The site comprised a kiln, a small pit, and a field system, evidenced by three ditches. This is one of three kilns discovered during the road development scheme. It was medieval/post-medieval in date and consisted
of a circular main chamber with the flue projecting to the south-southwest. It was probably a limekiln and there was evidence for several periods of use.
This site probably represents evidence of domestic occupation. Based on comparative evidence and the absence of any artefacts it has been assigned a prehistoric date. It may form either a corner from a fence line or may form part of a more complex structure such as a dwelling house. Rectangular houses are
known from the Neolithic through to the Bronze Age, and from the early historic period onwards.
The site comprised a total of eight features, located in two areas approximately 15 m. apart but clearly relating to the same activity. One feature represented recent agricultural disturbance. Of the seven remaining features, five contained traces of burnt bone with charcoal, suggesting the presence of cremation deposits. A large spread of burnt material was also observed, lying in a shallow cut.
This report details an archaeological excavation of an isolated hearth feature located in Bricketstown, Co. Wexford during construction of the N25 road. The hearth consisted of a charcoal-rich spread overlying three deposits within an irregular oval cut that had been heavily truncated by previous groundworks. Radiocarbon dating placed the hearth in the Iron Age period between 500 BC-500 AD. It was one of few Iron Age sites identified in County Wexford to date.
The site situated at Harristown Big consisted of five fire pits, one heat affected area, nine pits, three stakeholes and three areas where archaeological material accumulated in natural hollows. There was a proliferation of burnt waste and evidence for burning in situ. Two of the pits and a stakehole produced fragments of pottery identified crucibles and a small bowl or stand. Radiocarbon dating indicated that activity at the site was Middle or Late Bronze Age. Specialist analysis of the ceramics has facilitated the interpretation of the site as an area where metalworking was carried out.
Archaeological excavations in Harristown Big townland revealed a number of anomalous archaeological features within an excavated area of c. 100 m2. A total of 33 excavated contexts were recorded including stake-holes, pits and a post-hole.
The two cut features excavated at Dungeer were small pits that were used for metalworking. Both pits demonstrated evidence of oxidisation and had fills which contained slag. The analysis of industrial residues confirmed that these were bowl furnaces used for smelting ore. The only metal type worked at the site was iron, with bog ore almost certainly the main raw material.
The recording of three Early Bronze Age pots within a small pit is a very significant find. There are no parallels for the two small pots, one of which was decorated to represent a human face or body. The pit containing the pottery was located on the northern bank of the Gradoge River on the western fringe of the road corridor, it is possible that further archaeological features are located to the west. The pit maybe associated with the burnt mound. The radiocarbon date returned for the pottery would overlap with Early Bronze Age dates returned for Fulachta Fiadh in Stagpark 3 (04E1119), located 2200m to the south, and are almost identical to dates returned for Early Bronze Age activity in Stagpark 1 (04E1120), located 1400m to the south.
There are 16 Bronze Age burials, comprising cist burials, Food Vessel burials, Urn burials and pit burials, recorded within a 13 km radius of the site. The burials are generally located on low-lying ground between 60 m and 100 m OD. Some are located within 500 m of the Funshion River and its tributaries, the Sheep River, the Tooraleagan River and the Gradoge River. Generally, Early Bronze Age burials tend to be concentrated in low-lying areas such as valley floors, while the associated settlement sites are probably located on higher ground along the valleys (Cooney & Grogan 1999, 103). While the majority of graves contain the remains of one individual, multiple burials, either collective or successive, also occurred. The majority of the Cordoned Urns are associated with burials and the simple pit grave is the commonest type (Waddell 2000, 149).
The Mitchelstown pit and pottery group shares some characteristics of Early Bronze Age burial practices in terms of the low-lying location in the river valley, the simple form of the pit itself, and the deposition of the Cordoned Urn. However, many aspects are very different. The creation of a face and human features on Vessels 2 and 3, the positioning of the ears, anatomically incorrect, on both vessels and the inclusion of a spoon are all unusual. In addition, despite the inclusion of a Cordoned Urn - usually a funerary vessel, there was no evidence of burial recorded at the site. The deposition therefore points away from burial and towards other ritual, for instance libation to a deity. It is also possible that this pit does not exist in isolation and other archaeological features, including burials, may be located in the area to the west, beyond the edge of the road corridor.
The document reports on an archaeological excavation at Kiltotan Collinstown 13, Co. Westmeath. The excavation uncovered two main areas of archaeological remains. Area A contained a large pit filled with burnt clay and charcoal dating to the Bronze Age, as well as some post-medieval ditches. Area B contained one irregular disturbed pit also containing burnt material that may be related to remains found further south beyond the road works area. The excavation helps add to the understanding of archaeological remains in the surrounding landscape, which contains evidence of activity dating from the Mesolithic through to the post-medieval period.
This site probably represents evidence of domestic occupation. Based on comparative evidence and the absence of any artefacts it has been assigned a prehistoric date. It may form either a corner from a fence line or may form part of a more complex structure such as a dwelling house. Rectangular houses are
known from the Neolithic through to the Bronze Age, and from the early historic period onwards.
The site comprised a total of eight features, located in two areas approximately 15 m. apart but clearly relating to the same activity. One feature represented recent agricultural disturbance. Of the seven remaining features, five contained traces of burnt bone with charcoal, suggesting the presence of cremation deposits. A large spread of burnt material was also observed, lying in a shallow cut.
This report details an archaeological excavation of an isolated hearth feature located in Bricketstown, Co. Wexford during construction of the N25 road. The hearth consisted of a charcoal-rich spread overlying three deposits within an irregular oval cut that had been heavily truncated by previous groundworks. Radiocarbon dating placed the hearth in the Iron Age period between 500 BC-500 AD. It was one of few Iron Age sites identified in County Wexford to date.
The site situated at Harristown Big consisted of five fire pits, one heat affected area, nine pits, three stakeholes and three areas where archaeological material accumulated in natural hollows. There was a proliferation of burnt waste and evidence for burning in situ. Two of the pits and a stakehole produced fragments of pottery identified crucibles and a small bowl or stand. Radiocarbon dating indicated that activity at the site was Middle or Late Bronze Age. Specialist analysis of the ceramics has facilitated the interpretation of the site as an area where metalworking was carried out.
Archaeological excavations in Harristown Big townland revealed a number of anomalous archaeological features within an excavated area of c. 100 m2. A total of 33 excavated contexts were recorded including stake-holes, pits and a post-hole.
The two cut features excavated at Dungeer were small pits that were used for metalworking. Both pits demonstrated evidence of oxidisation and had fills which contained slag. The analysis of industrial residues confirmed that these were bowl furnaces used for smelting ore. The only metal type worked at the site was iron, with bog ore almost certainly the main raw material.
The recording of three Early Bronze Age pots within a small pit is a very significant find. There are no parallels for the two small pots, one of which was decorated to represent a human face or body. The pit containing the pottery was located on the northern bank of the Gradoge River on the western fringe of the road corridor, it is possible that further archaeological features are located to the west. The pit maybe associated with the burnt mound. The radiocarbon date returned for the pottery would overlap with Early Bronze Age dates returned for Fulachta Fiadh in Stagpark 3 (04E1119), located 2200m to the south, and are almost identical to dates returned for Early Bronze Age activity in Stagpark 1 (04E1120), located 1400m to the south.
There are 16 Bronze Age burials, comprising cist burials, Food Vessel burials, Urn burials and pit burials, recorded within a 13 km radius of the site. The burials are generally located on low-lying ground between 60 m and 100 m OD. Some are located within 500 m of the Funshion River and its tributaries, the Sheep River, the Tooraleagan River and the Gradoge River. Generally, Early Bronze Age burials tend to be concentrated in low-lying areas such as valley floors, while the associated settlement sites are probably located on higher ground along the valleys (Cooney & Grogan 1999, 103). While the majority of graves contain the remains of one individual, multiple burials, either collective or successive, also occurred. The majority of the Cordoned Urns are associated with burials and the simple pit grave is the commonest type (Waddell 2000, 149).
The Mitchelstown pit and pottery group shares some characteristics of Early Bronze Age burial practices in terms of the low-lying location in the river valley, the simple form of the pit itself, and the deposition of the Cordoned Urn. However, many aspects are very different. The creation of a face and human features on Vessels 2 and 3, the positioning of the ears, anatomically incorrect, on both vessels and the inclusion of a spoon are all unusual. In addition, despite the inclusion of a Cordoned Urn - usually a funerary vessel, there was no evidence of burial recorded at the site. The deposition therefore points away from burial and towards other ritual, for instance libation to a deity. It is also possible that this pit does not exist in isolation and other archaeological features, including burials, may be located in the area to the west, beyond the edge of the road corridor.
The document reports on an archaeological excavation at Kiltotan Collinstown 13, Co. Westmeath. The excavation uncovered two main areas of archaeological remains. Area A contained a large pit filled with burnt clay and charcoal dating to the Bronze Age, as well as some post-medieval ditches. Area B contained one irregular disturbed pit also containing burnt material that may be related to remains found further south beyond the road works area. The excavation helps add to the understanding of archaeological remains in the surrounding landscape, which contains evidence of activity dating from the Mesolithic through to the post-medieval period.
The Harristown Little kiln appeared to be a typical key-hole shaped kiln. Two similar kilns were excavated as part of this project, both in Bricketstown townland (licence nos. 00E0476 and 00E0626). The radiocarbon date from this kiln (cal AD 1460-1660) was very close to the date of use at Bricketstown 00E0476 (cal AD 1450-1650). Channels were cut into the bases of both the Bricketstown kilns and these acted as wind tunnels which distributed air evenly through the kiln as it was burning but these were not present at Harristown Little.
The site consisted of two concentrations of burnt mound material spread over an area of 20 m2 and an off-centre trough that was possibly originally plank-lined.
The moated site comprised a rectangular moated area with an inside bank, a sub-rectangular building, and extensive evidence for activity outside the moat including numerous field boundaries, drains, furrows, working areas, a pottery kiln and a possible bisque firing kiln.
In Bricketstown townland a number of agricultural features were exposed including a limekiln, land divisions, hearth and stakeholes, a platform with medieval waste and evidence of ridge and furrow cultivation. The main features of the sites included early land divisions (ditches), a work surface with residues from various industrial activities, a hearth surrounded by stakeholes/hearth furniture, later land divisions (ditches) that enclosed ridges and furrows and a kiln. The archaeological evidence from the site is generally indicative of activity associated with agriculture, incorporating a kiln, furrows, boundaries and drainage ditches.
The site at Ballyvergin comprised one hearth, two ditches, twenty-five stakeholes and a number of pits, some of which may have acted as troughs. It was located close to a stream and heat-shattered stones and charcoal were found in several of the deposits. The site has therefore been interpreted as a burnt mound, although the identification of troughs is tentative. The area of excavation was truncated by later (modern) field ditches.
The site occurs within an area where a cluster of Bronze Age fulachta fiadh sites have been identified.
Three burnt mounds were recorded (CO019-019, -020 and -021) within 500m of the site, while two other burnt mounds were excavated as part of this road project; Stagpark 2 (04E1121) was 800m away to the north and Mitchelstown 2 (04E1071) was 2km to the north. The intense use of this small area for the purposes of heating stones and water has produced a date range that suggests occupation on a long-term, if perhaps intermittent basis from at least the Early Bronze Age. The lower heavier wetter ground in the area was used for sites such as these. With the exception of the burnt mound at Mitchelstown 2, which was located on the northern bank of the Gradoge River, the remaining burnt mounds are not located adjacent to any known or contemporary water sources. The underlying subsoil is however a heavy clay which holds water very effectively being almost impermeable. The archaeological evidence indicates that contemporary Early Bronze Age occupation occurred on the higher drier ground, at Stagpark 1 (04E1120) 600m to the north. An extensive occupation site, dating to the Middle Bronze Age, was located on a limestone ridge on the northern bank of the Gradoge River at Mitchelstown 1 (04E1072) 2.8km to the north.
Archaeological Test Excavation Report E2003 Ballybrowney, N8 RFJohn Tierney
Two main areas of high archaeological significance were identified during the testing of the proposed route option A. These were a sub rectangular enclosure and the upstanding enclosure elements of the ringfort.
The outer bank and ditch of the ringfort are still intact to a large degree and are visible on the surface within the CPO line. The area is heavily overgrown with mature and semi-mature trees and a dense understorey of secondary growth. Despite this, and despite having been truncated by the insertion of a trackway cutting through the outer bank and the construction of a stone revetment and drain on its southern side, the outer enclosing elements of the ringfort are to a large degree extant.
The insertion of a modern trackway in this location would have a severe negative impact on the northern enclosing elements of the ringfort.
The site occurs within an area where a cluster of Bronze Age fulachta fiadh sites have been identified.
Three burnt mounds were recorded (CO019-019, -020 and -021) within 500m of the site, while two other burnt mounds were excavated as part of this road project; Stagpark 2 (04E1121) was 800m away to the north and Mitchelstown 2 (04E1071) was 2km to the north. The intense use of this small area for the purposes of heating stones and water has produced a date range that suggests occupation on a long-term, if perhaps intermittent basis from at least the Early Bronze Age. The lower heavier wetter ground in the area was used for sites such as these. With the exception of the burnt mound at Mitchelstown 2, which was located on the northern bank of the Gradoge River, the remaining burnt mounds are not located adjacent to any known or contemporary water sources. The underlying subsoil is however a heavy clay which holds water very effectively being almost impermeable. The archaeological evidence indicates that contemporary Early Bronze Age occupation occurred on the higher drier ground, at Stagpark 1 (04E1120) 600m to the north. An extensive occupation site, dating to the Middle Bronze Age, was located on a limestone ridge on the northern bank of the Gradoge River at Mitchelstown 1 (04E1072) 2.8km to the north.
Two distinct features were recorded on the western and eastern side of the route of the N8 during topsoil striping prior to the construction of the temporary realignment of the R614. Site A a Bronze Age / Iron Age ring ditch was located to the west of the N8 and Site B an Early Bronze Age enclosure was located to the east in Ballybrowney Lower.
Site A has been identified as a ring-ditch with an internal diameter of 4.25m. Cremated human bone was recorded in the fills of the ring ditch. It is likely to be associated with the large Bronze Age/Iron Age site on the route of the N8 to the north-east which was excavated by E. Cotter in 2003. The site included four enclosures, three circular houses and a medieval corn-drying kiln. The site was truncated by several levelled field boundaries, probably 18th in origin (Cotter 2004, 38).
Site B was a continuation of an Early Bronze Age enclosure partially excavated by E.Cotter in 2003. As it was not going to be disturbed it was not excavated but recorded, planned and covered.
This report details the results of an archaeological excavation at a burnt mound site located at Urraghry townland in County Galway. The excavation uncovered a burnt mound, trough, stake-holes, gully, and paleochannel. Radiocarbon dating of charcoal samples indicated Early Bronze Age activity on the site. Mesolithic stone tools were also found, suggesting earlier occupation. The site contributes to understanding prehistoric settlement patterns in the area, with five Bronze Age sites excavated along this portion of a new road development.
Eachtra archaeological projects undertook excavation of Stratham’s garage in January and February of 2005 under licence 99E0757, an extension to a pre-existing licence. In total some eighty pits were excavated with a small number of linear features and post-medieval wall foundations, drains and a cobbled surface also present. There was no evidence for a medieval structure in this area of the site and many of the pits were filled with refuse. The excavated area was interpreted as the partial remains of four medieval burgage plots. Recent excavations of the area immediately north and adjacent to this site will hopefully provide material comparable to the results from the Stratham’s Garage site.
The site at Mitchelstown 1 was discovered during archaeological investigations along the route of the Mitchelstown Relief Road. The site comprised three houses constructed in at least two phases, one of the houses having been cut by the other two. The houses were approximately 10m in diameter and were roughly D-shaped in plan, with entrances centrally located on the straight side, facing east. One of the houses showed clear evidence of having had an internal division in the form of a slot trench running between two structural postholes. The slot trench could have held a wattle wall separating the entrance area (approximately one-third of the floor area) from the remainder of the house.
Little evidence was found of the material culture or economy of the inhabitants of the Mitchelstown houses. No pottery was recovered from the site and the few lithics were undiagnostic.
The number of cereal grains recovered from the soil samples was too small to allow any interpretation of the economy or diet of the population. A striking aspect of the environmental material however was the large number of seeds of the Dock family. These are usually considered to be weed seeds brought into houses inadvertently along with cereals. However, that is unlikely here, given the paucity of cereal grains on the site, and it may be that Dock seeds were deliberately gathered as a food source. Parallels for this have been found in Britain and Denmark where Dock seeds have been found in the gut contents of bog bodies.
The Mitchelstown houses have numerous parallels among the growing numbers of Middle Bronze Age houses now being discovered in recent Irish excavations and add to the expanding settlement pattern of the period.
A group of over a hundred pits, postholes and stakeholes were located on the hilltop at Stagpark. The features dated from the Early Bronze Age to the Middle Iron Age which would suggest that the hilltop was occupied over a long period of time. Four pits containing burnt fills were recorded in Area A and Area C. The pits were similar in terms of morphology, size and date. The two sets of pits were located within 1m of each other and c. 40m apart. Almost identical Early Bronze Age dates were returned for two of the pits. The pits may have functioned as cremation pits, although minute traces of burnt bone was recorded in only one of the fills. They may also have been utilised for a domestic purpose. One of the two large pits (C.1001) in Area B was dated to the Early Bronze Age. It is difficult to interpret the function of these pits as they are exceptionally large. Stakeholes recorded on the upper sides of pit C.1001, these may have formed a frame or covering for the pit.
The recovery of two sherds of Late Bronze Age coarse ware from a pit, in the vicinity of the hearth-pit C.22, in the northwest section of Area A, would indicate that this area was utilised during the Late Bronze Age. A cluster of three pits and eight stakeholes were located to the southeast of the hearth.
Four of the stakeholes in particular could have formed a shelter around the hearth open to the west.
Although no dating evidence was obtained from the features in the vicinity of the large pits C.66 and C.90 it is possible that they are associated with the Late Bronze Age activity surrounding the hearth C.22.
A Middle Iron Age date was returned from the later re-cut of the large pit C.110. An L-shaped alignment, consisting of three pits, 13 stakeholes and three postholes, extended to the north and east of the pit. The alignment measured c. 6m north-south by 13m east-west. It could be associated with the Middle Iron Age pit C.110, the Early Bronze Age cremation pits or the Late Bronze Age features.
A number of fulachta fiadh were recorded downslope to the north and south of the site. Three burnt mounds were recorded (CO019-019, -020 and -021) within 500m of the site, while four other burnt mounds were excavated as part of this road project; Stagpark 1 (04E1119) was 600m to the south, Stagpark 2 (04E1121) was 200m away to the north and Mitchelstown 2 (04E1071) was 1.5km to the north. The fulachta fiadh are located on heavier clay subsoil. Radiocarbon dates obtained from some of the burnt mounds would suggest that these sites were utilized during the Early Bronze Age.
The site, possibly located on the margins of prehistoric settlement, forms an interesting contrast to a Middle Bronze Age settlement site excavated at Mitchelstown 1 (04E1072). The remains of at least three circular houses were excavated at Mitchelstown 1. The site was located on a limestone ridge on the northern bank of the Gradoge River. The opposing site on the southern bank of the Gradoge River was subsequently occupied by the Anglo Normans in the thirteenth century. The material evidence recorded on site was scant. No associated pits and stakeholes were associated with the structures. It is possible that these features were located outside the route corridor.
Eachtra Archaeological Projects were engaged to monitor works within previously untested or unresolved locations along the route of the new N8 Rathcormac/Fermoy Bypass, between June 2004 and February 2005. Three previously unknown archaeological sites were discovered in the course of monitoring internal works. One such site was at Ballyoran Bog, where remains of Giant Irish Deer and a possible brushwood trackway were excavated. The skeletal remains of the Giant Irish Deer are a rare occurrence on archaeological sites, but one of the most interesting aspects of the excavation was the discovery that later inhabitants of the area were aware that deer remains were present in the bog, as tool marks on antler fragments demonstrate. Excavation and post-excavation analysis of the brushwood platform/trackway has revealed that the occupiers of this site exploited the immediate environs of the bog for construction materials. The discovery of the possible trackway is significant, given that the majority of those sites recorded in Ireland are located in the Midlands. In conclusion, the site at Ballyoran bog is important on a provincial, as well as a national scale.
This report details the results of an archaeological excavation carried out at Kiltotan Collinstown 14, Co. Westmeath. The excavation uncovered two parallel post-medieval ditches and two burnt pits that were possibly medieval iron smelting furnaces. Analysis of artefacts, ecofacts and radiocarbon dating provided insights into the medieval and post-medieval activity on the site. The excavated features at this site are similar to others in the surrounding area and add to the understanding of settlement patterns in this rich archaeological landscape over multiple periods.
The site at Scartbarry has been identified as a Late Bronze Age burnt mound where hot stone technology was used but there is no definite evidence from this site to indicate the specific purpose of heating stones and water in the area; the technology could have been utilised in a variety of processes from cooking and bathing to fulling, felting, boat building and many other industrial processes. The site is just one of many similar monuments that have been discovered in the general area in recent years and it contributes to the widespread evidence for use of hot stones and water in the area in prehistory.
The site at Fermoy Wood has been identified as a early Iron Age burnt mound where hot stone technology was used but there is no definite evidence from this site to indicate the specific purpose of heating stones and water in the area; the technology could have been utilised in a variety of processes from cooking and bathing to fulling, felting, boat building and many other industrial processes. The site is just one of many similar monuments that have been discovered in the general area in recent years and it contributes to the widespread evidence for use of hot stones and water in the area in prehistory. The nearest excavated site to the Fermoy Wood fulacht fiadh was the brushwood platform and trackway and nearby discovery of Giant Irish Deer in Ballyoran Bog (04E1014 extension).
This archaeological excavation report describes features found at a site in Mackney, Co. Galway excavated for road works. Prehistoric features included a Bronze Age hearth, three pits and a post-hole dating to the Middle-Late Bronze Age based on radiocarbon dating. Later features consisted of a gully, field boundary ditch and several field drains dating from the 18th century and modern times. While no artifacts were found, the features provide evidence of Bronze Age occupation at this site and in the surrounding area.
This report comprises the Final Report of excavations undertaken by Eachtra Archaeological Projects along the line of the proposed Castledermot Sewerage Scheme in 2004. Kildare County Council proposed to upgrade the sewerage system in Castledermot village running from the Lerr River to the south along Abbey St. and Main St. to Skenagun to the north. The present town contains extensive archaeological remains, both upstanding and subsurface, of the earlier Medieval town (KD040-002). Therefore in 2002, an archaeological assessment of the proposed line of the sewerage trench was carried out (Byrne 2000). This was followed by a programme of test excavations (Lynch 2002). The results of this work led to a decision to archaeologically resolve the line of the proposed pipe trench in advance of commencement of construction works. Eachtra Archaeological Projects excavated the line of the proposed trench between June and December 2004 under excavation licence number 04E0750. While the excavated trench was narrow, it offered a lengthy cross-section of the Medieval and Post-Medieval town. The excavation revealed a number of facets of the town during these periods including the Medieval town walls and a cemetery. Following archaeological resolution of the trench, it was backfilled to be opened at a future date for the insertion of the sewerage pipes.
The Historic Graves Project involves community volunteers conducting archaeological surveys of historic graveyards. Volunteers use GPS cameras and audio recorders to photograph, document, and map over 1,200 headstones across 11 graveyards over two years. For each graveyard, the project creates a folder with a register of graves, a sketch map, contact sheets of photographs, and record sheets. The goal is to explore, protect, and promote awareness of Ireland's historic graveyards.
Public talk by John Tierney on recent work on the O'Daly Bardic School, Dromnea, Sheepshead, Cork and outlining a strategy for community-led heritage projects.
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Similar to Archaeological Excavation Report E0626 - Bricketstown, Co. Wexford, Ireland - EAP Journal
The Harristown Little kiln appeared to be a typical key-hole shaped kiln. Two similar kilns were excavated as part of this project, both in Bricketstown townland (licence nos. 00E0476 and 00E0626). The radiocarbon date from this kiln (cal AD 1460-1660) was very close to the date of use at Bricketstown 00E0476 (cal AD 1450-1650). Channels were cut into the bases of both the Bricketstown kilns and these acted as wind tunnels which distributed air evenly through the kiln as it was burning but these were not present at Harristown Little.
The site consisted of two concentrations of burnt mound material spread over an area of 20 m2 and an off-centre trough that was possibly originally plank-lined.
The moated site comprised a rectangular moated area with an inside bank, a sub-rectangular building, and extensive evidence for activity outside the moat including numerous field boundaries, drains, furrows, working areas, a pottery kiln and a possible bisque firing kiln.
In Bricketstown townland a number of agricultural features were exposed including a limekiln, land divisions, hearth and stakeholes, a platform with medieval waste and evidence of ridge and furrow cultivation. The main features of the sites included early land divisions (ditches), a work surface with residues from various industrial activities, a hearth surrounded by stakeholes/hearth furniture, later land divisions (ditches) that enclosed ridges and furrows and a kiln. The archaeological evidence from the site is generally indicative of activity associated with agriculture, incorporating a kiln, furrows, boundaries and drainage ditches.
The site at Ballyvergin comprised one hearth, two ditches, twenty-five stakeholes and a number of pits, some of which may have acted as troughs. It was located close to a stream and heat-shattered stones and charcoal were found in several of the deposits. The site has therefore been interpreted as a burnt mound, although the identification of troughs is tentative. The area of excavation was truncated by later (modern) field ditches.
The site occurs within an area where a cluster of Bronze Age fulachta fiadh sites have been identified.
Three burnt mounds were recorded (CO019-019, -020 and -021) within 500m of the site, while two other burnt mounds were excavated as part of this road project; Stagpark 2 (04E1121) was 800m away to the north and Mitchelstown 2 (04E1071) was 2km to the north. The intense use of this small area for the purposes of heating stones and water has produced a date range that suggests occupation on a long-term, if perhaps intermittent basis from at least the Early Bronze Age. The lower heavier wetter ground in the area was used for sites such as these. With the exception of the burnt mound at Mitchelstown 2, which was located on the northern bank of the Gradoge River, the remaining burnt mounds are not located adjacent to any known or contemporary water sources. The underlying subsoil is however a heavy clay which holds water very effectively being almost impermeable. The archaeological evidence indicates that contemporary Early Bronze Age occupation occurred on the higher drier ground, at Stagpark 1 (04E1120) 600m to the north. An extensive occupation site, dating to the Middle Bronze Age, was located on a limestone ridge on the northern bank of the Gradoge River at Mitchelstown 1 (04E1072) 2.8km to the north.
Archaeological Test Excavation Report E2003 Ballybrowney, N8 RFJohn Tierney
Two main areas of high archaeological significance were identified during the testing of the proposed route option A. These were a sub rectangular enclosure and the upstanding enclosure elements of the ringfort.
The outer bank and ditch of the ringfort are still intact to a large degree and are visible on the surface within the CPO line. The area is heavily overgrown with mature and semi-mature trees and a dense understorey of secondary growth. Despite this, and despite having been truncated by the insertion of a trackway cutting through the outer bank and the construction of a stone revetment and drain on its southern side, the outer enclosing elements of the ringfort are to a large degree extant.
The insertion of a modern trackway in this location would have a severe negative impact on the northern enclosing elements of the ringfort.
The site occurs within an area where a cluster of Bronze Age fulachta fiadh sites have been identified.
Three burnt mounds were recorded (CO019-019, -020 and -021) within 500m of the site, while two other burnt mounds were excavated as part of this road project; Stagpark 2 (04E1121) was 800m away to the north and Mitchelstown 2 (04E1071) was 2km to the north. The intense use of this small area for the purposes of heating stones and water has produced a date range that suggests occupation on a long-term, if perhaps intermittent basis from at least the Early Bronze Age. The lower heavier wetter ground in the area was used for sites such as these. With the exception of the burnt mound at Mitchelstown 2, which was located on the northern bank of the Gradoge River, the remaining burnt mounds are not located adjacent to any known or contemporary water sources. The underlying subsoil is however a heavy clay which holds water very effectively being almost impermeable. The archaeological evidence indicates that contemporary Early Bronze Age occupation occurred on the higher drier ground, at Stagpark 1 (04E1120) 600m to the north. An extensive occupation site, dating to the Middle Bronze Age, was located on a limestone ridge on the northern bank of the Gradoge River at Mitchelstown 1 (04E1072) 2.8km to the north.
Two distinct features were recorded on the western and eastern side of the route of the N8 during topsoil striping prior to the construction of the temporary realignment of the R614. Site A a Bronze Age / Iron Age ring ditch was located to the west of the N8 and Site B an Early Bronze Age enclosure was located to the east in Ballybrowney Lower.
Site A has been identified as a ring-ditch with an internal diameter of 4.25m. Cremated human bone was recorded in the fills of the ring ditch. It is likely to be associated with the large Bronze Age/Iron Age site on the route of the N8 to the north-east which was excavated by E. Cotter in 2003. The site included four enclosures, three circular houses and a medieval corn-drying kiln. The site was truncated by several levelled field boundaries, probably 18th in origin (Cotter 2004, 38).
Site B was a continuation of an Early Bronze Age enclosure partially excavated by E.Cotter in 2003. As it was not going to be disturbed it was not excavated but recorded, planned and covered.
This report details the results of an archaeological excavation at a burnt mound site located at Urraghry townland in County Galway. The excavation uncovered a burnt mound, trough, stake-holes, gully, and paleochannel. Radiocarbon dating of charcoal samples indicated Early Bronze Age activity on the site. Mesolithic stone tools were also found, suggesting earlier occupation. The site contributes to understanding prehistoric settlement patterns in the area, with five Bronze Age sites excavated along this portion of a new road development.
Eachtra archaeological projects undertook excavation of Stratham’s garage in January and February of 2005 under licence 99E0757, an extension to a pre-existing licence. In total some eighty pits were excavated with a small number of linear features and post-medieval wall foundations, drains and a cobbled surface also present. There was no evidence for a medieval structure in this area of the site and many of the pits were filled with refuse. The excavated area was interpreted as the partial remains of four medieval burgage plots. Recent excavations of the area immediately north and adjacent to this site will hopefully provide material comparable to the results from the Stratham’s Garage site.
The site at Mitchelstown 1 was discovered during archaeological investigations along the route of the Mitchelstown Relief Road. The site comprised three houses constructed in at least two phases, one of the houses having been cut by the other two. The houses were approximately 10m in diameter and were roughly D-shaped in plan, with entrances centrally located on the straight side, facing east. One of the houses showed clear evidence of having had an internal division in the form of a slot trench running between two structural postholes. The slot trench could have held a wattle wall separating the entrance area (approximately one-third of the floor area) from the remainder of the house.
Little evidence was found of the material culture or economy of the inhabitants of the Mitchelstown houses. No pottery was recovered from the site and the few lithics were undiagnostic.
The number of cereal grains recovered from the soil samples was too small to allow any interpretation of the economy or diet of the population. A striking aspect of the environmental material however was the large number of seeds of the Dock family. These are usually considered to be weed seeds brought into houses inadvertently along with cereals. However, that is unlikely here, given the paucity of cereal grains on the site, and it may be that Dock seeds were deliberately gathered as a food source. Parallels for this have been found in Britain and Denmark where Dock seeds have been found in the gut contents of bog bodies.
The Mitchelstown houses have numerous parallels among the growing numbers of Middle Bronze Age houses now being discovered in recent Irish excavations and add to the expanding settlement pattern of the period.
A group of over a hundred pits, postholes and stakeholes were located on the hilltop at Stagpark. The features dated from the Early Bronze Age to the Middle Iron Age which would suggest that the hilltop was occupied over a long period of time. Four pits containing burnt fills were recorded in Area A and Area C. The pits were similar in terms of morphology, size and date. The two sets of pits were located within 1m of each other and c. 40m apart. Almost identical Early Bronze Age dates were returned for two of the pits. The pits may have functioned as cremation pits, although minute traces of burnt bone was recorded in only one of the fills. They may also have been utilised for a domestic purpose. One of the two large pits (C.1001) in Area B was dated to the Early Bronze Age. It is difficult to interpret the function of these pits as they are exceptionally large. Stakeholes recorded on the upper sides of pit C.1001, these may have formed a frame or covering for the pit.
The recovery of two sherds of Late Bronze Age coarse ware from a pit, in the vicinity of the hearth-pit C.22, in the northwest section of Area A, would indicate that this area was utilised during the Late Bronze Age. A cluster of three pits and eight stakeholes were located to the southeast of the hearth.
Four of the stakeholes in particular could have formed a shelter around the hearth open to the west.
Although no dating evidence was obtained from the features in the vicinity of the large pits C.66 and C.90 it is possible that they are associated with the Late Bronze Age activity surrounding the hearth C.22.
A Middle Iron Age date was returned from the later re-cut of the large pit C.110. An L-shaped alignment, consisting of three pits, 13 stakeholes and three postholes, extended to the north and east of the pit. The alignment measured c. 6m north-south by 13m east-west. It could be associated with the Middle Iron Age pit C.110, the Early Bronze Age cremation pits or the Late Bronze Age features.
A number of fulachta fiadh were recorded downslope to the north and south of the site. Three burnt mounds were recorded (CO019-019, -020 and -021) within 500m of the site, while four other burnt mounds were excavated as part of this road project; Stagpark 1 (04E1119) was 600m to the south, Stagpark 2 (04E1121) was 200m away to the north and Mitchelstown 2 (04E1071) was 1.5km to the north. The fulachta fiadh are located on heavier clay subsoil. Radiocarbon dates obtained from some of the burnt mounds would suggest that these sites were utilized during the Early Bronze Age.
The site, possibly located on the margins of prehistoric settlement, forms an interesting contrast to a Middle Bronze Age settlement site excavated at Mitchelstown 1 (04E1072). The remains of at least three circular houses were excavated at Mitchelstown 1. The site was located on a limestone ridge on the northern bank of the Gradoge River. The opposing site on the southern bank of the Gradoge River was subsequently occupied by the Anglo Normans in the thirteenth century. The material evidence recorded on site was scant. No associated pits and stakeholes were associated with the structures. It is possible that these features were located outside the route corridor.
Eachtra Archaeological Projects were engaged to monitor works within previously untested or unresolved locations along the route of the new N8 Rathcormac/Fermoy Bypass, between June 2004 and February 2005. Three previously unknown archaeological sites were discovered in the course of monitoring internal works. One such site was at Ballyoran Bog, where remains of Giant Irish Deer and a possible brushwood trackway were excavated. The skeletal remains of the Giant Irish Deer are a rare occurrence on archaeological sites, but one of the most interesting aspects of the excavation was the discovery that later inhabitants of the area were aware that deer remains were present in the bog, as tool marks on antler fragments demonstrate. Excavation and post-excavation analysis of the brushwood platform/trackway has revealed that the occupiers of this site exploited the immediate environs of the bog for construction materials. The discovery of the possible trackway is significant, given that the majority of those sites recorded in Ireland are located in the Midlands. In conclusion, the site at Ballyoran bog is important on a provincial, as well as a national scale.
This report details the results of an archaeological excavation carried out at Kiltotan Collinstown 14, Co. Westmeath. The excavation uncovered two parallel post-medieval ditches and two burnt pits that were possibly medieval iron smelting furnaces. Analysis of artefacts, ecofacts and radiocarbon dating provided insights into the medieval and post-medieval activity on the site. The excavated features at this site are similar to others in the surrounding area and add to the understanding of settlement patterns in this rich archaeological landscape over multiple periods.
The site at Scartbarry has been identified as a Late Bronze Age burnt mound where hot stone technology was used but there is no definite evidence from this site to indicate the specific purpose of heating stones and water in the area; the technology could have been utilised in a variety of processes from cooking and bathing to fulling, felting, boat building and many other industrial processes. The site is just one of many similar monuments that have been discovered in the general area in recent years and it contributes to the widespread evidence for use of hot stones and water in the area in prehistory.
The site at Fermoy Wood has been identified as a early Iron Age burnt mound where hot stone technology was used but there is no definite evidence from this site to indicate the specific purpose of heating stones and water in the area; the technology could have been utilised in a variety of processes from cooking and bathing to fulling, felting, boat building and many other industrial processes. The site is just one of many similar monuments that have been discovered in the general area in recent years and it contributes to the widespread evidence for use of hot stones and water in the area in prehistory. The nearest excavated site to the Fermoy Wood fulacht fiadh was the brushwood platform and trackway and nearby discovery of Giant Irish Deer in Ballyoran Bog (04E1014 extension).
This archaeological excavation report describes features found at a site in Mackney, Co. Galway excavated for road works. Prehistoric features included a Bronze Age hearth, three pits and a post-hole dating to the Middle-Late Bronze Age based on radiocarbon dating. Later features consisted of a gully, field boundary ditch and several field drains dating from the 18th century and modern times. While no artifacts were found, the features provide evidence of Bronze Age occupation at this site and in the surrounding area.
This report comprises the Final Report of excavations undertaken by Eachtra Archaeological Projects along the line of the proposed Castledermot Sewerage Scheme in 2004. Kildare County Council proposed to upgrade the sewerage system in Castledermot village running from the Lerr River to the south along Abbey St. and Main St. to Skenagun to the north. The present town contains extensive archaeological remains, both upstanding and subsurface, of the earlier Medieval town (KD040-002). Therefore in 2002, an archaeological assessment of the proposed line of the sewerage trench was carried out (Byrne 2000). This was followed by a programme of test excavations (Lynch 2002). The results of this work led to a decision to archaeologically resolve the line of the proposed pipe trench in advance of commencement of construction works. Eachtra Archaeological Projects excavated the line of the proposed trench between June and December 2004 under excavation licence number 04E0750. While the excavated trench was narrow, it offered a lengthy cross-section of the Medieval and Post-Medieval town. The excavation revealed a number of facets of the town during these periods including the Medieval town walls and a cemetery. Following archaeological resolution of the trench, it was backfilled to be opened at a future date for the insertion of the sewerage pipes.
Similar to Archaeological Excavation Report E0626 - Bricketstown, Co. Wexford, Ireland - EAP Journal (20)
The Historic Graves Project involves community volunteers conducting archaeological surveys of historic graveyards. Volunteers use GPS cameras and audio recorders to photograph, document, and map over 1,200 headstones across 11 graveyards over two years. For each graveyard, the project creates a folder with a register of graves, a sketch map, contact sheets of photographs, and record sheets. The goal is to explore, protect, and promote awareness of Ireland's historic graveyards.
Public talk by John Tierney on recent work on the O'Daly Bardic School, Dromnea, Sheepshead, Cork and outlining a strategy for community-led heritage projects.
An Introduction to the Ballyhoura Peter Robinson Assisted Emigration ProjectJohn Tierney
This document provides an overview of a genealogical tourism project led by Dr. Paul MacCotter and John Tierney to document the history of families that took part in the Peter Robinson Assisted Emigration from Ireland to Canada in the 1820s-1830s. The project involves surveying graveyards and mapping homestead locations to build an online geolocated database of records. The goal is to help descendants research their ancestry and trace the places their families lived before emigrating. Methods for collecting, organizing, and publishing the historical data online are discussed.
Mendicity Institute Transmission book June-August 1882John Tierney
The document discusses the benefits of meditation for reducing stress and anxiety. Regular meditation practice can help calm the mind and body by lowering heart rate and blood pressure. Studies have shown that meditating for just 10-20 minutes per day can have significant positive impacts on both mental and physical health over time.
From headstone to homestead - crowdsourcing & heritage in IrelandJohn Tierney
This document outlines John Tierney's work with Eachtra Archaeological Projects surveying historic graves and homesteads in Ireland. It provides guidance on conducting graveyard surveys through sketch plans, geotagged photos, and record sheets. It also describes a process for identifying historic homesteads through reconnaissance, geotagged photographs, and publishing findings online and in a shared spreadsheet. The goal is to link Irish emigrant communities both within Ireland through shared heritage sites and records, and with communities abroad where emigrants settled.
Human remains of 48 individuals were discovered and excavated during works associated with the Tuam Town Water Supply Scheme in Toberjarlath townland on the eastern edges of Tuam, County Galway. The burials were located within the bounds of the former Tuam Union Workhouse, which opened in 1846. Eighteen grave pits containing between two and four burials each were uncovered. Analysis showed the individuals were paupers buried in the former workhouse grounds in the 19th century. A section of the workhouse boundary wall and internal ditch were also excavated.
Slides from John Tierney's talk on exploring the heritage of Ardmore in the era of digital research and publication. This talk is part of the www.reyndr.com project being developed by Eachtra in association with a number of community groups.
Community Genealogy in Ireland - Historic GravesJohn Tierney
Community engagement in historic graveyard surveys has a multiplier effect. What started as an archaeological survey of headstones has become community genealogy and local history. This talk was presented to the Irish Genealogical Research Society AGM in May 2013.
The Historic Graves Project is a community collaboration that aims to promote genealogical tourism by pinpointing family names and histories across centuries in graveyards in southeast Cork, Ireland. Volunteers record information from historic graveyards to share online and create puzzles and stories to engage people in learning about the people and families represented in each place through time.
Following the discovery of human remains during archaeological monitoring of engineering trial pits in Sawpit Lane a 1 m wide trench was excavated along Sawpit Lane, Church Lane and The Mall in advance of pipelaying associated with the Tuam Town Water Supply in July 2010. The remains of 15 individuals were recorded and excavated along with a series of ditches and pits. A stone culvert and the remains of a boundary wall were also identified. Two of the skeletons and a bone fragment from the base of one of the ditches returned calibrated radiocarbon dates centring on the seventh century. In addition a smithing hearth cake typical of early iron smithing was recovered from the upper fill of the ditch along with a bone trial motif piece which has sixth/seventh century parallels. The other pits and ditches had fills containing relatively mixed finds and animal bone fragments. The excavated features are located outside the present Temple Jarlath enclosure in the middle of Tuam and close to the site of the early medieval market area and the site of the post-medieval shambles. The pits may have acted as refuse pits for waste and the ditches may have demarcated areas or being used as open drains. The early burial evidence and the early possible enclosing ditch coupled with reports of an early unclassified cross slab suggest that the graveyard and enclosure at Temple Jarlath may be associated with St Jarlath’s original early Christian foundation.
This document provides an archaeological excavation report for Adare Castle in County Limerick, Ireland. It includes:
- A history of Adare Castle from its origins in the medieval period through different periods of occupation.
- A description and maps showing the location of the castle and areas excavated between 2001-2006, including the drawbridge, moat, kitchen, great hall, and two domestic areas.
- Results of the excavations including structures like walls, drains, and pits uncovered, along with artifacts found consisting of pottery, wood, bone, stone, metal, glass and leather objects.
- Environmental evidence from animal bones, plant remains, and shells analyzed to understand life at
Archaeological Report - 50-60 South Main Street, Wexford, Co. WexfordJohn Tierney
Occupation evidence dating to the 13th century and later post medieval activity, in the form of a well and boundary wall, associated with the demolished buildings on Peter Street was excavated. The medieval activity was recorded at the central southern part of the site. The area of excavation measured 11.5m north-south by 12m east-west.
All the pits in the excavation trench were medieval in date and are likely to have served as rubbish dumps. The artefactual material and the faunal remains recovered from the various fills would support this hypothesis. There was no evidence that they were used for industrial practises, though waste material from industrial activity was mixed with domestic refuse. They were located in the area of the medieval house burgage plots. No evidence of medieval structures was recorded. It is likely to exist under the foundations of the existing upstanding structures on South Main Street.
The pottery assemblage from the site was examined by the ceramic specialist Clare McCutcheon. The majority of the pottery consisted of local and Irish wares, comprising of Lenister Cooking ware, Wexford-type coarse ware, ware, fine ware and cooking ware. The English wares consisted of Minety-type, Ham Green and Redcliffe wares. The Wexford-type wares indicate local pottery production, although no medieval pottery kilns have as yet been located in Wexford. The French wares particularly the Saintonge ware, from the southwest of France, jugs, represented the wealthier tastes.
Archaeological Report - IDA Arklow Business & Technology Park, Ballynattin, C...John Tierney
The site was excavated under licence no. 04E0712. It was divided into ten areas of excavation: Areas 1-6, Area 6W, Area 7, Area 10 and Area 12.The earliest evidence for human activity was an Early Neolithic radiocarbon date obtained from the fill of a ditch in Area 6. However, there is no evidence for associated Early Neolithic activity. Most of the archaeological features excavated at Ballynattin were Bronze Age. Bronze Age pits were found in Area 6W, there was a spread of Bronze Age material in Area 3 and three partial Bronze Age structures were found in Areas 6 and 7. These were truncated and approximately only one third of each structure survived for excavation. A furnace excavated in Area 2 may also be Bronze Age in date; it has no associated radiocarbon dates but a saddle quern and flints were found within the furnace fill. The remaining features excavated at the site were primarily post-medieval, including a hearth excavated in Area 4, drains and ditches (Areas 1, 4 and 5) and a 19th century cobbled surface (Area 5).
The site consisted of a sub-circular enclosure with a diameter of approximately 36 m; it was initially identified as a crop mark on an aerial photograph, with no trace at ground level. Three sides of the enclosure were formed by two ditches (recorded as the ‘east ditch’ and the ‘west ditch’). The fourth side was characterised by large pits/postholes and slot trenches which probably continued the line of the enclosure, despite the absence of a ditch. The enclosure surrounded a Bronze Age settlement site, with a sub-circular post and stake-built structure excavated near the centre of the enclosed area and an ancillary structure to the west. This report details the results of excavation at the site and the descriptions are broken down into context complexes: the enclosure, the internal structure, the ancillary building, other internal features and external features.
The greatest proportion of archaeological features encountered at Shandon relate to Medieval activity. While nothing dateable was recovered from the sub-rectangular enclosure ditch itself, the discovery of 12th/13th century pottery from features inside and immediately outside the enclosure provides a strong case that the ditch is contemporaneous.
It must be considered a possibility that the enclosure at Shandon is a Medieval moated site. The latter have been defined as “all rectangular enclosures bounded by banks and moats of Medieval date, whether they enclosed a major house or simply a garden or cattle pen” (Barry 1987, 84). While there was no definite evidence of a bank at Shandon, there is a suggestion that one may have existed. Moated sites date to the 13th and 14th century (ibid., 85) and the local pottery found at Shandon overlaps with this date range.
It must also be considered that the Shandon enclosure relates to Hiberno-Norse activity. Prior to the present work, the motif piece was the sole indicator of such activity. However, this find is now further substantiated by the discovery of an 11th century Hiberno-Norse coin (Plate 12). Because of preservation by redesign and avoidance, a large proportion of archaeological features at Shandon were not excavated and consequently it is quite possible that further diagnostic Hiberno-Norse material survives on the site. However, one coin and a trial piece do not a Hiberno-Norse settlement make and it is plausible that the coin was deposited in Anglo-Norman times long after its original period of manufacture and use.
The buildings to the rear of 26 Patrick St. were demolished. The area of the extension to the rear to the hotel measured 20m by 13m. The area of excavation was bounded by a stone wall to the south, by a building site to the north and west and by the Georgian building, 26 Patrick St., due for refurbishment to the east.
Occupation evidence dating to the 13th century and later post medieval activity associated with the demolished extension to 26 Patrick St. was excavated. The medieval activity was recorded at the western side of the site. Post-medieval construction, associated with the red brick foundations of the extension to the rear of the Georgian building which fronts onto Patrick St., had truncated medieval activity at the eastern end. The destroyed earlier medieval activity is evidenced by the occurrence of both medieval and post-medieval pottery in the same strata.
Most of the archaeological features recorded during this excavation were pits, 26 in total, two walls and a well were also excavated.
Most of the contexts were dated according to the artefacts retrieved from their fills. Therefore, pits with exclusively or almost exclusively medieval pottery were classified as medieval, whereas pits with medieval and post-medieval finds were classified as post-medieval. However, as most of the excavated features were backfilled, it is possible that some of the cut features that contained deposits, with inclusions of post-medieval artefacts, were actually open and in use in the medieval period.
The remains uncovered can be divided into medieval, post-medieval and modern. The pits were in general sub-circular and oval in plan, and, with the exception of pit C.98, were on average 2.06 m in length by 1.36 m in width by 0.61 m in depth. The fills of the pits were a mix of dark grey brown silty clay with occasional inclusions of animal bone and pottery. A total of 26 pits, two walls and a well were recorded.
Until monitoring of top-soil stripping commenced in 2003 only one archaeological monument was recorded on the site of the current development, Enclosure LI005:037. Following monitoring and subsequent excavation this area now includes records of at least three Late Bronze Age unenclosed flat cremation cemeteries, a ring-ditch in close proximity to one of the smaller cemeteries and the remains of four Fulachta Fiadh.
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إضغ بين إيديكم من أقوى الملازم التي صممتها
ملزمة تشريح الجهاز الهيكلي (نظري 3)
💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀
تتميز هذهِ الملزمة بعِدة مُميزات :
1- مُترجمة ترجمة تُناسب جميع المستويات
2- تحتوي على 78 رسم توضيحي لكل كلمة موجودة بالملزمة (لكل كلمة !!!!)
#فهم_ماكو_درخ
3- دقة الكتابة والصور عالية جداً جداً جداً
4- هُنالك بعض المعلومات تم توضيحها بشكل تفصيلي جداً (تُعتبر لدى الطالب أو الطالبة بإنها معلومات مُبهمة ومع ذلك تم توضيح هذهِ المعلومات المُبهمة بشكل تفصيلي جداً
5- الملزمة تشرح نفسها ب نفسها بس تكلك تعال اقراني
6- تحتوي الملزمة في اول سلايد على خارطة تتضمن جميع تفرُعات معلومات الجهاز الهيكلي المذكورة في هذهِ الملزمة
واخيراً هذهِ الملزمة حلالٌ عليكم وإتمنى منكم إن تدعولي بالخير والصحة والعافية فقط
كل التوفيق زملائي وزميلاتي ، زميلكم محمد الذهبي 💊💊
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A Visual Guide to 1 Samuel | A Tale of Two HeartsSteve Thomason
These slides walk through the story of 1 Samuel. Samuel is the last judge of Israel. The people reject God and want a king. Saul is anointed as the first king, but he is not a good king. David, the shepherd boy is anointed and Saul is envious of him. David shows honor while Saul continues to self destruct.
THE SACRIFICE HOW PRO-PALESTINE PROTESTS STUDENTS ARE SACRIFICING TO CHANGE T...indexPub
The recent surge in pro-Palestine student activism has prompted significant responses from universities, ranging from negotiations and divestment commitments to increased transparency about investments in companies supporting the war on Gaza. This activism has led to the cessation of student encampments but also highlighted the substantial sacrifices made by students, including academic disruptions and personal risks. The primary drivers of these protests are poor university administration, lack of transparency, and inadequate communication between officials and students. This study examines the profound emotional, psychological, and professional impacts on students engaged in pro-Palestine protests, focusing on Generation Z's (Gen-Z) activism dynamics. This paper explores the significant sacrifices made by these students and even the professors supporting the pro-Palestine movement, with a focus on recent global movements. Through an in-depth analysis of printed and electronic media, the study examines the impacts of these sacrifices on the academic and personal lives of those involved. The paper highlights examples from various universities, demonstrating student activism's long-term and short-term effects, including disciplinary actions, social backlash, and career implications. The researchers also explore the broader implications of student sacrifices. The findings reveal that these sacrifices are driven by a profound commitment to justice and human rights, and are influenced by the increasing availability of information, peer interactions, and personal convictions. The study also discusses the broader implications of this activism, comparing it to historical precedents and assessing its potential to influence policy and public opinion. The emotional and psychological toll on student activists is significant, but their sense of purpose and community support mitigates some of these challenges. However, the researchers call for acknowledging the broader Impact of these sacrifices on the future global movement of FreePalestine.
Philippine Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan (EPP) CurriculumMJDuyan
(𝐓𝐋𝐄 𝟏𝟎𝟎) (𝐋𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝟏)-𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐦𝐬
𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐄𝐏𝐏 𝐂𝐮𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐮𝐦 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬:
- Understand the goals and objectives of the Edukasyong Pantahanan at Pangkabuhayan (EPP) curriculum, recognizing its importance in fostering practical life skills and values among students. Students will also be able to identify the key components and subjects covered, such as agriculture, home economics, industrial arts, and information and communication technology.
𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐩𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫:
-Define entrepreneurship, distinguishing it from general business activities by emphasizing its focus on innovation, risk-taking, and value creation. Students will describe the characteristics and traits of successful entrepreneurs, including their roles and responsibilities, and discuss the broader economic and social impacts of entrepreneurial activities on both local and global scales.
This presentation was provided by Racquel Jemison, Ph.D., Christina MacLaughlin, Ph.D., and Paulomi Majumder. Ph.D., all of the American Chemical Society, for the second session of NISO's 2024 Training Series "DEIA in the Scholarly Landscape." Session Two: 'Expanding Pathways to Publishing Careers,' was held June 13, 2024.
Leveraging Generative AI to Drive Nonprofit InnovationTechSoup
In this webinar, participants learned how to utilize Generative AI to streamline operations and elevate member engagement. Amazon Web Service experts provided a customer specific use cases and dived into low/no-code tools that are quick and easy to deploy through Amazon Web Service (AWS.)
Gender and Mental Health - Counselling and Family Therapy Applications and In...PsychoTech Services
A proprietary approach developed by bringing together the best of learning theories from Psychology, design principles from the world of visualization, and pedagogical methods from over a decade of training experience, that enables you to: Learn better, faster!
1. Eachtra Journal
Issue 4 [ISSN 2009-2237]
Archaeological Excavation Report
E0626 - Bricketstown, Co. Wexford
Kiln and field systems
2. Archaeological Excavation Report,
N25 Rathsillagh to Harristown Realignment
Bricketstown
Kiln and field systems
December 2009
Client: Wexford County Council
c/o Tramore House Road Design Office,
Tramore, Co. Wexford
Licence No.: 00E0626
Licensee: Michael Tierney
Contact details:
The Forge,
Innishannon, Co. Cork.
Written by: Michael Tierney, Penny Johnston and Tel.: 021 470 16 16
Fax: 021 470 16 28
Aidan Harte E-mail: info@eachtra.ie
Web Site: www.eachtra.ie
3. 00E0626 Bricketstown, Co. Wexford ISSUE 4: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
Table of Contents
i Acknowledgements .......................................................................................................... iv
1 Summary ..........................................................................................................................1
2 Introduction .....................................................................................................................1
3 Description of Development .............................................................................................1
4 Background to the excavation area....................................................................................1
5 Archaeological & Historical Background..........................................................................2
5.1 Mesolithic 7000-4000 BC..........................................................................................2
5.2 Neolithic 4000-2500 BC ............................................................................................2
5.3 Bronze Age 2500-500 BC...........................................................................................3
5.4 Iron Age 500 BC-500 AD ..........................................................................................3
5.5 Early Medieval 500 AD-1169 AD ..............................................................................4
5.6 Later Medieval 1169 AD-1600 AD.............................................................................4
5.7 Post-Medieval (after 1600 AD) ...................................................................................5
6 Results of Archaeological Excavation ................................................................................5
6.1 Early Land Division – Ditches ....................................................................................5
6.2 The Kiln .....................................................................................................................6
6.3 Small isolated pit ........................................................................................................9
7 Artefacts ...........................................................................................................................9
8 Environmental Remains ...................................................................................................9
9 Discussion ........................................................................................................................9
10 Conclusion .......................................................................................................................12
11 References ........................................................................................................................ 13
12 Figures .............................................................................................................................16
13 Plates ...............................................................................................................................22
14 Appendices ......................................................................................................................24
14.1 Appendix 1: Context Register ...................................................................................24
14.2 Appendix 2: Stratigraphic Matrix .............................................................................27
14.3 Appendix 3: Archaeobotanical Assessment Report on the Charred Plant remains from
Bricketstown - 00E0626 ..........................................................................................................28
14.4 Appendix 4: Table of charcoal assessment results from Bricketstown - 00E0626 ........30
14.5 Appendix 5: Radiocarbon Date Results ....................................................................31
Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e0626-bricketstown-co-wexford/ iii
4. 00E0626 Bricketstown, Co. Wexford ISSUE 4: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
List of Figures
Figure 1: Portion of Discovery map showing the route of the N25 Rathsillagh-Harristown road ..........16
Figure 2: Ordnance Survey sheets (REF) showing the route of the N25 Rathsillagh-Harristown road..17
Figure 3: Portion of RMP sheet (REF) showing the location of the excavation at Bricketstown (00E0626) .
..............................................................................................................................................18
Figure 4: Route of new road with all excavated sites displayed ..............................................................19
Figure 5: Plan of the excavated area showing the three ditches and the kiln ......................................... 20
Figure 6: Section through kiln bowl showing the cut of the robber trench (C.13) ................................21
List of Plates
Plate 1: Post-excavation of kiln bowl and flue (C.47) showing ditches in background ...........................22
Plate 2: Post-excavation of kiln bowl showing cut in the base that continues the line of the flue (inner cut)
..............................................................................................................................................22
Plate 3: Mid excavation of kiln bowl showing stone lining (C.43) ........................................................23
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i Acknowledgements
Project Manager: Michael Tierney
Licensee: Michael Tierney
Field Staff: Kieran Power, Cathy Fisher, Stuart Noon, Ben Middleton, Laurence Fenton,
Gerry O’ Neill, Tom Jaynes
Photography: Brian MacDomhnaill
Illustrations: Stuart Elder, John Lehane, Bernice Kelly, Brian MacDomhnaill,
Enda O’ Mahony, Robin Turk
Text: Aidan Harte, R.B. Middleton, Tina Murphy, Stuart Elder, Antonia Doolan,
Penny Johnston
This project was funded solely by Wexford County Council under the National Development Plan.
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1 Summary
County Wexford
Townland Bricketstown
Parish Kilgarvan
Civil Parish Whitechurchglynn
Barony Bantry
National Grid Co-ordinates 29125 12305
Chainage 6360
Site Type Kiln
Excavation licence number 00E0626
2 Introduction
The archaeological site at Bricketstown was identified during archaeological monitoring of topsoil
removal (licence 00E0379) along the route of the Rathsillagh to Harristown Little N25 realignment
scheme in Co. Wexford. The site was excavated under excavation licence number 00E0626. It com-
prised a kiln, a small pit, and a field system, evidenced by three ditches. This is one of three kilns
discovered during the road development scheme. It was medieval/post-medieval in date and consisted
of a circular main chamber with the flue projecting to the south-southwest. It was probably a limekiln
and there was evidence for several periods of use. Archaeological excavation at the site was conducted
by Eachtra Archaeological Projects during July and August 2000 under licence 00E0626.
3 Description of Development
The N25 is the main southern east to west route, traversing the counties of Cork, Waterford, Kilkenny
and Wexford. It links the port of Rosslare Harbour with Cork City, via New Ross, Waterford City,
Dungarvan and Youghal. A section of the N25 route between the townlands of Rathsillagh and Har-
ristown Little was selected for upgrading, as the old road comprised a single carriageway in either
direction, with several ‘blind’ junctions, and in many cases only a hedge separating farmland from
the road. The new route sought to straighten and level out the N25 and to provide a wider single car-
riageway with hard shoulder in either direction, in keeping with the Barntown scheme completed in
1998 (Fig. 1).
4 Background to the excavation area
The 8.5 km route of the new road crosses a series of low, undulating hills, to the south of the old N25
route, and is situated at a height of between 45 m and 80m above sea level. The landscape here is
characterised by small hills, interspersed with many small streams; these eventually flow into the River
Corock to the southwest, into the Slaney to the northwest, as well as feeding into Ballyteige Bay to
the south. From its western beginning in Rathsillagh townland the routeway climbs gently, running
parallel and to the south of the old N25. It then continues through Assagart, Ballyvergin, Shanowle,
Camaross, Carrowreagh, Dungeer, Bricketstown and through into Harristown Little, eventually exit-
ing in Harristown Big townland and tying into the Barntown improvement which opened in 1998
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(Figs. 1-3).
The higher ground was lush pasture, well drained, and gave spectacular views all around. Sites on
this part of the route included prehistoric settlement activity and a series of medieval/post-medieval
limekilns. Conversely, the lower ground in Camaross, Carrowreagh and Dungeer was quite marshy
and prone to growth of gorse. Sites traditionally associated with low-lying ground were found in these
townlands, for example a burnt mound at Dungeer and a moated site at Carrowreagh (Fig. 4).
5 Archaeological & Historical Background
There are thirteen recorded archaeological monument sites within 1 km either side of the development;
one is a church and graveyard site, nine are listed as enclosure sites of between 30 m and 60 m in di-
ameter and three are moated sites (two of which are destroyed). The ecclesiastical site apparently dates
to the medieval period as there is a fragment of a medieval grave cover in the graveyard and the site
was originally surrounded by a circular bank (Moore 1996, 129). The enclosures most likely represent
the raths and ringforts of the early medieval period (Moore 1996, 28). Prior to these excavations, the
known archaeological remains in the locality were all medieval and post-medieval but several prehis-
toric sites were identified during the course of this programme of excavation along the N25 route-way,
including Neolithic material at Harristown Big, Bronze Age sites at Dungeer, Ballyvergin and Har-
ristown Big and Iron Age activity at two sites in Bricketstown.
5.1 Mesolithic 7000-4000 BC
The earliest known human occupation of Ireland dates to the Mesolithic period (c. 7000-4000 BC).
Lithic scatters from the period have been found along the banks of the Barrow river in counties Wex-
ford and Waterford (Green and Zvelebil 1990). Some diagnostic Mesolithic stone artefacts were also
found in Camolin, in north Wexford, and along the eastern coastline between Carnsore and Kilm-
ichael point (Stout 1987, 3). However, most activity is identified in resource-rich locations by riversides
and coastlines and there is no known evidence for Mesolithic activity within the area affected by the
roadtake.
5.2 Neolithic 4000-2500 BC
There is piecemeal evidence for Neolithic occupation in County Wexford. Stout’s (1987) distribution
map of Neolithic remains includes evidence for one single burial site, fifteen find spots for flint and
stone atefacts, two portal tombs and seven other possible megalithic tombs. Work on the Archaeologi-
cal Survey of Ireland reduced the number of other possible megaliths from seven to five (Moore 1996).
Subsequent excavation work has increased the extent of knowledge concerning Neolithic settlement in
the county. Early Neolithic pottery was found by McLoughlin (2004) at Kerlogue (02E0606) and at a
pit and a hearth excavated under licence 00E0630 at Courtlands East (Purcell 2001). Later Neolithic
activity in the county is indicated by Sandhills ware, discovered during an excavation (02E0434) in a
pit at St. Vogues (Purcell 2004). An undated excavation at MacMurroughs (1985:59) also uncovered a
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number of flints and a ground stone axe, associated with a hearth and pit may also be Neolithic in date
(Cotter 1986). Some evidence for Neolithic activity was found as part of this project at Harristown
Big (00E0424) where Neolithic pottery was discovered at a site where various pits and stakeholes were
excavated. Early Neolithic and possible Middle Neolithic wares were found.
5.3 Bronze Age 2500-500 BC
Some of the earliest Bronze Age finds from Co. Wexford are three chance finds of Beaker gold discs
(only one with a provenance). Other Bronze Age metal finds from the county includes hoards of both
Early and Late Bronze Age artefacts, e.g. at Cahore Point, a cave at Nash, Ballyvadden, Enniscorthy,
Forth Commons and New Ross (Stout 1987, 9-10, 22). At Ballyvadden the Late Bronze Age metal ob-
jects were found within a ceramic container, a unique feature in Irish hoards, but apparently common
on the continent during the period (Stout 1987, 22).
Burnt mounds are the most common Bronze Age site-types found in Ireland and sixty-three such sites
were identified in the Archaeological Inventory for the county (Moore 1996) and since the survey work
several have been excavated in the county; examples were found at Strandfield (McCarthy 2004) and
along the routes of the N30 (Enniscorthy to Clonroche) and the N11 (Arklow to Gorey) roads (www.
nra.ie/Archaeology/LeafletandPosterSeries). Only one burnt mound was excavated during works on
the Rathsillagh-Harristown realignment of the N25; this was found at Dungeer 00E0474.
Much of our evidence for Bronze Age activity in Wexford to date has come from burials. There is a
recognised concentration of cist-type burials in Co. Wexford; these are commonly thought to date to
the Early Bronze Age. Stout (1987) identified more than thirty-seven identified but many were not
well documented and Moore (1996) could only pinpoint the locations of only twenty-five cist and
pit burials in total. Several other burials with diagnostic Bronze Age pottery have since been found
during excavation: there was a cordoned urn burial at Ballintubbrid, vase urn burials at Coolnaboy,
Gorey Corporation Lands and Kilmurry, a cist with a tripartite bowl at Knockbrack and a ring ditch
with cremation burials at Ferns Lower (Bennett 2004-5). Another ring-ditch was found at Kerlogue
Sites 4 and 5 and a large round house excavated at Kerlogue Site 2 was probably also of Bronze Age
date (McLoughlin 2004). The excavations from the Rathsillagh-Harristown road scheme included one
Early-Middle Bronze Age site at Ballyvergin where hot-stone technology was used in association with
metalworking. Another metalworking site was found at Harristown Big (00E0425) where a series of
Late Bronze Age metalworking pits and crucibles were found and the Late Bronze Age burnt mound
site at Dungeer (00E0474).
5.4 Iron Age 500 BC-500 AD
In common with much of Ireland there is very little evidence for Iron Age activity in Co. Wexford.
Hillforts and promontory forts have possible construction dates in the Late Bronze Age or Early Iron
Age and there are two hillforts and five promontory forts in the county (Moore 1996). The artefactual
evidence for this period in Wexford includes two pins that are of probable Iron Age date and two pos-
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sible Iron Age stone heads recovered from Duncormick (Stout 1987, 29-30). Two of the sites excavated
along the route of the Rathsillagh-Harristown road produced Iron Age radiocarbon dates, both were
from Bricketstown and one was a small cremation cemetery (00E0623), the second was a small hearth
(00E0624).
5.5 Early Medieval 500 AD-1169 AD
The beginnings of Christianity are evident in the remains of seventeen early ecclesiastical sites in Co.
Wexford (Moore 1996). One of the earliest excavated examples from Co. Wexford was at St. Vogues,
at Carnsore, where a wooden church preceded a stone building (O’Kelly 1975). One of the closest
known early church sites to the roadtake is located approximately 2 km to the south at the church of
Poulmarl/Taghmon, the monastery founded by St. Munna in the seventh century. The list of abbots
from this site continues to the end of the tenth century and there is a record of a Viking raid in 917 AD
(Moore 1996, 160). By this time the Norse town of Weisford, later to become Wexford, was already
established, having been established by the end of the ninth century (Colfer 1990-1).
Evidence for settlement in the county during the early medieval period comes from ringforts, typical
monuments of the period. These were circular or subcircular enclosures made from earthen banks that
surrounded areas roughly between 25 and 40 metres in diameter. Excavated examples have demon-
strated that they generally surrounded single farmstead-type settlement sites. One hundred and fifty-
three examples are known from the county (Moore 1996). Of these only two were located within close
proximity to the area of the new Rathsillagh-Harristown road (at Haystown, c. 3 km to the north of
the new road and at Cullenstown c. 2 km to the south). There are also numerous circular enclosure sites
that probably represent ringforts; thirteen of them appear on the RMP Sheet 36 (covering the area of
the new road-take) for Co. Wexford.
5.6 Later Medieval 1169 AD-1600 AD
The Anglo-Normans first landed in Ireland in Co. Wexford in 1169. The county was within their
initial land-grab zone between AD 1169 and AD 1190 (Mitchell & Ryan 1997, 305) and was sub-in-
feudated in the early stages of Anglo-Norman activity in Ireland (Colfer 1987). Wexford county was
one of the first twelve counties created by the English Kings in the 12th to 13th centuries, from the
original Provinces and lesser Territories of the Irish Tuatha (Howarth 1911, 161). By the thirteenth
century much of the area covered by the Rathsillagh-Harristown road-take was a frontier zone and
the archaeological landscape of these areas is characterised by moated sites: there are ten known sites
on RMP Sheet 36 for Co. Wexford, the area covered by the new road, and one moated site at Car-
rowreagh was found along the line of the new road. Moated sites were distributed at the peripheries of
the colonial organisation centres and probably represent an attempt at secondary colonisation (O’Keefe
2000, 73-75). There are almost 130 moated sites known in County Wexford (Moore 1996, 95). How-
ever, by the end of the fourteenth century, much of the Anglo-Norman settlement in Co. Wexford
had retreated to a southeastern stronghold in the baronies of Forth and Bargy, a pattern that Colfer
(1987) suggests was reminiscent of the “Pale of county Wexford”. Excavations of medieval sites in the
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county include the remains of a medieval house were excavated at Ballyanne (Moran 2000), with pot-
tery indicative of occupation in the 12th to 14th centuries, and excavations at Ferns, Hook Head, New-
town, Tintern, Taghmon, New Ross and Wexford town all produced medieval archaeological remains
(Bennett 2004-5). Along the route of the Rathsillagh-Harristown road the moated site at Carrowreagh
(excavated under licence no. 00E0476) was the largest medieval site excavated. A spread of medieval
occupation material was also excavated at Bricketwtown (00E0476) and this was rich in the remains
of medieval pottery. It is also possible that the limekilns at Bricketstown (00E0476) and Harristown
Little (00E0417) were in use at the very end of the medieval period.
5.7 Post-Medieval (after 1600 AD)
A few excavations of post-medieval archaeological sites have been carried out in Wexford county, in-
cluding Brideswell Big, Duncannon Fort, and excavations in Wexford and Ennisorthy town (Bennett
2004-5). Some of the excavations from the Rathsillagh to Harristown road scheme were probably used
during this time, in particular the limekilns at Bricketstown (00E0476, 00E0626) and Harristown
Little (00E0417) were probably in use at this period. There is Jacobean house site in Dungeer, one of
the townlands affected by the roadtake. References to the house/castle date to the early seventeenth
century (Moore 1996).
6 Results of Archaeological Excavation
The excavated area measured 20 m by 10 m and contained a kiln (C.47), a small pit (C.7) and three
ditches (C.6, C.11 and C.45) that traversed the site (Fig. 5). The earliest ditches were the earliest fea-
tures at the site and they were later cut by the kiln. Full contextual descriptions are found in Appendix
1 and the stratigraphic matrix is presented in Appendix 2.
6.1 Early Land Division – Ditches
Three ditches (C.6, C.11 and C.45) traversed the area of excavation (Fig. 5). The largest of these (C.11)
had gently sloped sides that lead to a concave base. It was aligned east northeast – west southwest and
crossed the south of the site. It silted up naturally over time (C.12) but was probably only partially
backfilled at the time that the kiln fell out of use. This was evidenced by occasional flecks of burnt clay
within the fill- probably waste from the kiln that became gradually incorporated into the ditch as it
was in use.
The other two ditches (C.6 and C.45) ran parallel to each other. Both were aligned northeast – south-
west and were narrower and shallower than the southern ditch (C.11). The westernmost ditch (C.6)
was quite well defined but narrow, with evidence that it was backfilled as a result of natural processes.
A brown silty clay (C.3) accumulated within the cut. The easternmost ditch (C.45) had poorly defined
edges and gently sloping sides which formed a broad ‘U-shaped’ profile. It was backfilled with stony
silt (C.5).
Within both the parallel ditches the in-filling appeared to be the result of gradual erosion and slump-
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ing, rather than deliberate backfilling, and hence the ditch fills accumulated over a substantial period
of time. The excavators noted “tip lines” visible in both ditch sections which suggested that the sedi-
ment accumulated during the slow backfilling process and was derived from the area situated between
the two ditches. Perhaps a bank may have occupied the intervening area, suggesting that these parallel
ditches were contemporary and formed part of the same boundary.
The relationship between the parallel ditches (C.6 and C.45) and the large southern ditch (C.11) was
more difficult to determine as, although the trajectories of C.11 and C.45 evidently met, at their pro-
jected point of intersection they were cut by the kiln, truncating the southern part of C.45 in particu-
lar. The fact that the alignments of the parallel ditches (C.6 and C.45) and the large ditch (C.11) did
not respect each other may suggest that they were not contemporaneous. There was no evidence within
the fills of C.45 and C.6 to suggest that these ditches were open when the kiln was in use, however,
the fill of C.11 contained some charcoal flecking and this is a sign that it was not fully silted up before
firings began at the kiln. The bank of the boundary may still have been extant when the kiln was in
use, however, as they are often built into hills or banks to provide shelter for the kiln and to facilitate
loading from the top.
6.2 The Kiln
The kiln was aligned north northeast - south southwest (Fig. 5). It consisted of a sub-circular bowl, c. 3
m in diameter, with a wide flue extending towards the south southwest (Plate 1). It survived to a depth
of 1.25 m. The flue measured 4 m in length and it was 1.08 m deep. The total length of the kiln was in
the region of 7 m. A linear slot cut into the subsoil for c. 1.5 m at the base of the bowl and continued
the line of the flue through into the kiln chamber (Plate 2). This presumably aided the circulation of
air within the kiln.
The base of the bowl was almost flat and was cut to the level of the underlying slate bedrock. A masonry
wall (C.43) lined the basal edge: it consisted of two courses of stones (shale, sandstone and quartzite),
set lengthways (Plate 3). The gaps between the stones silted up over time. This wall presumably served
as a revetment to the unconsolidated slate bedrock behind and it showed signs of burning/heat damage
resulting from firing within the kiln. Part of the upper course of masonry in the northeast quadrant of
the kiln has been removed; there was evidence that stone from the kiln structure was robbed out and
reused elsewhere (a robber trench, C.13, is shown in the section drawing Fig. 6) and the cut (C.47) and
the masonry lining of the bowl (C.43) were the only evidence of the original kiln construction which
remained in situ.
The flue exited the kiln bowl at the southwest, and extended for approximately 4 m, gradually sloping
upwards from the base of the kiln bowl to ground level at the end of the flue (Plate 1). It was c. 1 m
wide where it entered at the kiln bowl, and it widened gradually to just over 2 m wide at the southwest
end. C.47 cut through yellowish brown sandy clay subsoil into vertically bedded slate bedrock and had
steep, almost vertical sides throughout. It was not lined with stones.
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The base of the kiln bowl was cut by a linear slot, 2.40 m long and approximately 0.15 m deep, which
followed the same northeast to southwest alignment as the flue and probably improved the circula-
tion of air in the kiln (Plate 2). This cut was filled with the same primary fill as the general kiln bowl
(C.41).
Within the flue, a hearth deposit (C.40) lay directly on the base; it was mostly found just inside the
mouth of the flue but was patchy towards the kiln bowl. This may have represented the remnants of
multiple burning episodes which were then partially removed. Where this hearth layer was identified
near the drying chamber it was overlain by a deposit of rake-out from the chamber (C.37). It comprised
burnt clay which probably originated from the side walls of the drying chamber or the superstructure
of the kiln. A comparable fill (C.41) was found at the base of the chamber overlying slate bedrock in
the centre. It dropped behind the masonry wall (C.43) around the edge, and, like C.37, it consisted of
burnt clay that had collapsed from the structure of the kiln. These fills (C.37, C.40 and C.41) were the
only fills of in situ remains from kiln firings.
C.42 comprised a series of well-stratified deposits. They were heavily truncated due to subsequent
re-cutting (C.39). The two lower layers of stone fragments and ashy deposits included fragments of
masonry cracked by heat together with ash from kiln firings. Above these, a mid brown silty clay layer
probably reflected a period of disuse, either in the form of abandonment, tertiary silting from local
environment or careful backfill with surrounding sediment. Layers of slate, burnt clay and charcoal
above this possibly represented deliberate backfilling of the kiln using original up-cast slate bedrock
together with raked out hearth debris. These deposits represented the final stages in the life span of the
initial kiln (C.47).
Evidence for disuse of the kiln chamber was also discovered within the flue; a fill of re-deposited natu-
ral subsoil with frequent inclusions of slate (C.35) was found along the northwest side of the flue. It was
absent from the other side of the flue due to subsequent use and later re-cuts (C.39 and C.19).
The deposits within the kiln were largely truncated by later re-cutting of the bowl (C.39). The first re-
cut (C.39) sought only to remove material from within the bowl. The sides were again cut steeply, with
the exception of the southwest side, and followed the line of the inner face of the stone wall (C.43). The
re-cut (C.39) was dug down to the primary fill of the original bowl cut (C.41). Therefore, this re-cut
replicated the original bowl cut (C.47), but created a slightly smaller kiln bowl, measuring 2.5 m north
to south by 2.2 m east to west and 0.93 m deep.
Within the re-cut kiln bowl, two fills (C.38 and C.36) indicated some usage. The deposit on the east-
ern side (C.36) was reddish ashy material that was apparently raked to the side of the bowl. The other
deposit (C.38) was situated near, and extended into, the flue. There were, however, very few deposits
to indicate extensive use of the re-cut kiln, and soon after the re-cut was used, it appears to have been
abandoned. This was possibly because the structure collapsed. Contexts such as C.35 seem to be the
result of backfill or collapse of material from the flue cut, while C.34 and C.32 contained burnt subsoil
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and represented erosion of the kiln wall. C.28, a fine silty clay layer, seems to mark a period of aban-
donment. It overlay the contour of earlier, more substantial fills. Following this there is some indication
that the kiln was used once again (C.26 and C.25 may be the remains of a small fire in a partly filled
kiln hollow). Over these there was another substantial infilling of slate-like material (C 24), either a
collapse episode or another episode of backfilling. C.14 and C.17 lay above this backfilling. These were
silty clays that accumulated naturally and marked the closing of this secondary use of the kiln.
The next phase of use was represented by another re-cut (C.19). This final re-cutting of the kiln is
more ‘untidy’ than C.39, being a more irregular shape. It was sub-circular and measured 2.16 m east
to west by 1.88 m north to south and 0.48 m deep. No attempt was made to expose the cut back to
its original masonry facing or depth. Within this kiln bowl, C.33 and C.27 mark the final usage of
the kiln and flue. C.33 is a burnt remnant of dark reddish brown charcoal flecked silty clay which was
overlain by C.27 a mixed mottled deposit of burnt subsoil particles and charcoal flecks, possibly burnt
material raked out from the bowl and/or eroded burnt upper walling of the flue. An radiocarbon date
(Beta-219130) from charcoal in this deposit (see Appendix 5) returned a result that places use of the
kiln from anywhere in the mid seventeenth century to the early twentieth century (cal AD 1640-1690
and cal AD 1730-1810 and cal AD 1920-1950).
These were overlain by deposits that represented backfill and collapse of the kiln walls (C.10, C.15,
C.18 and C.20) and flue (C.16, C.22 and C.29). C.18 and C.20 represented the initial abandonment
of the open feature, particles of burnt kiln walling being eroded together with silting from the local
environment, thus creating two thin layers over which the more substantial layers C.15 and C.10 ac-
cumulated. C.15 and C.10 are both more mixed with larger inclusions and may well be derived from
up-cast slumping back into the bowl. The flue deposits include C.29, C.22 and C.16. C 29 is very
similar to the material through which the flue is cut so it is possibly derived from the erosion of the
upper flue walls together with some slumped up-cast. The thinner sediment (C.22) forms a more even
layer, containing a greater degree of finer, more rounded inclusions, from local environment rather
than bedrock. Finally C.16 is a thick layer of mixed material together with many slate inclusions which
seemingly marks either backfill or collapse of the up-cast from previous cleaning and re-cutting epi-
sodes. These deposits represent the final backfill collapse of infilling of the kiln, prior to the robbing
episode (C.13).
Both C.16 and C.29 contained fragments of clay pipe stems. Although initially assumed to be intru-
sive, in the light of the late radiocarbon date that was obtained from charcoal within the kiln, these
finds were probably deposited during use of the kiln.
Following the disuse and final infilling of the kiln the structure was robbed out (robber trench C.13)
presumably to reuse the stones that lined the kiln bowl. The trench (C.13) was a steep-sided linear cut
that followed the line of the original flue cut, most notably on southeast cut edge, through into the
kiln bowl itself (Fig. 6). It is assumed that the purpose of this cut was to remove stones that lined the
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flue walls. The assumption that the flue was originally walled is supported by the almost total lack of
subsoil scorching above bedrock/subsoil horizon compared with that seen in the kiln bowl itself. Also
the upper course of C.43 masonry is missing at the northeast terminus of C.13. Finally, fragments of
burnt kiln walling were found randomly sorted through robber cut infill (notably C.31) strongly sug-
gesting that the original flue edges were substantially disturbed at this late stage.
The robber trench had secondary fills (C.46, C.31, and C.21) and many were derived from disturbed
kiln material that must have been scattered in the surrounding area. They may have been deliberately
dumped back into the robber trench as a ground levelling operation. Further fills of the robber trench
(C.9 and C.2) represented gradual silting from the local environment and probably represented aban-
donment of the site.
6.3 Small isolated pit
The westernmost portion of the site was marked by a small isolated sub-circular pit (C.7) with a char-
coal flecked stony fill (C.4). It measured 0.8 m x 0.6 m and was 0.09 m deep. There is no demonstrable
link between this feature and the rest of the site.
7 Artefacts
No artefacts were retrieved from this site.
8 Environmental Remains
Nine samples from the site were processed for recovery of charred macroplant and charcoal content.
Charcoal was found in four samples and this was assessed by Mary Dillon in advance of radiocarbon
dating (Appendix 4). Both ring-porous and diffuse-porous wood charcoal was found but preservation
was poor. Martha Tierney examined the samples for plant remains but no charred seeds were found in
any of the samples (see Appendix 3).
9 Discussion
The Bricketstown kiln appeared to be of quite typical form; it was key-hole shaped and it was similar
to the kilns excavated under licence no. 00E0417, at Harristown Little and under licence no. 00E0476
at Bricketstown. One primary hearth deposit (C.40) was identified on the base of the kiln, just inside
the mouth of the flue. There were many deposits of rubble and collapse, and several apparent attempts
at recutting the kiln, but none of these were long-lived. The final phase of activity at the kiln was when
a robber trench was cut across it, presumably to remove stones that originally lined the kiln wall.
A radiocarbon date (Beta-219130) from charcoal within the kiln returned a result that places use of
the kiln from anywhere in the mid seventeenth century to the early twentieth century (cal AD 1640-
1690 and cal AD 1730-1810 and cal AD 1920-1950). Such a large date range, and the very late dates
returned indicate that the results are unreliable for the purposes of dating activity at this site (see Ap-
pendix 5 for details). However, the monument form appears quite similar to the other kilns excavated
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at Harristown Little and Bricketstown, both of which produced radiocarbon dates that spanned the
period AD 1450-1660.
This site was initially interpreted as a grain drying kiln and appears in a gazetteer of excavated grain
drying kilns (Monk and Kelleher 2005, 109). It now appears that this classification is mistaken. The
complete absence of grain or plant remains in any of the kiln deposits (Appendix 3) is one argument
against the interpretation of the site as a grain drying kiln. In addition, the series of kilns excavated
during this project were significantly bigger than the usual size of excavated keyhole shape grain dry-
ing kilns; chamber diameters ranged from 0.32 m to 1.6 m in most surveyed examples (Ibid., 81),
while the chamber at the Bricketstown site was 3 m in diameter. The size of the kilns is actually much
more in line with the sizes noted for the few excavated examples of late medieval/early post-medieval
limekilns known from Ireland (see comparative table).
A more recent limekiln was recorded along the route of the Harristown-Rathsillagh realignment, 1.7
km northwest of this site and within the townland of Ballyvergin. It was shown on the 1st edition OS
map and was said to have been in use only 70 years prior to its destruction (Elder 2001). This kiln ap-
pears to have been a successor to the earlier examples excavated at Harrisown Little and Bricketstown.
It’s existence is proof of the availability of suitable raw materials in the general area. The post-medieval
example from Ballyvergin was cut into a field boundary and in this it resembles the other kiln sites
at Bricketstown, as at both sites (00E0476 and 00E0626) there was evidence that the kilns truncated
earlier field boundary ditches. This may have been because the ditches were associated with banks, and
banks afforded shelter for the kilns and may have facilitated the loading of the bowl prior to burning.
Table of comparative details for excavated examples of Irish limekilns
Site County Orientation Total length Bowl Length Bowl Width Bowl Depth Flue length Flue width
Ballymount Great 97E0316
(Conway 1998) Dublin 1.2 0.71
Laurence’s Street, Drogheda
98E0544
(Murphy 2000) Louth 3.4 3.4
Custom House 97E0028 ext
(Delaney 2000) Galway NW-SE 3.5 3.5 >1
Bowl and
Nicholas Street Site F stokehole No flue
(Walsh 1997) Dublin N-S c.2.2 m 1.88 1.8 1.55 found N/A
Danecastle, Carrick-on-Ban-
now 04E0855 Not fully
(Ó Drisceoil 2004-5) Wexford NNW-SSE excavated 3.48 1.64 5.04 4.35-1.35
Bohercrow road, Murgasty
97E0026
(Cummins 1999) Tipperary E-W 8.5 c. 3.5? 3.48 1.2 c. 5?
Bricketstown 00E0476 Wexford NE-SW 7 2.87 2.72 0.7 4 0.84 to 2.6
Bricketstown 00E0626 Wexford NNE-SSW 7 c. 3 c. 3 1.25 4 1 to 2
Harristown Little 00E0417 * Wexford NNE-SSW 3.7 * 2.7 2.7 0.52 1* 1
* indicates truncation, full extent unknown
? indicates that measurements are estimates based on summary measurements given
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Other excavated limekilns include Drogheda (Campbell 1987) and Tullyallen 5 (Campbell 2001) in
Co. Louth, Kilkenny Castle (Sweetman 1976) and Callan (Moran 2001) in Co. Kilkenny, two lime-
kilns at Mondaniel (03E1094), Co. Cork (Quinn 2006) and one limekiln at 8-9 Lower Abbey St.,
Sligo 98E0216 ext (Hayden 1999).
Additional suggestions that this was a limekiln come from the form of the structural remains at Brick-
etstown (00E0626), in particular the air vent that was cut into the base of the kiln bowl. The constant
distribution of air during lime burning was crucial as this ensured that the procedure occurred evenly
(Bick 1984) and ventilation channels would have promoted an improvement in results from the kiln.
The ventilation facility at this kiln, however, was considerably less impressive than the remains from
the other kiln at Bricketstown (00E0476) where stone-lined ventilation channels, arranged in a cruci-
form pattern, were excavated.
The baked substratum found at each of these Wexford kilns indicates extreme heat, and is comparable
to the results from another excavation in Co. Wexford; Ó Drisceoil (2004-5) noted that a limekiln at
Danecastle was lined with a mixture of clay and crushed sandstone which had baked rock-hard in the
heat of the kiln. Temperatures inducing such baking must have been far in excess of the requirements
for drying grain and hard-baked subsoil is not usually a noted feature of grain drying kilns. Tempera-
tures reached during experimental firings of grain drying kilns were never in excess of 65ºC (Monk
and Kelleher 2005, 97-100) while the temperatures required for making lime is usually near the 900ºC
mark (Stowell 1963, 10; Hale et al. 2003). High temperatures are evident in the oxidised edges of the
excavated features at Bricketstown 00E0626 (see Plates 1-3).
Permanent structure limekilns fall into two basic types, draw or flare kilns. The type found at Har-
ristown Little fits into descriptions of flare kilns. These kilns were operated by placing a single consign-
ment of stones (such as limestone, marble or chalk) in the kiln, loading from the top. These stones con-
tain calcite (calcium carbonate) which can be heated to produce calcined lime or quicklime (CaCO3 +
heat → CaO + CO2). The heat source came from the hearth which was lit at the base of the kiln. These
needed to be big fires as heating only at low temperatures causes a reversible reaction, and allows the
re-absorption of atmospheric carbon dioxide. The process is only reversible if temperatures have ex-
ceeded 900ºC, releasing all the carbon dioxide. Once the fire was lit it required several days of burning
before the limestone was calcined. The end product, quicklime, was retrieved from the bottom of the
kiln. The entire procedure of lime burning was “more an art than a science”, being dependent on the
weather (wind strength and direction) and the quality of both raw materials and fuel supplied (Bick
1984).
Quicklime is an alkaline crystalline solid which is caustic but it has several uses; used in building
work as a bonding agent (an ingredient in mortar), in render, in whitewash, and as fertiliser (Rynne
1999), although its use for the latter purpose in Ireland generally dates to the period around the mid
seventeenth century (Ó Drisceoil 2004-5). The date returned from charcoal in this Bricketstown kiln
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probably indicates activity in the post-medieval or early modern period, and it is possible that it was
used either for the production of fertiliser or for mortar.
In order to create mortar from the quicklime extracted from the kiln, the quicklime was hydrated,
causing a vigorous chemical reaction. The lime was often soaked in water for several month to form
slaked lime or Ca(OH)2. This was then mixed with sand to form mortar. If the kilns were used for the
creation of building materials they could have been used in several late medieval or early post-medieval
buildings in the vicinity of these sites. Very near the road take there are two sites of possibly late me-
dieval date where there may have been stone built structures; buildings where lime from the limekilns
may have been used once it was made into mortar. These include the church site at Kilgarvan (WX036-
032), where there is a medieval grave slab, indicating that there may have been a stone built church at
the site in the medieval period. There was another church site at Wilkinstown (WX036-032), although
a D-shaped enclosure at this site (Moore 1996) may indicate a much earlier foundation.
The slaked lime was mixed with water in slaking pits, but as there was no evidence of lime-rich ma-
terials adhering to the sides of any of the ditches or pits excavated at this site it is likely that any lime
produced here that was used for mortar was taken elsewhere for slaking.
Rynne (1999, 29) notes that most small limekilns, citing as example a stone-built kiln with a 2.2 m
diameter bowl (Power et al. 1994, 334) were probably used only intermittently for the production of
small quantities of lime to be used for agricultural purposes. The bowl of this Bricketstown kiln is
slightly larger but it may still have been used for the production of agricultural fertiliser. By the late
seventeenth century thousands of acres in Ireland had been improved by manuring and liming, in-
cluding areas of Co. Wexford, where “all sorts of excellent bread, corn, grain, orchards, fruits, sweet
herbs, meadows, pastures for all sorts of cattle” were the produce of land that was “not naturally fer-
tile” (Molyneux 1680s, cited in Clarkson and Crawford 2001, 15-16). By the late eighteenth century
Young (1780) commented that the Irish farmers were accomplished lime burners, and that this was the
primary form of “manure” or fertiliser that they used.
10 Conclusion
The archaeological site at Bricketstown, Co. Wexford, excavated under licence no. 00E0626 covered
an area 20 m by 10 m and contained a kiln, a small pit and three ditches that traversed the site and
were interpreted as relict field boundaries. The ditches were the earliest features at the site and they
were later cut by the kiln. The kiln illustrated several periods of use. It was medieval/post-medieval in
date and consisted of a circular main chamber with the flue projecting to the south-southwest. These
types of kilns may have been used as limekilns. This example was one of three similar types of kilns
discovered during the N25 Rathsillagh-Harristown road realignment scheme.
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11 References
Bennett, I. 2004-5 “Archaeological Excavations in Co. Wexford”, Journal of the Wexford Historical
Society 20, 184-196.
Bick, D. 1984. Limekiln on the Gloucestershire-Herefordshire border, Industrial Archaeology Review
VII (1), 85-93.
Campbell, K. 1987 ‘The archaeology of medieval Drogheda’, Archaeology Ireland 2.
Campbell, K. 2001 ‘Tullyallen 5, Co. Meath’, in Bennett, I. (ed.) Excavations 1998. Bray, Wordwell.
Clarkson, L.A. and Crawford, E.M. Feast and Famine. Food and Nutrition in Ireland 1500-1920.
Oxford, Oxford University Press.
Colfer, B. 1987. Anglo-Norman Settlement in County Wexford, pp. 65-101 in Whelan, K. (ed.) Wexford
History and Society. Interdisciplinary essays on the history of an Irish county. Dublin, Geography
Publications.
Colfer, B. 1990-1991 Medieval Wexford, Journal of the Wexford Historical Society 13, 4-29.
Conway, M. 1998 ‘Ballymount Great, Co. Dublin’, in Bennett, I. (ed.) Excavations 1997. No. 079.
Cotter, C. 1986. “MacMurroughs, Co. Wexford”, in Cotter, C. (ed.) Excavations 1985. Dublin, Irish
Academic Publication for Organisation of Irish Archaeologists.
Cummins, T. 1999 ‘Bohercrow Road, Murgasty, Co. Tipperary’ in Bennett, I. (ed.) Excavations 1998.
Bray, Wordwell.
Delaney, D. 2000 ‘Custom House, Flood Street/Courthouse Lane, Galway’, in Bennett, I. (ed.)
Excavations 1999. Bray, Wordwell.
Elder, S. 2001 Archaeological Monitoring Report 00E0379. Unpublished report for Eachtra
Archaeological Projects.
Green, S. W. and Zvelebil, M. 1990. “The Mesolithic colonisation and agricultural transition of south-
east Ireland”, Proceedings of the Prehistoric Society 56, 57-88.
Hale, J., Heinemeier, J., Lancaster, L., Lindroos, A. and Ringbom, A. 2003. Dating ancient mortar,
American Scientist 91 (2).
Hayden, A. 1999 ‘8-9 Lower Abbey Street Sligo’ in Bennett, I. (ed.) Excavations 1998. Bray,
Wordwell.
Howarth, O.J.R. 1911 A Geography of Ireland. London, Oxford Geographies.
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McCarthy, M. 2004. “Strandfield, Co. Wexford”, pp. 520-521 in Bennett, I. (ed.) Excavations 2002.
Bray, Wordwell.
McLoughlin, C. 2004. Kerlogue, pp.517-518 in Bennet, I. (ed.) Excavations 2002. Bray, Wordwell.
Mitchell, F. & Ryan, M. 1997 Reading the Irish Landscape. Dublin, Town House.
Monk, M. and Kelleher, E. 2005. An assessment of the archaeological evidence fro Irish corn-drying
kilns in the light of the results of archaeological experiments and archaeobotanical studies, JIA
XIV.
Moore, M. 1996 Archaeological Inventory of County Wexford. Dublin, The Stationery Office.
Moore, M. 1996. Archaeological Inventory of County Wexford. The Stationary Office, Dublin.
Moran, J. 2000 Ballyanne, Co. Wexford in Bennett, I. (ed.) Excavations 1998. Bray, Wordwell. Mullins,
C. 2003 Rathaspick in Bennett, I. (ed.) Excavations 2001. Bray, Wordwell.
Moran, J. 2001 ‘Tinnamoona, Chapel Lane, Callan’ in Bennett, I. (ed.) Excavations 2000. Bray,
Wordwell.
Murphy, D. 2000 ‘Former Drogheda Grammar School, Laurence’s Street, Drogheda’ in I. Bennett
(ed.) Excavations 1999. Bray, Wordwell.
Ó Drisceoil, C. 2004-5. Excavation of a Limerkiln at Danceastle, Carrick-on-Bannow, Journal of the
Wexford Historical Society 20, 203-208.
O’Keefe, T. 2000. Medieval Ireland, An Archaeology. Tempus Publishing, England.
O’Kelly, M.J. 1975 Archaeological Survey and Excavation of St. Vogue’s Church, Enclosure and Other
Monuments st Carnsore, Co. Wexford. Unpublished excavation report for the Electricity Supply
Board.
Power, D. et al. 1994 Archaeological Inventory of County Cork Vol. II East and South Cork. Dublin,
The Government of Ireland.
Purcell, J. 2004. St. Vogue’s, p.520 in Bennet, I. (ed.) Excavations 2002. Bray, Wordwell.
Purcell, A. 2002. “Courtlands East, Co. Wexford”, in Bennett, I. (ed.) Excavations 2000. Bray,
Wordwell.
Quinn, A. 2006 320 Mondaniel 3 03E1094 Co. Cork in Bennett, I. (ed.) Excavations 2003. Bray,
Wordwell.
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Rynne, C. 1999 The Industrial Archaeology of Cork City and its Environs. Dublin, Government of
Ireland.
Stout, G. 1987 Wexford in Prehistory 5000 B.C. to 300 A.D., pp.1-39 in Whelan, K. (ed.) Wexford
History and Society. Interdisciplinary essays on the history of an Irish county. Dublin, Geography
Publications.
Stowell, F.P. 1963. Limestone as a raw material. Oxford University Press.
Sweetman, P.D. 1976 ‘Kilkenny’ in Delaney, T. (ed.) Excavations 1975.
Walsh, C. 1997. Archaeolgical Excavations at Patrick, Nicholas and Winetavern Streets, Dublin. Brandon,
Kerry.
Young, A. 1780.A Tour in Ireland. Dublin.
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12 Figures
Figure 1: Portion of Discovery map showing the route of the N25 Rathsillagh-Harristown road
Permalink: http://eachtra.ie/index.php/journal/e0626-bricketstown-co-wexford/ 16
22. 00E0626
Bricketstown, Co. Wexford
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00E0471
00E0474
00E0473
00E0626
00E0424
Legend 00E0623 00E0417
New Road
00E0475
Existing N25
00E0625
New Archaeological Sites 00E0476
00E0624 00E0425
1km
Figure 2: Ordnance Survey sheets (REF) showing the route of the N25 Rathsillagh-Harristown road
17
ISSUE 4: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
23. 00E0626
Bricketstown, Co. Wexford
DE 18
LIS
TE1531
D
14 21
D 20
13 173131 EL
19 ISTE
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D
67 16
25
00E0471 24
00E0474
23
00E0473
00E0626
00E0424
00E0623 52
00E0417
Legend
New Road 00E0475
Existing N25
D
00E0625 64
New Archaeological Sites EL 00E0476
IS 33 00E0624 00E0425
1km TE 58
D
3232
Figure 3: Portion of RMP sheet (REF) showing the location of the excavation at Bricketstown (00E0626)
18
ISSUE 4: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
24. 00E0626 Bricketstown, Co. Wexford ISSUE 4: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
Figure 4: Route of the new road with the excavated site displayed
500m
0m
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25. 00E0626
E 291138
N 123026
E 291123
N 123026
Bricketstown, Co. Wexford
A
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C.7 B
Limit of
E 291123 excavation E 291138
N 123016 N 123016
0 5m
Figure 5: Plan of the excavated area showing the three ditches and the kiln
20
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26. 00E0626 Bricketstown, Co. Wexford ISSUE 4: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
A B
C.21
C.16
C.13
C.22
C.31
C.29
C.46
C.34
C..13 Cut of
C.35 Robber Trench
C.37
C.47
C.40
0 50cm
Figure 6: Section through kiln bowl showing the cut of the robber trench (C.13)
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27. 00E0626 Bricketstown, Co. Wexford ISSUE 4: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
13 Plates
Plate 1: Post-excavation of kiln bowl and flue (C.47) showing ditches in background
Plate 2: Post-excavation of kiln bowl showing cut in the base that continues the line of
the flue (inner cut)
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14 Appendices
14.1 Appendix 1: Context Register
Context Type Dimensions Description
1 Topsoil layer extent of site mid reddish brown silty clay, moderate inclusions of sub-angular
and sub-rounded fine and medium pebbles, also contains sub-angu-
lar and sub-rounded small stones on occasion, sharp smooth lower
horizon.
2 Kiln Fill 2.85 N-S x 2.7 x 0.3 Light yellow firm silty clay with frequent medium sub-angular peb-
bles occasional flecks of charcoal and occasional to moderate occur-
rences of slate. Kiln fill in robber trench.
3 Ditch Fill 14.4 NW-SE x 1.0 Mid-brown friable silty clay with moderately occurring fine and me-
x 0.26 dium angular pebbles, and medium sub-angular pebbles, occasional
sub-angular coarse pebbles and small stones. Ditch fill.
4 Pit Fill 0.8 NW-SE x 0.6 x Mid-brownish black compact sand with angular and sub-angular
0.09 moderate fine pebbles and medium stones, occasional medium peb-
bles and small stones. Frequent flecks, moderate small pieces and
occasional medium pieces of charcoal. Pit fill of Context 7.
5 Boundary Extent of site NE- mid-brown silty clay consisting of fine and medium angular and me-
Ditch Fill SW x 1.4 x 0.24 dium and coarse sub-angular pebbles and small sub-angular stones
6 Ditch Cut Linear with sharp break of slope on NW and SE side, moderately
sloping concave shaped sides on the NW and SE. Flat concave base in
profile. Boundary ditch cut.
7 Pit cut 0.7 E-W x 0.68 x Sub-circular shape with sharp break of slope at top and base. Steep
0.12 convex side on the NE, vertical concave sides on the SE, steep and
concave sides on the SW and NE. Base is concave in profile. Pit cut,
filled with Context 4.
8 Cancelled
9 Kiln Fill 6.3 NE-SW x 1.7 Mid-brown loose slatey silty clay. Moderately occurring small and
x 0.3 medium and occasional large angular and sub-angular stones. Oc-
casional small and medium pieces of clinker or cinder . Fill of robber
trench.
10 Kiln Fill 2.6 NE-SW x 1.1 x Mid-brownish yellow friable silty sandy clay with frequent fine
0.14 angular and medium angular and sub-angular pebbles, moderately
occurring sub-angular coarse pebbles. Occasional angular, sub-angu-
lar and sub-rounded small stones. Kiln fill.
11 Ditch Cut 11.0 NE-SW x 1.8 north and south side are gentle in slope but irregular and smooth in
x 0.44 shape. The shape of the base is concave in profile. This context is a
shallow linear ditch
12 Ditch fill 11.0 NE-SW x 1.8 Mid-yellowish brown firm sandy silt with frequent fine sub-angular
x 0.44 and sub-rounded and moderate coarse sub-rounded pebbles. Occa-
sional flecks of burnt clay. Ditch fill of cut C.11.
13 Kiln Fill 6.4 NE-SW x 1.38 Linear shape with sharp break of slope at top and gradual break of
x 0.95 slope at bottom on the SE and NW sides. Steep smooth to convex
shaped sides on the NW and SE. Flat to concave base in profile. Cut
of robber trench.
14 Kiln Fill 2.75 E-W x 0.25 x Light greyish brown silty clay. With angular and sub-angular
0.25 frequent medium pebbles, occasional to moderate small stones and
occasional medium stones. Occasional flecks of burnt clay and char-
coal. Kiln fill.
15 Kiln Fill 2.3 NE-SW x 1.7 x Mid-reddish mottled yellow and brown friable silty clay with fre-
0.16 quent angular fine and medium pebbles, moderate angular pebbles
and occasional angular and sub-angular small stones. Kiln fill.
16 Flue Fill 4.0 NE-SW x 2.0 x Reddish brown soft silt. Frequent small and medium angular and
0.15 sub-angular stones. Occasional medium pieces of cinder and occa-
sional small pieces of ash. Flue fill.
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Context Type Dimensions Description
17 Kiln Fill 1.8 E-W x 0.4 x 0.11 Mid-reddish brown friable silty clay with moderately fine and oc-
casional medium angular pebbles. Kiln fill.
18 Kiln Fill 1.6 N-S x 0.8 x 0.1 Mid-reddish brown friable silty clay with occasional angular pebbles.
Kiln fill.
19 Recut 2.16 E-W x 1.88 x Sub-circular shaped with imperceptible break of slope top on NE and
0.48 SW and sharp on the SE and NW. Gradual break of slope base on all
sides. Base is concave in profile. Kiln recut.
20 Kiln Fill 1.8 NW-SE x 1.0 x Mid-reddish brown friable silty clay with occasional angular pebbles.
0.12 Kiln fill.
21 Kiln Fill 1.6 NE-SW x 1.3 x Mid-brown loose to friable silty stony clay. With angular and sub-
0.24 angular occasional fine and medium pebbles and moderate medium
stones. Fill of robber trench.
22 Flue Fill 2.54 NE-SW x 0.7 Mid-yellowish brown friable clayey silt. Moderate fine angular
x 0.08 pebbles, fine and medium sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles, oc-
casional small and medium sub-angular stones. Flue fill.
23 Kiln Fill 1.24 ENE-WSW x Dark greyish brown to black friable silty clay with frequent flecks of
0.2 x 0.02 charcoal. Kiln fill.
24 Kiln Fill 1.74 E-W x 0.32 x Mid-brownish yellow friable silty clay with frequent angular fine,
0.15 medium and coarse pebbles and sub-angular coarse pebbles, moder-
ately occurring small angular stones. Kiln fill.
25 Kiln Fill 0.4 N-S x 0.32 x 0.05 Dark grey friable silty clay with moderate flecks of charcoal. Kiln fill.
26 Kiln Fill 0.4 N-S x 0.4 x 0.09 Mid yellow friable clay. Occasional sub-angular medium pebbles,
small and medium stones and angular small stones. Kiln fill.
27 Flue Fill 2.0 NE-SW x 1.7 x Mottled red and black friable silty clay with moderately occurring
0.16 small pieces of charcoal. Kiln fill .
28 Kiln Fill 1.6 NW-SE x 1.0 x Mottled mid-reddish/ greyish brown friable silty clay with moderate
0.08 fine and frequent medium pebbles and occasional sub-angular small
stones. Kiln fill.
29 Flue Fill +3.0 NE-SW x 1.9 Light brown firm silty clay with frequent small and medium angular
x 0.21 and sub-angular stones. Kiln fill .
30 1.5 N-S x 1.0 x 0.25 Mid-greenish grey friable silty clay with occasional medium and
moderate fine pebbles. Kiln fill or animal disturbance.
31 Kiln Fill 1.2 N-S x 0.3 x 0.35 Mid-brownish yellow soft clayey silt with occasional small sub-
angular stones. Contains frequent small and medium pieces of
clinker and occasional small sub-angular pieces of slate. Fill of rob-
ber trench.
32 Kiln Fill 2.1 N-S x 2.0 x 0.15 Mid-reddish brown friable silty clay with occasional sub-angular
pebbles and small stones and moderately occurring medium angular
pebbles. Kiln fill.
33 Flue Fill 2.4 N-S x 1.2 x 0.1 Dark reddish brown soft silty clay with occasional large rounded
stones, frequent flecks of charcoal and occasional large pieces of slate.
Hearth fill.
34 Flue Fill 1.44 N-S x 1.4 x 0.1 Mid-reddish brown silty clay with occasional small angular, sub-an-
gular and rounded small stones and medium sized moderately occur-
ring angular and sub-angular stones. Flue fill.
35 Flue Fill 2.6 NE-SW x 0.9 Mid-yellowish brown soft silty clay with occasional medium and
x 0.3 moderate small angular and sub-angular stones. Contains frequent
pieces of small, medium and large pieces of slate. Flue fill.
36 Kiln Fill 1.5 N-S x 0.6 x 0.06 Dark greyish brown friable silty clay with moderately occurring
flecks of charcoal. Kiln fill
37 Flue Fill 1.0 N-S x 0.9 x 0.05 Mid-orangish red very soft clayey silt with occasional angular and
sub-angular small stones. Flue fill.
38 Kiln Fill 1.0 NE-SW x 0.5 x Mid-yellowish brown friable silty clay. Occasional angular fine and
0.06 medium and sub-angular medium pebbles, one large sub-angular
stone. Flue fill .
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31. 00E0626 Bricketstown, Co. Wexford ISSUE 4: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
Context Type Dimensions Description
39 Recut 2.5 N-S x 2.2 x 0.933 Sub-circular shape with sharp break of slope at top and base, concave
steep sides on the NW, SE and SW and vertical side on the NE. Flat
to concave shape in profile. Kiln recut.
40 Flue Fill 3.1 N-S x 2.6 x 0.05 Dark black soft clayey silt with moderately occurring angular and
sub-angular small stones. Frequent flecks and medium pieces of
charcoal. Primary flue fill.
41 Kiln Fill 3.6 N-S x 1.6 x 0.06 Mid-red loose sandy clay with moderate angular and sub-rounded
and occasional sub-angular and sub-rounded pebbles. Kiln fill.
42 Kiln Fill 2.9 N-S x 2.9 x 0.2 Mid-reddish brown friable silty clay with angular and sub-angular
frequent fine pebbles and small stones, occasional medium stones and
moderate medium pebbles. Moderate amounts of flecks of charcoal
and pieces of burnt clay. Kiln fill.
43 Kiln Fill 2.9 N-S x 2.9 x 0.51 Mottled reddish brown soft silty clay with frequent large sub-angular
stones. Kiln lining.
44 no sheet
45 Ditch Cut Extent of site NE- Linear with sharp top break of slope at the SE and NW and gradual
SW x 1.4 x 0.24 break of slope at base. Sides are gentle to moderate and concave. The
base is concave in profile. Boundary ditch cut, fill C.5.
46 Kiln Fill Only plans for grids Light brown firm silty clay with frequently occurring small and
2 and 3 exist, plan # medium angular and sub-angular stones and occasional small pieces
36 and 39. of charcoal. Fill of robber trench.
47 Kiln Cut Flue: 4.0 NE-SW x Sub-circular to linear shape. Sharp break of slope at top and base of
2.05 x 1.08. Kiln: kiln bowl and gradual break of slope at base of kiln. The base is flat
2.09 diameter x in profile. Cut of kiln and flue.
1.225 deep
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33. 00E0626 Bricketstown, Co. Wexford ISSUE 4: Eachtra Journal - ISSN 2009-2237
14.3 Appendix 3: Archaeobotanical Assessment Report on the Charred Plant remains
from Bricketstown - 00E0626
By Martha Tierney
Non-technical summary
The main aim of this assessment was to determine the organic content of the soil samples collected
during the excavation in order to determine whether the kiln had been used as a corn-dryer or a lime-
kiln. As neither lime residues nor charred plant remains were present in any quantities neither hypoth-
esis has been supported by these analyses.
Introduction
This report details the preliminary analysis of soil samples for charred plant remains taken during
excavation in the townland of Bricketstown, Co. Wexford. The excavation contained a kiln (c. 47), a
small pit (C.7) and three ditches (C. 6, C.11 and C.45). A total of seventeen samples were analysed but
the archaeobotanical contents were limited.
Methodology
The samples were collected on site as bulk soil samples. In the laboratory the sample volume, colour
and texture were recorded. The samples were processed using a simple flotation method, where each
sample was soaked in water to allow carbonised plant material to float; this ‘flot’ was then poured into
a stack of sieves (2 mm, 1 mm, 500 microns, 250 microns). When all of the carbonised material was
collected the flot was air-dried prior to storage.
The samples were scanned for organic content under a low-powered magnification and the organic
remains were recorded in terms of abundance.
Results of analysis
Of the seventeen samples analysed, eight contained remains. Six of these were from the kiln.
Discussion
The charred plant remains retrieved from these samples are poor in quality and quantity, offering
little insight into the function and use of this site. The kiln appears to be quite typical in form, and
similar to the kilns excavated under licence 417 and 476. Though there is a general absence of plant
remains from the kiln contexts, this is not to say that the kiln did not function as a corn-dryer. Both
of the above mentioned sites produced poor assemblages also. Charred cereal remains may be due to
a number of factors, for instance, the kiln bowl and flue could have been cleaned out well before they
went out of use.
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