

Ordinance Survey of Ireland:Three maps have been consulted, 1’st (1838), 2’nd (1902) and 3’rd (1946) editions.

These maps all indicated a field boundary running northeast to southwest through Field 57. This field boundary relates to ditch cut 41 of the same orientation and position, with ditch cut 39 running perpendicular to it, representing the southwestern aspect of this field before later changes.

The 3’rd edition O.S.I. map shows changes within the small field to the southeast of Field 56, some time after 1946, the same field has been incorporated into Field 56.

Excavated Field Systems:Contexts: 39 (38=136), 41 (40=160, 166, 165, 167 and 168), 265 (267, 266 and 466).Drawings: 8 and 95. Photos: 37 (1) Grids: 6, 7, 11, 14, 18, 23, 27, 35, 36, 39, 40, 49 and 58.Description:Cut 265 (Photo 9 (55) and 17 (35)) is the oldest of the three field boundary ditches. It

runs in a northeast to southwest direction, with dimensions of 40 m visible length, 1.50 m width by 0.25 m in depth. It has a gentle slope on the southeast side and a moderate slope on the northwest side, with a slightly concave bottom. (Drawing 95) It had two major fills.

Primary fill 267 was a light yellowish-brown silt, with moderate fine and medium pebbles. It had dimensions of 40 m length by 1.35 m width by 0.12 m depth and con-tained no finds.

The secondary fill 266 was a mid greyish-brown clayey-silt, with occasional sub-angu-lar fine and medium pebbles. Dimensions were 40 m length by 1.50 m width by 0.12 m depth. This fill contained numerous finds of flint, bone and clay pipe (Finds 59, 60, 74, 78, 79, 82 and 181). These finds are thought to be intrusions as this feature cuts through many artefact rich areas of the site.

A third fill 466 was also a secondary fill in the area where the boundary ditch 265 cuts through the fills of the carinated bowl feature cut 602. Here the fill was a mid greyish-brown, sandy-silt, with moderate to frequent angular and sub-angular pebbles. Charcoal inclusions are present and are thought to come from the carinated bowl feature. One find of flint, also thought to be an inclusion, was retrieved (Find 198). This feature runs parallel to boundary ditch cut 41 with 20 m distance between the two ditches. Boundary ditch cut 265 is cut by the perpendicular boundary ditch cut 39.

Boundary ditch cut 39 (Photos 4 (10 and 29)) (Drawing 8) is orientated sloping downwards from southeast to northwest. It has a length of 20 m within the site, with a width of 0.70 m and depth of 0.21 m. The ditch has moderate to steep concave sides and a concave base. The ditch has one fill of mid brown silty-clay, with occasional fine and medium sub-angular pebbles and moderate small stones, with occasional flecks of char-

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coal present. The ditch terminates to the southeast where it meets and is cut by boundary ditch cut 41, though both features are considered to be contemporary. The ditch contin-ues on out of the site in a northwesterly direction for an unknown length. Cut 39 cuts through field boundary ditch 265.

Boundary ditch cut 41 (Photo 4 (26)) is orientated northeast to southwest and con-tinues from its junction with boundary ditch cut 39 northeastwards, for a visible distance of at least 45 m. Where the two ditches meet, they make the corner of a field, as neither continues on beyond that point. Ditch cut 41 had a width of 0.86 m by 0.15 m depth, with gentle to steep sloping sides and a concave base. The ditch had one fill for most of its length, fill 40, a mid greyish-brown silt, with occasional fine and medium pebbles, with moderate small stones. In some areas such as Grid 14b, the ditch had four fills, with two of the fills being redeposited subsoil, suggesting that the bank for this ditch had been pushed back into the ditch when field boundaries changed.

For part of its length the ditch cut into the upper fills of ditch cut 152. Discussion:Boundary ditch cut 265 appears to be older than the other two ditches. Though on

first glance it appears to run parrellel to ditch cut 41, the two ditches run towards each other, resulting in an unlikely triangle shape for an earlier field. The profile and fills of ditch 265 are markedly different from the other two ditches, with the profile being much wider and the fills being much greyer in colour. With no matching field boundary lines visible on the O.S.I. maps, it would seem likely that this ditch predates the 1838 1’st Edi-tion map. Since this ditch cuts through the area of densest prehistoric activity, it would seem likely that the ditch was constructed some considerable time later.

Field boundary ditch cuts 39 and 41 appear to be contemporary, though ditch cut 39 was constructed first. They have similar profiles and very similar fills. These two ditches make up the southern corner of a field visible on the 1’st Edition O.S.I. map.

Present DayField Systems:Description:Area 1 of Caherdrinny 3 was present within Field 57, with a small area of the site to

the SSW enclosed within Field 56. The field boundary between Fields 56 and 57 takes an almost right angle turn, from where it was running north to south, it turn northwest-wards. The ‘bend’ in the boundary is parallel with and outside of the slot trench cut 27 for Structure # 4 (Group 5), so that the structure is fully enclosed in Field 56.

Within the excavation area this boundary consisted of bushes and trees and a small bank approximately 0.60 m high by 1.20 m wide (Photo 2 (21), 3 (17) (bank only)and 40 (33)). The ditch for this boundary was numbered cut 17, it was 1.00 m wide by 0.25 m deep, draining water downslope towards the west. Rounded pebbles were present impact-ed at the ditches base, suggesting that it may have been lined with stone to prevent it from eroding. This field boundary stratigraphically cut boundaries 39, 41, 121=271 and 152.

In grids 8, 9, 14 and 15 the remains of a bank context 32, with three mature Oaks upon in was present (Photo 40 (34)). The bank was comprised redeposited yellow boulder clay, with moderate to frequent pebbles and angular stones making up 50% of the fill.


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The construction and loose nature of this bank was very similar to the field boundary bank for ditch cut 17. The bank partially overlay boundary ditch cut 17 and contained early modern pottery (Find 11).

To the northwest at the bottom of Field 57 a small disused gateway was visible (Photos 40 (38-40)). The remains of a damaged, very rusty iron gate were visible, flattened into the grounds surface. This gate was approximately 1.00 m wide. This gate would have provided access to the field below, on foot and possibly on horseback. Tractor tyre marks on both sides of the gateway suggest that this entrance/exitway is still known and that from time to time a tractor has been driven along this path.

Discussion:Field boundary ditch cut 17 probably represents changes visible on the 3’rd edition

O.S.I map in the adjacent field to the southeast.The remains of the bank context 32 may have been left in-situ by farmers due to the

difficulty of removing the large trees, this bank does not appear to be directly linked to boundary bank for ditch cut 17.

16b. Land Improvements:

This sub-group includes features such as plough furrows and enclosed drains. These features were not numbered during excavation unless they impacted upon archaeological features. Some of the furrows were not identified as furrows until partial excavation had taken place. A general description only will be given.

Description:Furrows within Area 1 were all orientated northeast to southwest and truncated ap-

proximately 25% of the sites surface area. The average width of the furrows was 0.50 m, with a depth of 0.10 m, with fills being mid brown silt or silty-clay, with occasional angular and sub-angular stones and occasional charcoal inclusions. Most of the features that had been truncated by the furrows had had their fills drawn through the furrows, indicating that the soil had been turned over by a plough, rather than spade dug cultiva-tion, such as that visible at Caherdrinny 2, further upslope to the southeast.

No stone lined drains, mole drains or French drains were encountered during the excavation.

Discussion:The orientation of the furrows suggests that they have been ploughed within the last

300 years, with most probably having been ploughed within the last 100 years, as they all follow the orientation of the modern field systems in the area.

The lack of drainage features within the site other than boundary ditches, suggests that the land has drained well on this sloping ground for a long period of time. The slope increases to the northwest, allowing water to easily drain down towards the River .

16c. Modern deposits:This sub-group includes any features that can be identified as being modern in origin,

by association with other modern features, stratigraphy or material culture.Contexts: 64 (65), 117 (116) and 118 (115 and 111).

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Drawings: Photos: 6 (38) Grids: 17b, 23a, 23c and 23d. Description:Three pits were present within 5 m of each other. One pit cut 64 appeared to be a

shallow depression containing a fine eroded, mid brown silt. The pit was over 3 m in length and contained a piece of clay pipe in the uppermost area of the fill, context 65. At the base of the fill, a fragment of modern slipware was recovered.

The other two pit cuts 117 and 118 were intercutting each other and consisted of an amorphous spread of broken angular pebbles and small to medium angular stones and moderate charcoal inclusions (Photo 6 (38)). This deposit was 4 m in length and 2.30 m in width, with a depth of 0.21 m.

Discussion:These features probably represent the remains of stone dumps. Most of the stone from

pit cut 64 was removed during topsoil stripping. The stone may have been placed here to remove it from the field during ploughing or it could have been placed here because the soil was soft and wet. It was noted that these cuts retained moisture well.

Group Discussion:Other than changes in field boundaries, the land does not appear to have changed

much. Plough furrows have had limited impact on archaeological features, as they do not appear to have penetrated deeply into the subsoil. No furrows follow the orientation of ditch cut 152 suggesting either that this feature was much earlier or that its function was not to do with boundaries.

Charcoal appears to be present in a majority of features.

Group 17

17. Pits and linears with heat shattered stones/burnt mound-like material

This group is divided into two clusters of features – the bigger one in grids 165 and 166, and the smaller one in grid 154, ca 15-20 m to the E from the first one.

17a. Cluster of features in grids 165 & 166

This group is composed of five pits, 4 linear features and number of stakeholes. It is located in the middle of Area 2, mostly in SW quartet of grid 166, partially in SE quartet of grid 165 and slightly (S part of linear 2571) in NE quartet of grid 120.

PitsCuts: 2560 (fills: 2561, 2562, 2563, 2587, 2592), 2575 (fills: 2572, 2573, 2574), 2584 (fills:

2583), 2585 (fills: 2558, 2582), 2596 (fills: 2597)


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Drawings: post-ex plan no. 2584; sections no’s: 2523/13; 2542/13; 2529/14; 2527/14, 2529/14; 2531/14.

Photos: pre-ex photo of group: 2540, post-ex photo of group: 2607 – 2609; photos of individual pits: 2539, 2542, 2551, 2559 (cut 2560); 2547, 2565 (cut 2575); 2553, 2566, 2567 (cut 2584); 2552, 2553, 2554, 2566, 2568 (cut 2585); 2556, 2579, 2580 (cut 2596).

Description:All the five pits are similar oval shape (except kidney shape pit C.2585) and orientated

N – S. Their dimensions are ranging from 0.65 by 0.45 to 1.50 by 0.75 and depth from 0.1 m to 0.32 m. They all are filled with similar charcoal rich material with great amount of heat shattered stones. In some of them flecks and small pieces of burnt bones have been found; except that no finds came from these pits.

Pit C.2585 is the biggest and the deepest one and located the most to the E in whole cluster.

Pit cut 2584, adjacent to pit cut 2585, is the smallest one in the cluster. Pit cut 2560 is situated 1 m to the W from pit cut 2585. Pit cut 2575 is located 1 m to the S, slightly to the SE, from pit cut 2560. Pit cut 2596 situated 2 m to the SW from pit cut 2560 and 1.6 m to the NW from pit

cut 2575 is the most W wards feature in this cluster. Linears featuresCuts: 2571 (fills: 2570); 2586 (fills: 2607); 2606 (fills: 2605, 2622, 2624); 2627 (fills: 2628)Drawings: post-ex plan: 2584; sections: 2524/13; 2527/14; 2534/15; 2535/15.Photos: pre-ex photo of group: 2540; post-ex photos of group: 2607 – 2609; photos

of individual linears: 2547, 2568, 2583 (cut 2571); 2552, 2566, 2569 (cut 2586); 2539, 2562, 2576, 2586 (cut 2606); 2583, 2587, 2591 (cut 2627)

Description:Linears 2606 and 2637 are similar in shape – linear with a little wider rounded ends

- and in dimensions: about 1.1 m long, 0.30 to 0.40 m wide and about 0.15 m deep. They both are orientated E – W, parallel to each other and located in close proximity (0.2 m) of pit cut 2585, to the E from it, and outsides small pit cut 2584. Distance between them is ca. 1.4 m. Sides of feature cut 2627 are mostly steep (only E side is more moderate) and concave, while sides of cut 2606 are various: from vertical convex at S to steep smooth and convex at N (longer sides), and from steep undercut at W to moderate stepped at E (shorter sides). Bases of both features are linear in plan and flat in profile.

Linear cut 2606 is filled with three deposits: 2605, 2622 and 2812, which are very mixed and mottled with lumps of yellow clayey silt, what make relationship between them very unclear (photo no. 2576/DSCF1238). Context 2812 occurs in W part of cut and measures 0.5 m by 0.25 m in plan extent and 0.18 m in thickness. It is a soft mid brown clayey silt, occasionally with angular pebbles and moderate with flecks to occa-sional small pieces of charcoal. Context 2622 occurs in E part of feature on the base of it. It is a small deposit measuring 0.35 m by 0.25 m and 0.12 m in thickness. It is soft black silt with very frequent (ca. 65% of fill) charcoal flecks and small pieces. Some angular and sub-angular fine to medium pebbles occurs. Occasionally flecks of burnt bones have

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been appeared in this context. Context 2605 occurs on the top of feature in E part and is spread on the top towards pit cut 2585 (photo no. 2539/P1010047). It composes of soft dark brown clayey silt with moderate inclusion of angular to sub-angular pebbles and oc-casionally of charcoal flecks and small pieces.

Linear feature cut 2627 is filled with one deposit - context 2628, which is firm mottled mid greyish and orangish brown clayey silt, occasionally with angular and sub-angular fine pebbles to sub-angular and sub-rounded coarse pebbles; with moderate flecks and occasional small pieces of charcoal (photo no. 2587.DSCF1253). In some parts as in W end, charcoal is more concentrated, what make it similar to fills in linear cut 2606 with charcoal rich fill 2622 at E end. At E end linear cut 2627 had been truncated by the fur-row cont. 2629 running NE – SW (photo no. 2583/DSCF1246).

Linear feature cut 2586 is situated to the N from pit cut 2585, adjacent to it and ori-entated N – S. It measures 1.50 m in length by 0.30 m in width and is slightly curving to the NE. It is deep up to 0.15 m. E and W sides are steep and smooth and N side is gentle smooth to convex. Due to similarity of fills S side of linear connected to pit cut 2585 is imperceptible to define. Base is flat of profile. This feature is filled with one deposit cont. 2607, which is very similar to main fill of pit cut 2585 – cont. 2558, but in compare with cont. 2558, where stones and pebbles are making up the majority of fill, in cont. 2607 they are not more frequent than 10%. Generally context 2607 is very soft dark brown silt with angular pebbles, moderate flecks and occasional small pieces of charcoal.

Linear feature cut 2571 also orientated N – S, is located in S part of this cluster, from E side adjacent to pit cut 2575. It is linear shape with N part slightly wider and deeper than the rest of cut. It is 2.05 m long and up to 0.35 m wide, with 0.11 m depth. Break of slope at top are sharp and at base are gradual, and sides are mostly (except moderate E) gentle and smooth. Base is linear in shape and concave in profile. This feature is filled by one deposit – context 2570, which is compact brownish grey silty sand with inclusions of angular and sub-angular pebbles to small stones and moderate flecks to small pieces of charcoal.

StakeholesCuts: 2600 (fill: 2601); 2609 (fill: 2608); 2610 (fill: 2611); 2612 (fill: 2613); 2614 (fill:

2615); 2617 (fill: 2616); 2621 (fill: 2620); 2624 (fill: 2623); 2626 (fill: 2625); 2638 (fill: 2637); 2639 (fill: 2640); 2641 (fill: 2642); 2650 (fill: 2651).

Drawing: post-ex plan no. 2584Photos: 2560; 2572; 2579, 2580; 2574; 2578; 2581; 2584; 2598; 2600; 2599; 2613.Description:Group of 13 stakeholes have been revealed in this cluster. They are concentrated in W

part of this area, 6 of them are roughly lying in one line between linear feature cut 2627 and pit cut 2596 and two stakeholes are appeared on the base of this pit. Rest of stakeholes is dispersed throughout the cluster.

Stakeholes making line from W to E are: cut 2624, cut 2626, cut 2621, 2650, cut 2638 and cut 2617. Except the first one, which is very shallow (0.04 m) and wide (0.12 m) in


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compare with the others, stakeholes are on average 0.08 m in diameter and range in depth from 0.1 to 0.16 m. They are circular shaped, with steep to vertical sides and tapered rounded point base and were filled with brownish grey silt with some charcoal flecks.

On the base of pit cut 2596 are stakeholes cut 2610 and 2614. They occur on the W, the gentlest side of the pit, in a distance of 0.2 m. Just outside the

W edge of cut 2596 one more stakehole have been revealed – cut 2612. They all are circular shaped with almost vertical sides and tapered point base. Stakeholes cut 2610 and cut 2612 are similar sizes: 0.8 to 0.1 m in diameter by 0.2 m in depth, while stakehole cut 2614, located in the deepest part of pit, measure 0.7 m in diameter and 0.1 m in depth (possibly originally deeper and than truncated by pit)(photo 2580). Stakehole cut 2610 was filled with black very charcoal rich silt and two others stakeholes contains material similar to fills in the rest of stakeholes of this group – orangish/brownish grey silt with some charcoal flecks.

Stakehole cut 2639 is located 0.3 m to NE from pit cut 2596; stakehole cut 2609 – 0.2 m to NW from pit cut 2575; stakehole cut 2600 – 0.2 m to the N from pit cut 2560 and stakehole cut 2641 – between SW edge of pit cut 2585 and linear feature cut 2627. These stakeholes are on average 0.08 – 0.1 m in diameter and range in depth from 0.13 to 0.21 m. In shape they are circular with steep to vertical sides and except tapered point base of cut 2641; they have tapered rounded point bases. They are filled with brown to brownish/orangish grey silt with some charcoal flecks and angular fine and medium pebbles.

Except those feature, two small deposit related to them have been recorded. They are dark brown/brownish grey silt with some charcoal flecks and occasionally sub-angular pebbles, spread in probably natural depressions in this area. The biggest one is cont. 2630 measuring 0.30 m by 0.26 m and 0.04 m in depth, located near linear feature cut 2606, to the S from it. The other one is cont. 2636, also 0.04 m deep, circular in plan with 0.11 m in diameter, located to the NW from linear feature cut 2586. Because of their regular plan they were thought to be postholes, but shallowness of these deposits suggests rather natural depressions filling.

17b. Cluster of feature in grid 154.

This group is located up to the hill, near the E edge of site; and is composed of sub-circular pit connected with linear feature and one small pit, situated ca. 2.4 m to the E from the first one.

Features cuts: 2664 (fills 2665, 2666); 2688 (fill 2687); 2690 (fill 2689); 2741 (fill 2740) + deposit context 2667

Drawings: post-ex plan no. 2584 + sections drawings: 2539/15, 2646/17, 2551/16Photos: 2618, 2627 (cut 2664); 2621 (context 2667); 2633, 2638, 2656, 2691, 2705,

2706, 2707, 2710, 2712 (cuts 2688, 2690 and 2741)Description:Pit cut 2664 is quite shallow, but regular oval shaped feature, orientated NE – SW

and measuring 0.53 m in length by 0.42 m in width and 0.12 m in depth. S and E sides are steep to vertical, slightly undercut; side W is moderate concave and side N – gentle

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smooth. Base is oval and flat (photo no. 2627/DSCF1303). This feature is filled with two deposits (photo no. 2618/DSCF1293). Primary one is context 2665, concentrated in NW part of pit. It is dark greyish black clayey silt with frequent charcoal flecks to medium size pieces and moderate to frequent occurrence of angular medium and coarse size heat shat-tered pebbles, occasionally with sub-rounded small stones. Second fill is context 2666, which is mid greyish brown clayey silt, occasionally with charcoal flecks to small pieces and with moderate inclusion of angular heat shattered medium size pebbles.

About 1 m to the W from pit cut 2664 small spread deposit was appeared. It was com-posed of charcoal rich silty clay with moderate inclusion of angular medium and coarse size pebbles. It extended in a distance of 0.5 m in length and width, but was only 0.03 m deep (photo 2621/DSCF1297).

Pit cut 2688 is sub-circular to oval shape with NE – SW orientation. It measure 1.50 m in length by 1.26 m in width and 0.3 m in depth. Its sides are moderate to steep in slope, smooth at N, concave at S and irregular at W. Base is sub-circular generally flat. Large stones, probably natural cut from bedrock, occur on the base and sides of this pit. Feature was filled with one deposit – context 2687, which is dark brownish clayey silt with frequent pebbles (25% of fill) and stones (15% of fill). They were up to 0.2 m in size and angular to sub-rounded in shape, mostly heat shattered.

On the base of pit, in its E part, small irregular pit has been revealed, cut 2741 (photo no. 2707/DSCF1395). It measures 0.6 m by 0.45 m with 0.18 m in depth. It has irregular sides from moderate to steep in slope and from smooth to stepped and irregular in shape. Base is roughly flat with flat medium size stones on it. Similar stones occur on the sides and within fill of this pit (photo no. 2710/DSCF1398 & 2712/DSCF1401); they seem to be part of natural subsoil. One fill have been recorded in this pit – context 2740, which is dark brownish black sandy silt with frequent stones (50% of fill). Excluding above mentioned natural flat stones, they are angular and brittle/heat cracked. Fill contains also frequent flecks and occasionally small pieces of charcoal.

NE part of this pit had been truncated by a linear feature cut 2690, running from NW to SE (photo no. 2633/DSCF1309). This linear is 2.5 m long, up to 0.75 m wide (in SE part) and 0.3 m deep. It has steep concave sides and flat base. It is filled with charcoal rich dark bluish black sandy silt with frequent stones (40% of fill) – angular and sub-angular, heat shattered.

Group discussion:All the pits and linear features put together in this group contained charcoal rich

material with frequent heat shattered stones, similar to material in fulacht fiadh what sug-gests that they were related to the process of burning and/or boiling water. However, no burnt mound survived and except occasional flecks of burnt clay recorded in pit cut 2596, no evidence of burning in situ had been revealed. None of the pit seems to be a trough usually connected with fulacht fiadh. In this situation features in this group appear to be a waste pits for hot material or features of not clear original function and re-use as a waste pits.


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Flecks and small pieces of burnt bone occurring in few of the features in grid 165&166 (pit cuts 2585, 2560 and 2595, linear cut 2606) can confirm function related to food pre-paring process.

The largest pit in cluster “a” – cut 2585 from N is connected with linear feature cut 2586. Analogical situation have been noticed in cluster “b” – pit cut 2688 connected in the N with linear cut 2690. Although in this first case linear feature is shallowest than the pit and they are with very similar/the same (?) material, while linear cut 2690 seems to be cutting the pit and is filled with darker fill with smaller more angular pebbles (photo no. 2656).

Pit cut 2560 with two postholes inside and two short parallel linears…Stakeholes grouped in area with pits could indicate presence of some light structure or

more likely fence (?), which would be prolongation of linear feature cut 2627.Pits cuts 2560 and 2585 and linears cuts 2606 and 2627 are enclosing roughly rectan-

gular space with dimension of 1.4 m by 1 m. Both linears are slightly wider on the ends and look like bases of postholes. In this space very shallow pit cut 2584 and small deposit cont. 2630 are appeared. They seem to be spreads related to usage phase of this not clear construction rather than features itself.

Group 18

Possibly corn drying kiln and associated features. This group of features is situated in SE part of grid no. 168, up to the hill, near E side

of the site. It is composed of a possible corn drying kiln cut 2672, nearby pit cut 2646 and number of stakeholes, mostly surrounding the pit. Beyond that, one posthole cut 2839 is located in proximity of this group and as there is no any other feature in this area, this posthole could be also related to the group.

Cuts: 2672 (fills 2673, 2674, 2675, 2745); 2646 (fills 2647, 2648); 2753 (fill 2754); 2760 (fill 2756); 2768 (fill 2769); 2770 (fill 2771); 2772 (fill 2773); 2774 (fill 2775); 2776 (fill 2777); 2778 (fill 2779); 2780 (fill 2781); 2782 (fill 2783); 2784 (fill 2785); 2786 (fill 2787); 2839 & 2840 (fills 2841, 2842)

Drawings: post-ex plan no. 2584 + section drawings no’s: 2536/15; 2542/17; 2560/19; 2581/32

Photos: 2605, 2611 (cut 2646); 2624, 2644-2647, 2650-2652, 2688-2690, 2695, 2696, 2702, 2703 (cut 2672); 2722-2724 (cut 2646 + stakeholes); 2709, 2725-2735 (individual stakeholes); 2781, 2782, 2785 (cut 2839)

Description:Possibly corn drying kiln is irregular shaped feature, composed of two parts: roughly

oval wider E part (chamber?) and sub-circular smaller W part (flue?). It is E – W orien-tated and measures 2.5 m in length by 1.2 m in width and 0.5 m in depth. Sides of the kiln are very steep, almost vertical and base is oval in shape and flat to concave in profile. Kiln is dug into natural subsoil, which in this part of the site contains very frequent flat

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stones naturally shattered from bedrock. Irregularity of kiln sides is probably due to those stones occurring on the base and sides of cut (photo no. 2702). Many of those stones were possibly used to make stone lining around the edges of kiln. It is suggested by large amount of stones within fills of the kiln and few stones that survived vertically set on the sides, especially in S part. Two bigger flat stones were placed in the middle on the top of feature. Kiln is filled with four deposits: contexts 2673, 2674, 2675 and 2745. Primary fill is context 2673, which is soft black silt with charcoal as a main component; charcoal and carbonised wood pieces, up to 0.2 m long, make up ca. 85% of fill. Angular fine and medium pebbles and small to large size stones occur rather occasional in this context. This charcoal layer is extended in whole length of cut with thickens of about 0.02 m in the middle to 0.1 m near the edges. One flint flake has been found in this context, near the SW edge of chamber part of kiln (find no. 2517). Context 2674 is the secondary fill of kiln. It is composed of soft burnt material – mid orangish red clayey silt, occasionally with charcoal flecks and with moderate inclusion of angular stones and fine to medium size pebbles. Similar as previous fill, it occurs in whole length of chamber and partially also in the flue part. It is up to 0.3 m thick. Except few small patches recorded behind the stones, edges of kiln are not burnt in situ. Thick layer of burnt soil indicate that kiln were successively cleaned and this material were probably dumped into the feature after break off its usage. Third fill of the kiln is context 2745, which filled the W part of the feature. It is composed of dark greyish brown clayey silt intermixed with stones and pebbles, which make up about half of this deposit. Stones and pebbles are various sizes, but generally medium and large and mostly angular in shape. Some of them are heat affected. Charcoal flecks occur occasionally in this fill. The latest fill of kiln is context 2675, which is light orangish brown sandy silt with occasional charcoal flecks and frequent angular pebbles and stones (photo no. 2644 & 2652). Most of the stones from chamber part of kiln occur in this fill, but in opposite to context 2745, where stones are evenly distributed; in this fill stones are concentrated around the edges. Maximum thickness of context 2675 is 0.3 m and it seems to be a backfill of depression left in ground after not functioned anymore kiln.

Pit cut 2646 is situated to the SE from poss kiln, at a distance of 0.5 m. It has regular oval shape and the same as kiln it is orientated E – W; and measure 1.22 m in length by 0.9 m in width and 0.20 m in depth. Its sides are smooth; steep at S and W to vertical at N and E. Base is oval and generally concave, although there is a narrow hump running through the middle of it, from NE to SW (photo 2611). It is filled by two deposits (photo 2605). On the base there is context 2648, which is ca. 5 cm thin layer of charcoal flecks and small pieces (about 70% of deposit) mixed with dark silt. Occasionally burnt clay flecks and angular to sub-angular pebbles and small stones occur in this fill. Uppermost fill of this pit is context 2647 – dark greyish brown clayey silt with frequent inclusion of angular and sub-angular pebbles and stones, with moderate charcoal flecks to pieces up to 6 cm, and occasionally with burnt clay flecks. It is extended in whole length of pit with thickness of 0.15 m.


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Pit cut 2646 is enclosed by number of stakeholes (context no’s 2668 to 2687). Ten stakeholes are situated around NW, W, S and E sides of pit, at a distance ranging from 0.16 m to 0.5 m, but mainly about 0.22-0.25 m. Except one oval shaped stakehole cut 2784, the rest are circular shaped. They all have steep to vertical sides and flat to rounded point bases. Diameter of these stakeholes is ranging from 0.07 m to 0.15m (mostly it is around 0.09 m), and depth from 0.05 m to 0.21 m. Two other stakeholes are appeared in proximity of this group, but in bigger distance from it – cut 2780 and cut 2786. They are located 0.8 m to the SE and 1.1 to the NE from pit cut 2646 and measuring average 0.14 – 0.15 m in diameter and 0.07 – 0.1 m in depth, they are generally wider and shallower than the rest of stakeholes. Stakehole cut 2780 is more oval in shape, with steep almost vertical sides and concave base. Stakehole cut 2786 is sub-circular in plan with steep to vertical sides and flat, sloping from NW towards SE base.

Except this group of stakeholes, two similar features have been discovered to the E from poss kiln cut 2672. Stakehole cut 2753 is situated just outside SW edge of poss kiln. It measures 0.09 m in diameter by 0.14 m in depth and is circular shaped with vertical smooth sides and tapered pointed base. Stakehole cut 2760 is located 1.05 m further towards W from the previous one and poss kiln. It measure 0.07 by 0.05 m in plan and 0.16 m in depth and it is oval shaped with steep smooth sides and rounded point base. Top of this stakehole is slightly orientated to the NE from base and on its NE side there is flat stone.

All the stakeholes around pit cut 2646 and poss kiln cut 2672 are filled with similar material, which is mid orangish grey sandy silt with some sub-angular and sub-rounded fine and medium pebbles and occasionally with charcoal flecks.

About 2 m to the N from poss kiln cut 2672, posthole cut 2839 has been revealed. Posthole is sub-circular shape and measures average 0.4 m in diameter and 0.23 m in depth. Its sides are steep to vertical, mostly concave and base is flat. Within posthole post-pipe cut 2840 have been recorded. Post pipe is circular shape with steep smooth sides and slightly pointed base, it measures 0.17 m in diameter and is filled with charcoal rich greyish brown sandy silt. Angular stones and pebbles with yellowish brown sandy silt are packed within posthole cut 2839 and around post pipe. Some of the stones appear col-lapsed and occur within post pipe (photo no. 2781).

Discussion:Feature cut 2672 was possibly a corn drying kiln. It was composed of bigger and deep-

er fire chamber (E part) connected with smaller flue (W part). Great amount of large flat stones, some of them survived in original vertical setting, indicate that sides of the kiln were stone lined. Stones do not have any traces suggesting that they have been worked. This kind of stones (angular flat) seems to be particular for the landscape, especially in up the hill area, where the kiln had been dug. They were deliberately selected from the sur-rounding area; some of them could be also coming from the digging hole, and then they were placed around the edges to reinforce sides of the feature.

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Natural subsoil around the kiln does not have evidence of intensive burning; only few patches or scorching around the sides have been noticed. However, the second fill of the kiln, which is a thick up to 30 cm layer of burnt soil, indicate long-lasting burning in the vicinity. It seems to be possible that the kiln were successively cleaning and the burnt sub-soil were throwing out somewhere nearby. After the kiln was not anymore in usage, the hole in the ground was firstly filled by this burnt soil and the rest, by the natural orange silt and stones collapsed from the sides. Both of the deposits are relatively soft and contain flecks of charcoal. The reason why they had broken off using the kiln is not know.

There is also no evidence of burning in situ on the base or edges of pit cut 2646 and it seems that its fills had been dumped into the pit, possibly from nearby kiln, especially the basal charcoal layer. Fill 2647, which is lighter and more mixed, is probably a result of mixing the charcoal material with surrounding soil.

Stakeholes enclosing pit cut 2646 are indicate a presence of light structure, probably some kind of roof above pit. That may have been storage pit (?), or small shed where they had been placing wood to keep it dry.

Relationship between kiln and posthole cut 2839 is not clear. Fills in posthole are different than fills in kiln and pit cut 2646 and proximity is the only indication of relationship.

Group 19

Postholes in grids147 & 133

Cuts: 2715 (fill 2716); 2736 (fill 2735); 2749 (fill 2750); 2758 (fill 2759); 2762 (fill 2761)Drawings: post-ex plan no. 2584 + section drawings no’s: 2553/17; 2556/16; 2561/18;

2562/18; 2563/18Photos: 2665, 2667 (cut 2715); 2679, 2684 (cut 2736); 2694, 2700 (cut 2749); 2714,

2716 (cut 2758); 2715, 2721 (cut 2762)Description:This is a small group of five possibly postholes in SW part of Area2, in bottom part

of the slope, in SW corner of grid 147 (first four cut no’s) and partially in adjacent NW part of grid 133 (cut 2762).

Except one oval cut 2762, all these features are roughly circular shaped and similar small sizes; their diameter ranges from 0.2 to 0.4 m and depth from 0.12 m to 0.27 m. In slope and shape of sides they are varies from moderate and concave (cut 2715) to steep or vertical and smooth (rest of the features in group). Generally they have concave base; the only flat based posthole is cut 2758.

All the five postholes are filled with similar silty material, which had been probably washed down the slope. Fills in postholes cuts 2749 and 2758 are sterile soft light yellow-ish brown silt, almost identical with natural subsoil, without any charcoal flecks inclusion. Fills in three others postholes is slightly different; in cut 2715 it is a firm mid brownish


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grey silt with frequent flecks and occasional small pieces of charcoal, while fills in post-holes cuts 2736 and 2762 in similar grey colour are more sandy and besides charcoal flecks contain also occasional to moderate angular and sub-angular pebbles and small stones.

Discussion:Four postholes in grid 147 (cuts no’s 2715, 2736, 2749 & 2758) are arranged in a

rectangular structure (?) orientated NE – SW and measuring 2.6 m by 1.7 m (exterior). Posthole cut 2762 is located at a distance of 1.5 m to the SE from posthole cut 2758 (S corner of this ‘structure’). There is no others features in the vicinity, no finds came from them and their fills are just washed in silt, thus there is nothing to suggest any function or period of this ‘structure’.

Group 20

Postholes and pits in grid 162Cuts: 2714 (fill 2713); 2717 (fill 2718); 2722 (fills 2726, 2727, 2728); 2725 (fill 2737);

2742 (fill 2743); 2798 (fill 2799); 2800 (fill 2801); 2807 (fills 2809, 2811, 2816); 2808 (fills 2810, 2817);

Drawings: post-ex plan no. 2584 (sheet 162 includes mid-ex plan of cut 2722) + sec-tions drawings: 2555/20; 2556/20; 2558/20; 2572/31; 2673/31

Photos: 2662, 2663 (cut 2714); 2666, 2672 (cut 2717); 2670-71, 2681-83, 2701(cut 2722 & 2725); 2692, 2698, 2701 (cut 2742); 2749 (cut 2799); 2751-2753 (cut 2800); 2757, 2758, 2766, 2767 (cut 2807 & 2808)

Description:This group is a concentration of charcoal rich features, located in the middle of grid

162, in W part of the Area 2, down the slope. These features are: two small postholes, or rather shallow remains of them, situated in a line orientated NE – SW at a distance of 1 m from each other; two regular pits lying in similar line, parallel with postholes, 2.6 m to the SE; and few small features (pits or stakeholes) connected with or in proximity of those pits.

Postholes cut 2714 and 2717 are small roughly circular features. The first one meas-ures 0.5 m length by 0.4 m width, with survived depth of 0.12 m. Its sides are concave, steep at up slope side to gentle at down slopes and base is flat with some stones suggest-ing stone packing (photo no 2663). Posthole cut 2717 is very badly truncated to survived depth of only 40 mm and dimension of 0.45 by 0.35 m (photo no. 2666). Sides are mostly gentle and concave and base is flat. Both features were filled with charcoal flecked greyish/orangish brown clayey silt.

Pit cut 2722 is roughly sub-rectangular shaped NE – SW orientated, measuring 0.7 m by 0.56 m with depth of 0.24 m. It has vertical sides with shape from smooth to concave or undercut and oval flat base (photo no. 2701). It is filled with three deposits (photo no. 2670). On the base there is thin (0.08m) layer of charcoal rich dark greyish brown silt with moderate occurrence of angular pebbles and flat angular to sub-rounded stones, which

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are laid down flat in S part of pit. Second fill is compact light greyish and pinkish white sandy silt, only occasionally with flecks of charcoal and burnt clay, thick up to 0.14 m. This deposit contains a rubbing stone (find no. 2526). Uppermost fill is greyish brown sandy silt with moderate inclusion of charcoal flecks to small pieces and occasional angu-lar pebbles, burnt clay and burnt bones flecks to small pieces. A baked clay object comes from this fill (find no. 2510).

On SE edge it had been truncated by small pit cut 2742 and in SE part pipe of small posthole cut 2725 had been recorded. Pit cut 2742 with approximately diameter of 0.25 m and depth of 0.07 m, is irregular in plan, and with sides smooth gentle at N and E, and irregular to undercut at S and W. Base is irregular pointed towards pit cut 2722. It is filled with one deposit of greyish brown sandy silt material, occasionally with charcoal flecks and small pieces. Post/stake – pipe cut 2725 is oval shaped with steep to vertical sides, mostly smooth, with oval flat base. It measures 0.13 m by 0.09 m in plan by 0.2 m in depth and is filled with one charcoal rich deposit, greyish brown sandy silt, occasionally with small pieces and flecks of burnt clay, and with occasional angular pebbles and small stones arranged around the edges of cut.

Pit cut 2807 is oval shaped, E – W orientated and measures 0.63 m by 0.56 m in plan by 0.3 m in depth. It has steep to vertical sides, undercut at S and W. Base is sub-circular and flat. It is filled with three sandy and silty deposits (photo no. 2757). The first one – cont. 2811, is similar to second fill of pit cut 2722, firm greyish/pinkish white colour, occasionally only with charcoal flecks and small pebbles, thick up to 0.15 m. Above that, there is dark small greyish brown and charcoal flecked deposit. Pit cut 2807 is trun-cated by another pit or posthole cut 2808, sub-circular shaped, vertical undercut sides and pointed base, with dimension of 0.45 m in diameter by 0.2 m in depth, and filled with dark very charcoal rich material occasionally containing burnt bones and burnt clay flecks and small pieces and some angular to sub-angular pebbles and small to medium size stones. The top of both features is covered by light brown/orange silt with charcoal and burnt clay flecks.

About 0.2 m to the S from pit cut 2807 and 0.6 m to the NE from pit cut 2722, there is appeared small oval pit cut 2800. It measured 0.25 m by 0.15 m in plan (N – S) and not more than 0.1 m in depth. Its sides are mostly smooth varies in slope from moderate and to steep and vertical. Base is oval and concave. It is filled with yellowish brown sandy silt with charcoal and burnt bones flecks and small pieces.

Stakehole cut 2799 is located about 1.3 m to the SW from pit cut 2722, also in one line with possible posthole cut 2717. It regular oval shaped, orientated E – W, vertical smooth sides and tapered rounded point base. It measures 0.2 in length by 0.15 in width and 0.28 in depth and is filled with charcoal flecked greyish brown sandy silt with occasional an-gular and sub-angular pebbles.

Discussion:Features in this group are either truncated by later pits, modern agricultural activity

or site striping. Postholes in NW part of it are possibly related to each other, but due to their bad condition it is hard to say anything more about them. Pits to the SE from them


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are much better dug and defined, but also truncated by later features and their function is not known. Although fills of both of them contain great amount of charcoal, edges of cuts do not have any evidence of burning in situ. Significant could be the flat stones on the base of pit cut 2722, but they have survived only in S part. Second fill seems to be backfill of this pit. Post-pipe cut 2725 is probably later cut into pit cut 2722. Uppermost fill of this pit (cont. 2726) is probably related to the posthole and had been created as a disturbance during digging hole for post or as a packing fill within this post (compare photo no. 2670 and 2682). Stones around edges of post-pipe indicate stone packing. Pit cut 2743 appears to be another later feature cut into pit cut 2725. Uppermost deposits in both cases contain charcoal and burnt clay flecks pieces, what indicate burning activity in this area.

Pit 2807 may have been posthole for post cut 2808 with fills of pit 2807 as a packing fills for this posthole (?).

Group 21

Fragment of curvy-linear ditch and associated features.Grid: 178Cuts: 2541 (fill 2540); 2530 (fill 2528); 2555 (fill 2554); 2568 (fill 2569) + deposits cont.

2578, 2579, 2580, 2635Drawings: post-ex plan no. 2584 + section drawings: 2512/11; 2515 & 2516/12;

2522/13; 2521/13; 2526/13Photos: 2528, 2529, 2535 (cut 2541); 2518, 2522 (cut 2530); 2537, 2544 (cut 2555); 2545,

2546 (cut 2568); 2549, 2588, 2589, 2593 (deposits)Description:Fragment of curvy-linear ditch cut 2541 have been revealed in grid 178, in the mid-

dle of Area 2. It is orientated NW – SE with ends turning towards N and E. It has steep concave sides and flat base (U – shape profile). All length of cut measures 3.2 m, aver-age width is 0.8 m and depth – 0.3 m. One deposit is filling the ditch and it is soft dark brownish grey sandy silt with moderate inclusion of charcoal flecks and small pieces and occasionally with burnt clay flecks and small pebbles. Angular and angular mostly small to medium size stones occur frequent in the fill – they make up about 35 – 40% of deposit and are randomly scattered throughout the feature.

SE and NW ends of ditch had been truncated by plough furrows – cuts 2549 and 2566 running parallel from NE to SW; furthermore large area adjacent to the feature from NE had been disturbed by probably tree bole. Several deposits (cont. 2578, 2579, 2580 and 2635) have been recorded in this part. Generally they are yellowish to greyish brown charcoal flecked sandy and silty material with pebbles, and the most likely they are related to this tree bole.

Three small features are apparent in an arc to the NE from ditch: cut 2530, just out-side the E end of cut 2541, truncated by furrow cut 2549; cut 2555, located 1.6 m to the

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NE from middle part of ditch, the most irregular in this group; and cut 2568, 0.8 m to the NE from N end of cut 2541. They all are not clear features, non archaeological or badly disturbed by roots or animal activity. In plan they are sub-circular to oval ranging in size from 0.4 m by 0.3 m to 0.6 m by 0.4 m. In every feature sides are mostly smooth and vary in slope from gentle to almost vertical. Base of cut 2568 is flat, cut 2530 – pointed towards nearby cut 2541, and cut 2533 – irregular. They all are filled with similar sandy silt mate-rial, brownish to greyish colour, with moderate pebbles and except charcoal flecked cont. 2528, without charcoal.

Discussion:Due to different truncations of curvy-linear ditch cut 2541, interpretation of its func-

tion is difficult. Small feature cut 2530 originally may have been part of ditch later trun-cated by furrow, but except that, no continuation either no similar feature had been revealed on the site.

Group 22

Stone extraction pits and associated featuresTwo large irregular features have been revealed in N part of Area 2, close to the NE

baulk of the site. They are situated in very stony area up the hill and are thought to be stony extraction pits. Number of features comprised of two narrow parallel features, one substantial posthole, one small pit and one large anomalous shape feature are appeared in area between those pits and are assumed to be related with those extraction activity.

Possible stones extraction pitsCuts: 2730 (fills: 2731, 2732, 2733, 2734 and 2795) – Grid no. 220; 2739 (fills: 2738,

2767, 2847, 2848, 2849) – Gird no. 233/234Drawings: post-ex plan no. 2584 + section drawings no’s: 2557/18, 2570/31; 2565/19,

2582/33Photos: 2676-2678, 2746, 2760, 2761 (cut 2730); 2717, 2742, 2744, 2788-2790 (cut

2739)Description:Pit cut 2730 situated in NE part of grid 220 and partially in grid 221; is irregular,

presumably oval shaped feature, orientated NE – SW, with approximate dimension of 5 m in length by 2.6 m in width and with depth of 0.6 m. Excavated breaks of slope at top and at base are sharp and sides are moderate to steep and stepped. Base is concave profiled. It is filled with five deposits, composed of charcoal flecked yellowish to greyish brown sandy silt with angular to more rarely sub-angular stones and variation among the layer is mainly due to stone concentration and colour hue (photo no. 2678 and 2746). Majority of stones agglomerates in basal fills (cont. 2795 and cont. 2731), where they make up even up to 50% of the deposits. Any finds haven’t been revealed in this pit, and except the latest charcoal rich cont. 2733, charcoal flecks occur occasionally and there is no other inclusion.


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Feature cut 2739 is extended in grids 233 and 234, about 7 m to the NW from pit cut 2730, and similar as it, cut 2739 is supposed to be oval shaped. It is orientated NW – SE and measures 5.10 m in length by 3.20 m in width by 0.4 m in depth. Excavated sides are steep, smooth to concave with sharp break of slope at top and at base. Base is generally flat. Five deposits are apparent in this pit (photo no’s 2717, 2788-90) and mainly they are greyish/yellowish brown or pink sandy silt with frequent angular and sub-angular bigger pebbles and small stones without or with only occasional inclusion of charcoal. Two latest fill (cont. 2738 and cont. 2767), both average 0.15 m thick and located in N part of the feature contain great amount of presumably Bronze Age pottery sherds (finds no’s 2518 and 2519; photo no. 2742). Stones in context 2738, in compare with earlier fills, occur rather occasionally.

Discussion:Function of those two pits is not very clear. Due to tempo of excavation, not very

clear edges and except some pottery sherds and charcoal flecks in latest context, absence of finds, those two pits have not been fully excavated and whole recording have been done based on sections along the middle of them. Whole area around contain frequent natural shattered stones, but steep sides with sharp breaks of slope and flat to concave bases appeared in excavated parts, indicate that those features are not natural formed. Stones concentration and largeness of pits suggest function related to stone extraction. Most of the fills seems to be collapsed from edges and/or dumped stones and naturally silted soil. Latest charcoal rich fills in both of the pits are probably later deposits that had been washed into hollows after those pits and more likely they are related to hearth cont. 2757 than to pit itself.

Possibly associated features

Grid 220Cuts: postholes 2696 (fills: 2695, 2697) and 2712 + post-pipe 2744 (fills: 2706 – 2711);

linear 2719 (fills: 2720, 2721); linear 2763 (fills: 2764, 2765); stakehole 2746 (fill 2747); pit 2794 (fills 2792, 2793);

Drawings: 2547/17; 2554/18; 2564/18; 2552/16; 2568&2569/19Photos: 2641, 2653 (cut 2696); 2660-2661, 2668-2669, 2680 (cut 2712&2744); 2673-

2675, 2686-2687 (cut 2719); 2718-2720, 2739-2740 (cut 2763); 2745, 2747, 2750, 2764 (cut 2794)

Grid 233Cuts: stakeholes 2802 (fill 2803) and 2804 (fill 2805); stones sockets 2846 (fill 2845)

and 2850 (fill 2852)Drawings: post-ex plan no. 2584 Photos: 2755, 2756 (stakeholes); 2786, 2787, 2790, 2793 (stone sockets)Description:Posthole cut 2696 is the most to the S located feature in this group. It has regular oval,

nearing circular shape, E – W orientated, and vertical smooth to concave sides. Base is sub-circular and concave in profile, sloping towards E (photo no. 2653). Posthole meas-

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ures 0.55 m by 0.43 m in plan and 0.4 m in depth and is filled with two deposits (photo no. 2641). The primary and major one is 0.3 m thick cont. 2697, which is dark grey silt with frequent angular and sub-angular heat shattered stones and with moderate occur-rence of flecks to medium pieces of charcoal. Besides, some burnt bones flecks have been found in this fill. Later fill is much lighter with fewer occurrences of stones and charcoal.

Another posthole cut 2712 is located about 1.6 m to the NE from the posthole cut 2696. It is oval shape, E – W orientated, with dimensions of 1 m by 0.7 m in plan and 0.5 m in depth. Except vertical and undercut at N, it has steep smooth sides and circular concave base (photo no. 2680). It is filled with five deposits that appeared as packing fills for post- or plank – pipe cut 2744 revealed in the section (photo no. 2660-2661). Cut 2744 is oval, elongated shape, N – S orientated, with smooth steep to vertical sides and sub-circular, pointed base. Top of this feature is orientated towards W (photo 2669). It measures 0.7 m in length by 0.45 m in width and 0.51 in depth and it is filled with one context 2709. Fills of cut 2712 are mixed sand and silt composed deposits, in yellowish to brownish or greyish colour, with some sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles and oc-casionally to moderately charcoal flecks and small pieces. Cont. 2709 is dark brownish grey silt with frequent angular and sub-angular heat shattered pebbles and small stones, with frequent charcoal and occasionally burnt bones. Large sub-angular stone had been placed on the top of this fill (photo no. 2660).

Two linears revealed in this area are similar in shape and dimensions. They lying parallel, about 2 m distanced from each other, in W - E, slightly NW – SE orientation. Plough furrows (contexts 2766, 2723 and 2723) cut through both of them. Posthole cut 2712 is situated about 1.2 m to the W from both of them, and large stony pit cut 2730 located is 0.5 m to the E from linear cut 2719.

Linear cut 2719 (the NW one) measured 2.35 m in length by average 0.4 m in width by 0.15 m in depth and has square corner. Its sides are moderate to steep, smooth at longer and concave on shorter sides. E part of linear is slightly wider and in the middle of its length at S side, small half circular adjacent cut is connected with linear. Base is flat with large (0.68 m by 0.34 m) flat stone lying in W part and stakehole cut 2746 apparent in E part (photo no. 2687). Stakehole is circular measuring 0.09 m in diameter and 0.14 m in depth and has vertical smooth sides and tapered rounded point base, filled with similar material as linear (photo no. 2697 – there is a wrong cont. no. on the tag). Linear cut 2719 is filled with two deposits. The primary and main one is dark brown charcoal flecked clayey silt with moderate occurrence of various size and shape pebbles and angular small stones (cont. 2721). On the top in E part small charcoal rich clayey silt (cont. 2720) has been recorded.

Linear cut 2763 measures 2.6 m in length by 0.45 m in width and 0.25 m in depth. It has square corners, vertical smooth sides and concave base. It contains two fills. First one, 0.07 thick and 0.6 m long, occur only in W part and it is greyish brown clayey silt with occasional occurrence of charcoal flecks and fine angular pebbles. The majority of the fea-ture is filled with dark greyish brown charcoal and ash rich sandy silt and heat shattered angular pebbles, which make up about 80% of the deposit (photo no. 2718).


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Cut 2794 is odd shape irregular feature located at a distance of 2-2.5 m to the NW from posthole cut 2713 and linear cut 2719. It comprises of roughly circular S part and ir-regular width curved towards S, line in NE part (photo no. 2764). S part measures about 1.2-1.3 m in diameter and 0.3 m in depth and has moderate to steep sides and irregular shape flat to concave base. Linear part is 1.6 m long towards NE and then 0.8 m towards S, with maximum width of 0.4 m and depth ranging from 0.05 m to 0.15 m. Sides and base are there irregular. Circular part is filled with two deposits, which occur also in the rest of the feature, but they are there very mixed. On the base there is thin (0.03 – 0.05 m) layer of charcoal flecked brownish grey sandy silt occasionally with angular and sub-angular pebbles and small stones. Rest of the feature is filled with orangish brown silty sand with some charcoal and various shape pebbles and small stones.

Area around pit cut 2739 is much more archaeologically poor and except two stake-holes situated about 2 m to the SW, which relationship with this group is not clear, and two small possibly stone sockets to the N from pit, there are no other features. Those stakeholes (cuts 2802 & 2804) are sub-circular shaped with steep to vertical sides and tapered rounded point bases (photo 2755 & 2756). They both measure 0.09 m in diameter and about 0.15 m in depth and are filled with light brown sandy silt, occasionally with charcoal flecks and fine pebbles.

Stone sockets are small (cut 2746 - 0.4 m by 0.3 m and cut 2851 – 0.3 by 0.2 m) rough-ly circular shaped and shallow (0.08 m) features located besides each other filled with sterile orangish brown clayey silt. The most likely they are naturally formed depression.

Discussion:There is no clear evidence, that features situated between two possible extraction pits

are related with them. Two linears and two postholes may have been remains of some small structure, not clearly readable today. This structure may have been related to stone extraction in area but as fills in both kinds of features are very different, it is more pos-sible, that each activity came from different periods. Pits are filled with stony and brown/orange silty material, while all features between them were filled with charcoal rich ma-terial of heat shattered stones, and in two of them burnt bones have been found. These fills were dumped into features after post or planks had been removed and they suggest burning activity in proximity of them, although except small hearth cont. 2757 located on the top of S part of pit cut 2739; there is no evidence of burning in situ in this area.

Group 23

Isolated hearthsAmong this group there are 7 possible hearths survived as large patches of burnt sub-

soil, in some cases with remains of burning material spread above them; and one small pit cut 2660 with great amount of slag fragments.

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Pit cut 2660

Fill: 2661Grid: 221Drawing: post-ex plan no. 2584 + section drwg 2541/16Photos: 2622, 2623, 2629Description:Cut 2660 is very shallow but regular shaped pit with unique on the site slag rich fill.

The pit is oval shaped orientated NE – SW and measures 0.31 m by 0.23 m with only 0.04 m in depth. All its sides are moderate and concave and the base is oval and concave. It is filled with soft dark brownish grey sandy silt intermixed with charcoal flecks and small pieces, that make up about half of the deposit, with frequent inclusions of burnt clay flecks to medium size lumps and slag fragments up to 6 cm long. One of the slag frag-ments appears to be destroyed bronze object (find no. 2506).

Discussion:Pit cut 2660 is located in NE part grid 221, up the slope in NE part of Area 2, very

close to the baulk and CPO line. Due to the fact that it is the only feature on the site that contains slag, it is hard to relate it to any other activity recorded in this area. Whole site has been extensively ploughed and it seems that the feature had been destroyed during this process. That also makes the interpretation difficult. Shallowness of the cut, beside the later disturbance, may have been also caused by the construction of the feature, with the main part placed above the ground level, thus just the base part has survived. How-ever, frequent charcoal and burnt clay inclusions indicate a burning process and frequent slag fragments suggest smelting hearth function. Features related to this pit could be situ-ated on the other side of CPO line.

Other hearths

Context no’s:, 2645, 2691(+2682, 2683), 2705, 2757 (+2755), 2832 (+2833), 2836 + badly destroyed poss hearth 2567 (+2566)

Grids: 123 (cont. 2691); 145 (cont. 2832); 165 (cont. 2567); 177 (cont. 2645 & 2705); 190 (cont. 2836); 233 (cont. 2757)

Drawings: post-ex plan no. 2584 + 2544/17 (section of shallow pit/spread cut 2683)Photos: 2543, 2550 (cont. 2567); 2613, 2616 (cont. 2645); 2630, 2634, 2637, 2642 (cont.

2691 & cut 2683); 2654 (cont. 2705); 2711, 2713 (cont. 2757); 2776 (cont. 2832), 2780 (cont. 2836)

Description:Remains of those hearths have been revealed in different parts of Area 2 and except

spread charcoal deposits appeared above few of them, there are generally situated out of survived evidence of activity, thus it is difficult to relate them to any features on the site.

Those deposits are appeared as roughly oval shaped burnt patches of natural sandy silt subsoil, with stiff to hard compaction and orangish to brownish red colour (photo no’s 2616, 2654). Most of them contain inclusion of various shapes and sizes pebbles, and in one case (cont. 2757) also small and medium stones. In sizes hearths are ranging from


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0.42 m by 0.30 m (cont. 2832, note that this hearth is located on the Area 1, on the walk-ing path and had been successively destroying when the site was open) to 1.1 m by 0.56 m. Survived thickness of those scorched deposits is slightly different in every case and range from 30 mm (cont. 2832) to 100 mm (cont. 2691) (photo no. 2713).

Cont. 2645 is the only hearth, around which none charcoal inclusion has been re-corded, what can been caused by plough furrow cut 2643, that had cut through this deposit (photo no. 2613). In two hearths (cont. 2705 & cont. 2836) there are occasional charcoal flecks to small pieces spread on the top and three others hearths contain more definited remains of burning. Context 2833 is thin (ca 20 mm) layer of spread charcoal rich brown sandy silt above and mostly to the W from hearth cont. 2832. It is extended in a distance of 0.6 m (N – S) by 0.16 m; besides charcoal flecks are spread in natural subsoil around it, concentrated again to the W from this deposit. Context 2755 is related to hearth cont. 2757 and it is compact charcoal rich dark brown silty sand, occasionally with fine and medium pebbles. It is spread from E to W in a distance of 0.6 m by 0.13 m with average thickness of 30 mm. The most ‘substantial’ burning remains have been revealed near hearth cont. 2691, in grid 123, adjacent to S baulk of the site. On the begin-ning of excavation this context was thought to be a pit (compare photo no. 2630) and have been recorded as a pit cut 2683 with one fill cont. 2682. Further investigation showed that more likely it is a spread deposited in a depression near the hearth. Context 2683 measures 0.51 m (N – S) by 0.32 m and is thick up to 70 mm. It is composed of mid greyish black silt with flecks to small pieces of charcoal, occasionally with angular pebbles all sizes and with moderate occurrence of burnt bones flecks. Pottery sherd (find no. 2507) and hazel nut shell’s fragments were also evident in the fill.

Besides above described hearths there is one more deposit of burnt in situ subsoil with charcoal deposit spread around – cont. 2567 (scorch) and cont. 2566 (charcoal spread) (photo no. 2543). It is situated in grid 165, to the E from pits with heat shattered stones, but there is nothing to suggest these features could be related. This deposit had been badly destroyed by ploughing (E edge cut through by furrow) and probably also by machine stripping, thus only small patch of burning up to 20 mm and with dimension of 0.27 m by 0.22 m survived. Similar as other clearer hearths, this deposit is stiff mid orangish/pinkish red sandy silt, occasionally with fine pebbles and charcoal flecks. Above it, spread toward E, there is a thin (40 mm) layer of firm mid brownish grey silt with frequent charcoal flecks and small pieces and moderately with sub-angular fine pebbles. Survived extend of this spread measures 0.47 m (N – S) by 0.23 m.

Group 24

Isolated features in Area 2.Except those described above groups of features, rest of the archaeological evidence

is scattered through whole Area 2. Some concentrations of features are appeared in the middle of Area (grids no’s: 192, 193, 178, 179 and 180) and then in S part of Area (grids

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no’s: 150, 151, 136 and 137), but even in those parts features are very dispersed and there is no discernible relationship between them.

S part of the site

Grids no’s: 136,137, 150 and 151Cuts: 2598 (fill 2599); 2603 (fills 2602, 2604, 2632, 2633, 2634); 2657 (fill 2649); 2659

(fill 2658); 2668 (fill 2669); cont. 2680; 2692 (fill 2681); 2693 (fill 2694); 2700 (fill 2701); 2703 (fill 2702);

Drawings: post-ex plan no. 2584 + section drawings: 2530/14; 2532/14; 2537/15; 2540/15; 2643/20; 2645/20; 2549/17; 2548/17;

Photos: pre-ex of area- 2595, 2602-2604, 2612 + photos of individual features- 2561, 2571 (cut 2598); 2564, 2594, 2601 (cut 2603); 2615 (cut 2659); 2606, 2614, 2617 (cut 2657); 2619, 2628 (cut 2668); 2625, 2626, 2640 (cut 2692 + cont. 2680); 2629, 2640 (cut 2693); 2648, 2649, 2659 (cut 2700); 2655, 2658 (cut 2703)

Description:Grid 137Hearth cont. 2691 and shallow pit/spread of burnt remains (cut 2682) have been re-

vealed adjacent to the baulk in this S part of the site (see Group no. 23). Two small pits cut 2700 and 2703 are apparent in proximity of the hearth, to the NE from it. They both contain firm to stiff reddish brown silty deposits that may have been related to burn-ing activity, being burnt material deposited into those pits (?). Pit cut 2700 is elongated shaped with irregular sides and concave base. It measures 1.5 m by 0.5 m along NW – SE line and is 0.2 m deep (photo no. 2648). Pit cut 2703 is sub-circular shaped with gentle to moderate sides and concave base and dimension of 0.7 m in length by 0.6 m in width by 0.2 m n depth (photo no. 2655). In both of deposits charcoal occur occasionally and there are moderate occurrence of various shape and size pebbles and small stones.

In the middle of grid 137 there has been revealed large but shallow pit cut 2657. It has sub-oval shape with dimensions of 2.2 m by 1.55 m in plan and only 0.1 m in depth. All sides are gentle and smooth and base is oval. It is filled with dark orangish brown sandy silt with moderate charcoal flecks and small pieces and occasionally with angular and sub-angular pebbles to small stones and flecks of burnt clay (photo no. 2614). Similar deposit has been revealed in N part of Area 2 (cont. 2662; 2.7 m long by 1.1 m wide by 0.25 m deep deposited in gentle shaped depression, photo no. 2620), likewise in E part of Area (large spreads of grey material intermixed with topsoil and stones, no cont. no.) and in Area 1.

One small irregular pit with stones around the edges (cut 2668) have been excavated to the SE from large deposit/pit cut 2657 and to the NW from it there have been revealed small oval shaped pit cut 2693 and large pit cut 2692, both disturbed by furrows and tree bole. All of those possible features are filled with greyish/pinkish brown sandy and silty material, with occasional to moderate occurrence of charcoal and moderate angular and sub-angular pebbles and they all are average 0.2 m in depth.

Grid 136


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Small oval shape pit/posthole cut 2659 is situated about 10 m to the W from above features (NW quartet of grid 135). It is orientated NW – SE and measures 0.3 m in length by 0.2 m in width and 0.13 m in depth. Except gentle W side, it has steep to vertical sides and concave base (photo no. 2615). It is filled with brownish grey clayey silt, occasion-ally with angular small pebbles and flecks of charcoal and burnt bones. That is the only feature recorded in this grid.

Grid 150 & 151Also one feature have been revealed in grid 150 and one in grid 151, to the N from

grids 136 and 137. In grid 150 sub-oval shaped and N – S orientated pit cut 2603 is ap-parent. It measures 1.4 m by 1.1 m in plan and almost 0.3 m in depth. At N and W it has moderate sides, more steep at S and E and sub-circular and flat base (photo 2601). Sub-angular small and medium size stones have been arranged on the top of pit, around the S edge (photo no. 2564). Five sandy and silty deposits, different in colour from yellowish or-ange to brown and greyish brown and in charcoal flecks occurrence, have been filling this pit and in two of them, possible retouched flints have been found (finds no. 2503 & 2505).

Pit cut 2598 located in grid 151 is irregular shaped and N – S orientated feature. It measures 0.83 m in length by 0.4 m in width and 0.22 m in depth. It sides varies from gentle to vertical in slope and are smooth to concave in shape. Profile of base is concave. It is filled with greyish orange and brown sandy silt with some charcoal flecks and occasion-ally small stones, concentrated on the base of pit (photo no. 2561).

Discussion:Except one hearth cont. 2591, all features in S part of the Area 2 are not very clear.

Whole area contains many pinkish white or pinkish/reddish brown sandy and silty patch-es (photo no. 2595, 2603). All of them have been investigated, but most of them are considered to have been of minimal archaeological significance/geological features (?). Furthermore, features seem to be disturbed by ploughing, in some cases also by animal activity, and are filled with silty material similar to natural subsoil in this area; that all makes excavation and interpretation difficult. Except pit cut 2603 that yield two possible flints, none of those features contain finds.

Grid: 152Cut: cont. 2590 & 2591; cut 2593 (fill 2594, 2595)Drawing: post-ex plan no. 2584 + section drawings no’s 2528/16; 2577/16Photo: 2557, 2563 (cont, 2590 & 2591); 2558, 2570 (cut 2593)Description:Pit cut 2593 is situated in NW quartet of grid 150, about 4 m to the S from pit cut

2575 and features with heat shattered stones. It has sub-rectangular shape with corners square at NE and SE and rounded at NW and SW; with steep to vertical sides, undercut at S and E, and sub-rectangular flat base. It is E – W orientated and measures 0.45 m in length by 0.25 m in width and 0.16 m in depth (photo no. 2570). Its primary fill is 0.11 m thick dark greyish black charcoal and silt deposit, occasionally with angular fine pebbles and flecks to medium pieces of burnt clay. Above it there is maximum 0.07 m thick mixed greyish brown sandy silt with occasional charcoal and fine pebbles (photo no, 2558).

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Approximately 1 m to the SW from pit cut 2593 spread of charcoal rich deposit (cont. 2590) and greyish brown sandy silt (cont. 2591) have been recorded. Both deposits are similar to fills in nearby pit and are filling natural irregular shape and depth depression (photo no. 2557).

Discussion:Relationship between pit cut 2593 and nearby charcoal spread (cont. 2591) in grid 152

with pits recorded to the N from them (grids 165 & 166) is not clear. Pit cut 2593 do not contains heat shattered stones, is different orientation and shape and is located in bigger distance from those features. There is no any other feature in this grid and charcoal rich features similar to this one have been recorded also in other parts of Area 2 (compare cut 2521 in grid 180).

Middle part of the site

Grid: 178Cuts: 2502 (fill 2503); 2504 (2505)Drawings: post-ex plan no. 2584 + section/profile drawings: 2501/11; 2502/11Photos: 2502, 2516 (cut 2502); 2503, 2507 (cut 2504)Description:Small fragment of ring ditch cut 2541 and few features possibly related o it have been

recorded in S part of grid no. 178 (see Group no. 21). Besides those features, in NE part of this grid, one pit cut 2502 and posthole cut 2504 have been revealed. Pit is oval shaped with moderate at S and W to steep at N and E smooth sides and flat base (photo no. 2516). It measures 0.65 m along N – S by 0.4 m in width and 0.15 m in depth and is filled with yellowish brown sandy silt with various pebbles and occasionally with charcoal flecks (photo no. 2502).

Posthole cut 2504 is circular shape with 0.33 m in diameter and 0.2 m in depth. It has vertical smooth sides and flat base (photo no. 2507) and contains one sterile fill – greyish brown clayey silt, only occasionally with sub-angular pebbles.

Grid: 179Cuts: 2523 (fill 2524); 2537 (fill 2538); 2542 (fill 2543); 2551 (fills 2552, 2553); 2576 (fills

2577, 2581);Drawings: post-ex plan no. 2584 + section/profile drawings: 2508/11; 2517/12;

2520/132525/13Photos: 2512, 2514 (cut 2523); 2526 (cut 2537); 2531 (cut 2542); 2536, 2538 (cut 2551);

2548, 2555 (cut 2576)Description:In grid no. 179 features are concentrated in SE corner and they are: three small post-

holes and two stakeholes. Postholes (cuts 2523, 2551 & 2576) are irregular, roughly cir-cular shaped with dimensions ranging from 0.25 m by 0.20 m to 0.35 m by 0.3 m and depth form 0.13 m to 0.20 m. They have smooth or concave steep to vertical sides and flat bases. Posthole cut 2523 is filled with one deposit, which is brown clayey silt with small pebbles and occasionally charcoal flecks (photo no. 2512). Posthole cut 2551 contains two


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fills – charcoal rich black clayey silt, with some pebbles and burnt clay flecks on the base and charcoal flecked brown sandy silt on the top (photo no. 2536). Posthole cut 2576, lo-cated just beside cut 2551, is also filled with two deposits: on the base there is dark brown sandy silt with frequent charcoal and occasional pebbles and burnt clay; and above that, especially in S part, there is brownish red burnt sandy silt, with some charcoal flecks and small pebbles. Furthermore S edge of posthole has evidence of burning in situ in form of small and shallow patches/spots of burnt subsoil around (photo no. 2548).

Two stakehole cuts 2537 and 2542 are located to the N from postholes cuts 2551 and 2576, in a distance of 0.5 m from each other. They are circular shaped with vertical sides and tapered rounded point bases and measures average 0.07 m in diameter and 0.11 m in depth. Charcoal flecked brown clayey silt is filling both of those stakehole.

Grid: 180Cuts: 2521 (fills 2522, 2539); 2527 (fill 2526); 2533 (fill 2534); 2544 (fill 2545); 2546 (fills

2547, 2548)Drawings: post-ex plan no. 2584 + section/profile drawings: 2511/12; 2514/12;

2518/12; 2519/12Photos: 2511, 2524, 2533 (cut 2521); 2517 (cut 2527); 2520, 2523 (cut 2533); 2534 (cut

2545); 2532, 2534 (cut 2546)Description:In grid no. 180, located to the N from grid no. 166 with features containing fulacht

fiadh like material, two pits and two stakeholes are apparent. Pit cut 2521 is shallow (max-imum 0.16 m deep) sub-rectangular feature, NE – SW orientated, with dimensions of 0.78 by 0.6 m. It has steep, generally smooth sides and sub-rectangular flat base (photo no. 2533). Few pottery sherds and two flint flakes (finds no. 2501 & 2502) have been found in this pit, both in primary charcoal composed fill (cont. 2522). Upper fill is mixed brownish grey sandy silt with some charcoal and small pebbles (photo no. 2524).

In proximity of pit cut 2521, to the N of it, there is located pit cut 2546. Feature is oval shaped with smooth vertical sides and concave base. It is N – S orientated, 0.67 m long by 0.55 m wide and 0.3 m deep. It is filled with two similar deposits of light grey/brownish grey silt with some inclusions of charcoal, burnt clay and angular to sub-angular pebbles (photo no. 2532). On the base of pit in its N part posthole cut 2544 has been revealed (photo no. 2534). Posthole is sub-circular shape with approximately 0.2 m in diameter and 0.08 m in depth. It has vertical smooth sides and flat to concave base and it is filled with brownish grey clayey silt with occasional charcoal flecks.

Stakehole cut 2533 is situated to the SW from pit cut 2521 and to the E from post-hole cut 2526, in SW part of grid no. 180. It is sub-circular shaped with steep to vertical smooth sides and sub-rectangular tapered point base, with dimension of 0.2 m in diam-eter and 0.15 m in depth and brown silty sand fill, with some charcoal and pebbles.

Stakehole cut 2527 is located in NW corner of grid no. 180. The top of feature is ir-regular and up to 0.18 m long, few cm’s bellow stakehole is circular shape with vertical smooth sides and pointed base, slightly orientated to the NW, with dimensions of 0.12 m in diameter and 0.14 m in depth and filled with brown sandy silt with few pebbles.

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Grid: 192 Cuts: 2500 (fill 2501); 2511 (fills 2508, 2509, 2510); 2520 (fill 2515); 2618 (fill 2619)Drawings: 2504/11; 2505/11; 2533/14Photos: 2501, 2513 (cut 2500); 2505, 2515 (cut 2511 & 2520); 2575, 2582 (cut 2618)Description:Features in grids 192 are represented by three roughly oval pits and one stakehole cut

into pit. The biggest pit is cut 2618, located in NW part of grid no. 192. It is elongated shape,

N – S orientated and measuring 1.1 m in length by 0.4 m in width and 0.18 m in depth. It has step to vertical smooth sides and concave base. It is filled with greyish brown clayey silt with occasional charcoal flecks and with moderate angular pebbles and small stones.

Pit cut 2500 is located few meters to the E from cut 2618 and is NE – SW orientated. It is 0.8 m long by 0.6 m wide and 0.2 m deep. It has moderate to steep smooth or concave sides and flat base (2513). It is filled with occasionally charcoal flecked dark brown silt, with some pebbles and burnt clay flecks to small pieces.

Pit cut 2511 is situated in NE part of grid no. 192 and is also N – S orientated. It measures 0.87 m in length by 0.5 in width and 0.17 in depth. Its sides range in slope from gentle at W to moderate at S and steep elsewhere. Base is concave (photo no. 2515). This pit contains three deposits: weakly cemented greyish white sand at the base, charcoal rich greyish black silt above and greyish brown sandy silt with some charcoal and moderate pebbles at top (photo no. 2505). Pit cut 2511 had been truncated by 0.09 m deep stakehole cut 2520. The stakehole is circular shape with diameter of 0.06 m, with smooth vertical sides and concave base and filled with yellowish brown sandy silt with occasional charcoal flecks and pebbles.

Grid 193 Cuts: 2513 (fill 2512); 2517 (fill 2529) + 2519 (fill 2518) from grid 179Drawings: post-ex plan no. 2584 + section/profile drawings: 2503/11; 2505/11; 2507/11Photos: 2506, 2527 (cut 2513); 2509 (cut 2517); 2510 (cut 2519)Description:Pit cut 2513 is located in SE quartet of grid no. 193 and is NW – SE orientated. It has

moderate concave sides and circular concave base and is filled with brown clayey sand, occasionally with charcoal flecks and angular pebbles. It measures 0.6 m in length by 0.47 m in width with only 0.1 m in depth and appears to be more of a deposit than a cut (photo no . 2506).

Stakehole cut 2517 is located in SE part of grid 193, and 1.2 m to the SE from it, in NE part of grid 179, there is stakehole cut 2519. They both are circular shape with 0.06 m in diameter and 0.1 m in depth and with steep to vertical sides. Cut 2517 is flat and stakehole cut 2519 is tapered rounded point based. They both are filled with similar dark brown and charcoal rich sandy silt.

Discussion:Features in the middle of Area 2 are mostly small and irregular with majority of stake-

holes and postholes, scattered throughout whole area without any discernible pattern.


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Irregularity of shapes may have been caused by animal or plant disturbance, frequently recorded on the site.

Function of pit cut 2521 is not clear. Similar sub-rectangular shape and charcoal rich pit cut 2593 have been revealed in grid 152, about 20 m to the S from pit cut 2521; both outside group of charcoal rich features with heat shattered stones. No burning in situ has been recorded in proximity of none of them. Uppers fills appears to be later disturbance, mixed of charcoal fill with surrounding soil.

Rest of features on the site:Posthole cut 2704 (fill 2699) & stakehole cut 2822, gr. 148, drwg 2550/17, 2576/32, ph.

2657, 2664, 2770 & 2774Irregular pit cut 2769 (fill 2797), gr. 162, drwg 2551/18, ph. 2748, 2759Irregular pit cut 2818 (fills 2819 & 2820), gr. 163, drwg 2575/32, ph. 2769 & 2771Pit cut 2531 (fill 2532) & stakehole cut 2686 (fill 2685), gr. 167, drwg 2510/12, ph.2519,

2521, 2635& 2636Posthole cut 2823 (fills 2824, 2825, 2826 & 2827), gr. 205, drwg 2578/32, ph. 2772,

2775Pit cut 2814 (fills 2813, 2815), gr. 207, drwg 2574/32, ph. 2765, 2768 Spread cont. 2748, gr. 219, drwg 2557/18, ph. 2693, 2699,Stakeholes cuts 2828 & 2830 (fills 2829 & 2831), gr. 221, ph. 2778 & 2779Spread cont. 2806, gr. 233, drwg 2579/32, ph. 2773

Posthole cut 2704 is situated in SE corner and stakehole cut 2822 in NE corner of grid no. 148, in S part of the Area 2, to the SE from group of features in grid 162 (group 20). Posthole is oval shaped with moderate to steep sides, smooth at N and W and concave at S and E, with concave base. It is N – S orientated with dimension of 0.9 m by 0.7 m in plan and 0.32 m in depth (photo no. 2664). Traces of burning in situ occur along W edge of feature and pebbles and stones are arranged around N side. Posthole is filled with charcoal rich grey clayey silt with some burnt soil lumps (photo no. 2657) and contains one flint fragment (find no. 2508).

Stakehole cut 2822 is sub-circular shaped with vertical smooth sides and flat base. It measures 0.1 m in diameter and 0.13 m in depth (photo no. 2774) and is filled with char-coal flecked greyish brown silty sand with some small pebbles (photo no. 2770).

To the SW from group of features in grid no. 162, in the same grid, there is located irregular pit cut 2796. It is N – S orientated with dimensions of 0.95 m by 0.6 m in plan by 0.4 m in depth. At N feature is gentle sloped sides and elsewhere has steep to vertical sides. Base is oval and concave. It is filled with mottled greenish brown and orange sandy silt with occasional charcoal and moderate pebbles and stones inclusion (photo no. 2748). Pit had been disturbed by plants activity that occurred at NE side of the feature.

In grid 163, to the E from charcoal rich group features in grid 162, only one small pit, possibly stone socket cut 2818 have been recorded. Feature is composed of two parts: circular shallower at SE and elongated, slightly deeper at NW. Its length is 0.55 m, width 0.2 m and maximum depth – 0.2 m. Sides are steep to vertical, rather irregular, the same

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as base. It is filled with two deposits: yellowish brown sandy and pebbley silt at base in elongated part and mixed greenish brown silt with charcoal flecks above.

Pit cut 2531 is located in NW part of grid no. 167, isolated from other features, the same as stakehole cut 2686 in SW part of this grid. Pit cut 2531 is sub-circular shaped and mostly steep smooth sides (except gentle W side) and flat base (photo no. 2521). It measures 0.65 m in diameter and 0.12 m in depth and contains one fill, which is grey-ish brown clayey silt with occasional inclusion of charcoal and burnt clay flecks to small pieces and some pebbles and stones (photo no. 2519). Stakehole cut 2686 is circular shape with vertical smooth sides and tapered rounded point base (photo no.2636). It measures 0.08 m in diameter and 0.13 m in depth and is filled with charcoal flecked dark orangish grey sandy silt.

The rest of those isolated features are scattered throughout N part of Area 2, in some distance from poss stones extraction pits (see Group no. 22) and from each other. A quite substantial feature is here posthole cut 2832 revealed in grid no. 205. Posthole is oval shaped, E – W orientated and measures 0.6 m in length by 0.52 m in width and 0.32 m in depth. It has steep to vertical smooth or concave sides and sub-circular flat base. It is filled with four deposits and one large (0.3 x 0.2 x 1 m) sub-angular stone. Context 2824 and cont. 2827, which are yellowish brown clayey sand with some sub-rounded pebbles, occur along N side the first one and S side the second one; together with large stone mentioned above, they seem to be packing fills for post. Two others fills have filled the middle part of posthole, after the post had been removed. The earlier one is cont. 2825, which is yel-lowish brown sandy silt, occasionally with charcoal flecks and fine pebbles, and the latest one – cont. 2826, hard mixed brown and reddish grey clayey silt.

Small sub-rectangular pit cut 2814 is located in grid no. 207. It is E – W orientated and measures 0.55 m in length by 0.5 m in width and 0.18 m in depth. Its sides are mostly steep (except moderate N side) and smooth to concave and base is oval and flat. It is filled with two fills, orange sandy silt on the base and weakly cemented pinkish grey sand with moderate pebbles on the top (photo no. 2765). No charcoal has been recorded in the pit and there is no feature in proximity.

Also in N part of Area 2, to the W from small pit cut 2660, in grid no. 221, two small stakeholes have been revealed, cuts 2829 and 2831, in a distance of 1.3 m from each other. Their diameter is 0.05 m and depth up to 0.08 m. They both are circular shaped with vertical sides and tapered rounded point base. Stakehole cut 2829 is slightly orientated to the E, towards second stakehole. They are filled with brown sandy silt, occasionally charcoal flecked.

In stony sloping NW part of Area 2 two charcoal rich deposits of grey/brown clayey silt are apparent (cont. 2748 in grid 219 and cont. 2806 in grid 233). They have filled natu-ral depressions, not deeper than 0.08 m and measuring 0.6 m by 0.5 m (cont. 2748) and 0.77 m by 0.73 m (cont. 2806).


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Furrows

Cuts: 2549 (fill 2550), 2556 (fill 2557), 2564 (fill 2565), 2588 (fill 2589), cont. 2629, 2643 (fill 2644), cont. 2652, cont. 2653, cont. 2654, 2655 (2656), cont. 2670, cont. 2671, 2675 (fill 2677), 2678 (fill 2679), cont. 2723, cont. 2724, cont. 2726, cont. 2790

Plough furrows are running parallel to each other from NE to SW through whole Area 2. Average width is 0.3-0.4 m and survived depth ranges from 0.05 m to 0.15 m. They all are moderate smooth to concave sides and concave in profile based and are filled with dark brown/grey sandy silt, occasionally with charcoal flecks and various size and shape pebbles and small stones. Furrows cut through many of features on the site.

Group 25

Pits including pit with burnt boneThis group of features was situated in the North part of the area 3, in grids 400, 401,

402. 15 meters East of group 26 (2 modern ditches) and 40 meters North of group 27 (linear ditches with charcoal layer and associated features).

There were found 22 archaeological features: Pits (4), possible pits (3), cremation pit (1), possible cremation pit (1), postholes (3), possible posthole (1), hearth, stakeholes (8). This area was slightly sloping down to the North.

Subgroup 25. 1 - 2 Pit with burnt bone (one possible), pits, hearth and a stakehole (8 contexts).

Pits with burnt bone:Cut: 3070 (fills 3069, 3071, 3080); 3096 (fill 3095).Drawings: 3030/sh.23 (section), 400 (postex); 3039/sh.24 (section), 401 (postex). Photos: 3077 (charcoal layer), 3087 (section), 3092 (postex).Grids: 400, 401Hearth: Cut: 3068 (fills 3066, 3067)Drawing: 3028/sh. 23 (section); 400 (postex)Photos: 3070/14 (preex); 3074/18 (midex); 3076/20 (section) ; 3079/25 (postex); Pits:Cut: 3082 (fill 3081); 3072 (3073, 3074), 3077 (fill 3078, 3079); 3076 (fill 3075)Drawing: 3033/sh. 24 (section), 400 (postex); 3029/sh. 23 (section); 3032/sh. 24 (sec-

tion); 3031/sh.24 (section). Photos: 3089/35 (section) 3090/36, (postex); 3078/24, 3080/26, 3081/27; 3086, 3113,

3114; 3082 (section), 3085 (postex).

Description:There were two pits in this area. Cut 3070 had 3 fills and included burnt bone.

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Cut 3070 was an oval feature with rounded corners and steep and concave sides mostly. The dimensions were 0.62 x 0.54 x 0.31 m. Its base was flat. The feature had 3 fills.

Top fill (3069) was a thin layer (0.06 m) mostly dark greyish brown, silty sand with lots of charcoal flecks to large pieces (mostly frequent amount) and burnt bone, esp. small and medium pieces (0.02-0.06 m), which weren’t highly cremated. Only a few looked totally burnt. Few samples were taken (3030 – sample with charcoal and bones).

Layer (3080) of dark brown silty clay was a second fill of the pit 3070. It contained charcoal flecks, small pieces, and occasional flecks of bones. This layer looked like lens. Brown colour may suggest some organic activity - rotten piece of wood (?). Bulk was taken (# 3039).

The main fill (3071) of the feature was light greyish/white silty firm clay with some occasional pebbles (mostly small and medium sub-angular and sub-rounded) and char-coal flecks. Dimensions were 0.62 x 0.54 x 0.22 m. Greyish/white colour may be an ash component of a fill. However a few fills of some features present in proximity had similar colour, hue and compaction. There were 6 bags of soil sample taken (sample #3033).

Pit 3096 with fill 3095 was located 10 m. E of pit 3070. This feature was sub-rectangular in shape, very shallow with gentle or moderate con-

cave shaped sides. Base of the feature was concave. Feature was slightly orientated E-W. Fill 3095 was dark greyish brown silty sand (weakly cemented) with remarkable inclu-

sions of charcoal flecks to medium pieces. Although no burnt bones had been found but there were some white burnt stones found in the pit.

Pits 3082, 3072, 3077, 3076 and a hearth 3068 created a curvy line, running E-W, with ~3 metre gaps between each other.

Pit 3082 was located in the NW part of the grid 400. It was an oval medium sized pit, orientated NE-SW (in dimensions 0.43 x 0.33 x 0.19) with almost all sides vertical and smooth, and a flat base (photos 3089/35; 3090/36). Cut had one fill of light grey silt with inclusions of sub-angular and sub-rounded (occasional amount) fine, medium and coarse pebbles. No other inclusions had been found.

Another feature in this linear group of 5 others was a hearth 3068 (photos 3070/14, 3074/18, 3076/ 20). This feature was located ~ 2.5 m. SE of pit 3082. It contained 2 fills (3066, 3067). Hearth was sub-circular in plan (in dimensions of 0.91 x 0.90 x 0.14 m.). Sides of this feature were all gentle and concave and a base was flat in profile.

Top fill (3066) was dark greyish/black, soft, silt with inclusions of sub-angular and angular pebbles, and frequent amount of charcoal flecks and small pieces (sample taken 3031 – bulk and 3006 – chemical). Top fill was not present in the whole cut but only small part of it. It was a charcoal and silt mixed material.

The main fill – 3067 was a layer of mid greyish brown silt with inclusions of mostly moderate sub-angular, sub-rounded pebbles and frequent angular and sub-angular small, medium stones. Further inclusions like charcoal or finds were not found. Stones deter-mined more than 80% of this fill and some of them (esp. these which were laying under the fill 3066 were heat affected (sample - 3032; chemical sample - 3008).


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Pit 3072 with 2 fills: 3073 and 3074 (photos 3078/24 and 3080/26) was the another pit placed in this curvy line made up by few archaeological features, located ~ 3 m. SE of hearth 3068. It was irregular in shape (0.55 x 0.38 x 0.14 m.) with mostly gentle and smooth sides (only SW one is vertical). The main fill was light grey very soft sandy silt with medium sub-angular and sub-rounded (moderate) pebbles. No other inclusions had been found but the soil sample was taken (~3036). Second fill 3074 was a thin (0.14 m.) layer of sandy grey silt soil with fine sub-angular (occasional) pebbles. It was not fully excavated and a fill is still visible on the postex photo (3078/24).

Another feature located next to previously described one was a possible pit 3077 with 2 fills: 3078, 3079. It was sub-circular in shape with gentle and smooth (N, E) and verti-cal and smooth (S, W) sides. Shape of base in profile was flat and irregular in plan. Top fill 3079 was mid greyish brown sandy, very soft silt with rare inclusions of sub-rounded, medium pebbles, moderate amount of charcoal flecks and small pieces (photo #3086/32 and sample #3038). Lower fill 3078 was light pinkish grey, sandy, very soft silt with fine, medium and coarse sub-angular (occasional) pebbles. No other inclusions were found. Next to this feature a stakehole 3111 was located (small and shallow – 0.07 x 0.07 x 0.07 m.). This feature may not be related to pit 3077 and its presence here was rather acciden-tal. Fill of this stakehole didn’t have any charcoal or finds.

The last feature in this curvy linear group was a large pit 3076 filled in by 3075. This cut was sub-circular slightly orientated feature (E-W) in its dimensions 0.74 x 0.63 x 0.29 m. Sides of this feature were mostly vertical and smooth (N, S, E), steep and concave (W). Shape of base was oval and concave in profile. SE part of the cut was truncated by animal hole. The fill was composed of mid grey, clayey, soft silt with some moderate, sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles, and occasional, sub-angular small stones. There were no other inclusions or finds (photos 3082/28 and 3085/31). Fill was similar to fill 3071 of pit 3070.

Sub-group 25. 2 - Pits, postholes and stakeholes (14 contexts) Pits (including possible):Cuts: 3088 (fill 3089); 3102 (fill 3101); 3092 (fills 3090, 3091) Drawings: 3037/sh.24 (section); 3040/sh.24 (section); 3036/sh. 24 (section) Photos: 3097/47 (midex), 3098/48 (postex); 3105/56 (section), 3107/58 (postex); 3095/45

(midex)Grid: 401, 402Postholes (including possible):Cuts: 3087 (fill 3086); 3083 (fills 3084, 3085); 2161 (fill 2162); 3104 (fill 3103).Drawings: 3035/sh. 24 (section); 3034/sh.24 (section);3047/sh.55 (section)Photos: 3093/42 (section), 3095/44 (midex); 3091/sh. 37 (midex), 3094/sh. 43 (postex);

2147/158, 2151/162 (postex); Grid: 401, 402Stakeholes:Cuts: 3105 (fill 3107), 3106 (fill 3108), 2155 (fill 2156); 2157 (fill 2158); 2159 (fill

2160), 2163 (fill 2164), 3098 (fill 3097). Drawings: 3050 - postex

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Photos: 3108/59; 3110/61; 2145/156; 2146/157; 2148/159; 2149/160 – all postexGrid: 401Description:This sub-group was located mostly in a SE part of the grid 401 (only features 3092

and 3104 are located in the next grid 402). They were made up of pits, postholes and stakeholes.

Features in grid 401 created a line running SW-NE but they were not connected with any building construction, and their (each other) location may be rather accidental. There were also 2 pits with stakeholes and postholes gathered around it.

Possible pit 3088 (3089) was surrounded by 2 stakeholes: 3105 (W of pit) and 3106 (E of pit) and 2 postholes: 3083 (from the N side) and 3087 from the S side of pit 3088.

Pit 3102 (fill 3101) was surrounded by 4 stakeholes (2155, 2157, 2159 and 3098) and a posthole 2161. There was also a stakehole (2163) located at the base of this pit.

Possible pit 3088 and related featuresThis feature was oval in shape in dimensions of 0.55 x 0.23 x 0.20m., orientated NE-

SW. The all sides were vertical and smooth; break of slope at top and base was mostly sharp and a base was flat shaped (photos: 3097/47, 3098/48). Pit was filled by one deposit (3089), which was light brownish grey, sandy, very soft silt with fine and medium, moder-ate, sub-angular pebbles, and medium, occasional, stones. There were also found some occasional small pieces of charcoal (bulk sample # 3042).

Pit was surrounded by 2 stakeholes: 3105 (W of pit) and 3106 (E of pit). Stakeholes were located almost at the edges of pit. Their cuts were similar in dimensions (average dimensions were 0.06 x 0.06 x 0.12 m.), shape in plan was circular with sides vertical and smooth, and tapered rounded point shaped base in plan. Fills were also similar: light greyish brown, sandy, very soft silt with fine, sub-rounded pebbles. The only difference between them was a presence of occasional charcoal flecks in 3108 fill of stakehole 3106 (bulk sample # 3049).

There were 2 postholes located near the pit 3088: 3083 (from the N side) and 3087 from the S side. These 2 postholes were similar shaped in plan – both circular. Their bases were circular shaped and flat. The shape of all sides was vertical and smooth.

Posthole 3087 was smaller (0.26 m. in diameter and 0.17 m. in depth) than 3083 (0.40 m. in diameter and 0.19 m. in depth). 3087 was filled by one deposit 3086 - a light grey sandy firm silt with medium, sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles (occ.) and stones (freq.). No charcoal and finds were discovered. There were 3 stones laying on the surface around the cut. Stones in the lower part of fill were presented only in the W side.

Posthole 3083 contained 2 fills (3084, 3085). Fill 3085 was light, brownish grey, san-dy silt (very soft) with fine and medium pebbles, and small, medium sub-angular and sub-rounded stones; contained also small charcoal pieces. Context 3084 had packing stones placed in the NE side, at the top of feature (1 angular small stone and 2 medium sub-angular stones). Bulk sample was taken (# 3043).

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Feature 3102 was a sub-oval pit with one fill (3101). All the sides were steep and irregular, and shape of a base in plan and profile is irregular as well. Feature is slightly orientated NE-SW. Dimensions are 0.52 x 0.32 x 0.18. Cut is filled by mid brownish grey (+white) silty compact sand with inclusions of sub-angular and sub-rounded all sizes of pebbles (mod.) and sub-angular (occasional) stones and some occasional charcoal flecks (bulk sample # 3050). NE side of pit is truncated by stakehole 2163 (fill 2164). It was a very small stakehole (0.05 m. in diameter and 0.04 m. in depth), similar to 4 stakeholes located around the pit 3102 (photos 2149/160 and 2151/162). Stakehole’s fill was almost sterile, with only occasional inclusions of charcoal flecks.

Few centimetres NE of pit 3102 there was a posthole 2161 located, filled by 2162. Feature was small and circular with vertical sides (concave shape mostly) and flat base in profile. E -W orientated. Fill was light, greyish brown, sandy, firm silt with rare inclusions of small pebbles and large occasional charcoal pieces (soil #2095).

There were 4 stakeholes located around the pit 3102. Three of them were very similar each other. They were all oval shaped with vertical sides and sharp break of slope at the top, with flat or concave base. Dimensions of feature were 0.07 x 0.06 x 0.01 m. Fills were light greyish brown, sandy, firm silt with occasional charcoal flecks (soil 2092 and 2094).

Cut 2157 (fill 2158) is a stakehole located around the pit (which might be related with posthole 2161) which is different from stakeholes gathered around the pit. This was a circular stakehole 3098 (fill 2097) but with steep and concave sides. Greyish brown, silty sand with no charcoal and very rare fine, sub-angular pebbles (bulk sample # 3046).

Pit 3092 and posthole 3104 in grid 402 These two features were located ~5 meters E (cut 3104) and ~5 meters SE (cut 3092)

of two pits (cut 3012, 3088 and surrounded features). Cut 3092 was a possible irregular shaped pit containing 2 fills (3090 and 3091). It had

mostly steep and concave, but also irregular sides; irregular base in plan, and flat in profile (photo 3095/45). It was orientated E-W. Its dimensions were 0.90 x 0.75 x 0.13. Lower fill (3090) was made of mid greyish mixture of white, grey and some patches black firm, silty clay mixed with sub-angular (mod.) coarse pebbles, small and medium stones. A charcoal was also present as flecks and small pieces (esp. moderate) and occasional, medium and large pieces. Top fill (3091) was made of similar components but there were not so much white patches as it was presented in the lower fill. There was also much more charcoal (frequent flecks to medium and large moderate pieces). From this fill the chemical sample was taken (#3021).

3104 was a possible posthole filled by one deposit 3103. It was a circular feature with mostly vertical and smooth sides. Its dimensions were 0.47 x 0.45 x 0.42 m. The base in profile was tapered pointed and circular in plan. Cut was packed with stones, which were mostly frequent (medium) and large (sub-angular). There were also sub-angular (mod.) amount of coarse pebbles and various sizes of charcoal: moderate flecks and small pieces and occasional medium, and large.

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Group 26

Modern ditchesThis group was located in the NW corner of site, ~20 meters W of group 25 and ~35

meters NW of group 27. This group was made up of 2 main ditches 3124 (and a furrow adjacent to it -2127)

and curvilinear 3118. There was also one stakehole 3121. Ditches and a furrow:Cuts: 3124(fill 3125, 3126), 3127(fill 3128); 3118(fill 3119, 3120)Drawings: 3045, 3046/Sh.9; 3044/Sh.25 (sections); 3050 (postex) Photos: 3119/70, 3120/71, 3122/2, 3125/5, 3129/9, 3131/11, 3135/15, 3136/16, 3137/17,

3138/18Grids: 369, 370, 383, 384, 398. Stakehole:Cut: 3121(fill 3122)Drawing: 3050 (postex)Photo: 3121/1 (postex)Grid: 383Description:Ditch 3118 contained 2 fills: 3119, 3120. It was a curvilinear feature (18.00 x 1.22 x

0.38 m.) with gentle and concave sides and concave based in profile. Orientation of cut was N-SW. Feature was truncated by the test trench (4 m. South of the limit of excavation area) and by the couple of furrows (running almost E-W, through the ditch). The termi-nus of the feature was very clear. There was a 2.5 - 3 metre gap between terminus of this ditch and a terminus of the second ditch, cut 3124. Base layer, c. 3119, was light, orang-ish, grey, silty, firm clay with rare inclusions of sub-angular, occasional, small pebbles (bulk sample # 3056). The top fill (3120) was slightly different in colour (mid yellowish brown) than 3119 but similar in composition and compaction (silty firm clay) There was no charcoal found.

Ditch 3124 was a linear feature: 8.00 (visible) x 0.70-0.93 x 0.15 m. containing 2 fills (3125 and 3126) but present in 2 different locations. The exact place, where these 2 fills overlaying each other (sections have been made in some parts of the ditch only) was not known. Fill 3125 was present near the terminus of the ditch and was composed of light grey, sandy, firm, silt with inclusions of sub-angular and sub-rounded fine pebbles to medium stones (occasional to moderate). There were found some flecks and small pieces of charcoal. Fill 3126 was a grey soft silt with much less inclusions that a previously described layer. It was present at the end of visible part of the ditch in the place where the feature touched to the NW bulk. It was composed of sub-angular and sub-rounded coarse pebbles to medium (occasional) stones but with much more frequent charcoal and small, occasional pieces (soil sample #3060).


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Linear ditch 3124 truncated furrow 3127(fill 3128) running parallel and located NW side of 3124. It was a very shallow feature with one fill, with no particular pebble and stone inclusions neither a charcoal.

Stakehole 3121 was located in grid 383; 3.5 meters West of ditch 3118. It was oval in shape, rather small (0.10 x 0.07 x 0.08) with vertical, smooth sides and a

concave shaped base in profile. It was filled by dark brown, firm, silty clay with very rare inclusions of pebbles and few flecks of charcoal at the bottom. It was the only feature here with no other relations. Looked modern.

Discussion:This group presents 2 main linear features, probably modern ditches which created

kind of enclosure (for cattle). Enclosed area is sterile and there were no archaeological features detected, except one stakehole, which was rather accidentally present in this area.

Group 27

Linear ditches with charcoal layer and associated featuresThis group of linear features was located in the NE part of the site 40 m South of

group 25 and ~10-20 m NE of group 30. They occupied grids: 316, 329, 330, 331, 332, 345 and 346.

The group was made of 4 main, linear features and features related to them.

Subgroup 27 a – Linear feature 3016 and related features (5 contexts).

Linear features:Cuts: 3016 (fills: 3013, 3030, 3030, 3037, 3038, 3039, 3060, 3064, 3065); 3057 (fill:

3058); 3034 (fill 3013).Drawing: 3010, 3011/sh.21; 3014/sh.22; 3050 (postex) Photos: 3026, 3030, 3025, 3043, 3044, 3051Grid: 331, 332, 345, 346, 358. Pit:Cut: 3029 (fill 3028)Drawing: 3010/sh.21; 3050 (postex)Photos: 3025/26, 3027/28Grid: 330Hearth:Cut: 3011 (fills: 3010, 3015)Drawing: 3005/sh.21; 3050 (postex)Photos: 3007/8, 3019/20Grid: 331Description:This sub-group was made of 2 linear ditches, furrow, pit and hearth. It was located in

grids 330, 331, 345, 346, 358. The longest feature (3016) was orientated NE-SW and in

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grid 346 truncates or was truncated by another feature, curvilinear ditch (3057) – possible enclosure, running N-S.

Cut 3016 was a long, narrow and average in depth linear ditch feature (17.58 x 0.88 x 0.24 m.) with moderate and concave sides and a concave base. It was cut by the furrow 3034 from the North in place 165.74E, 250.24 N.

The ditch had been half-section in several places (sections A, B, C, D). Fills in section D had an indication of a burning. They were disturbed by later possible furrowing activ-ity evidenced by furrow (cut 3034). This linear feature initially thought to be a furrow but it could be a feature filled with an (possible) archaeological event disturbed by later furrowing. There were 6 fills divided.

Fill 3033 was a dark grey clayey silt homogenous fill of possible linear 3016. Dimen-sions of this fill were: 3.86 x 0.54 x 0.15 m. It was overlying charcoal rich, clayey silt fill (3030) and underlying, partially, fill 3013 of furrow cut 3034 (also within cut 3016). Very few inclusions of this fill (sample #3018) charcoal flecks may indicate burning activity in the proximity at the times of its creation but may be the result of bioturbation from the fill 3030.

Fill 3030 (2.34 x 0.42 x 0.11 m.) was charcoal rich dark black clayey silt overlying burnt fill layer 3038 and underlying grey clayey silt fill 3033. This fill had very few inclu-sions and was very homogenous in nature. It may indicate that it was formed in a single depositional event ‘in situ’ because of the burn fill 3038 overlain it. Fill was possibly dis-turbed by the later ploughing or other farming activity (chemical sample #3000)

Fill 3038 (0.78 x 0.22 x 0.11 m.) was mid, reddish brown, burnt fill layer. It was overly-ing charcoal rich fill 3037 and underlying charcoal rich fill 3030. It was possibly formed as a result of human activity, while context 3030 was created and could possibly impacted upon by later human activity, such as furrowing evidenced by 3034, which redeposited it on the S side of cut 3016.

Fill 3037 was charcoal rich fill, mid yellowish grey secondary fill of possible linear feature 3016 overlying fill 3039, and underlying 3038, 3030, 3037. As the context de-scribed earlier this fill was possibly impacted upon by later furrowing activity evidenced by possible furrow 3034 and by possible re-deposition of 3033. Relatively large amount of stone inclusions and generally heterogenous nature may indicate human origins or hu-man impaction on it. Charcoal may indicate burning activity in the vicinity at the time of deposition (chemical sample # 3002)

Fill 3039 was possibly original fill of linear feature 3016. It was located within section through linear feature 3016. It was light, grey, silty clay fill with burnt clay inclusions. Its dimensions were 1.24 x 0.16 x 0.24.

Burnt clay inclusions may indicate of burning activity in the vicinity at the time of its creation. There were some occasional fine angular and sub-angular pebbles being part of the fill (chemical sample # 3001) – photo 3035.

Fills 3064 was a stone fill lying in the E end of section G, of linear cut 3016. Fill 3065 was a fill of furrow truncating 3016 (visible partly in section photo 3073/17).


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Cut 3034 (fill 3013) was a furrow with gentle and concave sides (7.90 x ? x 0.15 m.) running through and sitting at the top of the fill of linear feature 3016 at section D. The fill was a mid, brownish, grey material which cut through feature 3016 and its fill-3033. It was possibly formed by natural accumulation process because fills were relatively homog-enous in nature and contained small amount of pebbles as inclusions.

Cut 3057 (fill 3058) was the enclosing ditch with one fill, orientated N-S (curved in the N part into the E baulk – CPO line) and was located in grid 346. Its dimensions are ~12.00 x 1.1 x 0.26 metres. It was truncated or truncates the linear feature 3016. Sides were gentle or moderate (both concave) and a flat – concave base).

The fill was sterile (mid, pinkish brown, silty firm clay) with inclusions of some oc-casional charcoal flecks and occasional sub-angular small stones (baulk sample # 3061).

Cut 3011 (fill 3010, 3015). It was located ~4 metres S of linear feature 3016 (section C-D part).

This was a cut of hearth with 2 fills (3010, 3015). It was oval in shape, gentle and concave sides, and shallow (0.1 m.). The hearth was truncated by furrow in the NE part.

Fill had angular, heat shattered stones (fill 3015) and charcoal ‘in-situ’. There was no oxidised clay (suggesting possible waste pit possibly not burnt ‘in situ’).

Fill 3010 was charcoal rich (small, frequent pieces) fill with sub-angular pebbles (bulk sample # 3003 and chemical sample # 3011).

Cut 3029 (fill 3028) was a small pit located ~ 6 metres S of 3016 linear feature’s ter-minus. It was circular in shape with all sides moderate and concave, and a concave base. It was filled by dark brown, silty, compact sand with some occasional amount of medium pebbles. No charcoal evidenced (sample # 3009). Probably this pit was not related to the ditch 3016.

Discussion:Linear long ditch feature 3016 seemed to be truncated by later enclosing ditch 3057

and cut also by the furrow 3034 (in a middle of the length of 3016). There was an evidence of charcoal rich fills and burning in situ, what suggests that feature had been in use by people in the past. The Hearth (3011), which was located only 4 m. away of 3016, may be also related to this feature. Oxidised clay with burning ‘in situ’ was not evidenced but burnt clay pieces and shattered stones were present in the fill, what might suggest a waste pit. Small pit 3029 was not related to the 3016 neither to the hearth.

Subgroup 27 b – Linear feature 2136 (1 context).

Linear feature:Cuts: 2136 (fills: 2137, 2138, 2142, 2144, 2145, 2146, 2147, 2148) Drawing: 2041, 2044/sh.8; 2045, 2046/sh.9Photos: 2126/37, 2127/138, 2130/141; 2132/143, 2133/44, 2134/145, 2135/146; 2136/147,

2137/148, 2138/149, 2139/150. Find: 2009 (flint)Grid: 331, 332, 345, 346, 358.

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Cut 2136 was a shallow linear feature running SE-NW seems to taper out at both ends. Disturbed at SE end by root action and c. 2143, possible down slope drainage chan-nel or might be related to possible enclosure with linear c.3016 becomes very shallow and narrower at SE end + hard to see (0.05 m. x 0.2 m.).

Dimensions of a cut were ~ 16.00 x 0.70 x 0.35 m. Sides were moderate and convex (NE) and gentle /moderate and smooth/concave). Base was concave in profile.

There were 6 half sections made. This cut was filled up by 8 deposits. Fill 2147 – was a bottom fill of this linear straight lined feature (section 5 visible). It

was located 3.5 m on the SE from the terminus of cut 2136. This context occurred only in this part of cut (sect.5). Colour and texture of this fill was similar to natural subsoil. It was a composition of grey soil with yellowish and white lenses. It contained flecks and small pieces of occasional charcoal. However charcoal inclusions suggested that this context could be deposited by man (sample #2081).

Fill 2148 was dark brown sandy silt with large amount of charcoal it appeared to be organic in nature. Very rare occasional sub-angular coarse pebbles have been found. Root action suggests it may be burnt part of roots (visible in section 4) + bulk sample taken (# 2088).

Fill 2137 was the lower fill of linear ditch 2136. It was mid orangish brown clayey silt with inclusions of angular and sub-angular coarse pebbles and small stones (mod.) with small flecks and small pieces of charcoal. Layer was present almost in a whole cut 2136 (except the SE end). It has been overlain by 2146 (a main fill of cut 2136). Fill was similar to another fill 2147 (bulk sample # 2084).

Fill 2146 Top fill (except as present in section 3, where 2144 covers it) was 6.70 long and 0.55 m. wide x 0.15 m. deep. It was dark greyish brown clayey soft silt with inclusions of pebbles and stones, sub-angular and sub-rounded. Soil sample (#2083).

Fill 2138 was a thin upper layer in the NW part (end) of cut 2136. It is consisted of charcoal (60%) and brownish grey soil with patches of orangish burn soil (sample # 2087).

Fill/deposit 2143 was a burnt material, which is greyish clayey silt with charcoal and occasional pieces of burnt clay. It is overlying a probable root bowl. Probably truncated linear feature 2136.

Fill 2144 was topsoil like fill, covering fills 2146 and 2137. Based on silt and is mid yellowish brown soil with occasional charcoal flecks present. In one place the top of this layer was truncated by later ploughing activity (sample #2082). The last fill of this cut was a mid brown silty sand fill with traces of charcoal in whole fill. It was present only in the NW part of 2136 SW side of slope.

Fill 2142 was mid orangish brown clayey silt with sub-angular pebbles and stones with charcoal occasional flecks. It was truncated by burnt deposit 2143 and a root bowl cut SE end of 2136.

Discussion:This linear feature consisted 8 fills but only 2137 and 2146 were present in the almost

whole cut. Cut was rather concave based and its depth was the same in almost every part,


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but in a section C-D (3.5 metres SE from the terminus 2136) cut was deeper and its shape was different. It was 0.35m deep and sides were smooth, and a base was pointed. This aberration existed only in the length of 1 metre and then a feature looked more shallow (0.25 m.) in a whole its length. Feature’s fills contained plenty of charcoal flecks and small pieces which could suggest human action in this area.

Subgroup 27 c – Curvilinear ditch 3032 and associated features, one with burnt bone .

Curved linear feature:Cuts: 3032 (fills: 3031, 3059, 3061) Drawings: 3009/sh.21; 3023, 3024, 3025, 3026/sh.23Photos: 3028, 3032, 3033, 3037, 3038, 3045-3049, 3052, 3054, 3065-3068. Find: 3004 (pottery in fill 3059)Grid: 329, 315, 330. Associated features:Cuts: 3025 (fill 3024); 3041 (fill 3040); 3048 (fill 3047); 3062 (fill 3063)Drawings: 3009/sh.21; 3017/sh.22; 3020/sh.22Photos: 3020, 3021, 3022, 3023, 3029, 3032, 3033; 3052, 3057, 3059; 3055, 3063; 3069.Find: 3005 (pottery in 3040 of 3041)Description:3032 was a cut of L-shaped curvilinear feature. Two different ends of it were orien-

tated NW-SE (and consists fills 3058 and 3031). The second part running NE-SW (con-sisted mostly fill 3061).

This feature had three fills: 3059 in the NW part, 3031 in the central and 3061 in E part of cut. The change of fills was imperceptible and it seemed that fills were related to features truncated by 3032, which could be also a ditch accumulating and leading rain water. It could protect the hearth 3014.

Dimensions of a feature were 13.00 x 0.58 x 0.35. Sides were steep/vertical and smooth, break of slope were sharp (top and base), and a shape of base was flat or concave.

Fill 3059 was dark greyish brown silty soft clay with occasional inclusions of sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles, and occasional charcoal flecks (bulk sample # 3028 and chemical # 3004). There was also a piece of pottery found (find # 3004). This fill is in vicinity with feature 3041. A part of this fill could be removed from this feature what explains the difference in fills within linear cut 3032.This fill could have been kind of foundation of some wooden structure (of planks not posts).

Fill 3031 was located in the central part of curvilinear feature 3032 in the place where 3032 truncates 3025. It was the deepest and the widest part of the ditch (3.0 x 0.35 x 0.34) and a dark orangish, brown grey, sandy silt fill determined the whole central part of it. Very occasional flecks of charcoal have been found and occasional inclusions of sub-angular and sub-rounded fine and medium pebbles (bulk sample # 3010, and chemical sample # 3016).

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Fill 3061 exists in E part of a cut 3032. Its dimensions were 7.0 x 0.38 x 0.20. It didn’t truncate any feature and it was getting shallower in a direction of NE end of feature. As the fill described earlier this was also based on silt (dark greyish brown, clayey, very soft) and contained similar inclusions of pebbles (and few small stones) and charcoal.

Interfering features:Curvilinear ditch 3032 truncates and/or was truncated by few features: 2 pits (3025

and 3041), one linear feature (3048) and one stakehole (3062). Pit 3025 was an oval large but shallow feature (1.80 x 1.20 x 0.17 m.) with mostly

gentle and concave sides, oval shape of base in plan and concave in profile. It’s orientated NW-SE and truncated across by 3032. The fill of pit was dark brown, compact silty sand, charcoal rich (flecks and small pieces) mixed together with fine, medium pebbles and small stones (esp. angular and sub-angular). The soil sample has been taken (# 3011). Fill was similar to context 3022 of cut 3023 but was darker and not so charcoal rich.

Pit 3041 was located very close to linear feature 3048 and truncated by 3032. It was sub-oval, large pit in dimensions 2.56 x 1.62 x 0.27 m. with gentle or moderate, concave shaped sides. The shape of base in plan and in profile was irregular. It was definitely deeper in SW and S part. The single fill (3040) was dark greyish brown clayey soft silt with occasional charcoal flecks (bulk # 3025 and 3003 chemical sample). A pottery piece (find #3005) was found in the fill, which can help in dating the feature. The main compo-nent of this fill was a layer of small, medium and large stones (esp. sub-angular and sub-rounded) covering the base of cut (section photo 3052/53). This layer of stones looked like being paved intentionally. Possible interpretation of this cut might be a food container/storage pit.

Linear feature 3048 was a long, wide feature (4.40 x 1.10 x 0.35 m.), which looked like stony deposit. Sides were gentle/moderate irregular or concave shaped with irregular base in plan and in profile. The single fill (3047) was dark greyish brown silty compact sand with huge amount of sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles and stones (frequent and moderate amount). Fill contained also occasional flecks of charcoal and burnt bone (occurred in SE part of cut). The soil sample was taken (bulk 3022 and chemical # 3018).

Stakehole 3062 was a small but deep feature (0.07 x 0.07 x 0.25 m) which was found on SW part of cut 3032, on its South side and truncated fill 3061 of cut 3032. It had verti-cal sides and tapered rounded, pointed base. A fill was a silt base light brown in colour with rare inclusions of medium sub-angular stones. The presence of stakehole was rather accidental in this place. There were no other features which may relate to this feature. It was possibly a modern stakehole.

Subgroup 27 d – Associated features (13 contexts)

Pits and possible pits:Cuts: 2086 (fill 2087); 2097 (fills 2098, 2099); 3005 (fill 3004); 3007 (fill 3006); 3021

(fills 3017, 3018, 3019, 3020); 3023 (fill 3022); 3056 (fill 3055).


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Drawings: 2029/sh.5; 2033/sh.6; 3001/sh.21; 3002/sh.21; 3008/sh.21; 3009/sh.21, 3013/sh.22;

Photos: 2077/88, 2080/91; 2090/101, 2098/109, 2099/110, 2113/124; 3000/1, 3017/18; 3003/4, 3015/16; 3018, 3034; 3020-3023, 3036/37; 3060/4

Find: 3006 (3 pieces of fine glass and 1 metal piece of 3055 of cut 3056)Grid: 315, 316, 329, 330, Postholes and possible postholes: Cuts: 3001 (fill 3000); 3003 (fill 3002); 3009 (fill 3008); 3036 (fill 3035) Drawings: 3006/sh.21; 3003/sh.21; 3004/sh.21; 3013/sh.22Photos: 3001/2, 3006/7; 3002/3, 3016/17; 3005/6, 3014/15; 3031/32. Grid: 315, 329, 330 Stakeholes:Cuts: 3052 (fill 3051); 3054 (3053); 3027 (fill 3026); Drawings: 3050 (postex) Photos: 3056/57; 3028Grid: 329Hearth:Cut: 3014 (fill 3012) Drawings: 3007/sh.21; 3050 (postex)Photos: 3008 – 3013 (midex)Find: 3002 (clay pipe fragment)Grid: 329Description:Hearth and a stakehole (2 contexts): The hearth 3014 was located in grid 329 within possible enclosure (~5-6 metres N of

the central part of linear feature 3032). It was a sub-circular possible hearth in dimensions of 0.65 m. width and 0.08 m. depth. Hearth with indication by heat affected areas of natural one which consisted of reddish oxidised clay natural and the other whitish, yellow clay natural, lighter than the surrounding natural covered by sandy silt fill 3012, which has charcoal and burnt bone included, as well as occasional flecks of burnt clay. It was possibly formed as a result of heat from a fire on the natural surface as a result of human activity in this area. Feature was possibly affected by a furrow (context number not given) and then by modern stripping which removed contextual relationship between a furrow and a hearth (bulk soil # 3002 and chemical soil # 3010 have been taken) in the W part of hearth small stakehole 3027 (with fill 3026) was found adjacent to the feature. It was a charcoal rich fill, very small, circular in shape with vertical sides and tapered rounded point in profile. It was possibly truncated by the stripping process. It could be related to possible hearth 3014.

Two stakeholes 3052 and 3054 were located in grid 329 few centimetres N of pit 3025 and on the NW side of linear feature 3032. Stakeholes were very small in diameter and shallow in depth (0.05 x 0.05 x 0.08 m.). They were both circular shaped in plan with

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vertical sides and a concave based in profile. Fills were light brown sandy soft silt with no charcoal. They interfered each other (photo 3056/57).

Four postholes:There were 4 postholes (possible postholes mostly) in this area. Two of them were

located within the enclosing linear ditch 3032 (3009 and 3003). Two others were located outside the possible enclosing ditch feature 3036 and 3001.

Cut 3001 was located ~ 0.30 m. S of terminus of linear ditch feature 3032. It was a small, oval posthole (0.22 x 0.19 x 0.15 m.) with moderate, vertical and concave (E - smooth and W - irregular shaped) sides. Fill (3000) was mid pinkish brown, silty sand with occasional sub-angular fine pebbles and moderate charcoal flecks. It was truncated by an animal burrow.

Cut 3036 was located 1.5 m. SW of linear feature 3032. It was an average sized post-hole (0.26 x 0.25 x 0.13 m.) with one fill, and truncated a pit 3023. Feature had steep and concave sides, circular base in plan and was concave in profile (photo 3031/32). It was filled by 3035, a mid yellowish brown sandy silt. Contained occasional charcoal flecks (sample 3012).

Cut 3003 was located in grid 330, ~ 4 m. North of terminus of 3032 and 2 m. South of pit 3021. Posthole was rather small (0.24 x 0.22 x 0.08 m.) with mostly vertical and smooth sides (only W side was steep and concave), sloping from W-E with stony base, possibly remains of posthole than a proper cut posthole. The fill 3002 was mid greyish brown silty, weakly cemented sand with inclusions of fine and medium sub-angular and sub-rounded (mod.) pebbles (3007 – chemical and 3008 – bulk sample). Charcoal was present mostly at the top part of this fill.

Cut 3009 was located within the possible enclosure created 2 m. NW of linear feature 3032 and 1.5 m. South of hearth 3014 inside/within possible enclosure formed by 3032. It was another example of circular average sized posthole (0.20 x 0.19 x 0.05 m.). Sides were gentle and concave and a base was sub-circular in plan, and flat in profile. It looked more like a natural depression which had charcoal contaminations by 3027/ 3014 (hearth). The cut was not clear – possible stone socket. The base was shallow, irregular stony/pebbley (photos 3005/6 and 3014/15).

Pits and possible pits (7 contexts):There were few possible pits in this group. Few of them were located within the curvi-

linear ditch feature 3032, scattered 3 - 7 metres from it. Pits: 3007, 3021 and 3056. 3005 looked more like a stone socket.

Pit 3005 was a circular pit (possible stone socket), very shallow (only 0.09 m deep), 0.32 m. in diameter. Sides were moderate and concave (N, E) and steep and concave (S, W). Cut was filled by dark greyish brown, soft silty clay with very few inclusions of sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles, charcoal flecks and small pieces (moderate and occasional amount). This feature could be a stone socket with charcoal carried through by burnt feature (hearth 3014 with oxidised clay), approx. 1 m. N a furrow orientated


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NW-SE was located immediately W of this feature and may have disturbed a stone and carried fill of charcoal in to it.

Pit 3007 was a sub-circular shaped pit (0.50 x 0.42 x 0.12 m) with mostly steep and smooth sides). It contained one fill of light yellowish brown sandy soft silt with inclusions of sub-angular (occ.) pebbles. This shallow bowl shaped cut could be the remains of a once more substantial pit.

Pit 3021 was irregular, possible pit (1.05 x 0.65 x 0.30 m) with vertical and irregular sides; filled with a sequence of four fills, irregular in shape with depressions at either end in the bowl of the cut; steep to vertical irregular sides. This feature was formed by human activity digging into the natural. Amongst 4 fills one had charcoal included, possibly re-deposited, which may indicate burning activity in the vicinity whilst this context at last was being deposited.

There are 4 fills: 3017 was top fill, light yellowish brown, sandy, firm silt with inclu-sions of sub-angular and sub-rounded, frequent pebbles; 3018 (mid fill; mid yellowish brown weakly cemented silty sand with small and medium sub-angular (freq.) stones and coarse pebbles; 3019 was a mid fill; dark brown sandy soft silt with sub-angular occasional pebbles and sub-angular and sub-rounded occasional small and medium stones; 3020 was a mid greyish, yellow sandy, pebbley silt and it could be a possibly natural fill.

Pit 3056 was located few metres N of hearth 3014. It was a sub-circular /oval shaped feature with rounded corners. Break of slopes at the top and base were gradual with gentle and smooth sides (N, W), gentle and convex (S) and moderate and convex (E). It was truncated in the NE corner by a shallow furrow.

Fill 3055 was mid brown silty firm clay with inclusions of sub-angular (mod.) pebbles, frequent amount of charcoal (flecks and small pieces) medium and large, moderate pieces. There were also found: burnt bone, few pieces of glass and one metal bit (find 3006).

Interpretation of the feature: it could be the deeper part of the furrow. Feature was possibly related to 3043,

There were 3 pits located outside (South) the curvilinear ditch 3032: 3023 (connected with possible posthole 3036), 2086, 2097.

Pit 3023 was an irregular pit (1.00 x 0.92 x 0.23 m.) with sloped sides differently each side. Base was irregular in plan and in profile. It was truncated by possible posthole in SE part of 3023. The fill (3022) was dark greyish brown, clayey, soft silt with inclusions of sub-angular and sub-rounded, fine, medium pebbles and small stones. Flecks and small, moderate pieces of charcoal were present in the fill.

Possible pit 2086 was an irregular feature with rounded corners with all the break of slope sharp (top) and various near the base. Sides were also various (moderate, steep and vertical), mostly irregular shaped. Orientation of cut was N-S.

It may probably be a natural depression created by root activity (N part was also truncated by an animal activity). Fill was a mid, greyish brown, sandy soft silt with sub-rounded, medium pebbles and sub-angular, occasional, small stones. Charcoal was pres-ent as small occasional pieces.

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Possible pit 2097 was sub-circular feature with all the corners rounded, break of slope (top) - sharp (E, W) and base (all gradual) Sides are gentle (N, S) and moderate (E, W) convex shaped. Shape of base was sub-circular in plan and concave in profile.

It contained 2 fills (2098, 2099)Fill 2098 was a top fill of possible pit 2097. It was a mid brownish grey clayey firm silt

with inclusions of angular and sub-angular (mod.) fine pebbles and angular (mod), small and medium angular (mod.) stones. Inclusions of charcoal flecks and small and medium pieces had been detected and flecks of moderate burnt clay (sample #2066). Base fill 2099 was dark, brownish grey sandy soft silt with angular and sub-angular fine and angular coarse pebbles. Frequent amount of charcoal flecks, small and medium pieces have been found (sample #2066). Stones in this fill were well sorted and packed at the base (esp. in the centre of the feature). There were some occasional stones covering the feature at the top.

Interpretation:Features from this sub-group didn’t seem to be related each other. Features which

were located within the curvilinear ditch 3032 (N of it) may be related to this linear feature. Mostly all of them were archaeological features with one exception – cut 3005, which may be the stone socket. Features located outside 3032 (S of it) were also archaeo-logical with also one exception – cut 2086 which may be natural depression created by root activity. In one of the features (pit 3056) burnt bone, few glass pieces and a metal bit were found. The base in a pit 2097 layer was packed with well sorted stones (which could have been used as a storage pit).

Group 28Possible structure with 2 packed postholes, slot trenches and a line of stakeholes.This group was located ~10 metres W of Eastern bulk/limit of excavation, ~10 metres

S of group 30 and ~20 metres NE of group 32. Postholes:Cuts: 2074 (fill 2073); 2079 (fill 2078, 2177); 2089 (fills: 2088, 2176) Drawing: 2035/sh.6 (section of 2079); 3050 (post-ex plan)Photos: 2072/83 (post-ex), 2069/80 (mid-ex); 2078/89; 2079/90; 2156/67; 2160/171

(post-ex); 3050 (post-ex plan)Grid: 274, 288Stakeholes: Cut: 2090 (fill 2091); 2092 (fill 2093); 2100 (2101); 2102 (fill 2103); 2104 (fill 2105);

2106 (fill 2107); 2108 (fill 2109); 2124 (fill 2125); 2126 (fill 2127); 2128 (fill 2129) Drawing: 3050 (post-ex plan)Photos: 2110/121, 2111/122, 2112/123; 2091-2094; 2083/94; 2084/95; 2085/96 Grid: 274, 288Pit and 2 slot trenches:Cuts: 2085 (fills: 2082, 2083, 2084); 2096 (fill: 2095); 2118 (fill: 2117)


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Drawing: 2028/sh.5; 2035/sh.6; 3050 (post-ex plan) Photos: 2074/85, 2075/86, 2078/89, 2079/90; 2088/99, 2097/108; 2096/107, 2105/116Grid: 274, 288

Description:Sub-group 28 a – 3 postholes (3 contexts).This sub-group was made of 3 postholes: 2074 – without and 2079, 2089 with pack-

ing stones. These 3 postholes created a line, running SW-NE.Stone packed posthole 2079 was located few cms SE end of slot trench 2118. It was a

small (0.15 x 0.14 x 0.31 m.), sub-circular shaped feature with rounded corners and steep, irregular sides; break of slope at top and base were all sharp, and tapered blunt point shape base in profile. Fill 2078 was mid, orangish brown, very soft, clayey silt with rare inclusions of occasional, angular, coarse pebbles (baulk sample # 2044). Packing stones 2177 (clearly visible on the photos 2069/80, 2078/89) were small, medium and large, sub-angular and sub-rounded, evident on all sides. The sides were irregular due to the stone packing. Photo (2160/171) presents cut without stones.

Stone packed posthole 2089 was located few cms East of pit 2085. It was medium sized, oval shaped posthole (0.26 x 0.23 x 0.31). Orientated NW-SE and very similar to posthole 2079 with vertical and irregular sides. Filled by 2088 with soft clayey silt (sample #2049) and packed by sub-angular (occasional) coarse pebbles, small, sub-angular and medium, angular stones (fill 2176). Feature was present on the photo 2079/40 with stone lining, and without it on the photo 2156/67.

The distance between these postholes was ~2.0 metres.Posthole 2074 was located between 2 packed postholes: 0.38 m. NE of cut 2079 and

1.60 m. SW of cut 2089. It was a circular, small shaped feature (0.15 x 0.15 x 0.21 m.) with steep and smooth sides, break of slope top – sharp and base – gradual. Shape of base in plan was circular and tapered rounded in profile.

Fill 2073 was mid orangish brown/black, very soft, clayey silt with angular and rounded (occasional) pebbles. It was not packed with stones and it did not contain any charcoal or other particular inclusions. This fill was very similar to fill 2078 in cut 2079.

Sub-group 28 b – 10 stakeholes (10 contexts)

Stakeholes: 2126, 2100, 2124, 2102, 2090, 2092, 2104, 2106 and 2108, 2128. It was a sub-group made of 10 stakeholes. 8 of them created a straight line (with gaps

between them 0.3 - 0.4 m.) which started 0.1 m. North of the slot trench 2118 and was finished in the place, where the last stakehole in this line (cut 2106) was found (1.0 metre N of packed posthole 2089). Stakeholes 2108 and 2128 were situated in a line ran paral-lel (0.5 m. NW of line of 8 stakeholes). The shape of all these features was circular, sides vertical and circular in plan and concave in profile shaped base. Their dimensions were between 0.04 - 0.07 m. in diameter (only 2108 and 2128 were wider - 0.13 m.) and 0.04 – 0.14 m. in depth. Fills were also similar: mid brown, firm silty clay, quite sterile - without

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pebbles and charcoal pieces. Chosen samples: # 2072 of cut 2128; # 2071 of cut 2124; # 2053 of cut 2104. Photos: 2117/128; 2118/129.

Subgroup 28 c – 2 slot trenches and a pit (3 contexts).

Slots were located in the SW of group, laying close to each other and running NW-SE. They have two different cut numbers (may be two parts of the same slot trench)

and together, with other features in this group, determine a possible small building construction.

Slot trench 2096 was sub-rectangular feature (0.82 x 0.41 x 0.21 m.) with moderate (N, S) gentle (E) and vertical (W); concave (N, E) or smooth (S, W) sides.

The cut was filled by one fill 2095, which was mid brown, very soft, silty clay with various types and sizes of pebbles, small, medium stones. It contained occasional flecks and small pieces of charcoal (sample # 2057; photos: 2088/99, 2097/108). These stones could possibly have been used for packing (?).

Slot trench 2118 was also sub-angular feature (0.48 x 0.28 x 0.20 m.) with moderate sloped and concaved shaped sides. Feature was very similar in other aspects to the slot trench 2096. It was filled by slightly different soil type: mid, pinkish brown, very soft, silty clay with small angular and sub-angular (frequent), medium (occasional) angular stones and charcoal flecks, small pieces (soil # 2058). Presence of stones in the fill sug-gested the same purpose as it was described in slot 2096 (photos 2096/107, 2105/116).

Pit 2085 was located few cms W of packed posthole 2089 and SE side of a line of 8 stakeholes from the sub-group 28 b. It was the biggest and the only pit in this group filled by 3 deposits: 2082, 2083 and 2084. This was sub-rectangular shaped feature (0.96 x 0.86 x 0.40 m.), orientated NW-SE, with vertical and smooth sides, sharp break of slope (top) and gradual (base) and a flat base (photos: 2077/89, 2079/90).

Fill 2082 was greyish brown, soft clayey silt with small and medium, angular and sub-angular (occasional) stones, and flecks of charcoal (bulk sample # 2045). Fill overlain fill 2083 where possible burning was evidenced.

Fill 2083 (photo 2074/85) covered and filled up a top layer of the pit, also spread out across a large area outside the pit (towards N, W and SW of it) covering stakeholes 2109, 2105, 2091, 2093, 2103, 2107, 2101. Dimensions of this layer/fill were: 3.19 x 2.19 x 0.07 m. It was black in colour, silty clay based material, very soft in compaction. It included frequent and small flecks of charcoal (sample # 2046).

Fill 2084 was covered a base of pit 2085. It was mid brown, firm, clayey silt with inclu-sions of angular and rounded fine pebbles to small stones (occasional amount), without any charcoal, truncated by very few animal burrows.

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Possible kiln with large postholesThis group was located in the middle part of site, close to W baulk/limit of excavation

line (CPO), in 3 grids 257 (mostly) and 256 and 271. It was made several features: 1 pos-sible kiln, 3 large postholes, 1 stakehole, 1 pit and 1 charcoal deposit (7 contexts in total).

This group bordered on another group 32 from the East and area 1 from the South.Possible kiln:Cut: 2061 (fills: 2054, 2055, 2056, 2057, 2058, 2059, 2060, 2062). Drawings: 2022/Sh.3; 3050 (postex)Photos: 2037/46, 2054/64, 2055, 65, 2057/67; 2061/71Grids: 257 Postholes and a stakehole:Cuts: 2038 (fill 2037); 2040 (fill 2039); 2045 (fills: 2041, 2042, 2043, 2044); 2046

(fill 2037). Drawings: 2016/sh.1; 2017/sh.2; 2018/sh.1; Photos: 2039/49, 2042/52; 2037/46, 2040/50, 2043/53; 2037/46, 2041/51, 2052/62;

2042/52; Grid: 257Pit: Cut: 2029 (fill 2028)Drawing: 2012/sh.1Photo: 2024/31 (section)Grid: 271Charcoal deposit:Fill: 2050Drawing: 2020/Sh.4Photo: 2048/58 Grid: 256

Subgroup 29 a - 3 postholes 1 possible kiln and a stakehole 5 (contexts).

Description:Three postholes and one stakehole (found inside the cut 2038), created a line. The

distance between them was similar (~0.80 m). They were located on the NW side (few centimetres away) of the possible kiln 2061.

Posthole 2038 was an oval feature (0.63 x 0.44 x 0.26 m.) with steep and concave sides; concave and circular base (in plan and in profile). In the NE side feature a stake-hole (2046) was present (photos: 2039/49 and 2042/52). There were very few large stones laying SE–NW, possible packing stones. They separated a stakehole from the posthole. The fill of a posthole was mid greenish brown, firm silty clay but no other inclusions have been found. The circular shaped stakehole also didn’t contain a charcoal neither any par-ticular inclusions. Its dimensions were 0.28 x 0.15 x 0.12 m., concave sides and shape of base in profile.

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Posthole 2040 was located between 2038 and 2045. It was a sub-circular feature with vertical and smooth sides, circular base and concave base in profile. Its dimensions were 0.46 x 0.40 x 0.32 m. Fill (2039) was mid brown, silty, firm clay with inclusions of angular and rounded fine, and medium pebbles, coarse angular, sub-angular pebbles, and angular small stones; flecks and small pieces of charcoal were present in the fill, in occasional amount (sample # 2019).

Posthole 2045 was similar to 2040 in dimensions (0.44 x 0.44 x 0.29), sides and shape of base (photos 2037/46, 2041/51, 2052/62) but instead of one, there were four deposits filling up this cut. Mostly soil was similar, mid brown clayey soft silt with angular and rounded fine and medium pebbles, or in minority coarse pebbles. Layers 2041 (sample # 2025) and 2043 (sample # 2022) contained moderate flecks and pieces of charcoal. The main fill 2043 contained a little bit more charcoal than the lowest deposit 2041. No evi-dence of burning in situ.

Possible kiln 2061 was the centre feature in this group with 8 fills. It was irregular (pear) shaped feature resembled a kiln. It was 1.70 m. long, 1.05 wide and 0.35 m. deep. Slopes were various each side (gentle, moderate or vertical, mostly concave in shape) and mostly with sharp break of slope at the top and base. The base was truncated by an animal burrow in the SW side. Feature was orientated NE-SW. There was no evidence of scorch-ing and the base was not stone lined. Fills were very similar to each other in composition (they were almost all clayey silt) and compaction (soft). One fill (2055) was a charcoal layer, composed of frequent charcoal flecks, small and medium pieces (sample # 2028). Two layers: mid dark, grey fill 2054 (sample #2027) overlaying charcoal fill 2055 (sample #2028), and the light grey fill 2056 (sample #2029) laying below it were firm in compac-tion. Almost all fills contained inclusions of mostly angular and rounded (occasional) small and coarse pebbles, charcoal flecks and small pieces. Orangish brown fill 2059 didn’t contain any charcoal. A whitish grey fill 2058 which overlain 2059 didn’t contain any charcoal and other inclusions, even pebbles neither. Fill 2060 (mid greyish white) contained possible slag (bulk and chemical samples #2033).

Subgroup 29 b - 1 charcoal deposit and 1 pit ( 2 contexts).

Charcoal deposit 2050 was located in grid 256 and together with pit 2029 (in grid 271) created the parallel line 2 meters NW of line created by postholes located near the possible kiln 2061. Between 2050 and 2029 were 2 or 3 features but during the further excavation it turned out that they were not archaeological features. However this feature was very shallow (0.10 m.) the soil sample had been taken (#2021). Deposit was mid, brownish grey, sandy, soft silt with inclusions of coarse pebbles and small stones (angu-lar and sub-angular) and flecks to medium (frequent) pieces of charcoal (section photo 2048/58). Probably context could have been dumped in natural depression. Charcoal was present under the layer of stones.

Pit 2029 was located 5 meters NE of this charcoal deposit 2050. It was a circular pit with one fill 2028.


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It was a shallow but quite big pit (0.72 x 0.72 x 0.15 m.) with various slopes each side (gentle, moderate and steep). Shape of base was circular in plan, and concave in profile. Fill was composed of mid brown silty firm clay with angular and sub-angular fine peb-bles, flecks and small pieces of charcoal (sample 2010). Feature was probably truncated by later ploughing activity (or machinery testing this area).

Group 30Several features in grids 299, 300, 301, 302This group of features was located in grids 299, 300, 301, 302, 10-20 m. SW of group

27 and 10 m. NW of group 28 and 10-15 m. N of groups 29 and 32. It was divided into 3 sub-groups and was made of several pits and postholes.

Subgroup 30 a – Pit and postholes in grids 300 and 301 (5 contexts) This sub-group is made of 3 pits (one possible) and 2 postholes. Cuts 2027, 2008, 2013

and 2002 created a line and the distance between features ranging from 2.5-5 m.Pits:Cuts: 2027 (fills 2025, 2026, 2032); 2013 (fill 2012); 2004 (fill 2003) Drawings: 2015/sh.1, 3050 (postex)Photos: 2018/26, 2036/45; 2006, 2033Grid: 300, 301Finds: 2000, 2001, 2002 (pottery)Postholes:Cut: 2002 (fill 2001), 2008 (fill 2007)Drawing: 2001/sh.1; 2008/sh.2; 3050 (postex)Photos: 2001/9, 2022/30; 2008/16, 2023/32Grid: 300, 301Description:This sub-group was located mostly in grids 300 and 301. It was located between 2

furrows, one without the cut number given and the second one, deposit # 2034. The most interesting feature here was a pit 2027, a circular pit (0.7 x 0.7 x 0.3 m.) with steep and concave sides and all break of slope (top) – gradual. The cut was very regular and clear, shape of base in plan was circular and flat (slightly concave) in profile. Pit was filled by 3 deposits 2025, 2026, 2032.

Fill 2025 was light greyish brown sandy firm silt with fine sub-angular and sub-round-ed (mod.) pebbles and sub-angular stones with rare charcoal flecks. There was found one piece of pottery, on the surface (find # 2000) and few sherds in the fill (find # 2001). The base fill 2026 was dark brown clayey firm silt with medium sub-angular pebbles and small (freq.) and medium (occ.) charcoal pieces (ca.7%) and occasional burnt bone. This fill contained pottery sherds (find# 2002) which were pressed at the top of fill 2026. This fill contained also small pieces of burnt clay (10 pieces, 0.01-0.02 m.). Relation to fill 2032 should be considered. The third layer – fill 2032 in this cut was light/mid orangish yellow sandy firm silt with very few inclusions of fine and coarse angular pebbles. This layer ap-

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pears around the edge of cut and seems to be re-deposited natural soil that collapsed from the top into the pit. The SW part of section may indicate that this fill was deposited in the same time as the fill 2026.

Two other pits from this sub-group are 2004 and 2013. Cut 2004 is an oval shaped feature with gentle and concave sides, shallow (1.00m x 0.64 m x 0.14 m) with one fill: mid greyish brown silty firm clay with inclusions of angular and rounded, occasional fine pebbles to small stones and occasional charcoal flecks.

Cut 2013 was a shallow irregular shaped pit (0.49 x 0.43 x 0.33 m.) with mostly verti-cal, steep and smooth sides. Break of slope (top and base) were sharp. Base of feature was irregular in plan and almost flat in profile. Fill was a composition of mid orangish brown firm silty clay with inclusions of sub-angular coarse pebbles and small stones with char-coal flecks (bulk sample #2017). The last two features in this subgroup were postholes. Posthole 2002 was a sub-circular shaped feature (0.44 x 0.20 x 0.33 m), with steep and concave sides and sharp break of slope and concave shape of base in profile. It was filled by mid reddish brown clayey soft silt with various types of fine and medium pebbles and occasional charcoal flecks. Posthole 2008 was a circular shaped feature (0.20 x 0.19 x 0.11 m.) with sharp break of slope at the top and gradual at the base. Sides were steep and con-cave (N, W) and smooth (E, S). Shape of base in plan was circular and tapered rounded pointed in profile. Posthole was filled by mid brown clayey soft silt with fine and medium (occ.) pebbles and small stones with charcoal (occ.) flecks.

Subgroup 30 b – 2 PitsPits:Cuts: 2006 (fill 2005); 2011 (fill 2010) Drawings: 2005/sh.2; 2002/sh.1; 3050 (postex)Photos: 2004/12, 2005/13; 2031/39; 2007/15, 2030/38Grid: 299, 300, 301Description:Pits 2006 (fill 2005) and 2011 (fill 2010) are located 6 metres N of subgroup 30a in

grids 299 and 300. These are 2 sub-circular postholes with rounded corners and gradual break of slope

(top). They have different dimensions: cut 2006 (0.88 x 0.78 x 0.16 m), cut 2011 (1.18 x 1.12 x 0.16 m). Cut 2006 sides are gentle and smooth (N) and moderate and concave (S, E, W) and cut 2011 gentle and concave. Shape of base is sub-circular and concave in profile. Features are filled by mid brown soft clayey silt with inclusions of fine pebbles to medium mostly angular and sub-angular stones. In each fill occasional charcoal flecks and small pieces have been found.

Subgroups 30 c – Possible pit and 3 burnt depositsBurnt deposits:Deposit: 2094; 2116; 2123; Drawing: 2034/sh.6; 2036/sh.6; 3050 (postex)Photos: 2086/97, 2087/98; 2109/120; 2104/115Grid: 302


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Pit:Cut: 2015 (fill 2014)Drawing: 2014/sh.2; 3050 (postex) Photos: 2026/34, 2038/47Grid 302Description:This sub-group was located in grid 302. There were three deposits 2123, 2116, 2094.

These deposits were composed of mid or dark brown clayey soft silt with rare inclusions of sub-angular and angular (occ.) medium pebbles. All three deposits were irregular in shape.

Deposit 2123 overlain 2094 and 2116 and as the only one didn’t contain any charcoal. Red oxidised clay appeared immediately around the patch and in close vicinity of other deposits. The dimensions of 2123 are (1.00 x 0.7 x 0.1), 2094 are (0.9 m x 0.8 x 0.2 m.) and 2116 are (1.62 x 1.2 x 0.24 m.).

Deposit 2094 was dark brown clayey soft silt with fine sub-angular (occ.) pebbles with charcoal frequent flecks and small occasional pieces and burnt, frequent small pieces of bones (bulk sample #2059 and chemical sample #2005). It was related to 2116 and 2123.

Deposit 2116 contained more pebbles, especially coarse angular, sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles and small stones. It contained also more flecks and small pieces of char-coal but comparable amount and size of burnt bone pieces (bulk # 2052 and chemical sample # 2004).

Few metres S of these three deposits the last feature of this subgroup was located. It was an irregular shaped pit 2015 with one fill 2014. It was quite big (0.95 x 0.72 x 0.24 m.) with moderate and concave sides (NW, NE) and steep slopes and smooth or irregular shape (SE, SW). The fill was mid pinkish brown, soft silty clay with inclusions of coarse sub-angular (mod.) pebbles and small and medium sub-angular stones with charcoal (mod.) flecks. The cut of this feature suggested root activity. Feature was located in the area poor with archaeology in the place where the line of old bush line (old hedgerow) was.

Interpretation:In group 30 there was only one feature (cut 2027) which is archaeologically undisputed,

containing pottery sherds in two fills. The rest of features looked modern or archaeologi-cally doubtful. They were located close to the old bush/boundary line (natural hedgerow) dividing fields. There were plenty of features found and considered non-archaeological.

Group 31

Isolated featuresThis group is represented by features which are randomly scattered throughout the

site. Some of them are important features from the archaeological point of view but couldn’t be or they’re not part of structures gathered in individual groups and sub-groups.

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Some of them are also not archaeological but (especially) because of samples taken (by which their dating will be known) were included in this paragraph.

Pits:Cuts: 2017 (fill 2016); 2080 (fill 2081); 2134 (fill 2135); 2141 (fills 2139, 2140); 2152

(fill 2151); 2167 (fill 2168, 2169, 2170); 2171 (fill 2172); 2175 (fills 2173, 2174); 3117 (fills 3113, 3114, 3115, 3116, 3123)

Drawings: 2003/sh.1; 2027/sh.4; 2040/sh.7; 2042/sh.5; 2048/sh.8; 2052/sh.9; 2050/sh.9; 2051/sh.9; 3043/sh.25

Photos: 2009; 2073, 2076; 2125, 2129; 2128, 2131; 2141, 2142; 2157, 2158; 2152, 2159; 2154, 2155, 2161; 3118, 3124, 3126, 3127.

Grid: 313; 317; 332; 371; 386; 370Finds: 3009 (flint). Postholes:Cut: 3050 (fill 3049), 2076 (fill 2075)Drawing: 2024/sh.4; 3050 (postex plan)Photos: 2065Grid: 328, 343Description:Pits:Location: grid 313.Pit 2017 with one fill 2016 was located in the area cut by many furrows. It was an oval

feature with dimensions 0.85 x 0.60 x 0.18 m. and various break of slope (top): impercep-tible (N, W), sharp (S), gradual (E) and smooth, shaped vertical (N), gentle (W), steep (S), moderate (E), photo # 2029. Feature was filled by light, greyish brown, silty compact material with inclusions of occasional charcoal flecks (bulk sample # 2013) and various types of occasional angular, sub-angular and sub-rounded stones. Fill was similar to fill 2003 of cut 2004. No finds were found.

Location: grid 313.Pit 2080 (fill 2081) was located 1.27 m. NE of another pit 2017 in the area cut by

many furrows. It was a sub-circular shaped pit (0.81 x 0.62 x 0.29 m.) with sharp break of slope sharp. The shape of base in plan was oval and tapered rounded point in profile. Sides were steep and concave (photo # 2073, 2076). Cut was filled by mid brownish grey, silty firm clay mixed with fine sub-angular and sub-rounded (moderate) pebbles, and small stones. No charcoal and finds had been found.

Location: grid 317.Pit 2134 was an oval feature with sharp break of slope at the top and gradual at the

base. Its dimensions were 0.67 x 0.55 x 0.27 m. Sides were steep and convex (NE, NW), steep and concave (SE) and steep and stepped (SW). The shape of base in plan was oval and flat in profile; orientated NE-SW (photo # 2125, 2129). The base of this feature was interrupted by animal activity. There were 3 animal burrows visible as well at the base as in the SE part of the fill.


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Fill (c.2135) which filled the cut was dark brown soft silt with angular (occasional) fine pebbles to medium stones and charcoal flecks (baulk sample # 2075). The fill was quite soft to dig except SE side that was more firm.

Location: grid 332.Pit 2141 was sub-circular shaped pit with sharp break of slope at the top and gradual

at the base. Its dimensions were 0.86 x 0.90 x 0.20 m. Sides were moderate and concave (N, E). The orientation of the cut was E-W. Shape of base was sub-circular in plan and concave in profile. Pit contained 2 fills 2139 and 2140. It was possible that has been trun-cated by roots and they completely destroyed the Western and Southern sides of the cut. At the bottom of the cut charcoal rich layer c.2140 was present. It was a 0.02-0.03 m. deep layer (sample # 2077) lying at the very bottom of cut 2141. The burning was evident, de-posited into the pit and then filled with c.2139. Upper fill (c. 2139) was mid brown, clayey soft silt including various shapes and sizes of pebbles and stones (fine pebbles to medium stones) and inclusions of moderate flecks and small, occasional pieces of charcoal (baulk sample # 2076). This layer was disturbed by root activity and overlain by the natural layer (c.2).

Location: 371.Pit 2152 was sub-rectangular shaped pit (0.95 x 0.53 x 0.19) with rounded corners and

gradual (N, S) and sharp (E, W) break of slope (top) and gradual at the base. Sides were moderate and concave (N, W); moderate and irregular (S), steep and concave (E). Shape of base in plan was sub-rectangular and flat in profile. The cut was filled by mid grey-ish brown silty firm clay with inclusions of esp. medium angular and sub-angular (oc-casional) medium pebbles to medium stones with occasional amount of charcoal flecks (bulk sample # 2090). There was a collection of 10-12 angular and sub-angular stones concentrated on the Southern side of the pit.

Location: 371Cut 2167 was sub-circular shaped big pit with all the corners rounded, break of slope

gradual and sharp (W) at the top, and all gradual at the base. Sides were generally steep (convex or smooth shaped). Shape of base was sub-circular in plan and flat in profile. This pit (1.16 x 1.03 x 0.24 m.) was truncated, in its upper NE part, by a furrow 2165 running NW-SE. Pit was regular in shape. SW side was slightly deeper in 3 places (max. 0.1 m each point depth). On the N side it is cut by 2171. It was in close relation with the pit 2171 which was almost touching the cut 2167 from the North side and could be related with nearby similar pit 3068. Pit 2167 was filled by 3 deposits:

Fill 2168 was a top shallow deposit (only ~ 0.03 m.) overlain by a furrow 2165. It was dark greyish/black, sandy, friable silt with charcoal as a main component (occurred fre-quently as flecks and small, medium pieces). There were some moderate, sub-angular and sub-rounded fine pebbles and angular and sub-angular (occasional) small and medium angular stones (bulk sample # 2098 and chemical sample #2007). The stones had been packed (pressed) in the fill, lying flat on the surface of c. 2168, creating a circle – two times smaller than the pit’s diameter; the mid fill, c. 2169 was mid grey firm silt with in-clusions of angular and sub-angular moderate, medium, angular coarse pebbles and small

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stones. There were also found moderate charcoal pieces and burnt, occasional clay flecks and small pieces (bulk sample # 2099, chemical sample # 2008). This fill was located between 2 fills: 2168 from above and 2170 from below; fill 2170 was mid brown clayey stiff silt with inclusions of angular and sub-angular, moderate pebbles. This pit was cut by furrow 2165 (fill 2166) running NW-SE and cut the pit in its upper part (0.05 m deep). The dimensions of the cut were 2.20 x 0.23 x 0.06 m. Sides were gentle and convex (NE, SE) - photo 2157. The fill 2166 was mid greyish brown silt with occasional inclusions of flecks and small pieces of charcoal.

Location: 371Pit 2171 was irregular shaped feature with all the corners rounded. This cut had all

the corners rounded, break of slope (top) sharp (N, W) and gradual (S, E). Break of slope at the base was all gradual. The dimensions of cut were 0.58 x 0.45 x 0.20 m. Sides were steep (N, W) and gentle (S) and moderate (E), different shapes. The shape of base in plan was irregular and tapered blunt point in profile. Orientation of cut was N-S (photo #2152). Pit was filled by one deposit c. 2172 which was light/mid brown sandy firm silt with inclusions of sub-angular and sub-rounded (moderate) fine to coarse pebbles and with rare occurance of charcoal flecks (baulk # 2097). The cut was cut by animal activity. Cut was partially destroyed from the N side by probable animal activity.

Location: 386Pit 2175 was irregular (a little sub-square) shaped feature with moderate and steep

sides (mostly concave shaped) with irregular base in plan and concave in profile; orien-tated E-W with dimensions of 1.73 x 1.42 x 0.43 m. It is filled by c. 2173 and c. 2174.

Fill 2173 was the upper fill of this cut. It is mid greyish brown clayey firm silt with inclusions of any types of stones and pebbles (from fine pebbles to medium stones) and moderate flecks and occasional small charcoal pieces (bulk sample # 2101).

Fill 2174 was a main fill of this cut and was overlain partially by c. 2173. It was com-posed of dark brown clayey soft silt including every type of fine pebbles to large stones (occurring occasionally), bulk sample 2102.

Location: 370Pit 3117 was an irregular square pit with sharp break of slope at the top and gradual

at every side (except NW side, which was imperceptible). The sides were steep and smooth (SE, SW, NE), gentle and smooth (NW). The shape of base in plan was an irregular square and flat in profile. It was filled by five contexts: 3113, 3114, 3115, 3116 and 3123.

The N part of feature extended into a small, short linear ending (the pit was shallower a bit in this part). In the middle of the cut, during the excavation process, the charcoal rich fill c. 3123 was found. After taking off the charcoal layer another layer of small stones was found in which one flint (probably scraper – find # 3009) was found and probably washed in to the pit. There was no clear relation between surrounded features and this one.

Fill 3113 was a top fill of cut 3117 and was also filling the lower part of 3117. It is mid brown silty compact sand with angular fine pebbles to small stones (occurring occasional


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or moderate) and occasional flecks of charcoal (sample # 3052). This context also filled a lower part of 3117 in West part.

The mid fill 3114 was dark greyish black, silty, compact sand with inclusions of angu-lar and sub-angular occasional fine, medium pebbles and small stones mixed with char-coal frequent flecks, small and medium pieces (sample # 3053). During the excavation process it appeared as an oval shaped patch. The lower fill 3115 was consisted of fills 3113, 3114, 3116 and soil similar to natural yellow/brown/grey compact sand with flecks and small occasional charcoal pieces (sample # 3054). More charcoal pieces had been found at the bottom of the fill c.3116. It was the layer of mid brownish grey, sandy, soft silt with fine to coarse pebbles (moderate). It ran along South and East side of cut. It was a layer where the possible flint scraper (# find 3009) was found (sample # 3055).

The lowest fill 3127 was dark/black soft silt layer with one large piece of burnt wood and flecks (to large pieces) of charcoal (sample # 3058). It was not visible on the section drawing, because it appeared during further excavation in other part of the cut.

PostholesLocation: grid 328Cut 2076 was circular shaped feature (0.19 x 0.17 x 0.32 m.) with break of slope (top

and base) sharp. All sides were steep and smooth. The shape of base in plan was circular and tapered pointed in profile. The cut was very regular what may suggest a modern fea-ture. Cut was filled by only one sterile fill 2075, which was mid pinkish grey silty soft clay with inclusions of sub-angular coarse pebbles and small stones (bulk sample # 2042).

Location: grid 343Cut 3050 was oval shaped, shallow feature in dimensions of 0.17 x 0.13 x 0.04 m. with

gradual break of slope at the top and base. The sides were moderate and concave (N, W, E) and steep and smooth (S). Shape of base in plan was oval and concave in profile. The orientation of cut was E-W. It was surrounded by possible linear features (cut 3043) and related features. The only fill 3049 was dark brown silty weakly cemented sand with inclu-sions medium sub-angular, sub-rounded and rounded, occasional pebbles and moderate flecks and small occasional pieces of charcoal (bulk sample # 3020).

This posthole was in close relation with cut 3043 (burnt tree root?) and c.3042 a heat affected sub-circular area (0.41 x 0.33 x 0.02 m.) of firm mid, pinkish red, sandy silt containing moderate amount of charcoal flecks. The colour and a compaction of natural sandy silt deposit of hearth’s base (c.3042) had been changed due to thermal radiation of heat coming out from a hearth overlying.

There was one feature called pig’s nest (cut 2154).It was located in grid 314. Its shape was irregular (2.56 x 1.50 x 0.20 m.) - orientated

E-W. Break of slope (top) were imperceptible (N, E) and gradual (S, W) and all imper-ceptible at the base. Sides were different each side, but mostly gentle and irregular (N, S) or moderate, concave (S) shaped. Shape of base was irregular in plan and concave in profile (photo # 2143 and 2150). Feature was formed possibly by a pig who was making a bed for itself which silted up afterwards. The deposited material was dark brown, firm silty clay with inclusions of medium and coarse pebbles, small and medium stones (all in

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occasional amount), moderate amount of flecks and occasional quantity of small pieces of charcoal (bulk sample 2091).

Other features: Area 3 was covered by several features which were not related with other features or

this relationship was not discovered because of damages caused in the area by ploughing, stripping by heavy machines before excavation or plant/animal activity.

There were: one stakehole, spreads, burnt spreads and natural depressions.Location: grid 358Cut 2149 (fill 2150) was a stakehole with dimensions of 0.13 x 0.11 x 0.25 m contain-

ing charcoal flecks. Found in the area of furrows without any relating features around. Location: 285 and 286Cut 2033 was a burnt spread (0.5 x 0.45 x 0.05 m). It was dark, reddish brown, silty

clay with inclusions of occasional, fine angular and sub-angular pebbles. This feature could have been an archaeological feature (firespot, small hearth?) but it was badly trun-cated probably by agricultural activity in the past and the more information about it is gone. It was related with a furrow 2034 (dimensions 20.00 x 0.65 x 0.2 m.) running NW-SE and cutting burnt spread c.2033. Furrow’s deposit was sterile mid brown sandy silt with only small pebbles and decayed roots as a contamination.

The deposit 2053 was the biggest feature (3.70 x 0.95 x 0.1 m.) amongst all spreads and depressions on this site. It was a narrow oval shaped feature, very shallow, with no cut visible. It was located 1.2 m W of linear feature 2025 and not more then 0.5 m. N of posthole 2022. It was made of dark greyish, clayey silt material with inclusions of me-dium, coarse pebbles and small stones (occurring frequently). There were some occasional charcoal flecks found in this deposit.

Location: grid 274 and 260Cut 2834 (fill 2835) was a natural depression or a tree bowl 1.64 m long, 1.50 m. wide

and 0.22 m. deep, where two pottery sherds (find # 2527) were found. They were probably washed down from the other features (possibly from the c. 2738 and c. 2767). The depres-sion was filled by mid reddish brown, silty material with frequent inclusions of angular, sub-angular coarse pebbles, small and medium stones. Moderate charcoal flecks, small and medium pieces had also been found. It could have been a natural depression inter-rupted by a tree growth (photo # 2777).

There were some features (i.e. c. 2018), probably modern natural depressions and spreads, which were scattered throughout the site, where no archaeological signifi-

cance was discovered and that is why they were not described. Interpretation:Amongst all described features there were very few worthy of attention. First one was

3117 – pit with several fills with layer of charcoal present at the very bottom of the cut. The purpose of this pit was unknown but vicinity of the two modern ditches, few metres N (in group 26), suggested modern origin. In one of its fill (c. 3116) a piece of flint, pos-sible scraper (find # 3009) was found. Possibly there are still more flakes of flint in a soil


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sample taken (#3055). The examination of soil samples and C14 radiocarbon dating prob-ably will give more information about these 2 features.

Cut 2153 (pig’s nest) was a confusing and probably non archaeological feature but looked like a big oval pit. On the other hand presence of charcoal flecks in the fill might suggest or its natural deposition when flecks were washed down from other features or human factors, when a man was responsible for charcoal deposition. It shows that some features are confusing to interpret even by experienced archaeologists.

Other interesting feature was pit 2167 which contained a circle of well packed stones in the fill and frequent amount of charcoal flecks in fills 2168 and 2169. Burnt clay in the fill 2169 suggested a possible a hearth feature (but without any burning in situ) or prepared place for setting on a fire. Other features were scattered throughout the site and mostly did not represent big archaeological importance, or there were archaeologically doubtful.

Group 32

Linear features, one with lots of flints; 2 possible Post-holes/pits and one pit.

This group of (mostly) linear features is located in the centre of the site, in grids 258, 259 and 272 at the border with group 29 from the West and area 1 from the South. Situ-ated ~ 15 meters SW of group 28, ~20 meters South of group 30 and 20 meters North of the neolithic house 410. The group is made of 4 linear features 1 pit and 2 possible postholes/pits. One linear feature contains 32 flint flakes.

Linear features: Cuts: 2064 (fill 2063); 2110 (fills: 2111, 2112, 2113, 2114, 2115); 2119 (fills 2120, 2121,

2122); 2131 (fill 2130); Drawings: no section drawing of 2064; 2030, 2031, 2032/sh.5; 2037, 2038/sh.7; 2039/

sh.7; Photos: 2056/66, 2059/69; 2100/111, 2101/112, 2102/113, 2103/114, 2120/131, 2121/132;

2106/117, 2107/118, 2108/119, 2119/130; 2114/125; 2122/133 Grids: 258, 259, 272Pit:Cut: 2072 (fill 2071)Drawing: 2026/sh.4Photos: 2063/73, 2064/74, 2066/76, 2067/77Grid: 259Possible postholes/pits:Cuts: 2066 (fill 2065); 2067 (fills: 2068, 2069, 2070, 2077).Drawings: 2023/sh.4; 2025/sh.4; 3050Photos: 2058/68, 2060/70; 2062/72, 2068/78.Grid: 258

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Sub-group 32 a - 4 linear features, one with lots of flints and 1 pit (5 contexts).

This sub-group is made of 4 linear features and one pit. 3 of them: 2110, 2131 and 2064 are orientated NW-SE and are running parallel each other. The fourth feature – 2119 is orientated SW-NE. There’s a 3-m gap between SE end of 2110 and SW end of 2119 linear feature (they are laying perpendicular each other). Feature 2064 is located ~6 m NE of 2110. It’s possible that these three linears are the part of some kind of building structure.

Description:Linear cut 2110 is 3.65 m. long, 0.95 m. wide and 0.40 m. deep. The sides are moder-

ate and concave (N), and gentle and irregular (S). The base is irregular in plan and con-cave in profile. Orientation is NW-SE

This cut contains 5 fills:2115 is the earliest, quite sterile fill of this context composed of light pinkish/grey

brown soft clayey silt with fine and medium, sub-angular (moderate) pebbles (bulk sam-ple #2065). No charcoal visible.

2114 is dark orangish brown fill with concentration of 1 large angular stone went with smaller sub-angular, small and medium stones and pebbles at the NW end of linear.

2113 is a sterile possibly even natural (?) light, yellowish, brown, soft clayey silt. It’s a top fill of linear cut composed of large angular and sub-angular stones, small, medium, fine and medium pebbles without any charcoal accompanied (sample # 2063).

2112 is mid pinkish to brownish grey soft clayey silt with rare inclusions of fine and medium sub-angular and sub-rounded (mostly occasional) pebbles (sample # 2062) This fill is a shallow (0.07 m.) and narrow (0.21 m.) layer running through the 2/3 of a length (2.3 m.) of cut 2110. Possibly natural or drainage feature.

2111 is similar to fill 2114 in presence of inclusions (very similar stony part of fill) but is slightly different in colour of surrounding soil which is mid greyish brown silty firm clay (sample # 2061).

No evidence of charcoal in the fills.Linear cut 2119 is 2.10 m. long, 0.60 m. wide and 0.37 m. deep. It’s the second

linear cut in this sub-group orientated SW-NE. There’s a 3-meter gap between SE end of 2110 and SW end of 2119 linear feature (they are laying perpendicular each other). It contains 3 fills: 2120, 2121 and 2122. The sides are generally steep and moderate (E side only) and variously shaped: undercut (NW), stepped (SW), and concave (SE, E). Shape of base is sub-rectangular in plan and flat/concave in profile. Upper fill of this feature - 2121 is greyish brown sandy silt, very friable filled up wit fine and medium angular and sub-angular pebbles (sample # 2068) which seems to natural depression fill. The mid fill 2120 is mid pinkish/brownish grey sandy silt, friable, with inclusions of fine, sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles and sub-rounded, occasional small stones. Fill doesn’t contain a charcoal.


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The bottom fill 2122 is a composition of mid yellowish/brownish grey friable silt with small, medium sub-angular and sub-rounded large stones with inclusions of occasional charcoal flecks (sample # 2069). Stones were present in the S part of cut 2119.

Linear cut 2131 is 1.7 m. long, 0.73 m. wide, 0.33 m. deep. Orientated NW-SE, lo-cated 1.5 m. S of 2110.

It’s a small linear/irregular feature with steep or moderate sides, rather smooth. Only NE side is moderate/steep and irregular. It’s filled up by the mid reddish brown firm clayey silt with several sizes of pebbles and stones, esp. angular and sub-angular (moderate and frequent), and occasional charcoal flecks (sample # 2074). Feature possibly connected with 2 other linears 2119 and 2110 and also may be part of a structure.

Linear cut 2064 with lots of flints in the fill is located ~6 meters NE of 2110. It’s a small linear feature (2 ends of feature slightly curving NW – SW). It is 1.50 m.

long, 0.27 m. wide and 0.26 m. deep. Slopes of the sides are moderate/steep (NE), steep (SE), vertical (SW), moderate (NW) and their shape is irregular (NE, SE) or irregular/undercut (SW, NW). The shape of base in profile is irregular/tapered rounded point.

It contains one light grey weakly cemented silty sand fill 2063. Inclusions determine a various sizes of pebbles and small stones (esp. angular, sub-angular and sub-rounded) and charcoal flecks and small (occasional) pieces (bulk sample #2036). Majority of 32 flint flecks (find # 2006) had been found in SE part of the feature (from the slope side). Most of them determined flint debitages. Only very few of them had been found in the rest part of this fill. Presence of flints suggests that they could have been remains of a bigger feature connected with a place to work these flints out. It’s also possible that these flecks could be washed down from the surface, where they had been working out and then washed in to the linear hollow or specially created/dug out place. Besides flints some occasional pieces of crystals and worked stones were presented in the fill (the same find number #2006).

Pit 2072This feature is located ~ 3 metres N of linear feature 2119 and ~ 3 metres SE of flint

rich small linear feature 2064.It is a circular, average sized (0.51 x 0.50 x 0.18 m.) pit with most sides steep, irregular

and concave shaped. The base is flat/slightly concave in profile and circular in plan. It’s filled by 2071 which is mid orangish brown, silty, weakly cemented sand with inclusions of various fine to medium angular and sub-angular pebbles and small and medium stones (angular and sub-angular). Fill contains also charcoal flecks and small pieces (oc-casional). The largest stone was placed at the bottom of W side of pit. The lower part of the fill, almost at the base, was covered by pebbles. Soil sample (# 2043) has been taken from this fill.

Sub-group 32 b - 2 possible postholes/pits (2 contexts).These possible pit/postholes are located in the W par of grid 258, 4 metres W of 2131

and 2110 features. There’s a ~ 5 metre gap between them (in N-S direction). Description:2066 is a cut of pit/posthole. It’s an irregular/semi rectangular feature with rather

rounded corners (NE, SE). Dimensions are: 1.14 x 0.61 x 0.54. Sides are vertical or smooth

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(smooth shaped). East side is vertical and undercut. Base is sub-rectangular shaped in plan and concave in profile. It is filled by mid reddish brown silty firm clay with inclu-sions of occasional charcoal flecks and coarse pebbles, small and medium stones - angu-lar and sub-angular (sample #2037).

This feature might be created by root action or animal burrow. It consist of an irregu-lar shaped depression within which there is a regular oval shaped deep (0.54 m.) pit which may indicate human activity however occasion charcoal flecks in the fill not likely to be directly related to feature. Lack of finds doesn’t provide any archaeological information.

2067 is a cut of possible pit/posthole, sub–rectangular in shape orientated NE-SW (0.56 x 0.40 x 0.29) with vertical (N, W) and steep (S, E) sides, concave (S, E) or convex (N) and smooth (W). Shape of base in plan is sub-circular and flat in profile.

Three flat stones were found on the lowest layer suggest that this feature could be posthole. It contains 4 fills: 2068, 2069, 2070 and 2077.

Fill 2077 is the lowest fill in the cut 2067. It is 0.15 m. deep mid brownish grey sandy soft silt with coarse, sub-angular occasional pebbles and small stones. Stones are placed just at the sides of cut (possible remains of packing stones). No charcoal.

Fill 2068 is a very thin layer of charcoal (0.03 m.) contaminated with dark greyish brown soft clayey silt and angular medium sized pebbles (sample # 2038). Charcoal is concentrated on the W part of this context.

Fill 2069 is a thin layer (0.11 m.) of mid greyish, yellow, sandy, soft silt with fine and medium angular, and sub-angular (occasional) pebbles containing occasional charcoal flecks (sample # 2039).

Fill 2070 is the top (0.16 m. deep) fill of mid greyish brown clayey soft silt with coarse (sub-angular) occasional pebbles with charcoal flecks (sample # 2040).

Group 33

Linear feature and associated features (8 contexts)

This group of features was located in grids 271, 272, 285 and 286, 10-15 m. E of W CPO (limit of excavation) line and bordered with the group 30 from the North and with groups 29 and 32 from the South.

Linear feature:Cut: 2052 (fill 2051)Drawing: 2021/sh.3Photos: 2049/59, 2050/60Grid: 271, 272, 286Finds: 2007 (clay pipe, glass, pottery)Pits:Cuts: 2020 (fills 2019); 2024 (fill 2023); 2030 (fill 2031). Drawings: 2011/sh.2; 2010/sh.2; 3050 (postex)Photos: 2013, 2015; 2019, 2028; 2017, 2027, 2035.


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Grid: 271, 285, 286.Finds: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 (pottery)Posthole, stakehole, burnt soil, possible tree bowl:Cut: 2022 (fill 2021), 2036 (fill 2035); 2009; 2048 (fill 2047)Drawing: 2001/sh.1; 2008/sh.2; 3050 (postex)Photos: 2001/9, 2022/30; 2008/16, 2023/32Grid: 300, 301Description:This group was made of 8 features: linear feature, 3 pits, posthole, stakehole, burnt

deposit and feature which looks as tree bowl. All these features did not seem to be directly related each other but in two cases there was a relation: pit 2020 was related with burnt deposit 2009 and pit 2031 was related with stakehole 2036 appeared in its fill.

The main feature in this group was linear feature. It was 11.60 m. long, 0.80 m. wide and 0.15 to 0.40 m. deep. Its sides sloped gentle (to moderate) and were concave shaped (NE) and moderate and smooth (SW). Shape of base was concave an in some parts slightly irregular. It was orientated NE-SW. Four furrows, running E-W truncated this feature from the top. It also cut a field boundary but terminated before meeting linear at SW end, in which the fill was more stony that it was at NE end. The fill 2051 was mid to dark brown clayey silt with moderate inclusions of angular and sub-angular, occasional flecks and small pieces of charcoal. Few finds were found in this fill (clay pipe, glass and pottery; find # 2007) what could suggest modern origin of this linear feature.

Pits 2020, 2024, 2031 were located few metres N of linear feature 2052. They created a line running NW-SE with the distance to each other about 6 metres, but it seemed to be accidental.

Pit 2020 was a small circular feature (0.33 x 0.31 x 0.08 m.) with break of slope (top) – mostly sharp and at the base mostly all gradual. Sides were moderate and smooth and a shape of base in plan was sub-circular and flat in profile. Fill 2019 was mid brown silty clay material with inclusions of small (frequent) and medium (moderate) stones with charcoal (occasional) flecks. Charcoal indicated human activity but feature was badly damaged probably by ploughing in this area in the past. Feature was related to burnt deposit 2009, which dimensions were 0.94 x 0.62 x 0.05 m. and which was situated SE im-mediately after the pit. It was dark, reddish, silty, firm clay with inclusions of small sub-angular, moderate stones with inclusions of frequent flecks, moderate small, occasional medium charcoal pieces and occasional flecks of burnt bone. It was a possible hearth with in situ burning.

Pit 2024 was sub-circular pit with steep and smooth (N, E) and gentle and smooth (S) sides with break of slope top and base sharp (N) and gradual (S). It was sloping to steeper base on N side of base. Cut was filled by light greyish brown silty clay with coarse angular frequent pebbles, angular and sub-angular small, and medium moderate stones. Probable human activity but also there was a root action happened and a shape of cut may suggest a tree bowl.

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Pit 2031 was an oval shaped feature in dimensions of 0.49 x 0.35 x 0.22 m. with sharp break of slope at top and a base. Sides were vertical and smooth (on the W side slightly undercut). Shape of base in plan was oval and flat in profile. The fill of this cut was greyish brown, soft silt with medium angular and sub-angular pebbles to small stones with mod-erate charcoal flecks, small and medium pieces. At the base, there was a stakehole 2036, which was put in to the fill of pit 2035. It could be also a small post collapsed in cause of burning and then decayed in situ (see photo 2017).

Posthole 2022 was a sub-oval feature with rounded corners and sharp break of slope (top) and mostly gradual at the base. Dimensions were 0.50 x 0.32 x 0.33 m. Sides were vertical, steep and moderate, concave and steeped shaped. Only S side was smooth and undercut. Feature was slightly orientated E-W. Posthole was truncated by roots in W and SW part. This oval shape suggested driven posthole. Fill 2021 was light greyish brown clayey sandy silt, friable. It contained mostly coarse pebbles and small occasional stones and occasional flecks, small and medium pieces of charcoal. On the top on W part of this context medium pieces of charcoal occurred frequently. The bottom of feature (in a South part) was disturbed by roots.

Cut 2048 was irregular feature, probable tree bowl located 1 m. N of SW end of the linear feature 2052. It was quite big (3.1 x 2.10 x 0.46 m.) with sides mostly steep and irregular. Shape of base in plan was also irregular and flat (slightly concave). It was orien-tated N-S. Fill was mid greyish brown silty firm clay with moderate inclusions of coarse sub-angular pebbles and angular, sub-angular small stones; frequent charcoal flecks and small, medium charcoal pieces. Pottery found on the surface of fill not likely to be related to feature and was probably spread from nearby features. Roots activity also indicated that it could be a tree bowl.

Interpretation:This group contained few archaeological features but the main, long feature - 2052

was a modern ditch or furrow. There were 3 pits located N of 2052 and only 2035 seemed to be an archaeological feature for sure. Other features could be modern as well as a posthole 2022. Cut 2048 was more likely to be a tree bowl than a pit but because of the pottery found in the fill it was treated as possible archaeological feature.


398

Appendix 4 Finds RegisterContext # NMI Find # Category Fabric Artefact type1 1 Stone Flint Flake1 2 Stone Flint Flake1 3 Stone Flint Flake1 4 Stone Flint Flake1 5 Stone Flint Retouched?1 6 Stone Flint Flake1 7 Stone Flint1 8 Stone Flint1 9 Stone Shale Blade1 10 Stone Flint1 11 Stone Flint1 12 Stone Flint Unknown1 13 Stone Flint1 14 Stone Flint Flake1 15 Stone Flint Flake1 16 Stone Flint Scraper1 17 Stone Flint Flake?1 18 Stone Flint Flake?1 19 Stone Flint1 20 Stone Flint Flake1 21 Stone Flint Debitage1 22 Stone Flint1 23 Stone Flint1 24 Stone Flint 1 25 Stone Flint Scraper?1 26 Stone Flint1 27 Stone Flint1 28 Stone Flint Unknown1 29 Stone Flint1 30 Stone Quartz Crystal1 31 Stone Quartz Artefact1 32 Stone Flint1 33 Stone Quartz Fragment1 34 Stone Flint Flake1 35 Stone Flint1 36 Stone Flint Debitage1 37 Stone Flint1 38 Stone Quartz Crystal1 39 Stone Quartz Fragment1 40 Stone Chert?1 41 Stone Flint Unknown1 42 Stone Quartz Fragment1 43 Stone Quartz Fragment1 44 Stone Pink Quartz Crystal1 45 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherd1 46 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd1 47 Ceramic Brick Burnt fragment1 48 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd

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Context # NMI Find # Category Fabric Artefact type1 49 Ceramic Clay pipe Bowl1 50 Ceramic Pottery Base sherd1 51 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd1 52 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd1 53 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd1 54 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd1 55 Stone1 56 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherd1 57 Ceramic Clay pipe Stem1 58 Ceramic Clay pipe Stem1 59 Ceramic Clay pipe Stem1 60 Ceramic Clay pipe Stem1 61 Ceramic Clay pipe Stem1 62 Ceramic Clay pipe Stem1 63 Ceramic Clay pipe Stem1 64 Ceramic Clay pipe Stem1 65 Ceramic Clay pipe Bowl1 66 Ceramic Clay pipe Bowl fragment1 67 Ceramic Clay pipe Stem1 68 Ceramic Clay pipe Stem1 69 Ceramic Clay pipe Stem1 70 Ceramic Clay pipe Stem1 71 Ceramic Clay pipe Stem1 72 Ceramic Clay pipe Stem1 73 Ceramic Clay pipe Stem1 74 Ceramic Clay pipe Stem1 75 Ceramic Clay pipe Stem1 76 Ceramic Clay pipe Stem1 77 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd1 78 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd1 79 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherd1 80 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd1 Stone Quartz Worked1 Ceramic Pottery Pottery2 1 Stone Flint2 2 Stone Flint2 3 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd31 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd31 2 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd31 3 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd31 4 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd31 5 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd fragment31 6 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd31 7 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd31 8 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd31 9 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd31 10 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherd31 11 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherd31 12 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd32 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd


400

Context # NMI Find # Category Fabric Artefact type40 1 Stone Flint40 2 Stone Flint Flake40 3 Metal Bronze? Coin40 4 Metal Iron Nail40 5 Ceramic Clay pipe Stem40 6 Ceramic Pottery Handle 40 7 Ceramic Pottery Basal sherd40 Organic Bone Animal45 1 Stone Flint45 2 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd45 3 Ceramic Pottery Crumbs (x7)57 1 Stone Unknown Packing stone65 1 Ceramic Clay pipe Bowl Fragment65 2 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherd91 1 Stone Sandstone Rubbing stone146 1 Stone Flint146 2 Stone Flint153 1 Stone Flint153 2 Stone Hammerstone fragment158 1 Metal Iron Horseshoe174 1 Stone Flint178 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd179 Stone Flint Worked187 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd217 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd266 1 Stone Flint266 2 Stone Flint Flake266 3 Stone Quartz Fragment266 4 Stone Quartz Fragment266 5 Stone Quartz Fragment266 6 Stone Flint Struck?266 7 Stone Flint266 8 Stone Flint266 9 Stone Flint Flake266 10 Stone Flint Flake266 11 Stone Flint Worked266 12 Ceramic Clay pipe Bowl266 13 Ceramic Clay pipe Stem266 14 Ceramic Clay pipe Stem277 1 Stone Flint Blade?277 2 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd277 3 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 1 Stone Axe (poss)287 2 Stone Flint287 3 Stone Quartz Fragment287 4 Stone Flint Flake287 5 Stone Flint Debitage287 6 Stone Flint287 7 Stone Flint Scraper?287 8 Stone Quartz Retouched?

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Context # NMI Find # Category Fabric Artefact type287 9 Stone Flint287 10 Stone Flint287 11 Stone Quartz Fragment287 12 Stone Quartz Fragment287 13 Stone Quartz Fragment287 14 Stone Quartz Fragment287 15 Stone Quartz Fragment287 16 Stone Quartz Fragment287 17 Stone Quartz Fragment287 18 Stone Quartz Fragment287 19 Stone Quartz Fragment287 20 Stone Quartz Fragment287 21 Stone Quartz Fragment287 22 Stone Quartz Fragment287 23 Stone Flint Flake287 24 Stone Quartz Fragment287 25 Stone Quartz Fragment287 26 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 27 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 28 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 29 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 30 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 31 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 32 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 33 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 34 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 35 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 36 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 37 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 38 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 39 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 40 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 41 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 42 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 43 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 44 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 45 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 46 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 47 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 48 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 49 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 50 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 51 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 52 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 53 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 54 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 55 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 56 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 57 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 58 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd


402

Context # NMI Find # Category Fabric Artefact type287 59 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 60 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 61 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 62 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 63 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherd287 64 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 65 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 66 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherd287 67 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 68 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 69 Ceramic Pottery Body crumbs (x2)287 70 Ceramic Pottery Body sherds (x2)287 71 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherd287 72 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherd287 73 Ceramic Pottery Body sherds (x2)287 74 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 75 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherd287 76 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 77 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 78 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 79 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 80 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 81 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 82 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 83 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 84 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 85 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 86 Ceramic Pottery Body sherds (x2)287 87 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 88 Ceramic Pottery Basal sherd287 89 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 90 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherd287 91 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 92 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 93 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 94 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 95 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 96 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 97 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 98 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 99 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 100 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 101 Ceramic Pottery Body sherds (x2)287 102 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherd287 103 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 104 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 105 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 106 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 107 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 108 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd

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Context # NMI Find # Category Fabric Artefact type287 109 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 110 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 111 Ceramic Pottery Body sherds (x2)287 112 Ceramic Pottery Body sherds (x2)287 113 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherd287 114 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd287 115 Stone Quartz Fragment287 Ceramic Pottery Sherd287 Stone Flint Unknown302 1 Stone Flint Flake309 1 Stone Sandstone Quern stone370 1 Stone Flint Fragment370 2 Stone Flint Fragment370 3 Stone Flint Worked370 4 Ceramic Clay pipe Stem381 1 Ceramic Pottery Body crumb405 1 Stone Flint405 2 Stone Hammerstone 405 3 Stone Rounded408 1 Ceramic Pottery Basal sherd411 1 Stone Flint Struck411 2 Stone Quartz Fragment411 3 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd411 4 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd411 5 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd411 6 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd411 7 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd411 8 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherd411 9 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherd411 10 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd411 11 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd411 12 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd411 13 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd411 14 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd411 15 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd411 16 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd411 17 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd411 18 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd411 19 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd411 20 Ceramic Pottery Crumbs (x2)412 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd413 1 Stone Axe fragment413 2 Stone Hammerstone418 1 Stone Quartz Fragment446 1 Stone Iron ore454 1 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherd455 1 Stone Quartz Fragment455 2 Stone Quartz Fragment455 3 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd455 4 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd


404

Context # NMI Find # Category Fabric Artefact type455 5 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd455 6 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd455 7 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherd455 8 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd455 9 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd455 10 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherd455 11 Ceramic Pottery Base sherd455 12 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd456 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd456 2 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherd456 3 Stone Quartz Fragment456 4 Stone Quartz Fragment456 5 Stone Quartz Fragment462 1 Stone Quartz Fragment466 1 Stone Flint476 1 Stone Quartz Fragment476 2 Stone Flint476 3 Stone Quartz Fragment476 4 Stone Quartz Fragment476 5 Stone Quartz Fragment476 6 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd476 7 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd476 8 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd476 9 Ceramic Pottery Basal sherd476 10 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd476 11 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd476 12 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd476 13 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd476 14 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd476 15 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd476 16 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd476 17 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd486 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherds (x2)486 2 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd486 3 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd492 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd492 2 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd492 3 Ceramic Pottery Base sherd500 1 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherd500 2 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherd500 3 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd500 4 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd500 5 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd500 6 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd500 7 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd500 8 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd500 9 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd526 1 Stone Flint526 2 Stone Chert526 3 Stone Chert Flake?

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Context # NMI Find # Category Fabric Artefact type526 4 Stone Chert Debitage (x4)526 5 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd526 6 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd526 7 Stone Sandstone529 1 Stone Flint536 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd539 1 Stone Quartz Crystal fragment539 2 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd539 3 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd541 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd541 2 Ceramic Pottery Basal sherd542 1 Stone Flint553 1 Stone Flint Core?553 2 Stone Flint Retouched?553 3 Stone Flint553 4 Stone Flint553 5 Stone Flint Retouched?553 6 Stone Flint553 7 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd553 8 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd553 9 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd553 10 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd554 1 Stone Flint Debitage (x2)566 1 Stone Quartz Fragment566 2 Ceramic Pottery Body sherds (x2)566 3 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd580 1 Stone Flint580 2 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd583 1 Stone Flint583 2 Stone Flint593 3 Ceramic Pottery Crumbs (x4)593 4 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd593 5 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd593 6 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd593 7 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd660 1 Stone Flint Debitage687 1 Stone Flint696 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd772 1 Stone Quartz Fragment772 2 Stone Quartz Fragment824 1 Stone Flint Debitage824 2 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd824 3 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd824 4 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd824 5 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd838 1 Ceramic Pottery Body crumbs (x2)868 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd870 1 Stone Quartz Fragment878 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd883 1 Stone Flint Debitage


406

Context # NMI Find # Category Fabric Artefact type883 2 Stone Hammerstone885 1 Ceramic Pottery Sherd885 2 Ceramic Pottery Sherd890 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd891 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd891 2 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd891 3 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd897 1 Stone Quartz897 2 Stone897 3 Ceramic Pottery Body sherds (x2)897 4 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherd897 5 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd897 6 Ceramic Pottery Handle sherd897 7 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherd897 8 Ceramic Pottery Crumbs (x5)897 9 Stone Worked897 10 Stone Worked897 11 Stone Worked901 1 Ceramic Pottery Crumbs (x5)901 2 Ceramic Pottery Body sherds (x3)901 3 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd903 1 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherd913 1 Stone Flint Flake920 1 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherd920 2 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherd924 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd924 2 Ceramic Pottery Base sherd929 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd929 2 Ceramic Pottery Body crumbs (x2)935 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd936 1 Stone Flint Struck936 2 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd944 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd945 1 Stone Flint Debitage (x2)945 2 Stone Flint Retouched?945 3 Stone Quartz Fragment945 4 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd945 5 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd945 6 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd945 7 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd945 8 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherd945 9 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd fragments (x2)945 10 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd945 11 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherd945 12 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd945 13 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd947 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd950 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd952 1 Ceramic Pottery Body crumbs (x2)952 2 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherd

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Context # NMI Find # Category Fabric Artefact type953 1 Ceramic Pottery Base sherd960 1 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherd960 2 Ceramic Pottery Crumbs (x4)964 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd964 2 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd970 1 Stone Quartz Fragment971 1 Ceramic Pottery Crumbs (x4)975 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd983 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd990 1 Ceramic Pottery Crumbs (x3)990 2 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd990 3 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd990 4 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd992 1 Stone Rubbing stone996 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd996 2 Ceramic Pottery Base sherd1006 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd1006 2 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd1038 1 Ceramic Pottery Rim Sherd1101 Ceramic Pottery Sherd1223 1 Stone Quartz Fragment1223 2 Stone Sandstone?1227 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd1241 1 Stone Flint Scraper?1253 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd1253 2 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd1259 1 Stone Flint?1261 1 Stone Quartz Debitage?1290 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd1324 1 Ceramic Pottery Body crumbs (x4)1324 2 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd1324 3 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd1324 4 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd1324 5 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd1358 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherds (x4)1366 1 Stone Pink Quartz Fragment1366 2 Ceramic Pottery Rim Sherd1390 1 Glass Bottle? Clear fragment1390 2 Ceramic Clay pipe Stem1395 1 Metal Copper Alloy Coin1398 1 Stone Flint1562 1 Stone Flint1565 1 Stone Flint Core1625 1 Stone Flint1625 2 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd1628 1 Ceramic Pottery Body crumb1645 1 Stone Flint Debitage1645 2 Stone Flint Flake1649 1 Stone Flint1688 1 Stone Flint


408

Context # NMI Find # Category Fabric Artefact type2025 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd2025 2 Ceramic Pottery Body sherds (x3)2026 1 Ceramic Burnt Clay Fragment2026 2 Ceramic Pottery Body fragments (x17)2026 3 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherds (x3)2026 4 Ceramic Pottery Base sherds (x4)2026 5 Ceramic Pottery Body sherds (x12)2047 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd2051 1 Ceramic Clay pipe Stem2051 2 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd2063 1 Stone Flint Debitages (x22)2063 2 Stone Flint Flake2063 3 Stone Flint Flake2063 4 Stone Flint Flake2063 5 Stone Flint Flake2063 6 Stone Flint Flake2063 7 Stone Flint Flake2063 8 Stone Flint Flake2063 9 Stone Flint Flake2063 10 Stone Flint Flake2063 11 Stone Flint Flake2063 12 Stone Flint Flake2063 13 Stone Flint Flake2063 14 Stone Quartz Crystal fragment2144 1 Stone Flint2522 1 Stone Flint Debitage2522 2 Stone Flint Flake2522 3 Stone Flint Flake2522 4 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd2522 5 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd2522 6 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd2522 7 Ceramic Pottery Body sherds (x2)2522 8 Ceramic Pottery Base sherd 2522 9 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherd2602 1 Stone Flint2633 1 Stone Flint2661 1 Metal Copper? Object2665 1 Stone Sandstone? Rubber stone2673 1 Stone Flint Flake2682 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd2699 1 Stone Flint2723 1 Stone Flint2726 1 Ceramic Clay Lump2727 1 Stone Sandstone? Hammer stone2738 1 Stone Flint2738 2 Ceramic Pottery Body crumbs (x12)2738 3 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd2738 4 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd2738 5 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd2738 6 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd

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Context # NMI Find # Category Fabric Artefact type2738 7 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd2738 8 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd2738 9 Ceramic Pottery Rim sherd2738 10 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd2738 11 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd2738 12 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd2738 13 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd2738 14 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd2738 15 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd2738 16 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd2738 17 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd2738 18 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd2738 19 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd2738 20 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd2738 21 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd2738 22 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd2767 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd2788 1 Ceramic Pottery Body sherd3012 1 Ceramic Clay pipe Stem3013 1 Glass Glass Fragments (x4)3040 1 Ceramic Pottery Rim Sherd3055 1 Metal Iron Ring3055 2 Glass Glass Fragment 3058 1 Ceramic Clay pipe Stem3060 1 Glass Window Fragments (x10)3116 1 Stone Flint3120 1 Metal Iron Tool fragment


410

Appendix 5 Lithics Finds Report

Farina Sternke

IntroductionTwo-hundred-and-twenty-three lithic finds from the archaeological excavations of a pre-historic site in the townland of Caherdrinny 3, Co. Cork were presented for analysis (Table 1). The finds are associated with the remains of a rectangular house with associated pits and layers.

MethodologyAll lithic artefacts are examined visually and catalogued using Microsoft Excel. The fol-lowing details are recorded for each artefact which measure at least 2 cm in length or width: context information, raw material type, artefact type, the presence of cortex, arte-fact condition, length, width and thickness measurements, fragmentation and the type of retouch (where applicable). The technological criteria recorded are based on the terminol-ogy and technology presented in Inizan et al. 1999. The general typological and morpho-logical classifications are based on Woodman et al. 2006. Struck lithics smaller than 2 cm are classed as debitage and are not analysed further. The same applies to natural chunks and pebbles.

Given the importance of the assemblage and its similarity to that of the nearby exca-vated multi-period site at Gortore (E2410) (Sternke 2007), a limited refitting programme will be undertaken to understand the technologies used, identify activity areas and aid in the determination of the phasing of the site and shed light on the possible contemporane-ity of individual features and the two sites.

QuantificationThe lithics are 156 flaked pieces of flint, 37 flaked pieces of quartz crystal, one flaked piece of chert, one flaked piece of quartz, one worked piece of slate, eight utilised pieces of quartzite, four utilised pieces of sandstone and two worked pieces of mudstone as well as eight natural pieces of flint, nine natural pieces of quartz crystal, one natural piece of quartz and three natural pieces of amethyst (Table 2). In addition, the assemblage con-tains one piece of ore or slag (E2422:446:1). One-hundred-and-six artefacts are larger than 2 cm in length and width and were therefore recorded in detail.

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ProvenanceAlmost one-quarter of the artefacts was recovered from the topsoil. The remainder derive from a large number of pit fills, fills of a linear feature, field boundary fills, posthole fills, the fill of a kiln and various spreads and layers (Table 3).

Condition:The lithics survive in variable condition (Table 4). Over one third of the artefacts are incomplete. The lustre observed on thirteen artefacts (Table 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. Circa 30 percent of the flaked artefact component of the assem-blage bears the remnants of cortex.

Find Num

ber

Context

Context Type

Material

Type

Cortex

Condition

Length (mm

)

Width (m

m)

Thickn. (m

m)

Com

plete

Retouch

E2422:1:1 1 Topsoil Flint Flake Yes Burnt 25 24 5 No NoE2422:1:2 1 Topsoil Flint Flake Yes Patinated 29 15 7 Yes NoE2422:1:3 1 Topsoil Flint Flake No Slightly

Rolled40 36 13 No No

E2422:1:4 1 Topsoil Flint Debitage E2422:1:5 1 Topsoil Chert Debitage E2422:1:6 1 Topsoil Flint Debitage E2422:1:7 1 Topsoil Flint Flake Yes Slightly

Patinated31 32 12 No No

E2422:1:8 1 Topsoil Flint Blade Yes Reason-ably Fresh

39 13 4 No No

E2422:1:9 1 Topsoil Shale Moy-nagh Point

No Slightly Weathered

65 33 7 No No

E2422:1:10 1 Topsoil Flint Flake Yes Patinated 26 19 7 Yes NoE2422:1:11 1 Topsoil Flint Debitage E2422:1:12 1 Topsoil Flint Flake Yes Reason-

ably Fresh30 32 6 No No

E2422:1:13 1 Topsoil Flint Flake No Slightly Rolled

17 25 9 Yes No

E2422:1:14 1 Topsoil Flint Flake Yes Reason-ably Fresh

22 12 3 No No

E2422:1:15 1 Topsoil Flint Debitage E2422:1:16 1 Topsoil Flint Re-

touched Artefact

Yes Slightly Patinated

36 24 8 Yes distal right edge direct abrupt

E2422:1:17 1 Topsoil Flint Debitage E2422:1:18 1 Topsoil Flint Debitage E2422:1:19 1 Topsoil Flint Flake Yes Patinated 29 15 8 Yes NoE2422:1:20 1 Topsoil Flint Flake No Reason-

ably Fresh32 23 5 No No

E2422:1:21 1 Topsoil Flint Debitage


412

Find Num

ber

Context

Context Type

Material

Type

Cortex

Condition

Length (mm

)

Width (m

m)

Thickn. (m

m)

Com

plete

Retouch

E2422:1:22 1 Topsoil Flint Debitage E2422:1:23 1 Topsoil Flint Flake Yes Lustred 36 20 8 No NoE2422:1:24 1 Topsoil Flint Re-

touched Artefact


21 18 8 Yes right edge direct abrupt

E2422:1:25 1 Topsoil Flint Flake Yes Lustred 19 23 5 Yes NoE2422:1:26 1 Topsoil Flint Flake No Lustred 24 15 9 Yes NoE2422:1:27 1 Topsoil Flint Flake Yes Lustred 28 18 4 Yes NoE2422:1:28 1 Topsoil Flint Debitage E2422:1:29 1 Topsoil Flint Flake Yes Patinated 29 20 6 No NoE2422:1:30 1 Topsoil Quartz

CrystalNatural Chunk

E2422:1:31 1 Topsoil Quartz Crystal

Natural Chunk

E2422:1:32 1 Topsoil Flint Core Yes Patinated 21 18 9 Yes NoE2422:1:33 1 Topsoil Quartz Natural

Chunk

E2422:1:34 1 Topsoil Flint Debitage E2422:1:35 1 Topsoil Flint Flake No Patinated 24 26 4 Yes NoE2422:1:36 1 Topsoil Flint Debitage E2422:1:37 1 Topsoil Flint Flake No Lustred 21 15 5 No NoE2422:1:38 1 Topsoil Quartz

CrystalCore No Slightly

Rolled30 21 13 Yes No


Core No Reason-ably Fresh

20 15 9 Yes No

E2422:1:40 1 Topsoil Flint Flake Yes Heavily Patinated

31 18 8 Yes No

E2422:1:41 1 Topsoil Flint Re-touched Artefact

Yes Reason-ably Fresh

49 31 14 Yes proximal right edge inverse semia-brupt

E2422:1:42 1 Topsoil Am-ethyst

Natural Chunk


Debitage

E2422:1:44 1 Topsoil Am-ethyst

Natural Chunk

E2422:1:55 1 Topsoil Sand-stone

Rubbing Stone

No Burnt 126 114 63 No No

E2422:2:1 2 Subsoil Flint Flake Yes Patinated 28 22 6 No NoE2422:2:2 2 Subsoil Flint Flake No Slightly

Patinated31 19 3 Yes No

E2422:40:1 40 Fill of field bound-ary

Flint Debitage


Flint Debitage

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Find Num

ber

Context

Context Type

Material

Type

Cortex

Condition

Length (mm

)

Width (m

m)

Thickn. (m

m)

Com

plete

Retouch

E2422:45:1 45 Fill of kiln

Flint Blade Yes Burnt 35 15 4 No No

E2422:146:1 146 Fill of hollow

Flint Debitage

E2422:146:2 146 Fill of hollow

Flint Flake No Lustred 16 22 6 No No

E2422:153:1 153 Fill of curving ditch

Flint Blade Yes Patinated 23 10 5 No No


Quartz-ite

Rubbing Stone



Flint Flake Yes Slightly Patinated

21 17 6 No No

E2422:266:1 266 Fill in field bound-ary

Flint Debitage


Flint Debitage


Quartz Crystal

Natural Chunk


Quartz Crystal

Natural Chunk


Quartz Crystal

Debitage


Flint Debitage


Flint Re-touched Artefact

Yes Patinated 23 17 10 Yes distal and right edge direct abrupt



Yes Lustred 27 22 5 Yes distal right edge direct semia-brupt


Flint Debitage


414

Find Num

ber

Context

Context Type

Material

Type

Cortex

Condition

Length (mm

)

Width (m

m)

Thickn. (m

m)

Com

plete

Retouch


Flint Debitage


Flint Flake No Patinated 22 18 5 No No

E2422:277:1 277 Fill of slot trench and pit


E2422:287:1 287 Pit fill Mud-stone

Polished Stone Axe

No Slightly Rolled

70 34 18 No No

E2422:287:2 287 Pit fill Flint Debitage E2422:287:3 287 Pit fill Quartz

CrystalBlade No Reason-

ably Fresh22 7 6 Yes No

E2422:287:4 287 Pit fill Flint Blade No Lustred 26 9 8 Yes NoE2422:287:5 287 Pit fill Flint Debitage E2422:287:6 287 Pit fill Flint Debitage E2422:287:7 287 Pit fill Flint Flake Yes Slightly


E2422:287:8 287 Pit fill Quartz Crystal

Debitage

E2422:287:9A 287 Pit fill Flint Blade No Patinated 31 14 4 Yes NoE2422:287:9B 287 Pit fill Flint Debitage E2422:287:10 287 Pit fill Flint Re-

touched Artefact

Yes Lustred 45 26 11 Yes distal right edge and left edge direct semia-brupt


Flake No Reason-ably Fresh

23 11 7 Yes No


Debitage



22 15 11 Yes No


Blade No Reason-ably Fresh

34 13 7 Yes No



25 9 9 Yes No



31 23 10 Yes No



23 21 13 Yes No


Natural Chunk


Natural Chunk

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

415


Find Num

ber

Context

Context Type

Material

Type

Cortex

Condition

Length (mm

)

Width (m

m)

Thickn. (m

m)

Com

plete

Retouch


Debitage


Debitage


Debitage

E2422:287:23 287 Pit fill Flint Flake Yes Reason-ably Fresh

22 16 6 Yes No


Debitage


Debitage


Debitage

E2422:302:1 302 Pit fill Flint Core Yes Patinated 23 23 9 Yes NoE2422:370:1 370 Spread Flint Natural

Chunk

E2422:370:2 370 Spread Flint Natural Chunk

E2422:370:3 370 Spread Flint Flake Yes Burnt 28 24 5 No NoE2422:405:1 405 Pit fill Flint Debitage E2422:405:2 405 Pit fill Quartz-

iteHam-mer/Rubbing Stone


E2422:405:3 405 Pit fill Quartz-ite

Ham-mer-stone?

No Weathered 36 32 26 Yes No

E2422:411:1 411 Fill of slot trench

Flint Flake Yes Lustred 24 15 7 Yes No

E2422:411:2 411 Fill of slot trench

Quartz Crystal


26 15 8 Yes No

E2422:413:1 413 Post-hole fill

Mud-stone

Polished Stone Axe



Quartz-ite

Rubbing Stone

No Weathered 121 51 29 No No

E2422:418:1 418 Furrow fill

Quartz Crystal

Debitage

E2422:446:1 446 Pit fill Iron Ore/Slag?




26 20 11 Yes No


Debitage


Debitage


Debitage


416

Find Num

ber

Context

Context Type

Material

Type

Cortex

Condition

Length (mm

)

Width (m

m)

Thickn. (m

m)

Com

plete

Retouch



20 13 7 Yes No


Re-touched Artefact

No Reason-ably Fresh

23 14 4 Yes proximal left edge inverse semia-brupt


Flint Blade No Slightly Patinated

31 9 4 No No


Debitage

E2422:476:2 476 Pit fill Flint Flake Yes Heavily Patinated

40 37 9 Yes No


Debitage


Debitage



23 12 11 Yes No

E2422:266:71 526 Pit fill Flint Re-touched Artefact

Yes Patinated 16 21 8 Yes right edge direct semia-brupt

E2422:526:2 526 Pit fill Flint Debitage E2422:526:3 526 Pit fill Flint Debitage E2422:526:4 526 Pit fill Flint Debitage E2422:526:7 526 Pit fill Sand-

stoneRubbing Stone

No Burnt 139 94 42 Yes No

E2422:529:1 529 Pit fill Flint Flake Yes Lustred 34 24 9 No NoE2422:539:1 539 Pit fill Quartz

CrystalDebitage

E2422:542:1 542 Spread Flint Flake Yes Burnt 34 19 8 No NoE2422:553:1 553 Pit fill Flint Core No Patinated 48 32 17 Yes NoE2422:553:2 553 Pit fill Flint Blade No Heavily



47 32 16 Yes No

E2422:553:4 553 Pit fill Flint Blade Yes Heavily Patinated +Rolled

64 31 12 No No


No Burnt 25 15 4 No proximal right edge direct semia-brupt

E2422:553:6 553 Pit fill Flint Flake Yes Lustred 24 21 7 Yes NoE2422:554:1A 554 Pit fill Flint Debitage E2422:566:1 566 Pit fill Quartz

CrystalDebitage

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

417


Find Num

ber

Context

Context Type

Material

Type

Cortex

Condition

Length (mm

)

Width (m

m)

Thickn. (m

m)

Com

plete

Retouch


46 44 16 Yes No

E2422:583:1 583 Pit fill Flint Natural Chunk

E2422:583:2 583 Pit fill Flint Natural Chunk

E2422:660:1 660 Spread Flint Debitage E2422:687:1 687 Pit fill Flint Core Yes Slightly



Natural Chunk


Natural Chunk

E2422:824:1 824 Pit fill Flint Debitage E2422:870:1 870 Pit fill Quartz

CrystalNatural Chunk


Flint Debitage


Quartz-ite

Rubbing Stone


E2422:897:1 897 Linear feature fill

Flint Natural Chunk


Sand-stone

Rubbing Stone



Flint Natural Chunk


Flint Natural Debitage


Flint Natural Chunk


Flint Flake Yes Patinated 17 20 4 No No

E2422:936:1 936 Slot trench fill

Flint Flake Yes Burnt 23 18 9 No No


Flint Debitage


Flint Debitage


Quartz Flake Yes Reason-ably Fresh

24 15 4 No No


418

Find Num

ber

Context

Context Type

Material

Type

Cortex

Condition

Length (mm

)

Width (m

m)

Thickn. (m

m)

Com

plete

Retouch

E2422:970:1 970 Stones in slot trench

Quartz Crystal


28 8 6 No No


Quartz-ite

Rubbing Stone



Debitage

E2422:1223:2 1223 Pit fill Sand-stone

Rubbing Stone

No Slightly Weathered

143 90 56 Yes No


Flint Flake No Patinated 26 18 4 Yes No

E2422:1259:1 1259 Stake-hole fill


E2422:1261:1 1261 Fill of furrow

Quartz Crystal

Debitage


Am-ethyst

Natural Chunk

E2422:1398:1 1398 Non Ar-chaeo-logical

Flint Flake Yes Lustred 25 23 4 No No

E2422:1562:1 1562 Fill of shallow depres-sion


28 33 8 No No

E2422:1565:1 1565 Pit fill Flint Flake No Patinated 24 15 9 No NoE2422:1625:1 1625 Pit fill Flint Blade Yes Patinated 37 16 9 No NoE2422:1645:1 1645 Pit fill Flint Debitage E2422:1645:2 1645 Pit fill Flint Debitage E2422:1649:1 1649 Stake-

hole fill



16 14 4 No right edge direct semia-brupt

E2422:1688:1 1688 Pit fill Flint Flake Yes Patinated 32 23 12 Yes NoE2422:2063:1 2063 Linear

feature fill

Flint Debitage


Flint Debitage


Flint Debitage


Flint Debitage


Flint Debitage

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

419


Find Num

ber

Context

Context Type

Material

Type

Cortex

Condition

Length (mm

)

Width (m

m)

Thickn. (m

m)

Com

plete

Retouch


Flint Debitage


Flint Flake No Slightly Patinated

11 23 4 No No



27 16 3 Yes No



13 25 4 No No



26 17 6 No No


Flint Debitage


Flint Debitage


Flint Debitage


Quartz Crystal

Debitage

E2422:2144:1 2144 Linear fill

Flint Flake Yes Patinated 22 18 5 Yes No

E2422:2522:1 2522 Pit fill Flint Debitage E2422:2522:2 2522 Pit fill Flint Debitage E2422:2522:3 2522 Pit fill Flint Flake Yes Patinated 25 14 4 No NoE2422:2602:1 2602 Pit fill Flint Flake Yes Patinated 16 33 12 No NoE2422:2633:1 2633 Pit fill Flint Flake Yes Heavily



Ham-merstone


E2422:2673:1 2673 Fill of Kiln

Flint Blade No Burnt 25 10 5 No No


Flint Debitage

E2422:2723:1 2723 Furrow fill

Flint Debitage


Rubbing Stone


E2422:2738:1 2738 Pit fill/occu-pation layer

Flint Debitage


420

Find Num

ber

Context

Context Type

Material

Type

Cortex

Condition

Length (mm

)

Width (m

m)

Thickn. (m

m)

Com

plete

Retouch


Yes Reason-ably Fresh

24 23 9 Yes distal, proximal and right edge direct abrupt

Table1CompositionofthelithicassemblagefromCaherdrinny3(E2422)(refitsareshowninred)

Raw Material Type Amount

Flint 156

Quartz Crystal 46

Quartzite 8

Sandstone 4

Amethyst 3

Mudstone? 2

Quartz 2

Chert 1

Shale 1

Total 223

Table2RawMaterialCompositionoftheLithicAssemblagefromCaherdrinny3(E2422)

Find Number Context Description TypeE2422:1:1 1 Topsoil FlakeE2422:1:2 1 Topsoil FlakeE2422:1:3 1 Topsoil FlakeE2422:1:4 1 Topsoil DebitageE2422:1:5 1 Topsoil DebitageE2422:1:6 1 Topsoil DebitageE2422:1:7 1 Topsoil FlakeE2422:1:8 1 Topsoil BladeE2422:1:9 1 Topsoil Moynagh PointE2422:1:10 1 Topsoil FlakeE2422:1:11 1 Topsoil DebitageE2422:1:12 1 Topsoil FlakeE2422:1:13 1 Topsoil FlakeE2422:1:14 1 Topsoil FlakeE2422:1:15 1 Topsoil DebitageE2422:1:16 1 Topsoil Retouched Artefact

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

421


Find Number Context Description TypeE2422:1:17 1 Topsoil DebitageE2422:1:18 1 Topsoil DebitageE2422:1:19 1 Topsoil FlakeE2422:1:20 1 Topsoil FlakeE2422:1:21 1 Topsoil DebitageE2422:1:22 1 Topsoil DebitageE2422:1:23 1 Topsoil FlakeE2422:1:24 1 Topsoil Retouched ArtefactE2422:1:25 1 Topsoil FlakeE2422:1:26 1 Topsoil FlakeE2422:1:27 1 Topsoil FlakeE2422:1:28 1 Topsoil DebitageE2422:1:29 1 Topsoil FlakeE2422:1:30 1 Topsoil Natural ChunkE2422:1:31 1 Topsoil Natural ChunkE2422:1:32 1 Topsoil CoreE2422:1:33 1 Topsoil Natural ChunkE2422:1:34 1 Topsoil DebitageE2422:1:35 1 Topsoil FlakeE2422:1:36 1 Topsoil DebitageE2422:1:37 1 Topsoil FlakeE2422:1:38 1 Topsoil CoreE2422:1:39 1 Topsoil CoreE2422:1:40 1 Topsoil FlakeE2422:1:41 1 Topsoil Retouched ArtefactE2422:1:42 1 Topsoil Natural ChunkE2422:1:43 1 Topsoil DebitageE2422:1:44 1 Topsoil Natural ChunkE2422:1:55 1 Topsoil Rubbing StoneFind Number Context Description TypeE2422:2:1 2 Subsoil FlakeE2422:2:2 2 Subsoil FlakeE2422:40:1 40 Fill of field boundary DebitageE2422:40:2 40 Fill of field boundary DebitageE2422:45:1 45 Fill of kiln BladeE2422:146:1 146 Non archaeological DebitageE2422:146:2 146 Non archaeological FlakeE2422:153:1 153 Fill of curving ditch BladeE2422:153:2 153 Fill of curving ditch Rubbing StoneE2422:174:1 174 Fill of curving ditch FlakeE2422:266:1 266 Fill in field boundary DebitageE2422:266:2 266 Fill in field boundary DebitageE2422:266:3 266 Fill in field boundary Natural ChunkE2422:266:4 266 Fill in field boundary Natural ChunkE2422:266:5 266 Fill in field boundary Debitage


422

Find Number Context Description TypeE2422:266:6 266 Fill in field boundary DebitageE2422:266:7 266 Fill in field boundary Retouched ArtefactE2422:266:8 266 Fill in field boundary Retouched ArtefactE2422:266:9 266 Fill in field boundary DebitageE2422:266:10 266 Fill in field boundary DebitageE2422:266:11 266 Fill in field boundary FlakeE2422:277:1 277 Fill of slot trench and pit BladeE2422:287:1 287 Pit fill Polished Stone AxeE2422:287:2 287 Pit fill DebitageE2422:287:3 287 Pit fill BladeE2422:287:4 287 Pit fill BladeE2422:287:5 287 Pit fill DebitageE2422:287:6 287 Pit fill DebitageE2422:287:7 287 Pit fill FlakeE2422:287:8 287 Pit fill DebitageE2422:287:9A 287 Pit fill BladeE2422:287:9B 287 Pit fill DebitageE2422:287:10 287 Pit fill Retouched ArtefactE2422:287:11 287 Pit fill FlakeE2422:287:12 287 Pit fill DebitageE2422:287:13 287 Pit fill CoreE2422:287:14 287 Pit fill BladeE2422:287:15 287 Pit fill BladeE2422:287:16 287 Pit fill CoreE2422:287:17 287 Pit fill CoreE2422:287:18 287 Pit fill Natural ChunkE2422:287:19 287 Pit fill Natural ChunkE2422:287:20 287 Pit fill DebitageE2422:287:21 287 Pit fill DebitageE2422:287:22 287 Pit fill DebitageFind Number Context Description TypeE2422:287:23 287 Pit fill FlakeE2422:287:24 287 Pit fill DebitageE2422:287:25 287 Pit fill DebitageE2422:287:115 287 Pit fill DebitageE2422:302:1 302 Pit fill CoreE2422:370:1 370 Spread Natural ChunkE2422:370:2 370 Spread Natural ChunkE2422:370:3 370 Spread FlakeE2422:405:1 405 Pit fill DebitageE2422:405:2 405 Pit fill Hammer/Rubbing Stone E2422:405:3 405 Pit fill Hammerstone?E2422:411:1 411 Fill of slot trench FlakeE2422:411:2 411 Fill of slot trench CoreE2422:413:1 413 Posthole fill Polished Stone Axe

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

423


Find Number Context Description TypeE2422:413:2 413 Posthole fill Rubbing StoneE2422:418:1 418 Furrow fill DebitageE2422:446:1 446 Pit fill Ore/Slag?E2422:455:1 455 Pit fill CoreE2422:455:2 455 Pit fill DebitageE2422:456:3 456 Pit fill DebitageE2422:456:4 456 Pit fill DebitageE2422:456:5 456 Pit fill CoreE2422:462:1 462 Pit fill Retouched ArtefactE2422:466:1 466 Fill of field boundary BladeE2422:476:1 476 Pit fill DebitageE2422:476:2 476 Pit fill FlakeE2422:476:3 476 Pit fill DebitageE2422:476:4 476 Pit fill DebitageE2422:476:5 476 Pit fill CoreE2422:526:1 526 Pit fill Retouched ArtefactE2422:526:2 526 Pit fill DebitageE2422:526:3 526 Pit fill DebitageE2422:526:4 526 Pit fill DebitageE2422:526:7 526 Pit fill Rubbing StoneE2422:529:1 529 Pit fill FlakeE2422:539:1 539 Pit fill DebitageE2422:542:1 542 Spread FlakeE2422:553:1 553 Pit fill CoreE2422:553:2 553 Pit fill BladeE2422:553:3 553 Pit fill FlakeE2422:553:4 553 Pit fill BladeE2422:553:5 553 Pit fill Retouched ArtefactE2422:553:6 553 Pit fill FlakeE2422:554:1A 554 Pit fill DebitageE2422:566:1 566 Pit fill DebitageFind Number Context Description TypeE2422:580:1 580 Pit fill FlakeE2422:583:1 583 Pit fill Natural ChunkE2422:583:2 583 Pit fill Natural ChunkE2422:660:1 660 Spread DebitageE2422:687:1 687 Pit fill CoreE2422:772:1 772 Pit fill Natural ChunkE2422:772:2 772 Pit fill Natural ChunkE2422:824:1 824 Pit fill DebitageE2422:870:1 870 Pit fill Natural ChunkE2422:883:1 883 Posthole fill DebitageE2422:883:2 883 Posthole fill Rubbing StoneE2422:897:1 897 Linear feature fill Natural ChunkE2422:897:2 897 Linear feature fill Rubbing Stone


424

Find Number Context Description TypeE2422:897:9 897 Linear feature fill Natural ChunkE2422:897:10 897 Linear feature fill Natural DebitageE2422:897:11 897 Linear feature fill Natural ChunkE2422:913:1 913 Posthole fill FlakeE2422:936:1 936 Slot trench fill FlakeE2422:945:1 945 Posthole fill DebitageE2422:945:2 945 Posthole fill DebitageE2422:945:3 945 Posthole fill FlakeE2422:970:1 970 Stones in slot trench BladeE2422:992:1 992 Posthole fill Rubbing StoneE2422:1223:1 1223 Pit fill DebitageE2422:1223:2 1223 Pit fill Rubbing StoneE2422:1241:1 1241 Posthole fill FlakeE2422:1259:1 1259 Stakehole fill BladeE2422:1261:1 1261 Fill of furrow DebitageE2422:1366:1 1366 Posthole fill Natural ChunkE2422:1398:1 1398 Non Archaeological FlakeE2422:1562:1 1562 Fill of shallow depression FlakeE2422:1565:1 1565 Pit fill FlakeE2422:1625:1 1625 Pit fill BladeE2422:1645:1 1645 Pit fill DebitageE2422:1645:2 1645 Pit fill DebitageE2422:1649:1 1649 Stakehole fill Retouched ArtefactE2422:1688:1 1688 Pit fill FlakeE2422:2063:1 2063 Linear feature fill DebitageE2422:2063:2 2063 Linear feature fill DebitageE2422:2063:3 2063 Linear feature fill DebitageE2422:2063:4 2063 Linear feature fill DebitageE2422:2063:5 2063 Linear feature fill DebitageE2422:2063:6 2063 Linear feature fill DebitageE2422:2063:7 2063 Linear feature fill FlakeE2422:2063:8 2063 Linear feature fill FlakeFind Number Context Description TypeE2422:2063:9 2063 Linear feature fill FlakeE2422:2063:10 2063 Linear feature fill FlakeE2422:2063:11 2063 Linear feature fill DebitageE2422:2063:12 2063 Linear feature fill DebitageE2422:2063:13 2063 Linear feature fill DebitageE2422:2063:14 2063 Linear feature fill DebitageE2422:2144:1 2144 Linear fill FlakeE2422:2522:1 2522 Pit fill DebitageE2422:2522:2 2522 Pit fill DebitageE2422:2522:3 2522 Pit fill FlakeE2422:2602:1 2602 Pit fill FlakeE2422:2633:1 2633 Pit fill Flake

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

425


Find Number Context Description TypeE2422:2665:1 2665 Pit fill HammerstoneE2422:2673:1 2673 Fill of Kiln BladeE2422:2699:1 2699 Posthole fill DebitageE2422:2723:1 2723 Furrow fill DebitageE2422:2727:1 2727 Pit fill Rubbing StoneE2422:2738:1 2738 Pit fill/occupation layer DebitageE2422:3116:1 3116 Pit fill Retouched Artefact

Table3ContextInformationfortheAssemblagefromCaherdrinny3(E2422)

Condition Amount

Reasonably Fresh 22

Slightly Patinated 14

Patinated 24

Heavily Patinated 6

Heavily Patinated+Rolled 1

Slightly Weathered 2

Slightly Rolled 4

Weathered 4

Lustred 13

Burnt 16

Total 106

Table4AssemblageConditionfromCaherdrinny3(E2422)

Technology/Morphology: The assemblage comprises four types of flaking products, eleven retouched artefacts, 15 macro tools and 21 natural chunks (Table 4).

Type Amount

Core 13

Blade 16

Flake 50

Debitage 97

Retouched Artefact 11

Macro Tool 15

Natural Chunk 21

Total 223

Table5AssemblageCompositionfromCaherdrinny3(E2422)


426

Cores The thirteen identified cores derive from the topsoil, a slot trench and various pit fills. Only four of the thirteen cores are made of flint (E2422:1:32, E2422:302:1, E2422:553:1 and E2422:687:1). The remaining 9 cores are made of quartz crystal. All but two cores (E2422:455:1 and E2422:553:1) were reduced using a bipolar method. Cores E2422:455:1 and E2422:553:1 are multi-platform examples.

The majority of the bipolar cores were reduced using the controlled bipolar method, e.g. E2422:1:38, E2422:302:1 and E2422:411:2. This particular reduction method is as-sociated with middle Neolithic assemblages.

Core E2422:287:17 is slightly unusual as it is a single platform core which was reduced while resting on an anvil and an attempt was made later to use the controlled bipolar method on it. Bipolar cores E2422:1:32 and E2422:456:5 are exceptionally small, measur-ing only 21 and 20 mm in length, respectively. Flint core E2422:687:1 is a bipolar ex-ample which was produced on a re-used earlier flake. Equally, the unusually large multi-platform flint core E2422:553:1 appears to have been produced on a re-used earlier flake.

The cores rarely exceed 30 mm in length, the majority measuring between 20-30 mm (Fig. 1).BladesThe majority of the eighteen identified blades were excavated from three pit fills (c. 287, c. 553 and c. 1625) and kiln, ditch and slot trench fills. Twelve blades are made of flint and four of quartz crystal (E2422:287:3, E2422:287:14, E2422:287:15 and E2422:970:1). Elev-en blades, among them a group of four blades from pit fill c. 287, were produced using a bipolar method. The remaining seven blades were produced on single platform cores.

Blade E2422:287:9A was recovered together with four bipolar blades, but is a good single platform blade which displays use-wear on its right edge.

The large, heavily patinated single platform flint blades E2422:553:2 and E2422:553:3 recovered from pit fill c. 553 are very different in technology and morphology from the remainder of the blade population (Fig. 1). They were produced with a soft stone ham-mer. The former is made from blue flint, very similar to that recovered at the nearby site of Gortore (2410). It may actually derive from the same nodule as many of the large blue flint blades and flakes excavated at that site. In any case, these two large blades are early Neolithic in date (for a further discussion see below).

The blades do not exceed 40 mm in length, the majority measuring between 20-40 mm (Fig. 1).

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

427


0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

50

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Length (mm)

Wid

th (m

m)

Core Blade Flake Retouched Artefact

Figure1 Dimensions(mm)oftheCores,Blades,FlakesandRetouchedArtefactsfromCaherdrinny3(E2422)

FlakesAlmost fifty percent of the 50 flakes were excavated from the topsoil or subsoil. The re-maining flakes derive from various pit fills (most notably from c. 287, c. 553 and c. 580), posthole fills and the fill of a linear feature (c.2063). All but two flakes (E2422:287:11 and E2422:945:3) are made of flint. Flake E2422:287:11 is made of quartz crystal and E2422:945:3 of quartz.

Twelve flakes, among them a group of three flakes from pit fill c. 287, were produced using a bipolar method. The remaining 38 flakes were produced on platform cores. Four flakes (E2422:1:19, E2422:411:1, E2422:1398:1 and E2422:2144:1) are classic bipolar split pebble flakes.

Flakes E2422:1:1, E2422:1:10, E2422:1:12, E2422:2:2 and E2422:287:7 show use-wear on at least one of their edges. Seventeen flakes, particularly those deriving from the linear feature fill c. 2063, are distinctly blue in colour. These flakes are also among the largest in the assemblage. These were predominantly recovered from the topsoil, pit fills c. 553, c. 580, linear feature fill c. 2063 and various other features that disturbed earlier deposits.

Flake E2422:476:2 is a heavily patinated cortical flake which was produced using a soft hammer. It may be Early Mesolithic in date.

The flakes rarely exceed 35 mm in length, the majority measuring between 20-30 mm (Fig. 1).


428

DebitageThe presence of 97 pieces of debitage and the occurrence of cortical flakes and cores

as well as the presence of refitted artefacts (see below) indicate that knapping took place at the site.

Refitting:A limited refitting programme was carried out due to the similarity of the assemblage to that of the nearby excavated multi-period site at Gortore (E2410) (Sternke 2007). The sites are comparable with regard to the technology, morphology and typology of their respec-tive assemblages. In addition, implements made of a similar type of rare blue flint were utilised on both sites.

Unfortunately, the cross-refitting of both assemblages failed to establish any results. However, artefacts E2422:476:2, E2422:553:1, E2422:553:2, E2422:553:3, E2422:553:4 and E2422:580:1 most likely derived from the same nodules as the larger flakes and blades in the Gortore assemblage. This is particularly true for the large blue flint blade E2422:553:2. This is even more likely, when other artefacts such as the Moynagh point and one of the polished stone axes are taken into account (see below for a further discussion of both artefacts).

The refitting of the assemblage from Caherdrinny 3 produced a number of direct and indirect refitted groups. For example, flake E2422:2:1 refits onto flake debitage piece E2422:2063:8 and E2422:2063:3. All three form a group of flakes knapped off a single platform core. Artefacts E2422:2063:2, E2422:2063:4, E2422:2063:6, E2422:2063:10, E2422:2063:13 and E2422:2:2 also belong to this group, but do not refit directly.

The quartz crystal blade E2422:287:15 indirectly refits onto core E2422:287:16. In ad-dition, the natural piece E2422:897:10 refits onto the natural chunk E2422:897:11.Retouched Artefacts:Eleven artefacts are retouched. All but one (E2422:462:1) are made of flint. Miscellane-ous retouched artefact E2422:462:1 is made of quartz crystal. The retouched artefacts can be divided into four diagnostic groups: six scrapers, one invasively retouched form, one strike-a-light and three miscellaneous retouched artefacts. Fifty percent of the retouched artefacts derive from various pit fills. The remaining artefacts were collected from the topsoil and the fill of a field boundary.ScrapersThe six scrapers are three convex end scrapers (E2422:266:7, E2422:266:7 and

E2422:3116:1), one side scraper (E2422:1649:1), one possible concave scraper (E2422:1:16) and a dome-shaped convex end scraper (E2422:1:24) which is similar to

a micro-disc scraper. Scrapers E2422:1:24, E2422:266:7 and E2422:3116:1 were produced on very small

bipolar split pebbles. The concave scraper E2422:1:16 shows use-wear on its concave side. Invasively Retouched FormThe invasively retouched form (E2422:287:10) was recovered from pit fill c.287. It displays use-wear on all its edges and probably dates to the first half of the Neolithic period.

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

429


Strike-a-lightThe strike-a-light (E2422:1:41) is a rare artefact type in Irish lithic assemblages. It is pol-ished and abraded on its proximal right edge and also shows evidence of slight pitting around this area as a result of the heat impact from the produced sparks. This artefact type is quite common in Continental European lithic assemblages.Miscellaneous Retouched ArtefactsThe three miscellaneous artefacts include artefacts which were most likely used as scrapers (e.g. E2422:553:5) and knives (e.g. E2422:266:8 and E2422:462:1). Artefact E2422:553:5 is unusual in that it was re-used after it had been burnt and displays extensive use-wear on all its edges.

As can be expected, the typology and size of the retouched artefacts reflect the tech-nology and size of the available flake and blade blanks within the assemblage (Fig. 1). The invasively retouched form and strike-a-light clearly belong to the group of larger blades and flakes which date to the early Neolithic period.

Macro Tools:The fifteen macro tools can be divided into five groups: two polished stone axes

(E2422:287:1 and E2422:413:1), two hammerstones (E2422:2665:1 and E2422:405:3), nine rubbing stones, one hammer/rubbing stone (E2422:405:2) and one Moynagh point (E2422:1:9).

The hammerstones, all which are made of quartzite, show signs of use in form of pecked and worn surfaces, while all rubbing stones (quartzites and sandstones) bear one or more smoothened surfaces.

It can be expected that some of the stones were used in food processing, while others may be related to the manufacture of polished items. Unfortunately, no detailed research into the use of rubbing stones and hammerstones in Irish prehistory has so far been un-dertaken. Research into the use of macro tools elsewhere in Europe is currently ongoing.


430

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200Length (mm)

Wid

th (m

m)

Rubbing Stone HammerstoneHammer/Rubbing Stone Polished Stone AxeMoynagh Point

Figure2Dimensions(mm)oftheMacroToolsfromCaherdrinny3(E2422)

Moynagh PointThe Late Mesolithic Moynagh point (E2422:1:9) is a particularly fine, albeit broken ex-ample which measures 65 mm long, 33 mm wide and 7 mm thick. It is made of shale and appears to have been finished, but then broke perhaps during use. The break is very characteristic for this type of implement (pers. obs.) and it appears to have been hafted as it shows distinct wear around its square butt. The surfaces of the point are distinctly rippled which is not a natural feature, as they were ground after the ripples had formed. The point also shows small regular incision along its two edges to create slightly serrated edges. This point was found in the topsoil and is of the exact same type as the Moynagh point fragment recovered at Gortore (E2410) (Sternke 2007).

Polished and Ground Stone AxesThe two recovered polished stone axes (E2422:287:1 and E2422:413:1) are very differ-

ent in their morphology and date. Both appear to be made of mudstone. Axe E2422:287:1 was excavated from pit fill c.287. It is a classic Early Mesolithic example (Woodman pers. comm.) with distinct facets/marked junctions with the blade on each surface and one flat-tish side. The cutting edge is straight. It measures 70mm long, 34 mm wide and 18mm thick. This axe was re-worked on all sides by an inexperienced knapper at a later date, possibly in the late Neolithic or early Bronze Age.

The second axe (E2422:413:1) is a flat and broad Neolithic example with straight sides and a curved cutting edge. The axe probably had a flat angled butt which is now missing.

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The surviving portion of the axe measures 42 mm long, 50 mm wide and 13mm thick. It appears to have been re-hafted after it broke, perhaps during its use, and was used in a knife-like fashion for cutting or crazing as striations and hafting traces on its surface appear to indicate.Dating:Given the location of the site in the vicinity of a freshwater stream, it is not surprising that the assemblage has to be regarded typologically and technologically as a palimpsest including possible Early Mesolithic, Late Mesolithic, Neolithic and Bronze Age diagnos-tic elements.

It can be divided into four groups: (1) artefacts possibly associated with the Early Me-solithic such as flake E2422:476:2 and polished stone axe E2422:287:1, which represent a residual component present in two pits; (2) the Moynagh point (E2422:1:9) is Late Mesolithic in date and most of which derived from a single pit (c. 553); (3) the majority of the artefacts, which are associated with the early Neolithic house and its environs and include the large, patinated flint blades and flakes (e.g. E2422:553:2 and E2422:553:3), the invasively retouched form (E2422:287:10), the strike-a-light (E2422:1:41), the concave scraper (E2422:1:16), the miscellaneous retouched artefacts as well as the majority of the single platform cores and smaller single platform blades and flakes and (4) artefacts associated with the use of the site during the late Neolithic/early Bronze Age such as the dome-shaped scraper (E2422:1:24), three small convex end scrapers (E2422:266:7, E2422:266:71 and E2422:3116:1), two distinct small bipolar cores (E2422:1:32 and E2422:456:5) and some of the other bipolar elements. The re-use of two artefacts, the polished stone axe (E2422:287:1) and the retouched flake (E2422:553:5) would also be indicative of a late Neolithic/early Bronze Age use of the site (O’Hare 2005).

Within the Neolithic component, the use of the platform technology for blade and flake production suggests a dating of some of the artefacts to the earliest Neolithic phase (Woodman et al. 2006). It has to be noted that many of the flakes and blades are sur-prisingly large, which can occasionally be observed on early Neolithic sites, but is not believed to represent a continuation of the Late Mesolithic blade and flake technology on single platform cores, i.e. a Late Mesolithic technological survival in the early Neolithic (Woodman 1976, 1980). In addition to this early Neolithic phase, the presence of several controlled bipolar cores suggests that the house was perhaps also used for some time in the middle Neolithic period.

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 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.


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Comparative MaterialPalimpsest assemblages are comparatively rare in Ireland. However, a similar assemblage to the core Neolithic component of Caherdrinny 3 was recovered during the excavation of House 1 at Corbally, Co. Kildare (Purcell 2002). This assemblage also included leaf-shaped arrowhead fragments and roughouts, as well as a fragment of a Moynagh point which was recovered from the foundation trench of the house. Similar Moynagh points were found predominantly in the southern half of the country (Sternke in prep.).

Most importantly, a strikingly similar mixed lithic assemblage was recently recovered at the nearby site of Gortore (E2410), Co. Cork which is located 5km south of Caher-drinny 3 (Sternke 2007).

DiscussionFlint is available in larger and smaller nodules along the Cork coast and in the glacial tills. The use of a limited single platform and bipolar technology on small to medium sized pebbles is in part 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 (Neolithic and Bronze Age) character of the south-western lithic assemblages (O’Hare 2005). Given the techno-logical composition of the middle to late Neolithic and early Bronze Age components of the Caherdrinny 3 assemblage, i.e. predominantly production debris and discarded tools, it is safe to assume that they were produced at the site.

However, flint for the production of the larger Neolithic blades and flakes on sin-gle platform cores almost certainly also derived from the Cork coast (Woodman pers. comm.). It is evident that the reduction of these nodules did not take place at the site, but perhaps directly on the coast. The large flint blade and flake from c. 553 may derive from the same location as those from Gortore. It is possible that the artefacts from fill c. 2063 also belong to this group.

The three pieces of natural amethyst found at the site are unusual finds. Two were re-covered from the topsoil (E2422:1:42 and E2422:1:44) and one from the fill of a posthole (E2422:1366:1). Since amethyst is relatively common and these pieces are unworked, their significance on the site remains unknown.

SummaryThe 223 lithic finds from the archaeological excavation at Caherdrinny 3 (E2422), Co.

Cork are123 flaked pieces of flint, 37 flaked pieces of quartz crystal, one flaked piece of chert, one flaked piece of quartz, one worked piece of shale, eight utilised pieces of quartz-ite, four utilised pieces of sandstone and two worked pieces of mudstone as well as eight natural pieces of flint, nine natural pieces of quartz crystal, one natural piece of quartz and three natural pieces of amethyst.

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The assemblage contains thirteen cores, sixteen blades, 50 flakes, eleven retouched artefacts, 97 pieces of debitage and fifteen macro tools, including two polished stone axes, a Moynagh point and various hammer and rubbing stones.

The assemblage is dominated by an early Neolithic typological and technological component which includes single platform cores, blades and flakes, a polished stone

axe and associated retouched artefacts. In addition, a residual Early Mesolithic element in the assemblage comprising a polished stone axe and a flake were recovered from two pits. One pit fill (c. 553) contained a number of early Neolithic artefacts, at least two of which were produced on similar blue flint to artefacts found at Gortore (E2410). A fragment of a Late Mesolithic Moynagh point was recovered from the topsoil.

Some of the bipolar cores appear to date to the middle Neolithic period based on their distinct controlled bipolar technology.

An occupation of the site in the late Neolithic/early Bronze Age is represented by a number of small convex end scrapers and some bipolar cores, flakes and blades.

The presence of a small amount of cores and debitage suggests that limited lithic pro-duction took place at the site during the middle and late Neolithic periods, while flakes and blade blanks were partially introduced to the site during the early Neolithic. Together with the discarded retouched tools, the recovered cores, flakes, blades, debitage and re-touched artefacts represent waste from lithic production and the immediate use of lithic tools at the site, possibly in predominantly domestic activities.

The majority of the macro tools are likely to be associated with food processing.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 and raises a number of issues which will need to addressed in future research, such as the technological development across the Mesolithic/Neolithic boundary as well as through-out the Neolithic and the significance and dating of the Irish ground stone points. In addition, the similarities between this assemblage and that of Gortore (E2410) 5km to the south suggest an extensive use of the surrounding landscape throughout the entirety of prehistory.

Recommendations for Illustration

• Moynagh Point (E2422:1:9)

• Convex End Scraper (E2422:1:16)• Dome-shaped Convex End Scraper (E2422:1:24)• Core (E2422:1:32)• Strike-a-light (E2422:1:41)• Convex End Scraper (E2422:266:7)• Retouched Artefact (Knife) (E2422:266:8)• Polished Stone Axe (E2422:287:1)• Invasively Retouched Form (E2422:287:10)• Core (E2422:287:17)


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• Core (E2422:411:2)• Polished Stone Axe (E2422:413:1)• Retouched Artefact (E2422:462:1)• Blade (E2422:553:2)• Side Scraper (E2422:1649:1)• Rubbing Stone (E2422:2727:1)• Convex End Scraper (E2422:3116:1)

BibliographyInizan, 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.

Purcell, A., 2002. Excavation of Three Neolithic Houses at Corbally, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare. Journal of Irish Archaeology 11, 31-75.

Sternke, F., 2007. Lithics Finds Report for Gortore (E2410), Co. Cork - N8 Fermoy – Mitchelstown Road Project. Unpublished Report for Eachtra.

Sternke, F. in prep. The Mesolithic Ground Stone Points of Ireland. The Journal of Irish Archaeology.

Woodman, P.C., 1976. The Irish Mesolithic/Neolithic Transition. In: S.J. De Laet (ed.) Acculturation and Continuity in Atlantic Europe mainly during the Neolithic and Bronze Age, Dissertationes Archaeologicae Gandensis Brugge, 296-307Woodman, P.C., 1980. Problems of the Mesolithic survival in Ireland. In: B. Gramsch (ed.) Mesolithikum in Europa. 2. Internationales Symposium Potsdam, 3. bis 8. April 1978. Veröffentlichungen des Museums für Ur- und Frühgeschichte 14/15, 201-210.

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 6 Pottery report

Helen Roche and Eoin Grogan

SummaryThis assemblage consists of 367 sherds of pottery (weight 2741g) and was recovered from Areas 1, 2 and 3. It represents 36 Early Neolithic carinated bowls, one Middle Neolithic globular bowl, two Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age Beakers, one Early Bronze Age food vessel and five Middle Bronze Age domestic cordoned urns. Detailed descriptions of all sherds and contexts are presented in the Catalogue, after a general discussion of the as-semblages. The excavation number is omitted throughout this report, only the context number (in bold in the Catalogue) followed by the find number is included.

Area 1This area produced 33 Early Neolithic carinated bowls, one Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age Beaker, one Early Bronze Age food vessel and three Middle Bronze Age domestic cordoned urns.

Early Neolithic carinated bowlsAn assemblage of 284 sherds (29 rim-, 11 neck-, 15 shoulder-, 80 bodysherds and 149 fragments; total weight: 1,661g), representing up to 33 Early Neolithic carinated, round bottomed bowls (Vessels 1–33) was found in this area of the site. Sherds came from the topsoil (C. 1, 983), a deposit (C. 553), burnt soil (C. 929, 936), a number of pits (C.287, 454–456, 476, 539, 541, 566, 580, 593, 824, 868, 878, 890, 901, 990, 1625), the slot trench of house (C. 277, 411, 897, 903, 935, 975, 1366), postholes (C. 486, 500, 696, 891, 920, 924, 945, 950, 952–53, 960, 990, 996, 1006, 1038, 1358), stakeholes (C. 526, 944, 947, 1227, 1253, 1290, 1324, 1628) and a hearth (C. 838) (see Table 1). This material represents domestic activity. This type of vessel usually has deep bowls and neutral or open profiles, i.e. where the shoulder diameter is equal to or less than that of the rim. They represent the earliest type of Neolithic pottery in Ireland (Case 1961: ‘Dunmurry-Ballymarlagh styles’; Sheridan 1995: ‘classic’ carinated bowls). Dated sites indicate that this pottery style was current during the period c. 4000–3600 BC.

The vessels are generally well made and fine-walled with a thickness ranging from 4.4–7.5mm, a few examples measure from 8.8mm up to 14.0mm and are probably from the base of the vessels. The good quality fabric varies from hard and compact (Vessels 1, 3, 6, 10–11, 14, 19, 21, 23, 27–28 and 30), to hard but somewhat brittle (Vessels 7–9, 12, 15, 26 and 32), to compact but somewhat chalky in texture (Nos 13, 16, 20, 22–23, 25, 29 and 33), to friable fabric (Nos 2, 4–5 and 17) and Vessel 18 is of poor quality somewhat coarse fabric. The inclusions are of crushed quartzite generally less than 3.8mm long. The majority of the orange-brown-grey sherds showed a degree of weathering. Although few


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specific measurements were possible it appears that the vessels were of medium size (i.e. between 17.4cm and 23.4cm in maximum diameter at the rim). Vessels 2–3, 5–8, 10–12, 14, 16–18, 23–26, 28 and 30–33 have simple rounded slightly out-turned rims; Nos 4, 13, 27 and 29 have pointed slightly out-turned rims and Nos 1, 5 and 20 have flattened rims. Most have gently curving necks and simple, gently angled shoulders although Vessels 5, 6 and 30 have medium angled shoulders. Vessels 6–7, 13–14, 24, 27 and 29–30 retain evidence for burnishing but it is probable that wear has obscured this feature on the other vessels. Carbonised residue is present on the interior surfaces of Nos 3, 5–6, 10–11, 22, 25, 28 and 30–32 and on both surfaces of Vessel 19.

Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age BeakerA fine Beaker (No. 34) represented by a single weathered base-angle fragment was found in a stakehole (C. 536). Little can be said regarding just one sherd but the thin-walled fabric with its distinctive orange exterior and interior surfaces and black core is typical of the soft S-shaped profiled classic Bell Beaker form with rounded to pointed, slightly out-turned rims and gently curved neck extending down to a swollen belly. Vessels of this type have generally been assigned to Clarke’s European Bell Beaker, or his Wessex/Mid-dle Rhine types (1970). More recently, following reviews by, for example, Lanting and van der Waals (1972), there has been a greater recognition of the regional development of Beaker. Case’s (1993) simpler threefold scheme, and its specific application to the Irish material, provides a straightforward medium for insular comparison (Case 1995). The Caherdrinny 3 example probably conforms to his style 2.

Early Bronze Age bipartite vaseA single body/shouldersherd from a vessel of the Vase Tradition was found in the fill of a pit (C. 217) in Area 1. With its smooth well-finished surface and the presence of hori-zontal rows of incised filled triangles and a horizontal incised line this is characteristic of a bipartite bowl or Brindley’s Stage 1 bipartite vases (Waddell 1998, 141; Brindley 2007, 184–186). Somewhat similarly arranged decorative panels are present on bipartite vases from Termon, Co. Cavan, Kilcolman, Co. Donegal, and Cloghskelt, Co. Down (Ó Ríordáin and Waddell 1993, 254, no. 470; 256, no. 482; 259, no. 492). Vessels of this type, with either unexpanded or slightly expanded rims and with a globular or biconical body forming an angular profile, have been dated to between 2150–1700 BC (Brindley 2007, 328).

Middle Bronze Age domestic cordoned urnsAn small assemblage of 28 sherds (four rim-, one base-angle-, 14 bodysherds and nine fragments; total weight: 320g) representing three flat-based barrel-shaped urns (Vessels 36–38) was found in a kiln fill (C. 31 and 45), stakehole fill (C. 187), posthole fill (C. 500) and pit fill (C. 541) in Area 1. Features such as the presence of a cordon, heavy cord and whipped cord impressed ornament on Vessels 36 and 38 indicate an influence from the broad funerary Cordoned Urn Tradition. Similar typological features were noted

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at Ballinaspig More 5 and Ballincollig, Co. Cork (Danaher 2004a; Grogan and Roche 2004), where vessels had both cordons and heavy cord impressed decoration.

The three urns have a similar loose-textured matrix that is slightly chalky to touch: the thickness range is 9.5mm to 12.8mm. All display evidence for weathering. Surviving decoration on Vessel 36 consists of a horizontal row of whipped cord impressions immedi-ately below the rim while broad twisted cord impressions, possible forming chevrons, are present on the exterior surface. Vessel 38 has faint evidence for decoration in the form of horizontal rows of broad twisted cord impressions on the exterior surface just below the rim, below which is a band of opposing oblique lines of broad twisted cord impressions, probably forming chevron motifs. The fragments representing Vessel 37 have no surviv-ing evidence for decoration.

Area 2A small assemblage representing a Middle Neolithic globular bowl, a Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age Beaker, a Middle Bronze Age domestic cordoned urn and portion of a perforated clay object was found in this area.

Middle Neolithic globular bowlA single bodysherd from a Middle Neolithic globular bowl (Vessel 39) was found within pit fill (C. 2788) in Area 2. The thick-walled weathered sherd (13.1mm thick) consists of hard compact black fabric with a low to moderate content of crushed inclusions. Slight evidence for bone impressed decoration is present on the exterior surface and resembles that on a bowl from Annaghmare, Co. Armagh (Herity 1982, fig. 49: 3).

Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age BeakerSherds representing a single fine Beaker (Vessel 40: one rim-, one base-angle-, three body-sherds and three fragments; total weight: 31g) were found in the fill of two pits (C. 2522 and 2682). The thin-walled fabric, decorated with faint horizontal shallow grooves, has a distinctive orange exterior and interior surfaces and black core; this is typical of classic Bell Beaker forms with a soft S-shaped profile, flat rim and gently curved neck extending down to a swollen belly. Vessels of this type have generally been assigned to Clarke’s Eu-ropean Bell Beaker, or his Wessex/Middle Rhine types (1970). More recently, following reviews by, for example, Lanting and van der Waals (1972), there has been a greater rec-ognition of the regional development of Beaker. Case’s (1993) simpler threefold scheme, and its specific application to the Irish material, provides a straightforward medium for insular comparison (Case 1995). The Caherdrinny 3 example probably conforms to his style 2.


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Vessel Nos

Pottery Type

Weight (g)

Contexts

Rim

Neck

Shoulders

Base-angle

Bodysherds

Fragments

Non ceram

ic associations

Area 1

1 ENCB 3 1 1 - - - - -

2 “ 2 1 1 - - - - -

3 “ 97 287 1 1 1 5 6 Flint, crystal frags, axe

4 “ 25 287 1 - - 2 1 “

5 “ 75 287 1 - 1 4 1 “

6 “ 155 287 1 3 1 7 4 “

7 “ 74 287 1 1 - 3 5 “

8 “ 28 287 1 - - 1 6 “

9 “ 61 287 - - - 7 6 “

10 “ 61 287 1 - 3 2 7 “

11 “ 40 287 1 - - 2 7 “

12 “ 87 411 Neo hse 1 2 2 - 6 “

13 “ 54 411 1 1 3 3 “

14 “ 61 412, 454, 455, 476 1 - - 4 - Crystal frags

15 “ 36 455, 476 - - - 5 5 Flint, crystal frags

16 “ 17 455, 456 1 - - 2 - Crystal frags

17 “ 17 455, 456, 476 1 - - - 3 Flint, crystal frags

18 “ 25 455, 476, 526 (527) 1 - - 1 3 “

19 “ 66 486, 593 (596) - - - 5 7 -

20 “ 9 500 (499) 1 - - - 1 -

21 “ 15 539 (527) - - - 2 - -

22 “ 32 553, 566, 580 (609) - - - 7 - Flint, crystal frags

23 “ 38 824, 897 Neo hse 1 - - 4 - Flint, worked stone

24 “ 101 885, 960 (not in reg) 1 - 1 1 - -

25 “ 71 696, 838, 868, 878, 890, 891, 897 Neo hse

1 - 1 2 11 Flint, worked stones

26 “ 21 897, 903, 924, 929, 944 Neo hse

2 - - - 6 “

27 “ 69 920, 924, 929, 935, 936, 945, 950, 964 Neo hse

1 1 3 2 2 Flint

28 “ 53 901, 945, 990 Neo hse 1 1 - 3 8 “

29 “ 37 920, 945, 952, 964 Neo hse 1 1 - 1 3 “

30 “ 64 945, 953, 971, 975, 990 Neo hse

1 - 1 2 13 “

31 “ 40 952, 960, 983 Neo hse, 1253 (1610?), 1290 (1289), 1358 (1357)

1 - - 1 10 -

32 “ 31 996, 1006, 1038 neo hse 1 - 1 2 1 -

33 “ 43 1227 (1226), 1324 (1325), 1366 (1365 )

1 - - - 9 Crystal frags

Unas-signed sherds

“ 53 1, 277, 287, 381, 476, 541, 947, 1253, 1625, 1628

- - - - - 15 Crystal frags, flint, axe

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Vessel Nos

Pottery Type

Weight (g)

Contexts

Rim

Neck

Shoulders

Base-angle

Bodysherds

Fragments

Non ceram

ic associations

34 Beaker 4 536 - - - 1 - - -

35 Vase 28 217 (216) - - 1 - - - -

36 C. urn 106 31, 187 2 - - - 9 2 -

37 “ 16 45 - - - - - 7 Flint

38 “ 198 500, 541(540) 2 - - 1 5 - -

Area 239 MNGB 10 2788 - - - - 1 - -

40 Beaker 31 2522, 2682 1 - - 1 3 3 Flint

41 C. urn 600 2738, 2767 1 - - - 14 18 -

- 43 2726 - - - - - - Perforated clay object

Area 3 -42 ENCB 25 1, 2047 - - 1 - - 4 -

43 “ 8 1, 2025 1 - - - 1 - -

44 “ 3 2025 - - - - - 3 -

45 C. urn 51 3040 1 - - - - - -

- - 15 2026 - - - - - - Baked clay object

Total 2741 36 11 17 3 113 186

Table1�PrehistoricpotteryfromCaherdrinny3�(ENCB=EarlyNeolithiccarinatedbowls;MNGB=MiddleNeolithicglobularbowls;C�urn=MiddleBronzeAgecordonedurns)�

Middle Bronze Age domestic cordoned urnA small assemblage of 33 sherds (one rim-, 14 bodysherds and 18 fragments; total weight: 600g) representing a flat-based barrel-shaped urn (Vessel 41) with an estimated rim diam-eter of 27cm, was found in the fill of two pits (C. 2738 and 2767). The slightly weathered, orange-brown, thick-walled (9.6–13.0mm) compact fabric has a moderate to high content of crushed inclusions. Two deep horizontal grooves are present on the interior surface just below the rim. Limited decorated sherds survive but the remaining evidence shows a band of oblique incised lines on the exterior surface 59.7mm below the rim, possibly forming chevrons. Slight traces of carbonised residue are present on the interior surface.

Also present was portion of a perforated clay object that was found within a pit (C. 2726) (see below).

Area 3This area produced three Early Neolithic carinated bowls, a Middle Bronze Age domestic cordoned urn and portion of a baked clay object.

Early Neolithic carinated bowlsA small assemblage of just 10 sherds (one rim-, one shoulder-, one bodysherd and seven fragments; total weight: 36g), representing three Early Neolithic carinated, round bot-


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tomed bowls (Vessels 42–44), was found in this area of the site. Sherds came from the topsoil (C. 1), a tree bowl fill (C. 2047) and pit fill (C. 2025) (see Table 1) and appears to represent domestic activity. This type of vessel usually has deep bowls and neutral or open profiles, i.e. where the shoulder diameter is equal to or less than that of the rim. They represent the earliest type of Neolithic pottery in Ireland (Case 1961: ‘Dunmurry-Ballymarlagh styles’; Sheridan 1995: ‘classic’ carinated bowls). Dated sites indicate that this pottery style was current during the period c. 4000–3600 BC.

The surviving sherds are fragmented but appear to be generally well made and fine-walled with a thickness ranging from 5.9–8.8mm. The inclusions are of crushed quartzite generally less than 3.4mm long. The orange-brown-black sherds showed a degree of weathering. Vessel 43 has a simple rounded slightly out-turned rim and No. 42 retains part of a gently angled shoulder. Vessels 42 and 44 retain evidence for burnishing. Car-bonised residue is present on the interior surface of No. 43.

Middle Bronze Age domestic cordoned urnA single rimsherd representing a flat-based barrel-shaped urn (No. 45) was found in a pit (C. 3040). The slightly weathered, orange-brown, medium thick-walled (11.6mm) com-pact fabric has a moderate to high content of crushed inclusions. Decoration is present on the exterior surface in the form of carelessly fashioned horizontal rows of broad twisted cord impressions and a raised cordon is present 23.6mm below the rim.

Also present was portion of a baked clay object that was found within a pit (C. 2026). It is possibly a more weathered example of the perforated clay object found in Area 2 (see Discussion below).

General Discussion of Areas 1, 2 and 3

Early Neolithic carinated bowlsCaherdrinny 3 is an important contribution to the archaeological record of this period. Sites producing Early Neolithic pottery form a dispersed distribution throughout Ire-land but until recent years they were rare in this region. Early Neolithic pottery of this type has come from both settlement sites and funerary contexts within portal and court tombs. The context at Caherdrinny 3 appears to be domestic and should belong to the beginning of the Neolithic in this region, c. 4000–3800 BC. Closely comparable material has come from other sites on the Fermoy to Mitchelstown Bypass, at Gortore 1b, Ballin-glanna North 3, Ballynamona 2 and Gortnahown 2. Small assemblage were also found at Gortmakellis, Monadreela and Boscabell, Co. Tipperary, during the excavation of sites on the N8 Cashel Bypass; and on the N8 Rathcormac to Fermoy Bypass at Curraghpre-vin 3 (Grogan and Roche 2007a; 2007b).

Further afield, similar assemblages have been found at the house sites at Tankard-stown South, Co. Limerick (Gowen 1988; Gowen and Tarbett 1988), as well as Lough Gur, Co. Limerick, Circles J, K, L and Site 10 (Grogan and Eogan 1987), and Site C (Ó

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Ríordáin 1954). To the south previously known sites include Kilgreany Cave (Tratman 1928; Movius 1935) and the court tomb at Ballynamona Lower (Powell 1938), both in county Waterford. More recently Early Neolithic carinated bowls have been reported from the Kilmacthomas area at Ahanaglogh and Cooltubrid East, Co. Waterford (John-son et al. 2008). In the east comparable material has been found at the earliest Neolithic phase at Knowth, Co. Meath (Eogan and Roche 1997), and Corbally, Co. Kildare (‘Silliot Hill’, Purcell 1998; 1999).

Middle Neolithic globular bowlAlthough represented by just one bone impressed sherd, it is still an important find in this area of the country. Bone impressed decoration is common on Middle Neolithic globu-lar bowls and similarly ornamented pots have also been found in habitation contexts at Knowth, Co. Meath (Eogan and Roche 1997, fig. 16: V. 1–12), and at Dalkey Island, Co. Dublin, and from the ritual/extraction site on Lambay Island, also in Co. Dublin, and Balregan 1, Co. Louth (Liversage 1968, fig. 4: 33; Cooney 2000, 197; Grogan and Roche 2006). Further north examples are known from Audleystown, Co. Down, and Lough Enagh, Co. Derry, Ballygalley and Knockans, Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim (Herity 1982, fig. 51: 4; fig. 65: 6; Roche 2005; 2007). Such vessels date to, at the broadest chronological range, between c. 3500 and 3000 BC.

The distribution of vessels of this type (Case 1961: ‘Sandhills Ware: Goodland bowls’; Herity 1982: ‘Globular bowls’) is concentrated in north Leinster and east Ulster (Grogan and Roche 2006, fig. 4). This type has only rarely been recorded in Munster but there are two vessels from burials at Rockbarton (‘Caherguillamore’), Co. Limerick (Hunt 1967; Herity 1982, 299–300, fig. 25: 2–3), and sherds from two pots nearby on the M8 Scheme at Ballynacarriga 3.

Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age BeakerCaherdrinny 3 is another important addition to the small, if growing, number of sites from the region that have produced Beaker pottery. Up to as recently as ten years ago there were no such sites in south Munster or south Leinster. Since then there have been new discoveries from the Rathcormac to Fermoy Bypass, and Ross Island, Co. Kerry (Grogan and Roche 2007b; O’Brien 1995), Barnagore 2, Carrigohane 4, Curraheen 1, Co. Cork (Danaher 2004b; 2004c; 2004d), Graigueshoneen and Ahanaglogh, Co. Wa-terford (Johnson et al. 2008), and in south Leinster at Kerlogue (Elder 2003). Radiocar-bon dates from Barnagore and Curraheen of 2480–2050 cal. BC and 2580–2200 cal. BC respectively (Danaher 2004b, 60; 2004d, 75) indicates that this material is as early as any of the larger assemblages in the Boyne Valley or at Lough Gur (Grogan 1991).

Early Bronze Age bipartite vaseThe majority of vases have been found in funerary contexts although no such obvious feature was found in association with the pot from Caherdrinny 3. Although it is not unknown for vases to be found in habitation contexts, the examples to date are few, but


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include sherds from the sandhills at Whitepark Bay, Co. Antrim, and Dundrum, Co. Down, and Dalkey Island, Co. Dublin (Ó Ríordáin and Waddell 1993, 25). However, the possibility that the Caherdrinny vase was in a disturbed position and may have originally accompanied a burial cannot be dismissed. At least six burials containing vases have been recorded from Co. Tipperary and similar numbers are recorded from the surrounding areas of Counties Cork, Limerick and Waterford (Ó Ríordáin and Waddell 1993, 193–95, 118–29, 138–39; Brindley 2007, 81).

Middle Bronze Age domestic cordoned urnsThe absence of accompanying funerary remains and the presence of carbonised matter on the interior surface of some of the sherds suggests that the assemblages from Areas 1, 2 and 3 represent domestic cordoned urns dating to the latter stages of the Middle Bronze Age c. 1500–1200 BC. Large domestic vessels related to funerary cordoned urns have come from a number of settlement sites in this region, including Gortnahown 3, also un-covered during the excavation of sites on the Fermoy to Mitchelstown Bypass, and at Bal-lyveelish and Chancellorsland, Co. Tipperary (Doody 1987; 2008; Cleary 2008). There is a large assemblage from Lough Gur, Co. Limerick, at Sites C, D (Ó Ríordáin 1954, 333–40 and 392–94, figs 18: 7–9, 19: 1–6, 34: 26, pl. 34), Circle L and Site 10 (Grogan and Eogan 1987, 405 and 449–51, figs 45: 891, 68: 893–911). Vessels of this type have also been found at Ballinaspig More 5, Ballincollig (Danaher 2004a; Grogan and Roche 2004), and Rathcormack, Co. Cork (Purcell 2003; Roche 2004).

Baked Clay FragmentsTwo baked clay objects were found in Area 2 (pit fill: C. 2726) and Area 3 (pit fill: C. 2026). The example found in Area 2 had a rounded, smoothed exterior surface and evi-dence for a perforation was present on the interior surface. The example from Area 3 was more fragmented but it is probable that it was of similar form. The objects were not found in direct association with pottery. The function of these objects is not clear but similar objects all appear to have come from Late Neolithic Grooved Ware sites. Hard baked clay objects that were roughly shaped but also had evidence for perforations were found within post-pits of the timber circle at Knowth (Eogan and Roche 1997, 185–87). Similar objects were also found associated with Grooved Ware at Longstone, Cullen, Co. Tipperary, Dundrum Sandhills, Co. Down, and the Grange Stone Circle, Lough Gur, Co. Limerick (Roche 1995, 116). Therefore, it can be suggested that Caherdrinny examples are residual or that they continued to be fashioned and used by Beaker or later inhabitants on the site.

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ReferencesBrindley, A. L. 2007 The Dating of Food Vessels & Urns in Ireland. Bronze Age Studies 7.

Department of Archaeology, National University of Ireland, Galway.

Case, H. 1961 Irish Neolithic Pottery: Distribution and Sequence, Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society 9, 174–233.

Case, H. 1993 Beakers: Deconstruction and After, Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society 59, 241–68.

Case, H. 1995 Irish Beakers in their European Context. In J. Waddell and E. Shee Twohig (eds) Ireland in the Bronze Age, 14–29. Stationery Office, Dublin.

Clarke, D.L. 1970 Beaker Pottery of Great Britain and Ireland. Gulbenkian Archaeological Series, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.

Cleary, R.M. 2008 The pottery from site A (Chancellorsland). In M. Doody, The Ballyhoura Hills Project. Discovery Programme Monograph 7, 259–303, Wordwell, Bray.

Cooney, G. 2000 Landscapes of Neolithic Ireland. Routledge. London and New York.

Danaher, E. 2004a Ballinaspig More 5, Co. Cork. In I. Bennett (ed.), Excavations 2002, 55–56. Wordwell, Bray.

Danaher, E. 2004b Barnagore 2. Bronze Age cremation pit, Co. Cork. In I. Bennett (ed.), Excavations 2002, 59–60. Wordwell, Bray.

Danaher, E. 2004c Carrigohane 4. Circular pit with Beaker pottery, Co. Cork. In I. Bennett (ed.), Excavations 2002, 64. Wordwell, Bray.

Danaher, E. 2004d Curraheen 1. Multi-phases settlement, Co. Cork. In I. Bennett (ed.), Excavations 2002, 74–76. Wordwell, Bray.

Doody, M. 1987 Ballyveelish, Co. Tipperary. In R. Cleary et al. (eds), Archaeological Excavations on the Cork Dublin Gas Pipeline (1981–82), 9–21. Cork Archaeological Studies 1, University College, Cork.

Doody, M. 2008 The Ballyhoura Hills Project. Discovery Programme Monograph 7, Wordwell, Bray.

Eogan, G. and Roche, H. 1997 Excavations at Knowth 2. Royal Irish Academy Monographs in Archaeology, Dublin.


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Gowen, M. 1988 Three Irish Gas Pipelines: New Archaeological Evidence in Munster. Wordwell, Bray.

Gowen, M. and Tarbett, C. 1988 A Third Season at Tankardstown, Archaeology Ireland 8, 156.

Grogan, E. 1991 Radiocarbon dates from Brugh na Bóinne. Appendix in G. Eogan, Prehistoric and early historic culture change at Brugh na Bóinne, Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy 91C, 126–32.

Grogan, E. and Eogan, G. 1987 Lough Gur excavations by Seán P. Ó Ríordáin: further Neolithic and Beaker habitations on Knockadoon, Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy 87C, 299–506.

Grogan, E. and Roche, H. 2004 The prehistoric pottery from Ballinaspig More 5, Ballincollig, Co. Cork. Unpublished Report for Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd.

Grogan, E. and Roche, H. 2006 The prehistoric pottery from Balregan 1, Co. Louth. Unpublished Report for Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd.

Grogan, E. and Roche, H. 2007a The prehistoric pottery from the N8 Cashel Bypass, Co. Tipperary. Unpublished Report for The National Roads Authority.

Grogan, E. and Roche, H. 2007b The prehistoric pottery from the N8 Rathcormac to Fermoy Bypass.

Unpublished Report for Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd.

Herity, M. 1982 Irish Decorated Neolithic Pottery, Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy 82C, 247–404.

Hunt, J. 1967 Prehistoric Burials at Caherguillamore, Co. Limerick. In E Rynne (ed.), North Munster Studies: Essays in commemoration of Monsignor Micheal Moloney, 20–42, Thomond Archaeological Society, Limerick.

Johnson, P., Kiely, J. and Tierney, J. 2008 Near the Bend on the River. The archaeology of the N25 Kilmacthomas realignment. National Roads Authority Scheme Monographs 3. Dublin.

Lanting, J. and van der Waals, D. 1972 British Beakers as seen from the Continent, Helenium 12, 20-46.

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Liversage, G.D. 1968 Excavations at Dalkey Island, Co. Dublin, 1956–1959, Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy 66C, 53–233.

Movius, H. 1935 Kilgreany Cave, County Waterford, Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 65, 254–96.

O’Brien, W. 1995 Ross Island – the beginning, Archaeology Ireland 31, 24–27.

Ó Ríordáin, S.P. 1954 Lough Gur Excavations: Neolithic and Bronze Age Houses on Knockadoon, Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy 56C, 297–459.

Ó Ríordáin, B. and Waddell, J. 1993 The Funerary Bowls and Vases of the Irish Bronze Age. Galway University Press, Galway.

Powell, T.G.E. 1938 Excavation of a Megalithic Tomb at Ballynamona Lower, County Waterford, Journal of the

Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 68, 260–71.

Purcell, A. 1998 Brownstown, Corbally and Silliot Hill, Co. Kildare. In I. Bennett (ed.), Excavations 1997, 91.Wordwell, Bray.

Purcell, A. 1999 Neolithic houses at Corbally, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare, Archaeology Ireland 47, 15.

Purcell, A. 2003 Rathcormack. Near circular enclosure, Co. Cork. In I. Bennett (ed.), Excavations 2001, 54. Wordwell, Bray.

Roche, H. 1995 Style and Context for Grooved Ware in Ireland: with special reference to the assemblage at Knowth, Co. Meath. Unpublished M.A. Thesis. Department of Archaeology, National University of Ireland, Dublin.

Roche, H. 2004 The Prehistoric Pottery from Rathcormack, Co. Cork. Unpublished Report for Sheila Lane and Associates.

Roche, H. 2005 The Prehistoric Pottery from Ballygalley, Co. Antrim. Unpublished Report for Archaeological Development Services Ltd.

Roche, H. 2007 The Prehistoric Pottery from Knockans, Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim. Unpublished Report for the Ulster Museum.

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of Rudely Shape’, 3–21. Oxbow Monograph 55, Oxford.

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Waddell, J. 1998 The Prehistoric Archaeology of Ireland, Galway University Press, Galway.

Catalogue

The excavation number E2422 is omitted throughout; only the context number followed by the find number is included.Where the pottery is listed in the catalogue the context numbers are in bold: e.g. body-sherds: 541:5-6.Sherd numbers incorporating a forward slash indicates joining sherds, e.g. 888/444. The colour reference refers to the outer surface/core/inner surface, e.g. orange/grey/black.The thickness refers to an average dimension; where relevant a thickness range is indicated. Vessel numbers have been allocated to pottery where some estimation of the form of the pot is possible, or where the detailed evidence of featured sherds (e.g. rims, shoulders) or the fabric indicates separate vessels.

Area 1

Early Neolithic Carinated bowls

Vessel 1. Represented by a rim fragment 1:45 from a vessel with a flattened lightly out-turned rim. Good quality, thin-walled hard compact fabric with a moderate to high content of crushed quartzite inclusions (≤ 3.2mm). The smooth surface is slightly weathered. Col-our: brown/orange/brown. T: 7.1mm. Weight: 3g.Vessel 2. Represented by a rim fragment 1:56 from a medium sized vessel with a rounded out-turned rim. Thin-walled slightly friable fabric with a moderate to high content of crushed quartzite inclusions (≤ 2.3mm). The smooth surfaces are slightly weathered. Colour: dark brown throughout. T: 6.4mm. Weight: 2g.Vessel 3. Represented by a rimsherd 287:71, a necksherd 287:38, a shouldersherd 287:49, five bodysherds 287:31, 47, 53, 56, 57 and six fragments 287:36, 39, 42, 69a–b, 89 from a medium sized vessel with a rounded out-turned rim, a gently curved neck and a low step shoulder.

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Good quality thin-walled hard compact fabric with a moderate to high content of crushed quartzite inclusions (≤ 3.3mm). The surfaces are smooth and well finished although some sherds are weathered and inclusions are visible. Slight traces of carbonised residue are present on the interior surface. Colour: brown-orange/grey-orange/brown. Estimated rim diameter 22cm. T: 6.2–9.5mm. Weight: 97g.Vessel 4. Represented by a rimsherd 287:72, two bodysherds 287:1, 45 and a fragment 287:98 from a medium sized vessel with a pointed out-turned rim. Thin-walled slightly friable fabric with a moderate to high content of crushed quartzite inclusions (≤ 3.3mm). The surfaces are weathered and inclusions are visible on both sur-faces. Colour: brown/orange/brown. T: 6.3–7.5mm. Weight: 25g.Vessel 5. Represented by a rimsherd 287:75, a shouldersherd 287:40, four bodysherds 287:30, 33, 34, 83 and a fragment 287:37 from a medium sized vessel with a rounded out-turned rim and a medium step shoulder. Friable fabric with a high content of crushed quartzite inclusions (≤ 4.4mm). The sur-faces are heavily weathered with little of the smooth surface surviving. Slight traces of carbonised residue are present on the interior surface. Colour: orange throughout. T: 7.4–14.0mm. Weight: 75g.Vessel 6. Represented by a rim fragment 287:63, three necksherds 287:54, 62, 100, a shouldersherd 287:43, seven bodysherds 287:41, 44, 48, 50, 64, 84, 108 and four frag-ments 287:55, 81, 96, 103 from a medium sized vessel with a rounded out-turned, a gently curved neck and a medium step shoulder. Good quality thin-walled hard compact fabric with a high content of crushed quartzite inclusions (≤ 2.6mm). The surfaces are smooth and possibly burnished. Slight traces of carbonised residue are present on the interior surface. Colour: brown/grey-brown/brown. Estimated rim diameter 20.6cm. T: 5.8–6.6mm. Weight: 155g.Vessel 7. Represented by a rimsherd 287:66, a necksherd 287:114, three bodysherds 287:28, 79, 87 and five fragments 287:27, 60, 65, 74, 93 from a medium sized vessel with a rounded out-turned rim, and a gently curved neck. Thin-walled compact but slightly brittle fabric with a high content of crushed quartzite inclusions (≤ 3.9mm). The smooth probably burnished surfaces are somewhat weathered. Colour: brown-orange throughout. T: 6.7–8.8mm. Weight: 74g.Vessel 8. Represented by a rim fragment 287:90, a bodysherd 287:78 and six fragments 287:2, 26, 29, 52, 67, 68 from a small vessel with a rounded slightly out-turned rim. Thin-walled hard brittle fabric with a high content of crushed quartzite inclusions (≤ 2.5mm). The surfaces are weathered and inclusions are visible on the surfaces. Colour: orange-brown/grey/brown. T: 6.7–7.1mm. Weight: 28g.Vessel 9. Represented by seven bodysherds 287:51, 59, 76, 77, 92, 95, 97 and six fragments 287:46, 73a–b, 82, 91, 94 from a small finely constructed vessel. Thin-walled compact but brittle fabric with a moderate content of crushed quartzite in-clusions (≤ 3.1mm). The smooth well finished surfaces are slightly weathered. Colour: brown-orange/dark orange/brown-orange. T: 4.4–5.6mm. Weight: 61g.


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Vessel 10. Represented by a rimsherd 287:102, three shouldersherds 287:3, 80, 88, two bodysherds 287:85, 107 and seven fragments 287:61, 70a–b, 86a–b, 112a–b from a small vessel with a rounded out-turned rim, a gently curved neck and a low step shoulder. Thin-walled hard compact fabric with a moderate content of crushed quartzite inclusions (≤ 3.2mm). The smooth surfaces are slightly weathered. Slight traces of carbonised resi-due are present on the interior surfaces. Colour: orange-brown throughout. Estimated rim diameter: 17.4cm. T: 4.6–6.4mm. Weight: 61g.Vessel 11. Represented by a rimsherd 287:113, two bodysherds 287:106, 110 and seven fragments 287:101a–b, 104–105, 109, 111a–b from a small vessel with a rounded out-turned rim. Thin-walled hard compact fabric with a moderate to high content of crushed quartzite inclusions (≤ 4.1mm). The surfaces are weathered and small cavities are present on both surfaces. Slight traces of carbonised residue are present on the interior surface. Colour: brown/brown-orange/brown. T: 5.7–7.6 mm. Weight: 40g.Vessel 12. Represented by a rim fragment 411:9, two necksherds 411:14, 16, two shoul-dersherds 411:4, 6, and six fragments 411:7, 12, 18–19, 20a–b from a medium sized vessel with a rounded out-turned rim, a gently curved neck and a low step shoulder. Thin-walled hard brittle fabric with a high content of crushed quartzite inclusions (≤ 4.3mm). The smooth surfaces are sometimes weathered and inclusions are visible. Col-our: orange-brown/grey-brown/brown. T: 7.0–7.7mm. Weight: 87g.Vessel 13. Represented by a rim fragment 411:8, a necksherd 411:3, three bodysherds 411:13, 15, 17 and three fragments 411:5, 10–11 from a probable medium sized vessel with a pointed slightly out-turned rim and a gently curved neck. Compact fabric somewhat chalky in texture with a moderate content of crushed quartz-ite inclusions (≤ 5.8mm). The burnished exterior surface is sometimes weathered and small cavities are present on both surfaces. Colour: brown-black/orange-grey/brown. T: 9.4–10.2 mm. Weight: 54g.Vessel 14. Represented by a rimsherd 454:1 and four bodysherds 412:1; 455:5; 476:13, 17 from a large vessel with a rounded out-turned rim and a gently curved neck. Thin-walled hard compact fabric with a high content of crushed quartzite inclusions (≤ 2.8mm). The surfaces are smooth and probably burnished. Colour: brown/brown-or-ange/brown. Estimated rim diameter: 23.4cm. T: 6.4–6.9mm. Weight: 61g.Vessel 15. Represented by five bodysherds 455:12; 476:6, 8, 14–15 and five fragments 455:3–4, 6, 8; 476:7.Thin-walled hard brittle fabric with a moderate content of crushed quartzite inclusions (≤ 3.1mm). The smooth surfaces are somewhat weathered and much of the surface is miss-ing. Colour: brown/orange/brown. T: 4.5–6.3mm. Weight: 36g.Vessel 16. Represented by a rimsherd 455:7 and two bodysherds 455:11; 456:1 from a me-dium sized vessel with a rounded slightly out-turned rim. Hard compact, slightly chalky textured fabric with a moderate content of crushed quartz-ite inclusions (≤ 3.4mm). The smooth surfaces are slightly weathered. Colour: orange throughout. T: 7.5–9.0mm. Weight: 17g.

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Vessel 17. Represented by a rim fragment 456:2 and three fragments 476:11–12; 455:9 from a probable medium sized vessel with a rounded slightly out-turned rim. Hard slightly friable fabric with a moderate content of crushed quartzite inclusions (≤ 2.4mm). The smooth surfaces are slightly weathered. Colour: brown/orange/brown. T: 6.3–8.5mm. Weight: 17g.Vessel 18. Represented by a rim fragment 455:10, a bodysherd 476:16 and three fragments 476:10; 526:5–6 from a probable medium sized vessel with a rounded slightly out-turned rim. Poorly constructed slightly coarse fabric with a moderate content of crushed quartzite in-clusions (≤ 3.8mm). The surfaces are weathered and uneven. Colour: orange throughout. T: 7.4–8.4mm. Weight: 25g.Vessel 19. Represented by five bodysherds 486:2–3; 593:4, 6–7 and seven fragments 486:1a–b; 593:3a–d, 5 from a probable medium sized vessel. Hard compact fabric with a low to moderate content of crushed quartzite inclusions (≤ 3.4mm). The surfaces are slightly weathered and uneven. Traces of carbonised resi-due are present on both surfaces. Colour: brown-orange throughout. T: 4.6–8.6mm. Weight: 66g.Vessel 20. Represented by a rim fragment 500:1 and a fragment 500:3 from a vessel with a flat upright rim. Compact slightly chalky textured fabric with a low to moderate content of crushed quartzite inclusions (≤ 2.5m). The surfaces are slightly weathered and uneven. Colour: brown-orange throughout. T: 8.9–9.5mm. Weight: 9g.Vessel 21. Represented by two bodysherds 539:2–3. Thin-walled hard compact fabric with a low to moderate content of crushed quartzite in-clusions (≤ 2.1mm). The smooth surfaces are slightly weathered. Colour: brown-orange throughout. T: 6.2–7.0mm. Weight: 15g.Vessel 22. Represented by seven bodysherds 553:7–10; 566:2–3; 580:2. Compact slightly chalky textured fabric with a low to moderate content of crushed quartzite inclusions (≤ 3.3mm). The smooth surfaces are slightly weathered. Slight traces of carbonised residue are present on the interior surface. Colour: brown-orange through-out. T: 6.3–8.2mm. Weight: 32g.Vessel 23. Represented by a rim fragment 897:7 and four bodysherds 824:2–5 from a probable medium sized vessel with a rounded rim. Compact slightly chalky textured fabric with a low to moderate content of crushed quartzite inclusions (≤ 3.1mm). The smooth surfaces are slightly weathered. Colour: orange-brown throughout. T: 6.9–11.0mm. Weight: 38g.Vessel 24. Represented by a rimsherd 960:1, a shoulder/ necksherd 885:1 and a bodysherd 885:2 from a large vessel with a rounded slightly out-turned rim, a gently curved neck and a low step shoulder. Good quality hard compact fabric with a moderate content of crushed quartzite inclu-sions (≤ 3.1mm). The surfaces are smooth and probably burnished but slight weather-


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ing has removed all traces. Estimated rim diameter: 22.6cm. Colour: brown-orange throughout. T: 7.9–8.1mm. Weight: 101g.Vessel 25. Represented by a rim fragment 897:6, a shouldersherd 891:2, two bodysherds 891:1, 3 and eleven fragments 696:1; 838:1a–b; 868:1, 878:1; 890:1; 897:8a–e (probably all from the same bowl) from a medium sized vessel with a rounded slightly out-turned rim and a low step shoulder. Hard compact fabric, slightly chalky in texture with a moderate content of crushed quartzite inclusions (≤ 3.5mm). The smooth surfaces are slightly weathered. Slight traces of carbonised residue are present on the interior surfaces. Colour: orange-brown/dark orange/orange-brown. T: 7.6–8.1mm. Weight: 71g.Vessel 26. Represented by two rim fragments 897:4; 903:1 (probably from the same bowl), and six fragments 897:3a–b, 5; 924:1; 929:1; 944:1 from a small vessel with a rounded slightly out-turned rim. Thin-walled brittle fabric with a moderate content of crushed quartzite inclusions (≤ 2.8mm). The smooth surfaces are somewhat weathered. Colour: orange-brown/orange-grey/orange. T: 5.8–5.9mm. Weight: 21g.Vessel 27. Represented by a rimsherd 920:2, a necksherd 950:1, a shouldersherd 964:2, two shoulder fragments 924:2a, two bodysherds 935:1, 945:5 and two fragments 929:2b; 936:2 from a medium sized vessel with a pointed slightly out-turned rim, pressed back against the exterior surface, a gently curved neck and a low step shoulder. Good quality hard compact fabric with a moderate content of crushed quartzite inclu-sions (≤ 3.8mm). The smooth surfaces are slightly weathered but were possibly originally burnished. Colour: brown-orange throughout. T: 5.6–7.8mm. Weight: 69g.Vessel 28. Represented by a rim fragment 945:11, a necksherd 901:3, three bodysherds 990:2–4 and eight fragments 901:1a–e, 2a–c from a probable medium sized vessel with a rounded slightly out-turned rim, and a gently curved neck. Hard compact fabric with a moderate content of crushed quartzite inclusions (≤ 3.7mm). The smooth surfaces are slightly weathered and small cavities are present on both sur-faces. Slight traces of carbonised residue are present on the interior surface. Colour: orange-brown/grey-orange/orange-brown. T: 8.2–8.8mm. Weight: 53g.Vessel 29. Represented by a rim fragment 920:1, a necksherd 964:1, a bodysherd 945:4 and three fragments 952:1a–b; 945:6 from a probable medium sized vessel with a pointed slightly out-turned rim and a gently curved neck. Compact fabric slightly chalky in texture with a moderate content of crushed quartzite inclusions (≤ 4.0mm). The smooth surfaces are slightly weathered but were probably bur-nished. Colour: orange throughout. T: 6.9–7.9mm. Weight: 37g.Vessel 30. Represented by a rim fragment 945:8, a shouldersherd 953:1, two bodysherds 945:7, 10 and thirteen fragments 945:9a–b, 12–13; 897:1a–d; 975:1; 990:1a–c from a medium sized vessel with a rounded rim and a medium step shoulder. Hard compact fabric with a moderate content of crushed quartzite inclusions (≤ 3.5mm). The smooth surfaces are slightly weathered but were possibly burnished. Slight traces

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of carbonised residue are present on the interior surface. Colour: brown-orange/grey-orange/orange-brown. T: 6.6–8.1mm. Weight: 64g.Vessel 31. Represented by a rim fragment 952:2, a bodysherd 983:1 and ten fragments 960:2a–d; 1253:1; 1290:1; 1358:1a–d from a probable medium sized vessel with a round-ed rim. Compact fabric slightly chalky in texture with a moderate content of crushed quartzite inclusions (≤ 3.2mm). The smooth surfaces are slightly weathered. Slight traces of car-bonised residue are present on the interior surface. Colour: brown-orange throughout. T: 7.1–7.8mm. Weight: 40g.Vessel 32. Represented by a rim fragment 1038:1, a shouldersherd 996:2, two bodysherds 1006:1–2 and a fragment 996:1 from a probable small sized vessel with a rounded slightly out-turned rim and a low step shoulder. Hard slightly brittle fabric with a low to moderate content of crushed quartzite inclusions (≤ 3.1mm). The smooth surfaces are slightly weathered and small cavities are present on both surfaces. Slight traces of carbonised residue are present on the interior surfaces. Colour: orange-brown throughout. T: 4.9–7.5mm. Weight: 31g.Vessel 33. Represented by a rim fragment 1366:2 and nine fragments 1227:1; 1324:1a–d, 2–5 from a medium sized vessel with a rounded slightly out-turned rim. Hard compact fabric, slightly chalky in texture with a moderate content of crushed quartzite inclusions (≤ 3.6mm). The smooth surfaces are slightly weathered. Colour: orange/orange-grey/orange. T: 7.5–11.3mm. Weight: 43g.This group (Vessels 1–33) also included 15 fragments similar to the above vessels but could not with confidence be assigned to particular vessels – 1:46, 48; 277:2, 3; 287:32, 35, 58, 99; 381:1; 476:9; 541:1; 947:1; 1253:2; 1625:2; 1628:1 (weight: 53g).

Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age Beaker Vessel

Vessel 34. Represented by a base-angle fragment 536:1. Thin-walled brittle fabric with a low to moderate content of crushed inclusions (≤ 2.7mm). The surfaces are weathered and abraded. Colour: orange/black/orange. T: 7.9mm. Weight: 4g.

Early Bronze Age Bipartite Vase

Vessel 35. Represented by a body/ shouldersherd 217:1. Hard compact fabric with a moderate to high content of crushed inclusions (≤ 5.5mm). The surfaces are smooth and well finished. Surviving decoration consists of horizon-tal rows of incised filled triangles and a horizontal incised line. Colour: brown-orange throughout. T: 9.3mm. Weight: 28g.

Middle Bronze Age Domestic Cordoned Urns

Vessel 36. Represented by two rim fragments 31:10–11, nine bodysherds 31:1–4, 6–9, 12 (with portion of cordon) and two fragments 31:5; 187:1 from a flat-based barrel-shaped urn with a flat rim and a cordon on the upper portion of the vessel.


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Medium thick-walled fabric with a loose-textured matrix and a chalky exterior surface and a moderate to high content of crushed inclusions (≤ 6.0mm). The surfaces are weathered and uneven. Carbonised residue is present on the interior surface and on the exterior surface of the rim. Surviving decorative evidence consists of a horizontal row of whipped cord impressions immediately below the rim. Broad twisted cord impressions possible forming chevrons are present on the exterior surface of sherd 31:2. Colour: or-ange/orange-brown/brown-black. T: 10.6–11.2mm. Weight: 106g.Vessel 37. Represented by seven fragments 45:2, 3a–f from a flat-based barrel-shaped urn. Medium thick-walled chalky textured fabric with a low to moderate content of crushed inclusions (≤ 4.6mm). The surfaces are weathered and abraded with little of the original surfaces surviving. Colour: orange throughout. T: 9.5–11.0mm. Weight: 16g.Vessel 38. Represented by a rimsherd 500:4 and a rim fragment 500:2, a base-angle frag-ment 541:2 and five bodysherds:500:5–9 from a flat-based barrel-shaped urn with a flat rim. Thick-walled hard compact fabric with a slightly chalky-textured exterior surface and a moderate content of crushed inclusions (≤ 4.1mm). The smooth surfaces are somewhat weathered. A false rim is visible on sherd 500:8. Faint evidence for decoration is present in the form of horizontal rows of broad twisted cord impressions on the exterior surface just below the rim, below which is a band of opposing oblique lines of broad twisted cord impressions, probably forming chevron motifs. Slight traces of carbonised residue are present on the interior surface. Colour: orange-brown/dark grey/orange-brown. T: 11.0–12.8mm. Weight: 198g.

Area 2

Middle Neolithic Globular Bowl

Vessel 39. Represented by a small bodysherd 2788:1. Thick-walled hard compact fabric with a low to moderate content of crushed inclusions (≤ 4.1mm). The surfaces are smooth, well finished and probably burnished. Traces of carbonised residue are present on the interior surface. The exterior surface appears to have been decorated with bird bone impressions. Colour: black throughout. T: 13.1mm. Weight: 10g.

Late Neolithic/Early Bronze Age Beaker Vessel

Vessel 40. Represented by a rim fragment 2522:9, a base-angle fragment 2522:8, three bodysherds 2522:4–6 and three fragments 2522:7a, b; 2682:1 from a probable S-profiled vessel with a rounded unexpanded rim. Thin-walled compact but brittle fabric with a low content of crushed inclusions (≤ 1.2mm). The smooth surfaces are weathered. Traces of carbonised residue are present on the inte-rior surface. Evidence for decoration in the form of faint horizontal shallow grooves are present on sherd 2522:4. Colour: orange/black/orange-black. T: 5.7–6.4mm. Weight: 31g.

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Middle Bronze Age Cordoned Urn

Vessel 41. Represented by a large rimsherd 2738:9, fourteen bodysherds 2738:8, 10–18, 20–22; 2767:1 and eighteen fragments 2738:2a–l, 3–7, 19 from a flat-based barrel-shaped urn with an upright rounded rim. Thick-walled hard compact fabric with a moderate to high content of crushed inclusions (≤ 4.6mm). The smoothed surfaces are slightly weathered. Slight traces of carbonised residue are present on the interior surface. Two deep horizontal grooves are present on the interior surface just below the rim. Limited decorated sherds survive but remaining evi-dence shows a band of oblique incised lines on the exterior surface 59.7mm below the rim. Colour: orange-brown throughout. Estimated rim diameter: 27cm. T: 9.6–13.0mm. Weight: 600g.Also present was portion of a perforated clay object 2726:1 (weight: 43g).

Area 3

Early Neolithic Carinated bowls

Vessel 42. Represented by a shoulder fragment 1:50 and four fragments 1:52–54; 2047:1 from a vessel with a low step shoulder. Good quality, thin-walled hard compact fabric with a moderate to high content of crushed quartzite inclusions (≤ 3.1mm). The smooth burnished exterior surface is slightly weath-ered. Colour: brown-black/orange/brown. T: 7.1–7.9mm. Weight: 25g.Vessel 43. Represented by a rim fragment 2025:1 and a bodysherd 1:51 from a vessel with a rounded slightly out-turned rim. Thin-walled friable fabric with a low content of crushed quartzite inclusions (≤ 3.4mm). The surfaces are weathered and small cavities are present on both surfaces. Slight traces of carbonised residue are present on the interior surface. Colour: orange throughout. T: 7.5–8.8mm. Weight: 8g.Vessel 44. Represented by three fragments 2025:2. Fine, thin-walled hard compact fabric with a low content of crushed inclusions (≤ 2.8mm). The smooth possibly burnished surfaces are slightly weathered. Colour: orange through-out. T: 5.9–6.3mm. Weight: 3g.

Middle Bronze Age Cordoned Urn

Vessel 45. Represented by a rimsherd 3040:1 from a vessel with a flat slightly out-turned rim. Medium thick-walled hard compact fabric with a moderate content of crushed inclusions (≤ 4.2mm). The smooth surfaces are slightly weathered. Decoration is present on the exterior surface in the form of carelessly fashioned horizontal rows of broad twisted cord impressions. A raised cordon is present 23.6mm below the rim. Colour: orange-brown throughout. T: 11.6mm. Weight: 51g.Also present was portion of a baked clay object 2026:1 (weight: 15g), possibly a more weathered example of the perforated clay object found in Area 2 (see above).


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Appendix 7 Animal Bone Report

Archaeological investigation at Caherdrinny 3 focused on the excavation of a prehistoric settlement, with later medieval activity, from which small amounts of comminuted burnt animal bone was recovered. The bones were found in a variety of contexts including hearths, pits, postholes and a slot trench. Identification rates were poor given the extreme-ly calcined nature of the bones and in most instances the material can only be classified into size groupings or have to remain indeterminate. The material is described below by the major context groupings recognized by the excavators.

Neolithic HouseThe slot trench (C411) for the house produced a small sample of nine indeterminate frag-ments of burnt bone. The fill of a posthole (C991) associated with the house contained tiny amounts of indeterminate bone.

Prehistoric hearths Two hearths (C336 & C2683) collectively yielded a total sample of 26 tiny fragments of burnt bone. The largest samples came from a hearth (C336) centrally located within a possible structure at the southwest corner of the site. Eighteen fragments of burnt animal bone were examined but none of these can be identified due to the totally calcined nature of the material. Five bones are sufficiently large to indicate that they belong to a large-sized mammal such as cattle, the remaining fragments are indeterminate. A total of eight burnt bone fragments were recovered from the fill of a hearth (C2683) containing sherds of Beaker pottery. One of the bones represents the midshaft portion of a femur from a medium-sized animal such as sheep/goat or pig and the remaining specimens are too small to be taken to species level.

Prehistoric pitsSmall amounts (less than five fragments) of burnt animal bone were recovered from the fills of two pits (C2575 & C2560) dated to the Iron Age in the eastern portion of the site.

Medieval PitsSmall amounts of burnt animal bone were recovered from the fills of two pits (C2027 & C3056) dated to the medieval period. The largest individual sample (15 specimens) came from a pit (C3055) located to the north of the hearth in Structure 7 (C3014) and four of these represent limb bones from a large-sized mammal, probably cow. Some of the other bones are sufficiently small and thin-walled to have derived from sheep/goat or pig and there is no indication that wild fauna are present. The other pit produced less than five fragments of small burnt bone fragments.

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A relatively large sample of 112 burnt fragments of bone were recovered from a pit (C3070) located on the extreme northern edge of the excavated area. Most of these (97%) represent small indeterminate fragments of long bones which may be human or animal in origin. Three bones are however positively identifiable as tibia fragments and a scapula fragment of an adult sheep/goat. A few other specimens belong to a medium-sized animal, probably sheep/goat given its presence in the collection. It is possible that the large sample of indeterminate burnt fragments also belong to sheep/goat/.

Medieval HearthsThe two hearths (C10 & C3014) each yielded a sample of five indeterminate fragments of burnt bone.

Later field boundaryA small sample of bone was also recovered from the fill (C40) of a later field boundary (C41) of unknown date. The collection of 59 almost complete bones represents the partial remains of a cow skeleton and the individual bone elements are listed below in Table 1. As with the partial skeleton from Gortnahown 2, there is a certain consistency in the representation of the elements linked possibly to post-depositional processes and retrieval methods. The main limb bones, scapulae, pelves and vertebrae are well represented while there is a pronounced scarcity of smaller peripheral elements that may not have been seen during manual excavation. The remains have undergone a considerable erosion of the surface and no complete bones are present to allow for a withers height to be estimated. The dentition on the two mandibles is incomplete, with the third molar not yet erupted indicating an individual just less than two years old at death. No butchery traces were noted on any of the bones and given the almost complete state of most elements it is clear that this animal was not slaughtered and dismembered for its meat. The faunal sample is interpreted as a concentration of cattle bones derived perhaps from the disposal of a complete carcass into the field boundary which eventually became broken up during sub-sequent post-depositional activity.


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Element No.Humerus 1Radius 1Ulna 1Femur 2Tibia 2Metatarsus 1Metacarpus 1Scapula 1Pelvis 2Sacrum 1Mandible 2Calcaneum 2Teeth 9Phalanges 4Carpals/Tarsals 8Skull 1Vertebrae 20TOTAL 59

Table1:Distributionofelementsofcowskeleton

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Appendix 8 Plant remains

By Penny Johnston

IntroductionThis report details the results of plant remains analysis from Caherdrinny 3, Co. Cork (E2422). The site comprised an Early Neolithic rectangular house and an extensive area of activity with radiocarbon dating evidence to suggest that there was also Mesolithic, Early Bronze Age, Iron Age, early and late medieval occupation at the site.

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 695 samples were scanned and plant remains were present in 135 of the samples. The identifications are presented in Tables 2–5.

Plant remains from the Early Neolithic housePlant remains were recovered from 23 samples in deposits associated with the Early Neo-lithic house (Table 2). Only a small quantity of plant remains was recovered from these samples. These included fragments of hazelnut shells and some fruit seeds (raspberry/blackberry seeds and apple/pear pips). Cereals included 17 unidentifiable cereals (listed as ‘ceralia’) and 7 other grains that were classified as oat and wheat (see Figure 1).

Where it was possible to identify the wheat to species, it was classified as emmer wheat. This is a primitive glume wheat, one of the earliest types to be domesticated and the main type of wheat grown by early farmers across Europe (Nesbitt 2005, 52). Em-mer was also found in deposits from the Early Neolithic house at Gortore 1 (E2119), at six Early Neolithic houses at Corbally, Co. Kildare (Purcell 2002), at Tankardstown South, Co. Limerick (Gowen 1988, 41) and Ballinglanna North 3, Co. Cork (Johnston 2010a). However, crop assemblages from some other Irish Neolithic houses indicate more diverse crop husbandry practices; although wheat was also predominant at Ballygalley, Co. Antrim, much of this was identified as einkorn rather than emmer (Simpson 1993), an unusual find. And at Cloghers I (Early-Middle Neolithic date), the crop assemblage


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consisted of bread wheat, barley, oats and possibly spelt wheat; no signs of emmer were found (Kiely and Dunne 2005).

Six out of the 23 samples from the Early Neolithic house at Caherdrinny 3 con-tained charred hazelnut shell fragments. These plant remains are frequent finds in Irish archaeological sites, due partly to the fact that they were often collected, eaten and used in the past. Their frequency is also partly due to the taphonomic factors that govern the preservation of hazelnut shells (as outlined in Monk 2000, 74 – 75). A measure of their popularity is the fact that they are found in archaeological deposits from almost all peri-ods of prehistory and history. For example, hazelnut shell fragments were recovered from deposits from all areas of the site at Caherdrinny 3, from archaeological deposits that cover a wide range of different periods.

A small quantity of oat grains were also recovered from the deposits associated with the Neolithic house. This is relatively unusual as cultivated oats were apparently not in-troduced as a crop in Ireland until the early medieval period. However, other oat species were certainly present and have been identified in small quantities from many prehistoric deposits, although the role of oats in the prehistoric plant economy is not well under-stood. McClatchie (2007, 65) suspects that various oat species played a role in prehistoric agriculture and gathering but that, since it was not domesticated at this stage, it’s impor-tance has been underestimated.

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Figure1:IdentifiedplantremainsfromtheEarlyNeolithichouse

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Plant remains from the area around the Neolithic HousePlant remains were recovered from 69 samples in the area around the Early Neolithic house (Table 3). As with the material recovered from the deposits within the house, the plant remains from around it were also found in relatively small quantities. Nevertheless there are a number of differences between these samples and those from the Neolithic house. For example, in these features there was a much lower incidence of hazelnut shell retrieval, and much larger quantities of cereals were recovered (Figure 2).

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Figure2:PlantremainsfromfeaturesinthevicinityoftheNeolithichouse

However, the differences in the recovery of cereals from outside the house, as com-pared to those associated with the house, are notable. The cereals included oat, barley and wheat. Barley was the most common cereal type found (Figure 2). The fact that barley was the predominant cereal type, coupled with the fact that oat was also more common than wheat, suggest that these deposits may not necessarily date to the Early Neolithic, as wheat is often the most common cereal type collected from Early Neolithic deposits. The archaeobotanical results from the houses excavated at Caherdrinny 3 and Ballinglanna North 3 demonstrate that wheat was the most common cereal in deposits from this pe-riod. The fact that wheat was proportionately unimportant in the area around the house suggests that the deposits probably post-dated the house. The dating evidence supports this with radiocarbon dates from around the house indicating periods of occupation in the since it indicates an extensive sequence of occupation, with material from the area returning Mesolithic, Early Bronze Age and Iron Age radiocarbon dates.

Many of the samples from this part of the site contained only small quantities of plant remains but six samples stood out, in that they contained more than 20 seeds. These were


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a deposit from a hearth (C.10), a charcoal deposit (C.22), the fills from a kiln (C.48), a post-hole (C.55), another hearth (C.820) and a pit (C.1574). Preservation was generally not good and indeterminate cereal grains (‘ceralia’) made up a large portion of the assem-blages from each of these samples, in particular in the richest ones (from C.22 and C.48).

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Figure3:PlantremainsfromfeaturesinthevicinityoftheNeolithichouse

Most of the identifiable cereal grains from the hearth (C.10) and the charcoal deposit (C.22) were identified as oats. Based on the large quantity of oat grains recovered from these deposits, it is likely that both represent a cache of cultivated grains. Such large as-semblages of oat grains tend to be associated with medieval occupation (Moffett 2006, 50). The deposits therefore appear to date to the medieval period or later.

The richest sample was from the fill of a key-hole kiln with more than 600 seeds re-covered. Weeds were quite common but indeterminate cereals were the predominant seed type in this assemblage. The only identifiable cereal type was hulled barley and an Early Bronze Age radiocarbon date 1657–1498 BC (UBA–13231) was obtained from some of them. Hulled barley tends to be the most significant grain type recovered from Bronze Age charred assemblages (Fuller et al. in press). Corn drying kilns are generally associated with medieval (or later) agricultural activity, although Iron Age examples are known. An earlier example dated to 1520–1435 BC was discovered at Carrigatogher, Co. Tipperary and published under the title ‘The earliest cereal-drying kiln in Ireland?’ (Hackett 2010, 34–5). The radiocarbon date from the kiln at Caherdrinny 3 suggests that it is not.

A second kiln (C.1388) was excavated 20 m to the north-east of the Early Neolithic house. However, the sample from this kiln was not rich and it contained just 10 cereal

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grains, with oat the main cereal type found. Other corn drying kilns from Cork where plant remains analyses have been carried out include Brooklodge (99E0438) and Ball-invinny North (01E0802) both of these included large amounts of oat grains (Johnston 2000 and Johnston 2003). Further north along the route of the N8, from Mitchelstown to Cashel, the plant remains from corn drying kilns were contained assemblages that were primarily made up of barley and oats (Halwas 2009, 273).

The remaining rich sample was taken from the fill of a pit (C.1574). This feature was found 14.5 m to the east-north-east of the Early Neolithic house and it contained mostly naked barley (17 grains) and indeterminate cereal grains. The presence of naked barley contrasts with the hulled barley grains recovered from the kiln (C.48). Hulled barley is usually more common than naked grains but nevertheless naked barley is regularly recov-ered in deposits from the Bronze Age and later (McClatchie 2007, 65).

Plant remains from to the east of the main area of occupationThe plant remains from the east of the site were taken from a total of 15 samples

(Table 4). These were taken from post-holes (4 samples from two post-holes, C.2696 and C.2712), pits (9 samples from 7 pits, C.2575, C.2584, C.2646, C.2683, C.2730 C.2807 and C.2688) and a single sample each from a linear feature (C.2690) and a deposit (C.2579). Hazelnut shell fragments and barley grains were the most common types of plants that were recovered from these deposits (Figure 3).

The plant remains from this part of the site were relatively sparse. The deposit (C.2579) contained merely an indeterminate cereal grain, while a single grain of naked barley was found in the fill of the linear feature (C.2690) and 13 fragments of hazelnut shell frag-ments and two barley grains were recovered from the fills of the post-holes (C.2696 and C.2712). It was only in the pits from this part of the site that plant remains were found in any quantity. A total of 20 fragments of hazelnut shell fragments were recovered from pit fills, as well as one fruit stone (from sloe or cherry), 36 barley grains, 3 indeterminate cereal grains and 6 weed seeds (including grass seeds).

Barley was the predominant plant type from this area of the site (Figure 3).They in-cluded both naked and hulled grains, with naked grains being the most common type found (although these are mostly recovered from one single sample, from the pit C.2646). A radiocarbon date from this pit indicates that this material dates to the Early Bronze Age. Naked barley is useful because it is not hulled and therefore does not require exten-sive processing. However, hulled barley is generally more common as the yields are greater (Nesbitt 2005, 50) and it is often the most common barley type recovered from Irish sites. However, there are a number of sites where naked barley is the most common barley type found, for example at the Middle Bronze Age sites of Knockhouse Lower in Co. Water-ford (Johnston 2007, 14–15) and Ballynamona 2 in Co. Cork (Johnston 2010b). While the traditional view used to be that naked barley was common in the earlier part of the Bronze Age, and was replaced by hulled barley in the Late Bronze Age, McClatchie’s re-view of Irish Bronze Age material suggested that this was not true, and that naked barley continued in use in the Later Bronze Age as well (McClatchie 2007, 65).


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Figure3:Plantremainsfromtheeasternpartofthesite

Plant remains from the north of the main area of occupationThe plant remains from the north of the site were found in 28 samples (Table 5). These samples were taken from features that included the fills of post-holes (C.2002, C.2076, C.3009, C.3003 and C.3050), linear features (C.2052, C.2064, C.3048, C.3032 and C.3057), a single kiln (C.2061), pits (C.2072, C.2152, C.2167, C.3021, C.3023, C.3056, C.3088 and C.3117), a possible tree-bowl (C.2116) and a hearth (C.3014). Plant remains were most frequent in the pits (See Figure 4). Perhaps surprisingly, the fill of a kiln con-tained very few seeds, just one fragment from a hazelnut shell.

In general, this part of the site yielded the greatest range of plant remains and the richest samples were from pits (Figure 5). Wheat was by far the most common type of archaeobotanical material retrieved. It appears to be primarily free-threshing wheat which cannot be identified to species level due to the problems inherent in wheat grain identification (Hillman et al 1995). This means that the grains were probably from one of three free-threshing wheat types (bread, durum or compact wheat). It is most likely that the grains are from bread wheat, because chaff from this type of wheat was also recovered in the samples. This type of wheat was probably introduced in Ireland in the early historic period, but it became gradually more common in the later medieval period, possibly due to the influences of Anglo-Norman farming (Monk 1985/86, 34). The character of the assemblage therefore suggests that at least some of these deposits were later medieval in date.

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Figure4:Plantremainsfromdifferentfeaturetypesfromthenorthofthesite

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The richest samples from this part of the site were from the pit C.3117. These were the only samples where more than 50 cereal grains were recovered. There were no radiocarbon dates from this feature, but it was found at the extreme north of the site and radiocarbon dates from this part of the site suggest medieval activity, with occupation in both the early and the later medieval periods. The pit was irregular with a small, linear-like ending at its northern end. It is possible that it may have been a corn drying kiln, later disturbed or collapsed. The cereals from this pit were primarily wheat grains, making up 84% of the identifiable cereal assemblage from this feature (and these were mostly bread wheat). The remaining cereals were mostly oat (16%) with one possible grain of rye.

In addition to this, the samples contained a quantity of legume seeds, not in large amounts, but in significant enough quantities to suggest that these may have been the remnants of a crop rotation system, whereby cultivated legumes (peas, beans, and varie-ties of clover, etc.) were alternated with the traditional cereal crop to improve the nutrient quality if the soil. This practice is associated with intensive farming as it allowed for more intensive harvesting on the available land. In general, the dominance of wheat in the samples and the frequency with which legumes were found combine to suggest that the assemblage from this site, fits into the general picture of Irish agriculture after the arrival of the Anglo-Normans. Later medieval dates from this part of the site support the sugges-tion that the deposits from this pit date to the later medieval period.

Non-technical summaryThe archaeobotanical material from Caherdrinny 3 included sparse remains of Early Neolithic date, where wheat was the most common cereal type found. An unusual Early Bronze Age kiln with a rich assemblage of hulled barley was also identified. Other Early Bronze Age deposits suggested that naked barley was also an important crop. Medi-eval archaeobotanical material included large quantities of wheat, probably mostly bread wheat and oats.

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ReferencesFuller, D., Stevens, C. & McClatchie, M. (in press) Routine activities, tertiary refuse

and labor organization: social inferences from everyday archaeobotany. In M. Madella & M. Savard (eds) Ancient Plants and People – Contemporary Trends in Archaeobotany. University of Arizona Press, Tucson.

Gowen, M. 1988 Three Irish Gas Pipelines: New Archaeological Evidence from Munster. Dublin, Wordwell.

Hackett, L. 2010 ‘The earliest cereal-drying kiln in Ireland?’, Seanda 5, 34–35.

Halwas, S. 2009 ‘Macro-plant remains’, pp. 262 – 275 in McQuade, M., Molloy, B. and Moriarty, C. In the Shadow of the Galtees. Archaeological excavations along the N8 Cashel to Mitchelstown Road Scheme. Dublin, National Roads Authority.

Hillman, G. C., Mason, S., de Moulins, D. and Nesbitt, M. 1995 ‘Identification of archaeological remains of wheat: the 1992 London workshop,’ Circaea 12 (2), 195 – 210.

Johnston, P. 2010a ‘Analysis of the plant remains from Ballinglanna North 3 (E2416)’. Unpublished technical report for Eachtra Archaeological Projects.

Johnston, P. 2010b ‘Analysis of the plant remains from Ballynamona 2 (E2429)’. Unpublished technical report for Eachtra Archaeological Projects.

Johnston, P. 2007 ‘Charred seeds from Knockhouse Lower, Co. Waterford (03E1033)’, Decies 63, 14 – 15.

Johnston, P. 2003 ‘Analysis of the plant remains from the Glanmire to Watergrasshill Road Scheme, Co. Cork (01E0111, 01E0481, 01E0495, 01E0802)’, unpublished technical remains for Eachtra Archaeological Reports.

Johnston, P. 2000 ‘Analysis of the plant remains from a corn-drying kiln from Brooklodge, Co. Cork (99E0438)’, unpublished technical remains for Eachtra Archaeological Remains.

Kiely, J. and Dunne, L. 2005 ‘Recent Archaeological Excavations in the Tralee Area,’ in M. Connolly (ed.) Past Kingdoms: Recent Archaeological Research, Survey and Excavation in County Kerry. Castleisland, Kerry County Council and The Heritage Council.


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McClatchie, M. 2007 ‘The plant remains’, pp. 62 – 67 in Doody, M. Excavations at Curraghatoor, Co. Tipperary. Cork, UCC Department of Archaeology Archaeological Monograph.

Moffett, L. 2006 ‘The archaeology of medieval plant foods’, in Woolgar, C., Serjeantson, D. and Waldron, T. Food in Medieval England: diet and nutrition. Oxford, Oxford University Press.

Monk, M. 1985/1986 ‘Evidence from macroscopic plant remains for crop husbandry in prehistoric and early historic Ireland: a review’, The Journal of Irish Archaeology III. 31 - 36.

Monk, M. 2000 ‘Seeds and soils of discontent,’ pp. 67-87 in A. Desmond, G. Johnson, M. McCarthy, J. Sheehan and E. Shee Twohig (eds.) New Agendas in Irish prehistory. Bray, Wordwell.

Nesbitt, M. 2005. “Grains,” in The cultural history of plants. Edited by G. Prance and M. Nesbitt, pp. 45-60. New York: Routledge.

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

Purcell, A. 2002 ‘Excavation of three Neolithic houses at Corbally, Kilcullen, County Kildare,’ Journal of Irish Archaeology XI, 31-75.

Simpson, D. 1993 ‘The Neolithic Settlement Site at Ballygalley, Co. Antrim,’ in E. Grogan and C. Mount (eds.) Annus Archaeology: Proceedings of the Organisation of Irish Archaeologists Conference 1993, 37-44.

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

http://www.kew.org/scihort/ecbot/papers/nesbitt2005grains.pdf

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Table 1: Scans from Caherdrinny 3Sample Context Charcoal Seeds % Scanned1 6 H H 1002 4 L A 1005 11 L L 1006 12 L A 1007 13 A A 1009 20 M M 10010 21 L A 10011 22 H M 10012 23 L L 10018 31 H H 10019 45 H M 10022 56 H M 10023 57 M L 10024 69 L A 10025 61 L A 10027 63 M A 10028 49 A A 10029 74 M A 10030 70 L A 10034 104 L A 10035 88 H A 10036 90 L A 10037 91 M A 10038 95 H L 10039 68 L A 10040 65 L A 10044 98 M M 10045 94 L L 10048 68 L A 10050 112 L A 10051 111 M A 10052 116 M A 10053 119 H A 10057 80 L L 10058 122 L L 10059 134 M L 10060 140 H A 10061 161 L A 10062 164 L A 10064 171 L A 10070 208 H A 10071 209 M L 10072 213 L A 10073 222 L A 10075 215 M A 10076 217 L A 10077 224 M A 10080 177 L A 10081 228 L A 100


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Table 1: Scans from Caherdrinny 3Sample Context Charcoal Seeds % Scanned82 33 L A 10082 229 L A 10085 242 L A 10086 245 H A 10087 187 H M 10087 243 L A 10089 247 L A 10092 259 L L 10096 256 H A 10097 268 M A 10098 270 L A 10099 259 L M 100100 279 L A 100101 282 M A 100102 287 H L 100103 284 L A 100104 300 L A 100105 290 H A 100107 291 L A 100108 306 M A 100109 302 L A 100110 313 M A 100111 40 L A 100112 238 L A 100113 236 A A 100114 235 L A 100115 317 L A 100116 304 M A 100117 320 L A 100118 158 L A 100119 157 L A 100120 309 M A 100121 330 L A 100122 332 M A 100123 274 L A 100124 273 A A 100126 276 A A 100127 310 L A 100128 311 A A 100130 329 M A 100131 323 M A 100133 325 L A 100134 334 M A 100135 335 M L 100137 337 H A 100138 340 L A 100139 342 L A 100140 347 M A 100141 345 M A 100

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

469


Table 1: Scans from Caherdrinny 3Sample Context Charcoal Seeds % Scanned142 350 H L 100143 349 L A 100144 277 L A 100145 358 M A 100146 363 L A 100147 360 H A 100148 362 L A 100149 237 L A 100150 370 H A 100150 376 H A 100151 367 L A 100153 378 L L 100155 379 L A 100156 365 L A 100157 347 L L 100158 382 L L 100161 385 L A 100164 390 M A 100165 487 L L 100166 469 H A 100167 470 L A 100168 366 A A 100169 404 M L 100170 460 L A 100171 405 M A 100172 413 L A 100173 414 M A 100174 419 M L 100175 438 H A 100177 442 L A 100178 441 M A 100179 443 L A 100181 448 L L 100182 449 H M 100183 398 A A 100184 399 L A 100185 401 L A 100186 420 L A 100187 421 A A 100188 422 A A 100189 423 L A 100190 427 A A 100191 425 A A 100192 426 A A 100192 432 M A 100193 429 L A 100194 430 L A 100195 431 L A 100198 434 A A 100


470

Table 1: Scans from Caherdrinny 3Sample Context Charcoal Seeds % Scanned200 437 L A 100201 446 M L 100202 458 L A 100203 471 L A 100204 481 L A 100205 483 L A 100206 473 L L 100207 469 H L 100209 471 M L 100210 288/294 H A 100211 492 M A 100212 455 M A 100213 287 H L 100214 475 H L 100216 496 L A 100218 502 M A 100220 509 L A 100221 510 L A 100224 511 L A 100225 500 L A 100226 475 L A 100227 486 H L 100228 512 M A 100229 266 L A 100230 516 M A 100232 518 L A 100233 266 L A 100236 525 L A 100237 528 L A 100238 266 L L 100239 266 L A 100240 266 L A 100241 541 M A 100242 543 L A 100243 697 M A 100244 553 H A 100245 610 L A 100246 526 L A 100248 546 H A 100249 552 M L 100250 538 M L 100251 554 H A 100252 557 L A 100253 556 L A 100254 539 M A 100261 541 H A 100262 566 M A 100263 560 L A 100265 563 L A 100

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

471


Table 1: Scans from Caherdrinny 3Sample Context Charcoal Seeds % Scanned266 562 L A 100268 570 A A 100269 536 L A 100270 574 L A 100271 565 L A 100272 579 L A 100274 583 L A 100275 585 L A 100276 ? L A 100277 588 L A 100278 589 L A 100279 593 M A 100281 604 H A 100282 608 L A 100287 306 H A 100290 639 M A 100291 637 M A 100292 647 M A 100296 631 H A 100297 641 H A 100302 678 L A 100303 454 M L 100304 680 L A 100306 580 H A 100311 709 M L 100312 689 L A 100313 ? L A 100314 688 L A 100315 692 A A 100317 695 A A 100327 730 L A 100329 736 L L 100331 747 A A 100333 745 L A 100335 753 L A 100336 756 A A 100338 740 L A 100341 780 M A 100342 778 L A 100344 788 L A 100350 782 A A 100351 802 L A 100352 809 A A 100355 772 H A 100356 808 L A 100357 811 L A 100359 819 M M 100361 821 L A 100362 831 L L 100


472

Table 1: Scans from Caherdrinny 3Sample Context Charcoal Seeds % Scanned365 840 L A 100366 848 L A 100367 847 M A 100368 847 M A 100369 841 L A 100370 824 L A 100371 852 L A 100373 856 L A 100374 857 M A 100375 858 L A 100376 861 H A 100377 867 L A 100378 870 L A 100379 868 M A 100382 863 M A 100383 864 M A 100384 873 M A 100385 878 L L 100386 883 L A 100387 411 M L 100388 833 L L 100389 163 M A 100389 891 L A 100390 890 A A 100400 881 M A 100401 411 L A 100403 411 M L 100405 838 L A 100406 897 L A 100407 895 L A 100408 881 L L 100409 936 M L 100410 904 H L 100411 909 L A 100412 912 A A 100415 914 M A 100417 920 L L 100418 945 M A 100419 922 M A 100420 923 L A 100421 930 L A 100422 924 L L 100425 272 A A 100426 411 L A 100427 929 L A 100428 933 L A 100430 936 L A 100431 935 M L 100432 936 M A 100

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

473


Table 1: Scans from Caherdrinny 3Sample Context Charcoal Seeds % Scanned433 944 L A 100434 941 L A 100435 838 M A 100437 942 L L 100439 896 L A 100440 893 L A 100441 901 M A 100442 411 L A 100443 943 L A 100444 952 L A 100445 953 L L 100445 953 L A 100446 411 M L 100447 936 H L 100449 883 M A 100450 954 M A 100451 949 L A 100452 353 H L 100452 957 L A 100455 411 H L 100456 411 M A 100457 884 L A 100458 910 L A 100459 411 H L 100460 411 L 100462 967 M A 100463 969 L A 100464 1598 A A 100465 411 M A 100466 963 M L 100471 838 L A 100472 953 M L 100473 920 L A 100474 979 H A 100475 890 L A 100476 388 L A 100477 976 L A 100478 975 L A 100480 983 L A 100481 984 L A 100485 987 M A 100486 411 L A 100487 838 L A 100488 411 L A 100489 953 L A 100490 971 L L 100491 411 L A 100492 953 M A 100493 1004 L A 100


474

Table 1: Scans from Caherdrinny 3Sample Context Charcoal Seeds % Scanned494 411 M L 100495 411 L A 100496 996 L A 100497 992 L A 100498 1008 A A 100499 891 M L 100500 950 H M 100501 1011 L A 100503 1017 L A 100504 936 M L 100506 944 L A 100508 1021 H A 100509 1009 L A 100510 994 L A 100511 1022 L A 100512 411 L L 100513 956 M L 100514 990 L A 100515 1024 L L 100518 1037 L A 100519 929 A A 100521 1038 M L 100559 1069 M A 100560 813 L A 100561 1075 L A 100562 1076 L A 100563 1078 L A 100564 818 A A 100565 1080 L A 100566 1081 L L 100568 1073 L A 100569 1086 L A 100571 1094 L L 100572 1090 L A 100573 1092 L A 100574 1099 A A 100575 1096 L A 100576 1106 A A 100578 1108 L A 100579 1112 A A 100581 1116 M A 100583 1122 L L 100584 1119 L A 100586 1125 A A 100587 1128 L A 100588 1130 L A 100603 1165 L A 100608 1178 A A 100611 1134 H A 100

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

475


Table 1: Scans from Caherdrinny 3Sample Context Charcoal Seeds % Scanned620 1199 H A 100621 1181 H A 100622 1207 H L 100623 1169 A A 100627 1212 M L 100628 1194 L A 100631 1216 L A 100632 1217 M A 100635 1223 L A 100636 1230 L A 100637 1170 L L 100638 1217 L A 100642 1237 A A 100643 1239 L A 100644 1243 L A 100646 1241 L A 100648 1249 L A 100652 1257 A A 100653 1258 L A 100661 1253 M A 100662 1267 L A 100663 1268 L A 100669 1288 L A 100674 1291 L A 100681 1321 L A 100683 1316 M A 100684 1317 L A 100687 1324 L A 100691 1337 A A 100695 174 L L 100696 1560 L A 100697 1564 A A 100700 1570 L L 100701 1572 L A 100702 1575 A A 100703 1562 L A 100704 1577 L A 100705 1565 A A 100707 1353 L A 100710 1358 M A 100711 1366 H A 100712 1368 L A 100713 1371 M A 100714 1374 M A 100715 1376 L A 100716 1360 H A 100718 1381 L A 100719 1382 L A 100720 1369 A A 100


476

Table 1: Scans from Caherdrinny 3Sample Context Charcoal Seeds % Scanned721 1373 A A 100722 1385 L A 100723 1387 L A 100726 1389 M L 100728 1393 M L 100729 1395 M L 100730 1395 M L 100731 1400 M L 100732 1395 L A 100734 1402 L A 100735 1404 L A 100736 1406 L A 100737 1409 L A 100758 1581 L L 100762 1573 H M 100764 1595 L A 100767 1603 H A 100769 158 A A 100769 1564 L A 100770 1611 L A 100773 1604 L A 100774 1614 L A 100777 1622 L A 100778 1624 L A 100779 1619 L A 100795 1656 L A 100796 1661 L A 100798 1665 M A 100800 1669 A A 100802 1657 H A 100809 1688 L A 100810 1685 L A 100815 1675 A A 1001679 806 M A 1002001 2025 H A 1002002 ? H A 1002003 2002 H H 1002004 2019 L A 1002005 2030 H A 1002006 2005 M A 1002007 2003 L A 1002008 ? L A 1002009 2018 L A 1002010 2028 L A 1002011 2007 L A 1002012 2010 M A 1002015 2016 M A 1002015 2021 H A 1002016 2023 M A 100

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

477


Table 1: Scans from Caherdrinny 3Sample Context Charcoal Seeds % Scanned2017 2012 L A 1002018 2014 L A 1002019 2040 L A 1002020 2037 A A 1002020 2061 A A 1002021 2050 H A 1002022 2041 A A 1002023 2041 A A 1002024 2041 A A 1002025 2041 L A 1002026 2051 L L 1002028 2055 M L 1002030 2057 A A 1002031 2058 L A 1002032 2059 L A 1002033 2060 M A 1002034 2062 L A 1002036 2063 M L 1002037 2065 L A 1002038 2068 M A 1002039 2068 L A 1002040 2070 L A 1002041 2073 A A 1002042 2075 L L 1002043 2071 L L 1002044 2078 L A 1002045 2082 A A 1002046 2083 A A 1002047 2084 A A 1002048 2087 L A 1002049 2088 L A 1002052 2116 H L 1002057 2096 L A 1002058 2117 L A 1002060 2099 M A 1002066 2098 L A 1002070 2123 A A 1002075 2135 L A 1002076 2139 M A 1002077 2140 M A 1002086 2143 H A 1002090 2151 L L 1002091 2153 M A 1002097 2172 L A 1002098 2168 H A 1002099 2169 L A 1002100 2170 L L 1002101 2173 L A 1002102 2174 L A 100


478

Table 1: Scans from Caherdrinny 3Sample Context Charcoal Seeds % Scanned2500 2503 L A 1002500 2528 L A 1002501 2501 L A 1002502 2505 L A 1002503 2507 L A 1002503 2718 L A 1002504 2547 H A 1002505 2548 L A 1002506 2524 L A 1002507 2540 L A 1002509 2508 H A 1002510 2522 H A 1002511 2509 H A 1002513 2510 L A 1002514 2553 M A 1002515 2552 L A 1002519 ? M A 1002521 2512 L A 1002522 2581 L A 1002523 2532 L A 1002524 2579 L L 1002528 2561 H A 1002529 2569 A A 1002530 2566 L A 1002531 2573 H L 1002532 2570 L A 1002533 2572 M L 1002534 2562 M A 1002535 2597 M A 1002536 2587 L A 1002536 2587 L A 1002537 2583 M L 1002538 2582 H A 1002539 2558 H A 1002540 2590 L A 1002541 2591 L A 1002542 2595 H A 1002543 2594 L A 1002544 2589 L A 1002545 2597 M A 1002547 2602 M A 1002553 2605 M A 1002556 2622 M A 1002557 2624 M A 1002558 2619 A A 1002560 2628 M A 1002565 2647 M M 1002566 2648 M L 1002568 2658 L A 100

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

479


Table 1: Scans from Caherdrinny 3Sample Context Charcoal Seeds % Scanned2569 2649 M A 1002570 2645 L A 1002571 2661 H A 1002574 2665 H A 1002575 2666 L A 1002576 2667 M A 1002577 2673 H A 1002578 2674 M A 1002582 2681 L A 1002583 2682 M L 1002586 2694 L A 1002587 2695 M L 1002588 2697 M L 1002589 2702 M A 1002591 2687 M L 1002593 2706 L A 1002594 2707 M L 1002595 2708 L A 1002596 2709 M L 1002597 2710 M A 1002598 2711 L A 1002600 2716 H A 1002602 2721 M A 1002604 2735 M A 1002605 2726 L A 1002607 2743 L A 1002608 2689 M L 1002609 2731 L A 1002610 2732 L A 1002611 2734 M L 1002613 2748 M A 1002614 2727 L A 1002616 2745 L A 1002617 2751 L A 1002618 2755 L A 1002619 2740 L A 1002620 2757 A A 1002621 2761 L A 1002623 2765 L A 1002632 2767 L A 1002633 2738 M A 1002634 2790 A A 1002636 2788 L A 1002637 2797 L A 1002639 2801 L A 1002640 2793 M A 1002641 2792 M A 1002644 2809 L A 1002645 2810 M A 100


480

Table 1: Scans from Caherdrinny 3Sample Context Charcoal Seeds % Scanned2646 2811 L A 1002647 2795 A A 1002648 2813 L A 1002649 2816 L A 1002650 2815 L A 1002652 2806 M A 1002653 2824 L A 1002654 2825 L A 1002656 2827 A A 1002657 2832 L A 1002658 2833 L A 1002659 2841 L A 1002660 2842 H A 1002660 2842 H A 1003000 3006 L A 1003001 3000 H A 1003002 3012 L L 1003003 3010 H A 1003005 3008 L L 1003008 3002 L M 1003009 3028 L A 1003010 3031 L A 1003011 3024 H A 1003012 3035 M A 1003013 3017 L L 1003014 3018 L L 1003015 3019 L M 1003016 3020 L L 1003017 3022 M A 1003017 3022 M L 1003020 3049 L L 1003022 3047 L L 1003023 3055 L M 1003028 3061 L L 1003030 3063 H A 1003031 3066 L A 1003033 3071 L A 1003034 3069 H A 1003035 3079 L A 1003036 3073 L A 1003037 3078 L A 1003038 3079 A A 1003039 3080 L A 1003040 3081 A A 1003041 3086 L A 1003042 3089 L L 1003043 3085 L A 1003045 3095 M A 1003047 3103 L A 100

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

481


Table 1: Scans from Caherdrinny 3Sample Context Charcoal Seeds % Scanned3052 3113 L L 1003053 3114 L H 503054 3115 M H 503055 3116 A M 1003057 3120 L A 1003058 3123 H L 1003060 3126 L A 1003061 3058 L L 100? 173 L A 100

Table1:PlantremainsfromfeaturesassociatedwiththeEarlyNeolithicHouseatCaherdrinny3


482

Cut

472

472

877

410

410

410

410

410

410

410

410

410

972

410

/100

2C

onte

xt47

347

587

841

141

193

692

041

193

641

141

141

196

395

3Sa

mpl

e20

621

438

538

740

340

941

744

644

745

545

946

046

647

2

Haz

elnu

t she

ll fra

gmen

ts (C

orylu

s ave

llana

L.)

14

42

14

2

101

31

Ras

pber

ry/b

lack

berr

y dr

ubes

(Rub

us id

aeus

/fruc

ti-co

sus L

.)

Pear

/App

le pi

ps (P

yrus

L./M

alus

Mill

.) fra

gmen

ts

1

Oat

gra

ins (

Aven

a L.

spec

ies)

1

Emm

er w

heat

(Trit

icum

dico

ccum

L.)

two

seed

ed

grai

n

1

1

Whe

at g

rain

s (Tr

iticu

m L

. spe

cies

)

1

Inde

term

inat

e cer

eal g

rain

s

1

1

21

Inde

term

inat

e gra

ss se

eds (

Poac

eae)

1

Cut

898

410

410

995

410

410

410

1028

973

Con

text

971

411

891

950

936

411

956

1024

1038

Sam

ple

490

494

499

500

504

512

513

515

521

Haz

elnu

t she

ll fra

gmen

ts (C

orylu

s ave

llana

L.)

1

2

31

3

2

Ras

pber

ry/b

lack

berr

y dr

ubes

(Rub

us id

aeus

/fruc

ti-co

sus L

.)

1

Pear

/App

le pi

ps (P

yrus

L./M

alus

Mill

.) fra

gmen

ts

Oat

gra

ins (

Aven

a L.

spec

ies)

1

Emm

er w

heat

(Trit

icum

dico

ccum

L.)

two

seed

ed

grai

n

1

1

Whe

at g

rain

s (Tr

iticu

m L

. spe

cies

)

Inde

term

inat

e cer

eal g

rain

s

21

9

Inde

term

inat

e gra

ss se

eds (

Poac

eae)

Tabl

e2:

Pla

ntre

mai

nsfr

omfe

atur

esa

roun

dth

eEa

rlyN

eolit

hic

Hou

sea

tCah

erdr

inny

3

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

483


Cut

409

445

445

445

468/

479

468/

479

602

485

265

551

527

677

710

737

Con

text

419

448

449

446

469

471

287

486

266

552

538

454

709

736

Sam

ple

174

181

182

201

207

209

213

227

238

249

250

303

311

329

Haz

elnu

t she

ll fra

gmen

ts (C

orylu

s ave

llana

L.)

21

3

11

1

Prob

able

Shee

p’s s

orre

l (Ru

mex

cf a

ceto

sella

L.)

1

Ras

pber

ry/b

lack

berr

y dr

ubes

(Rub

us id

aeus

/fruc

ticos

us L

.)

1C

leave

rs (G

aliu

m a

parin

e L.)

1

Oat

gra

ins (

Aven

a L.

spec

ies)

1

Nak

ed b

arle

y gr

ains

(Hor

deum

vul

gare

var

. nud

um L

.)

6

Ba

rley

grai

ns o

f ind

eter

min

ate s

peci

es (H

orde

um sp

ecie

s)

14

Po

ssib

le ba

rley

grai

ns (c

f Hor

deum

vul

gare

)

2

Pr

obab

le Em

mer

whe

at (T

riticu

m cf

dico

ccum

L.)

two

seed

ed

grai

n

2

Whe

at g

rain

s (Tr

iticu

m L

. spe

cies

)

1

1

In

dete

rmin

ate c

erea

l gra

ins

1

41

14

1

Tabl

e2:

Pla

ntre

mai

nsfr

omfe

atur

esa

roun

dth

eEa

rlyN

eolit

hic

Hou

sea

tCah

erdr

inny

3(c

ontin

ued)

Cut

801

820

832

854

875

905

898

939

1039

410/

1002

372

1082

1093

1121

Con

text

802

819

831

833

881

904

924

935

942

953

353

1081

1094

1122

Sam

ple

351

359

362

388

408

410

422

431

437

445

452

566

571

583

Haz

elnu

t she

ll fra

gmen

ts (C

orylu

s ave

llana

L.)

101

2

11

1

142

Hul

led b

arle

y gr

ains

(Hor

deum

vul

gare

L.)

1

Barle

y gr

ains

of i

ndet

erm

inat

e spe

cies

(Hor

deum

spec

ies)

4

3

Oat

/Bar

ley g

rain

s (Av

ena/

Hor

deum

)

1

Em

mer

whe

at (T

riticu

m d

icocc

um L

.) tw

o se

eded

gra

in

8

Pr

obab

le Em

mer

whe

at (T

riticu

m cf

dico

ccum

L.)

two

seed

ed

grai

n

1

Whe

at g

rain

s (Tr

iticu

m L

. spe

cies

)

2

Ba

rley/

Whe

at g

rain

s (H

orde

um/T

riticu

m)

1

Inde

term

inat

e cer

eal g

rain

s2

10

1

1

1

Ta

ble

2:P

lant

rem

ains

from

feat

ures

aro

und

the

Early

Neo

lithi

cH

ouse

atC

aher

drin

ny3

(con

tinue

d)


484

Cut

1206

1213

1228

152

1578

1388

1394

1388

1388

1397

1580

1574

1689

10C

onte

xt12

0712

1211

7017

415

7013

8913

9313

9513

9514

0015

8115

7316

886

Sam

ple

622

627

637

695

700

726

728

729

730

731

758

762

809

1H

azel

nut s

hell

fragm

ents

(Cor

ylus a

vella

na L

.)

1

1

In

dete

rmin

ate s

eeds

from

the g

oose

foot

fam

ily

(Che

nopo

diac

eae)

1

Prob

able

Shee

p’s s

orre

l (Ru

mex

cf a

ceto

sella

L.)

2

Balck

bin

dwee

d (F

allo

pia

conv

olvu

lus (

L.) Á

Löv

e)

1In

dete

rmin

ate s

eeds

from

the K

notg

rass

fam

ily

(Pol

ygon

acea

e)

1

Ras

pber

ry/b

lack

berr

y dr

ubes

(Rub

us id

aeus

/fruc

ticos

us

L.)

1

Inde

term

inat

e see

ds fr

om th

e min

t fam

ily (L

amia

ceae

)

1Pl

anta

in (P

lant

ago L

. spe

cies

)

1C

leave

rs (G

aliu

m a

parin

e L.)

1

1

Oat

gra

ins (

Aven

a L.

spec

ies)

1

2

82

136

Poss

ible

oat g

rain

s (cf

Ave

na sp

ecie

s)

1

N

aked

bar

ley

grai

ns (H

orde

um v

ulga

re v

ar. n

udum

L.)

17

Hul

led b

arle

y gr

ains

(Hor

deum

vul

gare

L.)

6

3

Barle

y gr

ains

of i

ndet

erm

inat

e spe

cies

(Hor

deum

spec

ies)

1

2

Poss

ible

barle

y gr

ains

(cf H

orde

um v

ulga

re)

4

Free

thre

shin

g w

heat

(Trit

icum

aest

ivum

L./t

urgi

dum

D

esf./

duru

m L

.)

1

5

Prob

able

free t

hres

hing

whe

at (T

riticu

m c

f aest

ivum

L./

turg

idum

Des

f./du

rum

L.)

2

Whe

at g

rain

s (Tr

iticu

m L

. spe

cies

)

1

In

dete

rmin

ate c

erea

l gra

ins

12

1

11

12

18

19

Rac

his i

nter

node

s fro

m in

dete

rmin

ate c

erea

ls

2In

dete

rmin

ate g

rass

seed

s (Po

acea

e)

3In

dete

rmin

ate w

eed

seed

s

1

1St

raw

cul

m n

odes

1

Tabl

e2:

Pla

ntre

mai

nsfr

omfe

atur

esa

roun

dth

eEa

rlyN

eolit

hic

Hou

sea

tCah

erdr

inny

3(c

ontin

ued)

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

485


Cut

9

4848

5555

9999

103

8112

313

5C

onte

xt11

2022

2331

4556

5795

9894

8012

213

4Sa

mpl

e5

911

1218

1922

2338

4445

5758

59M

eado

w/C

reep

ing

butte

rcup

(Ran

uncu

lus a

cris

L./re

pens

L.)

4

Haz

elnu

t she

ll fra

gmen

ts (C

orylu

s ave

llana

L.)

1

11

Cam

pion

seed

s (Si

lene s

pp. (

L.))

7

Prob

able

Shee

p’s s

orre

l (Ru

mex

cf a

ceto

sella

L.)

1

Inde

term

inat

e see

ds fr

om th

e Kno

tgra

ss fa

mily

(Pol

ygon

acea

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333

336

372

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2584

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2683

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9627

1227

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Caherdrinny 3-e2422

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3009

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3050

2072

2152

2167

3021

3021

3021

3021

3023

305

630

8831

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ily (F

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tain

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mily

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a L.

spec

ies)

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1

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(Hor

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L.)

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of i

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(Hor

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7

1

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y gr

ains

(cf H

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re)

2

1

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rum

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rain

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Trit

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3

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text

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3116

3123

2116

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2063

3047

3061

3058

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ple

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3055

3058

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3028

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ts (C

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L.)

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mily

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ygon

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term

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amily

(Fab

acea

e)7

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anta

in (P

lant

ago L

. spe

cies

)1

Prob

able

Cor

n M

arig

old

(Chr

ysant

hem

um c

f seg

etum

L.)

6In

dete

rmin

ate s

eeds

from

the d

aisy

fam

ily (A

stera

ceae

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2O

at g

rain

s (Av

ena

L. sp

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s)70

131

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ssib

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ins (

cf S

ecal

e cer

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ee th

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ing

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at (T

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gidu

m D

esf./

duru

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.)17

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tern

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s (Tr

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term

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42

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

489


Appendix 9 Metal Artefact Catalogue

Horseshoe (E2422:158:1) Fe. L. 109.08 mm., W. 81.83 mm., Th. 26.65 mm. Incomplete. Upper part of a horseshoe. Very corroded.

Tool (E2422:3120:1) Fe. L. 143.9 mm., W. 48.4 mm., Th. 19.63 mm. Incomplete. Possible part of an agricultural tool of some kind. Very corroded.

Nail (E2422:40:4) Fe. L. 53.63 mm., Th. (of shank) 05.05 mm. Incomplete. Shanks straight, section not visible. Headless. Conserved.

Ring (E2422:3055:1) Fe. L. 56.28 mm., D. 32.56 mm., Th. (of shaft) 11.52 mm. Incom-plete. Central ring with two side shafts. Shafts sub-rectangular in section. Possible part of a chain. Conserved.

Iron Object (E2422:2661:1) Cu? L. 58.48 mm., W. 25.76 mm., Th. 8.25 mm. Incom-plete. Irregular in shape. Possible copper conglomerate of some sort. Corroded.

Coin (E2422:40:3) Fe. D. 27.89 mm., Th. 1.88 mm. Complete. Irish halfpenny struck by Mathew Bolton in his mint in Soho in Birmingham and issued in Ireland in 1805, under King George III (1760 – 1820). “GEORGIUS III D. G. REX” (obv.) – “HIBERNIA”(rev). Very common coin. (Cfr. http://www.irishcoinage.com/J01039.HTM) Conserved.

Coin (E2422:1395:1) Fe. D. 26.30 mm., Th. 1.70 mm. Complete. Corroded. Conserved.


490

Bibliographic ReferencesCarroll&Quinn 2003. Carroll M. & Quinn A., Ferrous and non-Ferrous Artefacts, in

“Excavations in Cork City, 1984-2000”, Cork 2003 (pages 257-298).

Cleary 1987. Cleary R.M., “Drumlummin, Co.Tipperary”, in “Archaeological Excavations on the Cork – Dublin gas pipeline (1981-82)”, Cork Archaeological Studies No.1, Department of Archaeology University College Cork, 1987 (pages 116-145).

Doody 1987. Doody M.G., “Moated Site, Ballyveelish 1, Co.Tipperary”, in “Archaeological Excavations on the Cork – Dublin gas pipeline (1981-82)”, Cork Archaeological Studies No.1, Department of Archaeology University College Cork, 1987 (pages 74-87).

Scully 1997. Scully O.M.B., Ferrous and non-Ferrous Metal Artefacts, in “Skiddy’s Castle and Christ Church, Cork – Excavations 1974/77”, Cork 1997 (pages 165-190).

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

491


Appendix 10 Modern Pottery Catalogue

A total of 48 sherds of pottery were recovered on site. They are all modern in date, from the 19th Century on. Pratically all the pottery sherds

in the assemblage represent tablewares.

List of Pottery by contextContext Pottery Type No. of Sherds Dating Form1 Decorated Slipware

BrickGlazed Red EarthenwareUnglazed Red EarthenwareTransfer Printed Ware

1111

19th

19th/20th

Bowl?

Cup32 Slipware 1 19th Plate?65 Transfer Printed Ware 1 19th/20th Cup40 Glazed Red Earthenware

Slipware11

19th BowlCup

178 Glazed Red Earthenware 1 19th

408 Stoneware 1 L19th/20th Jug2026 Unglazed Red Earthenware ? 36 19th

2051 Glazed Red Earthenware 1 19th

List of pottery by typeType Tot. Sherds DatingSlipware 1 19th

Glazed Red earthenware 4 19th Unglazed Red earthenware 37 19th Slipware 2 19th

Transfer printed ware 2 19th/20th

Stoneware 1 L19th/20th

Brick 1 Modern

SlipwareOne body sherd of slipware decorated in blue and pink with a floreal motif from C.1.

Glazed Red EarthenwareThree body sherds from C.1, C.178 and C.2051 each. One base sherd from C.40.

The sherds have a hard-fired, fine fabric that is orage/red, buff or brown in colour with-out any particolar inclusions. The different range of colours of the clay simply depends on the variation of firing conditions. The pottery is usually glazed on the inner surface


492

and present no other decorations. The nuance of the glaze changes from a light yellow to an opaque green. Most of the sherds belong to open vessels, like bowls (of various size), plates and pancheons. This type of wares, also known as ‘brownwares’ were made widely in Britain and Ireland from the late 17th to 19th Century (Cfr. Clearly 1987, pag.127).

Unglazed Red EarthenwareOne body sherd from Topsoil.

A total of 29 body sherds, 4 base sherds and 3 rim sherds were recovered from C.2026, fill of pit C.2027. Due to their conditions (all the sherds from the pit are badly burn) it is difficult to proceed to an identification of the pottery type. They most likely are all firing waste of unglazed red earthenware.

This class usually presents the same fabric and forms of the previous one but without the glaze.

Transfer printed wareTwo cup rim sherds, one coloured (E2422:1:79), one decorated in brown (E2422:65:2).

Transfer printed ware is an earthenware decorated prior to firing. This technique de-veloped during the later stages of the 18th Century and then was perfected in the early 19th Century. During the process the pattern is transferred from copper plates onto the vessels by means of specially treated issue paper. Once transferred the paper could be removed by washing. The vessel then was glazed and fired.

StonewareOne base sherd brownish in colour and unglazed, probably belonging to a big jug, from C.408.

This class of clay and ceramic is distinguished by its firing and maturation tempera-ture (from ca.1200°C to 1315°C), which is higher than for the earthenware pottery and makes the stoneware recipients totally waterproof.

Caherdrinny 3-e2422

493


Bibliographic ReferencesCleary 1987. Cleary R.M., “Drumlummin, Co.Tipperary”, in “Archaeological

Excavations on the Cork – Dublin gas pipeline (1981-82)”, Cork Archaeological Studies No.1, Department of Archaeology University College Cork, 1987 (pages 116-145).

Gahan 1997. Gahan A. and Twohig D.C., “Late medieval and Post-Medieval/Modern Pottery”, in “Skiddy’s Castle and Christ Church, Cork – Excavations 1974/77”, Cork 1997 (pages 130-158).

Mc Cutcheon n.p. Mc Cutcheon C., “The Pottery from 33 Patrick Street, Kilkenny”, unpublished report for Eachtra Archaeological Projects.

Mc Cutcheon 2003. Mc Cutcheon C., “Pottery”, in “Excavations in Cork City, 1984-2000”, Cork 2003 (pages 197-235).

Meenan 1997. Meenan R. (with Clare Mc Cutcheon), Post-Medieval Pottery, in “Late Viking Age and Medieval Waterford – Excavations 1986-1992”, Waterford 1997 (pages 338-355).

Orser 2000. Orser E.C., “In praise of early nineteenth-century coarse earthenware”, in “Archaeology Ireland”, vol. 14/4 Issue No.54, Winter 2000 (pages 8-11).

Rock. Rock H., “Pub beer mugsand glasses”, Shire Books.

Savage & Newman 1985. Savage G. & Newman H., “An Illustrated Dictionary of Ceramics”, Thames & Hudson 1985, reprinted in 2000.


494

Appendix 11 Clay pipes catalogue

Stems

Stem (E2422:1:71) L. 34.57 mm, D. 7.23 mm. Incomplete.



Stem (E2422:1:72) L. 26 mm, D. 7.4 mm. Incomplete.



Stem (E2422:1:69) L. 41.8 mm, D. 9 mm. Incomplete.









Stem (E2422:1:60) L. 38 mm, D. 9.7 mm. Incomplete.



Caherdrinny 3-e2422

495



Stem (E2422:1:70) L. 31 mm, D. 10.5 mm. Incomplete.Stem (E2422:2051:1) L. 37 mm, D. 10.58 mm. Incomplete.

Stem (E2422:1:59) L. 28.6 mm, D. 10.03 mm. Flat spur. Incomplete.

Stem (E2422:1:64) L. 29.5 mm, D. 10 mm. Tiny spur present. Incomplete. Average dating (according to spur’s shape): Late 18th/19th Century. Cfr. Lane 1997a, pag.225, Fig.97:15.

Stem (E2422:40:5) L. 51 mm, D. 9.8 mm. Tiny spur present. Incomplete. Average dating (according to spur’s shape): Late 18th/19th Century. Cfr. Lane 1997a, pag.225, Fig.97:15.

Stem (E2422:266:13) L. 34.3 mm, D. 9.3 mm. Tiny spur present. Incomplete. Average dating (according to spur’s shape): Late 18th/19th Century. Cfr. Lane 1997a, pag.225, Fig.97:15.

Stem (E2422:1:63) L. 27.4 mm, D. 9.91 mm. Flat spur present. Incomplete. Probable dat-ing (according to spur’s shape): 19th Century.

Bowls*

Bowl Fragment (E2422:65:1) L. 25.3 mm., W. 22.32 mm., Th. 6.1 mm. Incomplete. Fragment sub-triangular in shape. Rouletting on the rim. (Cfr. Norton 1997, pag.184, Fig.87:2).

Bowl Fragment (E2422:1:66) L. 32.2 mm., W. 14.8 mm., Th. 4.86 mm. Incomplete. Fragment elongated in shape. Rim missing.

Bowl (E2422:1:65) L. 41.05 mm., W. 16.1 mm., Th.(of stem) 8.52 mm. Incomplete. Half part of bowl missing. First part of stem present. Small and flat spur present. Probable dat-ing: 19th Century.

Bowl (E2444:266:12) L. 36.8 mm., D. 20 mm. Incomplete. Rim missing. Slightly bul-bous. Flat spur present. Cfr. 18th Century clay pipes from Cork, in Lane 1997a, pag.225, Fig.97:8 and Lane 1997b, pag.103, Fig.33:15.


496

Bowl (E2444:1:49) L. 42.1 mm., D. 19 mm., D.(of stem) 11.26 mm. Complete. First part of stem present. Straight sided spurred bowl. Rim slightly damaged. Probable dating: first half of 18th Century. Cfr. Lane 2003, pag.249, Fig.4.3.1:1.

* 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 ReferencesLane 1997a. Lane S., Clay pipes, in “Skiddy’s Castle and Christ Church, Cork –

Excavations 1974/77 by D.C.Twohig”, Cork 1997 (pages 224-238).

Lane 1997b. Lane S., Clay pipes, in “Excavations at the North Gate – Cork 1994”, Cork 1997 (pages 103-105).

Norton 1997. Norton J., Clay pipes, in “Archaeological Excavations at Patrick, Nicholas & Winetavern Streets – Dublin”, Dingle, Co.Kerry 1997 (pages 183-184).

Lane 2003. Lane S., Clay pipes, in “Excavations in Cork City, 1984-2000”, Cork 2003 (pages 248-251).

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Archaeological Report - Caherdrinny 3, Co. Cork (Ireland)

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