N25 Waterford Bypass, Contract 3. Final Report on archaeological Investigations at Site 34 in the townland of Newrath, Co Kilkenny Volume 1

Project Code: NWB03 Client: Waterford Co. Council Date: May 2009

N25 Waterford Bypass, Contract 3. Final Report on archaeological Investigations at Site 34 in the townland of Newrath, Co Kilkenny Volume 1 By: Brendon Wilkins, Scott Timpany and Mick Drum. Excavated under Licence 04E0319 Director: Brendon Wilkins Chainage: 670 NGR: 25921 11446

Project Code: NWB03 Client: Waterford Co. Council Date: February 2009

N25 Waterford Bypass, Contract 3. Final Report on archaeological Investigations at Site 34 in the townland of Newrath, Co Kilkenny Volume 1 By: Brendon Wilkins, Scott Timpany and Mick Drum. Excavated under Licence 04E0319 Director: Brendon Wilkins Chainage: 670 NGR: 25921 11446

Headland Archaeology Ltd: N25 Waterford Bypass, Contract 3, Site 34 Final Report Volume 1

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CONTENTS

1 Summary

2 Introduction

3 Site location and description

4 Archaeological Background

5 Aims and methodology

6 Summary of results by area

7 Stratigraphy

8 Description of archaeological and paleoenvironmental results by phase

Later Mesolithic (5500 – 4000 cal. BC) The Neolithic period (4000 – 2200 cal. BC)

The Bronze Age (2200‐600 cal. BC) The Iron Age period (600 – cal. AD 400)

The Medieval period (AD 1169‐1540) The Early Modern period

9 Discussion

10 References


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LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Figure 1 Site Location Figure 2 Extract from Register of Monuments and Places Figure 3 Area 1 features and structures Figure 4 Area 2 structures Figure 5 Area 3 features Figure 6 Area 4 structures Figure 7 Area 4b structures

Figure 8 Brick kiln Figure 9 Position of Mesolithic features and finds in relation to overall

site Figure 10a Position of Early and Middle Bronze Age structures in

relation to overall site Figure 10b Position of Late Bronze Age structures in relation to overall

site Figure 11 Position of Iron Age structures in relation to overall site Figure 12 Position of Iron Age structures in relation to overall site Figure 13 Archaeological zones, structures and section locations Figure 14 Area Sections

Figure 15 Generalised stratigraphy derived from engineering borehole data cross referenced with site section from trench 19

Figure 16 Mesolithic reconstruction Figure 17 Neolithic reconstruction Figure 18 Early Bronze Age reconstruction Figure 19 Later Bronze Age reconstruction Figure 20 Iron Age reconstruction Figure 21 Medieval reconstruction Figure 22 Late Mesolithic artefact illustrations Figure 23 Partially modified stone, hour‐glass perforation

Figure 24 Selection of Alder roundwoods, Area 4, Structure 341501 and 341512

Figure 25 Alder roundwood, Area 1, 34007 Figure 26 Felled ash log, Area 2 Figure 27 Notched timbers, Area 1 Figure 28 Rectangular edged jam curve, Area 2 Figure 29 Alder stake, Area 1

LIST OF PLATES Plate 1 Area 1, Cutting A. View north of south facing section Plate 2 Area 1, Structure [34007] facing north Plate 3 Area 2, indicating cuttings G, H and I Plate 4 Area 2, Cutting I, indicating silt filled channel [341512] Plate 5 Area 2, Cutting I, north facing section Plate 6 Area 3, timber lined trough [341077] facing north Plate 7 Area 4, showing trackway [341501] in foreground

Plate 8 Area 2, medieval structure under excavation Plate 9 Area 4, Bronze Age structure under excavation Plate 10 Area 1, Iron Age hurdle bridging tidal creek Plate 11 Area 1, Iron Age structure being drawn


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LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Idealised stratigraphy for Area 1 Table 2 Bronze Age Structures Table 3 Iron Age Structures Table 4 Medieval Structures


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Appendices

1. Context registers

• Site 34 ‐ Area 1 structure register • Site 34 ‐ Area 1 Extension/Mesolithic context register • Site 34 ‐ Area 2 structure register • Site 34 ‐ Area 2 Extension context register • Site 34 ‐ Area 3 context register • Site 34 ‐ Area 4 structure register • Site 34 ‐ Area 1,2 ,4 and 4B (wetland areas) deposit register • Site 34 – Brick kiln context register

2. Finds registers

Site 34 – all finds registers except the brick kiln. Site 34 – brick kiln finds register

3. Sample registers

Site 34 – sample register for all areas except brick kiln areas. Site 34 – sample register for brick kiln area

4. Wood sample register

Site 34 – Bulk and individual wood sample registers for all wetland areas (1, 2, 4 and 4B).

5. Deposit depths

Deposit minimum, maximum and average depths for wetland areas 1, 2 and 4.

6. Archive quantities

7. Radiocarbon dates

8. Integrated Wood Report (Volume 2)

9. Paleoenvironmental Report (Volume 3)


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1. Summary

This report presents the final results of archaeological and paleoenvironmental investigations carried out on behalf of Waterford City Council as part of Contract 3 Archaeological Investigations prior to construction of the N25 Waterford Bypass. The work was undertaken under Excavation Licence number 04E0319, covering site 34 and 35, in the townland of Newrath, Co. Kilkenny. The licence to excavate Site 34 and 35 was issued by the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to Brendon Wilkins of Headland Archaeology Ltd. On this site testing identified a potential brushwood platform and trackway (licence no. 03E0435: Wren 2003) and as a result archaeological investigation was carried out from June to December 2004. Five separate areas were excavated at Site 34 containing 21 individual structures with distinct areas of activity ranging from the Mesolithic to the nineteenth century. Site 34 was located on the eastern edge of an area of deep Holocene sediments that accumulated in response to a progressive rise in relative sea level. The archaeological deposits were located in an area where these sediments are no more than 2‐3 m deep, on a probable shelving terrace now covered by estuarine deposits. They were grouped into five main phases of activity: later Mesolithic flint scatters on a dry land surface predating the accumulation of organic peat deposits; Bronze Age trackways and informal brushwood platforms accessing the main river channel from the dryland margin; Bronze Age burnt mound on the eastern shore of the wetland area; Iron Age hurdles intended to cross tidal creeks for salt marsh grazing; late medieval brushwood structures to aid access across the salt marsh; and a 19th century brick kiln making use of the abundant alluvial clays. A multi‐proxy investigation was undertaken on two monoliths collected from Area 1 of the site, including: pollen and non‐pollen palynomorphs, plant macrofossil, wood identification, foraminifera and diatom analyses. These results have been combined with the archaeological results to give an insight into the specific human response to the changing landscape at Site 34 and the surrounding area in general. The following report is structured to present this information in an integrated format. A summary of the archaeological material identified in each area is followed by a detailed description of the archaeological and paleoenvironmental results in a phased sequence.

2. Introduction Waterford Co. Council proposes to construct an 18 km bypass around Waterford City, with associated link roads. The route forms part of the N25 and runs from Kilmeaden in Co. Waterford to Slieverue in Co. Kilkenny. This report is preceded by a preliminary report of archaeological investigations at Site 34 and 35 in the townland of Newrath, Co. Kilkenny, undertaken as part of pre‐construction archaeological investigations of the N25 Waterford Bypass. The work followed the identification of several possible archaeological structures during Contract 2 Archaeological Testing in 2003 (Licence no. 03E0435; Wren 2003).


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3. Site Location and Description (Figure 1) Site 34 was located at NGR 25921/11446 and Chainage 600‐710. It was situated immediately east of the existing Newrath road in the townland of Newrath, Co. Kilkenny. All of the excavated areas were located between Ch. 600‐710, at the southern portion of the wetland area, within the CPO line (fig 2). The site was generally flat, with a slight rise towards the eastern boundary. It was poorly drained agricultural pasture, reclaimed in recent years as a result of significant landscape changes including the construction of the railway and canalised Strangsmill stream.

4. Archaeological Background The first clearly identifiable phase of archaeological activity was represented by 3 later Mesolithic Bann Flakes, struck flint and potential negative cut features. Extending from the high ground on the eastern shoreline out to the open channel of the river Suir, the gradient of the underlying terrace was the key factor influencing the location of these archaeological deposits. As mean sea levels rose, the Mesolithic land surface was colonised by reed swamp vegetation, creating the conditions for the steady accumulation of peat deposits. This was then colonised by Alder Carr, and probably because tree cover was impenetrable, no archaeological material dating to the Neolithic was recovered from Site 34 at this time. Significant Neolithic remains were identified at Site 35 and Site 37 (Site 35: NGR 259210, 114460; height 15 m OD; excavation licence no. 04E0319; Site 37: NGR 259260, 113500; height 18 m OD; excavation licence no. 04E288.). Two Neolithic plank‐built structures were excavated at Site 37, approximately 150 m south‐east of Site 35 (Wren 2005), and an axe hoard was excavated at Site 35, approximately 100m to the east of Site 34 (Wilkins 2005). In the Bronze Age, subsequent rising sea levels and the formation of a brackish zone resulted in the need for people to cross a peat bog in order to reach the water’s edge. Wooden trackways (Area 4) and brushwood platforms (Area 1 and 2) were constructed at considerable distance into the estuarine deposits, creating access routes from the eastern shore out towards the main river channel. The archaeology present in Area 3 was located at the wetland/dryland margin. A single burnt mound with a timber lined trough, burnt mound spread and arrangement of possible structural stakeholes were excavated on the eastern shoreline above the highest extent of the peat. In the Iron Age, the peat was inundated by estuarine silts, with the land becoming a salt marsh environment. This was both an erosional and depositional environment, with tidal creeks draining the rising and receding waters. Brushwood hurdles intended to cross tidal creeks for salt marsh grazing have been identified in this phase (Area 1), and in the medieval period (Area 2). In the early modern period, the marsh was drained and reclaimed, and the alluvial clays used as raw material for a brick kiln.


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5. Aims and Methodology Estuarine landscapes have been the focus of extensive research in the UK and mainland Europe, but this was one of the first times such a site had been excavated on a road scheme in Ireland. As a consequence of no major work having been undertaken previously in similar conditions, the starting assumption was that this type of landscape was archaeologically marginal and would not reward extensive investigation. Nonetheless, the wetland area was subject to extensive test trenching, revealing a potential brushwood structure in what would late be designated Area 1, and a possible trackway in what would become Area 4. The excavation of Area 1 was initially undertaken to investigate potential brushwood structures encountered during Contract 2 works. The objective of the work was to preserve by record any archaeological features or deposits that would be adversely affected by the proposed road construction. A programme of additional testing was also conducted across the rest of the wetland area. The subsequent discovery of more worked wood led to the excavation of three additional areas under an extended licence (Areas 2, 3 and 4). Area 1 was then extended still further when later Mesolithic finds, associated with negative cut features, were encountered below the accumulated alluvial and organic deposits. The excavation and recording strategy focussed on relating distinct cultural events, like the construction of a trackway, with natural changes in the depositional record, such as the onset of peat formation. Areas were divided into cuttings, with each cutting excavated in spits. Successive phases of superstructure and substructure were exposed, recorded and sampled, with individual worked wood specimens sampled for tool mark analysis, and bulk samples taken for species identification and dating. Section baulks were left in‐situ, and a consistent description of the appearance, composition and boundary distinctness of sediments obtained. Samples suitable for radiocarbon dating purposes were collected from all the main stratigraphic sequences, in addition to monolith samples for more detailed analysis. A multi‐proxy investigation was undertaken on the two monoliths collected from Area 1 of the site, including: pollen and non‐pollen palynomorphs, plant macrofossil, wood identification, foraminifera and diatom analyses.

6. Summary of results by Area Estuarine landscapes have traditionally been conceived as neutral environments ripe for exploitation, with archaeological remains explained in terms of cultural adaptation to a rich wetland resource. These perspectives have been challenged by recent moves to consider the ways that aspects of social identity such as status, kinship, ethnicity or gender, may have influenced and been influenced by living and working in wetlands (Van de Noort and O’Sullivan 2006). If people define their sense of self by what they do, then the movement into estuarine salt marshes and fens would have had a powerful structuring influence. Daily life would have been governed by cultural convention relating to the types of work that could be undertaken by individuals or groups and the specific places it could be done. Taking this approach at Newrath has enabled us to emphasise the practical, lived experience of people’s knowledge of the wetland and to situate this within specific cultural and historical contexts (Figure 8). The structures have provided insights into the choices and decisions that people made to create route ways for short‐term access to the wetland. Wood species and tree‐ring studies have demonstrated how people have used materials local to the site, and the


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multi‐proxy paleoenvironmental study has allowed us to understand the biographies of these structures in their changing environments. By constructing an onsite history of the human inhabitation of the landscape from the Mesolithic to the present day, and recording the long‐term formation processes as the landscape changed over time, we can conceive of Newrath as a dynamic social stage. Area 1 An area of 322 square metres was topsoil striped by machine, exposing a series of brushwood hurdles and trackways associated with natural silt filled channels. These structures were excavated in 6 cuttings (A‐F) down to the level of the glacial till. In total, 8 brushwood structures were excavated in Area 1, some of which extended into multiple cuttings. Structure [34005] was located in cutting B, and was composed of horizontal brushwood, roundwood and upright pegs with a Bronze Age date of 1680‐1500 cal BC (UB‐6900). It extended in a north‐south direction for approximately 5 metres, before continuing beyond the limit of excavation. The more substantial structural elements, consisting of large timbers laid horizontally in association with upright pegs, were concentrated to the north. The southern extent of the structure was defined by less substantial sharpened pegs. Structure [34017] was located in the north of cutting E, consisting of an arc of upright stakes adjacent to the dump of stony material. All of these stakes were quite small in diameter with an average width of 2 cm, and returned a date of 2112 – 1884 cal BC (UB‐6902). Structure [34007] was primarily located in cutting A and was composed of both horizontal and vertical roundwood elements, returning an Iron Age date of 173 cal BC to 4 cal AD (UB‐6903). It extended north‐south for 4.5 metres before changing direction at its northernmost point. A small brushwood structure [34006] was excavated in cutting E. it was 2 metres in length and was dated to 344‐48 cal BC ((UB‐6901). Adjacent to this structure in cutting F, [34015] was constructed from small horizontally laid brushwood dating to 256 – 414 cal AD (UB‐6904). Small fragments of animal bone were recovered from between the timbers of this structure. Structure [34014], [34018] and [34029] were similar in character to the Iron Age structures and recovered from a similar depth. Area 1 Extension Mesolithic artefacts encountered at the base of the reed peat deposits led to the extension of the excavation area. An additional 189 square metres was excavated alongside the north and western limit of Area 1 and carefully machined down to the depth of the Mesolithic ground surface. Baulks separating cuttings A‐F were removed by hand and any negative archaeological features excavated and recorded. Three features cut into the surface of the glacial till were excavated in this area. Two later Mesolithic Bann flakes and a piece of struck flint were found at the base of the reed peat deposits in this area, and further investigation identified four cut features and an upcast mound on the surface of the glacial till. The morphology of these features made them difficult to interpret; they may have been the result of human activity, however, they may also have been the result of natural phenomena such as a tree blowing over. Area 2 An area of 558 square metres was topsoil stripped by machine, then divided into three cuttings (G, H & I) to expose 4 substantial wooden structures with distinct platform and trackway elements. Unlike the wooden hurdles associated with silt filled channels in Area 1, two of these structures dated to the medieval period and were laid down over a wider area of


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former reed‐peat beds, and the Bronze Age part distinct substructure of posts and pegs. Structure [34505] was excavated in cutting G and was the easternmost structure excavated in Area 2 returning a date of 1488‐1309 cal BC and 2034‐1780 cal BC (UB‐6464). It adjacent to structure [34519] composed of substantial upright pegs and posts that had been driven through the peat into the glacial till. Structure [34504] was excavated in cutting H and extended in a north‐south direction for 10 metres, before continuing south beyond the limit of excavation. It was composed of horizontally laid timbers and brushwood and returned dates of 1324‐1441 cal AD (UB‐6906) and1298‐1421 cal AD (UB‐6465). Structure [34507] was 8 metres in length and located in the eastern quadrants of cutting I and was dated to 1316‐1436 cal AD (UB‐6907). A total of 18 bulk samples were taken from these structures to assess for species identification and dating purposes, and 43 individual worked wood samples. Area 3 An area measuring 445 square metres was machine stripped to determine the limits and extent of the burnt mound deposits identified in the additional testing. A timber lined trough, burnt mound spread and possible structural features were identified, situated on a distinct rise of higher land on the eastern margin of the site. Alluvial silt and re‐deposited gravels partially covered some of the site, explained by the presence of a relict streambed identified along the southern boundary. This stream flowed from the higher dry land area into the former wetland and was closely related to the location of the trough. Area 4 An open area measuring 636 square metres was machine stripped around a timber trackway identified during Contract 2 testing. Two related round wood trackways were identified, extending from brushwood platforms on the eastern shoreline. Each trackway was recorded in full and lifted timber by timber, with the same process repeated for the substructure. Bulk samples were taken across brushwood structures and sections drawn. Worked wood was seen to continue to the south beyond the excavation area, truncated by a modern drainage ditch. An area measuring 187m square m was machined on the southern side of the ditch (Area 4B) but no significant structures were encountered. The main timber trackway, [341501], was orientated in an east‐west direction and was dated to 2133‐1901 cal BC (UB‐6466). The central section was 3 metres in length and composed of parallel roundwood timbers laid side by side. At the western end, the structure changed direction and continued beyond the limit of excavation to the south. Upright posts had been constructed in this area in marked contrast to the other portions of the trackway. Structure [341512] was orientated east‐west and was 4 metres in length and dated to 2200‐1980 cal BC (UB‐6908). It was constructed of thin round wood rods laid side‐by‐side and secured by a number of upright pegs. It was considerably wider than [341501] and possibly represented a platform accessed by a designated trackway. Structure [311514] was composed of a superstructure of small brushwood fragments laid on top of a single round wood timber, orientated north south and dated to 2855‐2488 cal BC (UB‐6909). It extended for 2.5 metres and continued beyond the limit of excavation to the south and was truncated by the modern drainage ditch. A number of structures were also excavated in the eastern part of Area 4 in what was likely to have been a contemporary shoreline. These included structures [341507], [341508], [341509],


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[341510] and [341511]. These structures were constructed to consolidate the shoreline and enable access to the main trackways. They were of similar dimensions and character, aapproximately 3 m long, composed of small brushwood pieces assembled into a ‘birds nest’ structure. 11 bulk samples were recovered from Area 4 for species identification and dating. 66 individual samples were recovered for tool mark analysis.

7. Stratigraphy During the excavation section baulks were left in‐situ, and a consistent description of the appearance, composition and boundary distinctness of all sediments obtained (see Appendix 1 for extensive description). Further analysis of stratigraphy was undertaken during the palaeoenvironmental assessment of material collected from two monoliths in Area 1. Material was sub‐sampled from the monoliths for pollen, foraminifera and diatom analysis, together with plant macrofossils to be used as radiocarbon dating material. The stratigraphic sequence from each monolith was also recorded. The results of this investigation are presented below (Section 8) and discussed in terms of the general palaeoenvironmental history of the site and how this relates to the archaeological finds. On examining and recording the cores during sub‐sampling, within laboratory conditions it was observed that they contained more stratigraphic boundaries than were originally recorded in the field. This was particularly the case for Monolith 2, which was found to have 16 stratigraphic boundaries compared to the section drawing for the site, which contained 7. It has been possible to cross‐match the monolith stratigraphy to the section drawings and produce an idealised stratigraphy for Area 1, which is given in Table 1. Unit Stratigraphy description Context

numbers Dates Depth (cm)

IX Top soil 34008 Modern 0‐10 VIII Series of estuarine silts –

base of which is probable erosion surface

34001 34002 34003 34045 34035

10‐100

VII Estuarine silt/reed peat transition

34034 34013 34038

1870±35 BP (GU-13996; 60-240 Cal. AD)

100‐125/150

VI Reed peat 34033 B 2360±35 BP (GU‐13999; 540‐370 Cal. BC)

125/150‐165

V Reed/wood peat transition (possible non‐sequence here)

34004 B 34031

165‐175

IV Wood peat – with intercalated silts*

34004 A 34003 A 34021* 34046

4150±35 BP (GU‐13997; 2880‐2620 Cal. BC) 4765±35 BP (GU‐14000; 3430‐3380 Cal. BC)

175‐230


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III Fen peat 34046 4850±35 BP (GU‐13998; 3710‐3620 Cal. BC)

230‐235

II Glacial till with clay/silt matrix

34021 235‐?

I Bedrock? ? ? Table 1 Idealised stratigraphy for Area 1. The stratigraphic sequence shows that [fen] peat (Unit III) initially developed on glacial till within a clay/silt matrix (Unit II) at approximately 4850±35 BP (GU‐13998; 3710‐3620 Cal. BC). This suggests that a rise in ground water occurred at this time, possibly caused by rising sea‐level and marks the beginning of fen development and expansion of wetland. At around 4765±35 BP (GU‐14000; 3430‐3380 Cal. BC) the fen peat is colonised by carr‐woodland, which is shown by the change to wood peat (Unit IV). The carr‐woodland period lasts for c. 600 years to approximately 4150±35 BP (GU‐13997; 2880‐2620 Cal. BC). During this period there is evidence for a possible marine incursion with a band of silt within Monolith 2 (see Figure B). A retrogressive succession back to reedswamp then occurs ending at approximately 2360±35 BP (GU‐13999; 540‐370 Cal. BC), shown by a reed peat layer (Unit V). It is possible that there is a hiatus in peat development between the wood to reed peat phase (Unit IV to Unit V) where dating shows a gap of c. 1790 years, suggesting that the record for the early Bronze Age is absent for the site. Above this reed peat (Unit V) is a transition layer of reed peat to silt (Unit VI), which ends at around 1870±35 BP (GU‐13996; 60‐240 Cal. AD) with the deposition of silts (Unit VIII) signalling a marine transgression of the site. The base of the silt layer can be seen within stratigraphic drawings to undulate through the sequence as a series of peaks and troughs, suggesting active erosion of the reed peat/silt layer (Unit VII) occurred during the initial transgression of the site. The uppermost layer of top soil (Unit IX) reflects modern soil development of the reclaimed wetland.

8. Description of archaeological and paleoenvironmental results by phase

Later Mesolithic 5500 – 4000 cal BC. The lowest stratigraphic unit encountered in all excavation areas at Site 34 and first archaeological phase was glacial till (34021) with inclusions of well‐rounded rocks and boulders. It sloped gradually from east to west and formed a terrace shelf beneath the soft sediments. Phase 1 was also represented by glacial till (34021) in Area 4, and an alluvial clay deposit (34060) possibly related to traces of a relict watercourse was identified in the eastern past of this area. Three Bann flakes were recovered from section cuttings in Area 4 but the presence of associated cut features in the contemporary ground surface could not be determined. These artefacts were contained within deposits (34060) and (34021) and were approximately 1.35 m below the present ground surface. No Mesolithic artefacts were recovered from Area 2 suggesting that it was either too far out into wetland area to have provided a useable surface or considerable variation in the morphology of the contemporary shoreline. Directly above the glacial till in Area 1, a thin layer of sandy loam (34042) was deposited as a result of surface water runoff eroding material upslope. Two later Mesolithic flakes and a piece of struck flint were found at the base of the accumulated organic deposits in Area 1.


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Two of the three pieces are characteristic of the Later Mesolithic. Find 04E0319:34100:106 is a classic example of a piece that had been obliquely retouched across its distal end while 04E0319:34100:103 is a typical example from the later part of the Later Mesolithic. A Bann Flake/ Butt Trimmed Form (04E0319:34100:103) and a distally trimmed flake (04E0319:34100:106) were also recovered. Mixed silt and clay deposit (34043) was also recorded above the glacial till. These deposits could have been the result of alluvial deposition by freshwater runoff and were associated with the first archaeological evidence for later Mesolithic activity. Four cut features and an upcast mound were recorded on the surface of the glacial till associated with these artefacts. The morphology of these features made them difficult to interpret; they may have been the result of human activity, however, they may also have been the result of natural phenomena such as a tree blowing over. An irregular, oval shaped pit [34115] measured 1.7 m north/south by 1.2 m east/west and was 0.26 m deep. It was steep sided and had a sharp break of slope at the top becoming more gradual towards the base. It was interpreted as a tree bole on account of the irregular dimensions and fill. The basal fill was a mid brown grey mix of fine sandy silt and peat (34114), moderately compact containing occasional small round pieces of limestone. This was interpreted as a mixture of peat and redeposited glacial till, with peat accumulating in‐situ as a result of increasing wetter conditions. Above this deposit was mid brown grey fine silty clay (34113) containing very occasional flecks of charcoal and occasional small rounded limestone pebbles. It was 0.2 m deep and was interpreted as redeposited natural glacial till to take account of the high proportion of silt in this deposit. A small shallow pit feature [34102] contained two fills and was 0.6 m long, 0.5 m wide and 0.10 m deep. It had slightly concave sides and an irregular, but predominantly flat base, and was filled by grey brown firm sandy clay (34104). This included flecks of organic material and was 0.05 m deep. Above this was a blackish brown loose peat (34103) with frequent charcoal inclusions. It was 0.04 m deep and small stones were lodged into the natural. It continued under the balk and was visible in section. Linear feature [34111] was defined by a shallow cut grading out into a shallow bowl in the north‐west, where the break of slope was barely identifiable. It was broadly orientated north/south but this was slightly curved towards the east. Along the eastern edge of the feature there was an under cut, which was less pronounced in the west. The sides were steepest in the east, below the undercut and barely recognisable towards the north. It measured 4.0 m in length, 0.75 m in width and 0.25 m deep and had a rounded base to the south and a flat base in the north. A dark grey brown silty clay loam deposit (34117) containing frequent charcoal inclusions, both flecks and small fragments. It was 4 m long, 0.50 m and 0.08‐0.16 m deep. There were also inclusions of small rounded pebbles in the southern end and large rounded stones in the north. Potentially, this deposit was the same as layer light grey brown silty clay (34100) with some organic content below the peat and above the natural. This relationship was particularly observed around the northern edge of the feature. Above this a mid to pale grey brown deposit (34118) with a pinkish hue was observed. It was 0.5 ‐0.10 m deep, 2‐5 m long and 0.75 m wide and was a compact silty loam and contained a large number of stone inclusions. These inclusions varied between 0.05 m and 0.20 m and increased towards the north.


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Above this deposit a dark brown moderately loose peat silt loam deposit (34125) contained moderately frequent inclusions of decayed bluish stone, becoming much more frequent in the south. A concentration of charcoal was localised towards the centre of the feature and was 0.30 m in diameter, 2‐5 m in length, 0.90 m wide, and 0.10 m deep. This deposit was formed in‐situ and represents the earliest phases of peat formation contemporary with similar peat deposits in adjacent features. Linear feature [34111] was complicated and difficult to interpret as either natural or anthropomorphic. The south end of the feature clearly looked like a deliberate cut, but the northern end was less defined. This could have been the result of a water channel, and the well‐rounded stones at the base of the feature are indicative of a shallow stream. Wood remains were also clearly visible and the potential for root action should not be discounted. This could have been the result of a natural cut feature being eroded by later water action. A subcircular pit [34101] with an irregular shape in plan and steep concave irregular sides was identified adjacent to this linear feature, associated with an upstanding mound of upcast material. It was 1.7 m north/west and 1.5 m east/west and it had a flat base. The primary deposit was grey light brown peat and silt mix (34110) moderately well compacted, 0.25‐0.10 m deep and 1.3 m in diameter. It had most likely formed as a result of the sides of the feature collapsing. Immediately above this deposit was peat layer (34110), 0.10‐15 m in depth and 1.4 m in diameter, which contained occasional stones and was full of tree roots. Above this was mid brown clay peat mix (34108) which contained occasional stones, 0.5‐0.10 m deep and 1.3 m wide. A mid greyish brown deposit (34107) localised around the southern edge of the feature, was moderately compacted silty clay with a small quantity of peat. It contained occasional pebbles and medium angular stones; it was 0.40‐0.02 m deep and 1.65 m in diameter. A layer of peat (34109) had accumulated adjacent to this and was 0.15 m deep, 0.70 m wide. It was moderately well compacted and contained occasional pebbles. A mid brown, moderately well compacted slump deposit (34105) contained frequent fine angular pebbles. The depth was 0.37 m in the middle of the feature. It was 1.45 m north/south and 1.37 m east/west and it abutted deposit (34108). Deposit (34116) was on the eastern side of the feature. It was more precisely part of the mound material, [34124]. It was a brownish grey, moderate compaction, silty clay 0.10‐0.40 m in depth and 1.15 m north/south and 0.3 m east/west. A mound of redeposited natural was excavated adjacent to pit [34101]. It was composed of deposit layers (34119), (34121), (34120), (34122) and (34123), and was possibly the result of upcast material from both pit [34101] and linear feature [34111]. The primary deposit was light grey, loosely compacted deposit (34119) composed of fine sand clay. It contained no significant inclusions and frequent roots and looked to have been colonised by vegetation. It was 0.5 m in length east/west and was 0.06 m deep. Above this was a light brown grey mix of sandy silty clay (34121) that contained very few inclusions other than roots. It was 0.5 m long and 0.07 m deep and was so similar to deposit (34119) that the interface between these two deposits was difficult to determine. A light brown grey mix deposit (34120) was above this. It was 0.15m deep, and 0.60m east/west and was very mixed sandy silt and contained root inclusions. A dark brown loosely compacted deposit (34122) consisting of peat mixed with sand followed this. It was 0.15 m wide and 0.80 m deep and roots could be seen throughout. The final deposit capping the bank of upcast mound material was a light grey mix of very hard, compact, fine sandy clay (34123) 0.35 m deep and 2.4 m long. It was the final and uppermost deposit in the sequence.


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The two rhyolite pieces (04E0319:341513:14 and 04E0319:341512:21) can, in spite of their weathered condition, be attributed to the Later Mesolithic indeed find 04E0319:341513:14 may be quite early. It is probable that the flint blade is of the same age. The three retouched artefacts are an elongated Butt Trimmed Form (04E0319:341513:14), and the large rhyolite blade (04E0319:1043:4) could date to either the Later Mesolithic or Neolithic. Paleoenvironmental data is not available from the Site 34 pollen core for this period, but has been reconstructed from cores taken from Woodstown approximately 0.5 km away on the adjacent shore of the river Suir (Farrell and Coxton 2004). The assemblage was dated using the presence of alder (Alnus glutinosa) which, based on the alder rise, an event witnessed in pollen diagrams from across Ireland, provides an earliest possible date of c. 7500 BP (ibid). This suggests that woodland containing both oak and hazel was present within the Waterford area. Although the oak‐hazel woodland is likely to have been the dominant dryland vegetation community, the pollen data from Woodstown also shows that other tree types such as pine (Pinus sp), ash (Faxinus excelsior), elm (Ulmus sp) and yew (Taxus baccata) were also components of this woodland. Evidence that the area was wet locally is also reflected in the herbaceous taxa present with high values of sedge (Cyperaceae) pollen. This carr‐woodland would have been more open that the oak woodland described above, with alder trees generally growing in clumps on and around sedge tussocks. The pollen evidence shows that there was a mosaic of woodland types across Waterford during the Mesolithic. The Neolithic period (4000 – 2200 cal. BC)

No archaeological finds or features were identified on Site 34 relating to this period. It is associated with stratigraphic Unit III (34046) recorded in Area 1, 2 and 4, 2.30 – 22.35 m below the present surface, and pollen zones NWB1a‐c, and NWB2a‐c. The palaeoenvironmental results from the Area 1 monoliths (Quercus dominated pollen) indicate that the landscape was originally dryland woodland. At around 4850±35 BP (GU‐13998; 3710‐3620 Cal. BC) a change in the hydrology of the area took place, related to rising sea level causing the area to become wetter and the initialization of peat. This led to the development of carr‐woodland on the wetland largely comprised of Alnus with Quercus, Betula, Crataegus and Salix also present. Pollen and plant macrofossil evidence indicates that this woodland would have had a field layer of tall‐herb fen communities with Rubus fruticosus also prominent. This period of woodland lasted for a period of around 850 years until c. 3995±35 BP (GU‐15498; 2620‐2450 Cal. BC). The initiation of peat development during this time at Newrath highlights an increase in wetter conditions which were probably taking place as a result of a change in hydrology, with the River Suir swelling in size to resemble the current water system, and increasing the areas of wetland at the river margins. The pollen data and waterlogged plant macrofossil data from Newrath indicate that this carr‐woodland although dominated by alder also contained other trees including birch, willow and hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna). No archaeological material dating to the Neolithic was recorded from Site 34 during this phase, although significant remains were identified from adjacent sites 35 and 37, including three Neolithic structures


16

and an axe hoard. The lack of archaeological material on Site 34 may be due to the extensive tree cover on the site at this time. The floor of this woodland would have been very boggy, as is indicated by the presence of plants such as sedges, meadowsweet (Filipendula sp), ciniquefoils (Potentilla sp), ivy campanula (Wahlenbergia hederaceae) and birds‐foot trefoils (Lotus sp) which are suggestive of tall‐herb fen vegetation (Rodwell 1995). High numbers of bramble fruits (Rubus fructicosus) at Newrath indicates it was frequent within the field layer of the woodland. Occasional pooling of water on the ground of the woodland is also signalled by the presence of species such as pondweed (Potomogeton sp), water sedge (Carex aquatilis) and green algae (Zygnemataceae sp). Within Unit III there is evidence for a possible marine incursion with a band of silt within Monolith 2 at 190‐200 cm. This band has been radiocarbon dated to have been deposited between 4540±40 BP (SUERC‐14690; 3370‐3090 cal BC) and 4580±40 BP (SUERC‐14691; 3380‐3260 cal BC). This narrow date range suggests a rapid period of deposition likely to have been caused by a short‐lived event such as a tidal surge. Following this initial deposition of silts in Monolith 2 cereal pollen of Hordeum‐group begins to appear at 198 cm (Zone NWB2b). The appearance of cereal pollen in Monolith 2 at this level follows a sharp decline in Quercus pollen at 200 cm when silts begin to be deposited. It is noticeable that cereal pollen of Hordeum‐group and Avena‐Triticum‐group appears consistently during the phase of silt deposition but disappear as [wood] peat again begins to accumulate. This transgression phase has been interpreted as a period of increased storminess, causing storm surge, high winds and leading to tree fall. The increase in micro‐charcoal following the dip in arboreal pollen is suggested to represent the burning of deadwood on the ground. This would have removed dead standing trees and assisted in maintaining the clearing for arable planting. Charred grain excavated from a ritual pit at Site 35 was radiocarbon dated to 4827±39 BP (UB‐6639; 3695‐3523 cal BC), while charred nutshell fragments, also from the pit produced a near identical date of 4821±38 BP (UB‐6640; 3694‐3521 cal BC) indicating the material is contemporaneous (Wilkins 2006). This charred grain from adjacent to Site 34 puts the monolith cereal grains into context. From approximately 4150±35 BP (SUERC‐10125; 2880‐2620 cal BC) to 3935±35 BP (SUERC‐14689; 2500‐2290 cal BC) a retrogressive succession begins to take place with the stratigraphic evidence from wood peat (Unit IV) to a wood‐reed peat transition (Unit V). With the initiation of wood peat at the site, the indicators for agricultural activity are brought to an end. The steady increase in arboreal pollen at this point is likely to indicate the regeneration of woodland and abandonment of this part of the Newrath area for arable use. The Bronze Age (2200‐600 cal. BC) In the Early Bronze Age a change in the local environment then takes place from carr‐woodland to a reed swamp environment, shown by falling Alnus pollen and a rise in Poaceae pollen. This change can also be seen in the plant macrofossils with a decline in arboreal species and increase in aquatic species such as Ranunculus sceleratus. It is during this period that archaeological evidence for people in the landscape increases with the appearance of trackways and structures indicating a resource‐rich environment. Pollen evidence also indicates agricultural activity taking place in this period around 2210±40 BP (GU‐15497; 390‐180 Cal. BC) with the presence of cereal‐type pollen grains.


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Pollen evidence from Woodstown and Newrath (Site 34) show a significant change started to take place in the wetland during the Early Bronze Age, with reed swamp communities beginning to develop on the fringes of the carr‐woodland as the River Suir began to expand. This swelling of the river is likely to be due to an increase in marine waters caused by rising sea‐levels. This is witnessed in the foraminifera and diatom data from Newrath which start to indicate that the wetland was within the inter‐tidal zone. Foraminifera such as Jadammina macrescensi, together with diatoms such as Paralia sulcata and Dipploneis interrupta, indicate that the site inhabited the lower part of the inter‐tidal zone between MHWT (Mean High Water Tide) and HAT (Highest Astronomical Tides) (Dawson 2008; Haslett 2008). The rise in sea‐level that drove the vegetational succession in the wetland would have made this area more open through the loss of areas of carr‐woodland, signalled in the pollen and plant macrofossil records where species such as alder and birch, together with bramble, begin to decline. This would have made these areas more accessible to people who no longer had a sprawling mass of trees and bramble to contend with, however, conditions would still have been treacherous underfoot. That people were moving through and did utilise the wetland is particularly evident at Newrath. Bronze Age structures were identified in all the excavation areas and worked wood specimens were recorded in all the test trenches in this area. This material was generally associated with (34035) and was 0.68 m below the present ground surface. Timber structures were excavated in Areas 1, 2 and 4 which continued beyond the limit of excavation. Wood identifications from the structures and trackways indicate the use of trees from the local carr‐woodland, mostly being Alnus, for construction rather than the dryland resource (Lyons, 2006; O’Donnell, 2006).


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Table 2 Bronze Age Structures Bronze Area Structures in Area 1 These include structures [34005] and [34007] in Area 1, which continued north and west of the excavation area respectively. They comprised informal, linear brushwood structures and were constructed to cross boggy ground.

Area/ Structure/ Cutting

Radiocarbon date

Dimensions (m) Associated Deposits

Interpretation

1 [34005] C and D

1680‐1500 cal BC (UB‐6900)

D 0.5 W 0.85 L 15

(34035) (34013)

Linear brushwood structure

1 [34017] E

2112‐1884 cal BC (UB‐6902)

W 0.02

(34029) (34013)

Linear brushwood structure

2 [34505] G

2034‐1780 cal BC (UB‐6464)

W 0.4 L 1.25

(34012) Substructure – upright posts and pegs

2 [34519] G

N/A

D W up to 0.14 dia L

(34505) (34021)

Substructure – large upright posts

3 [341077]

N/A

D 0.3 W 0.82 L 1.65

(341051) (341024) (341059) (341971) (341021)

Timber lined trough – burnt mound

4 [341513]

2855‐2488 cal BC (UB6909)

W 0.4+ (34057) (34063) (34062)

Possible trackway

4 [341501]

2133‐1901 cal BC (UB‐6466)

D 10 W 0.75 L 0.2

(34063) Large timber trackway

4 [341512]

220‐1980 cal BC (UB‐6908)

D 5.6 W 3.4 L 5.6

(341516) Timber platform/trackway

4 [341514]

2855‐2488 cal BC (UB‐6909)

W 0.6 L 1.9

Fibrous peat

Timber and brushwood trackway ‐ partial

4 [341507]

N/A

D 0.1 W 0.9 L 1.1

Fibrous peat

Brushwood structure, bank consolidation.

4 [341508]

N/A

D 1.6 W 1.5

Fibrous peat

Brushwood platform

4 [341509]

N/A

W 1 L 3.5

Fibrous peat

Brushwood structure to aid access to (341501)

4 [341510]

N/A

W 5 L 6.5

Fibrous peat

Brushwood structure, bank consolidation.

4 [341511]

N/A

W 1.5 L 2

Fibrous peat

Brushwood platform.


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Structure [34005] Structure [34005] was located in the east of Area 1 within cuttings C and D. It was approximately 15 m long, 0.85 m wide, 0.50 m deep and was encountered at 0.65 m from the surface. The structure was primarily composed of brushwood elements laid horizontally on top of organic deposit, with upright posts and stakes that appeared to secure the horizontal elements in position and returned a date of 1680‐1500 cal BC (UB‐6900). The main body of the structure was set within deposit (34035), a silt and peat mixture, with the lower structural elements set within (34013), also a silt and peat mixture. It was linear in form and its long axis was orientated north/south. At the northernmost excavated extent of the trackway large roundwoods were placed horizontally on the ground surface, with upright posts located to either side. At the southern terminus of the structure there were a number of large irregular shaped timbers, initially thought to be stakes, but on further examination these turned out to be natural tree roots. As the excavated area was extended to the north during the investigation of the Mesolithic level the structure was indeed seen to extend to the north for a further 7 metres. Bulk sample number 12 was taken from the southern part of the structure at spit level three. The material recovered was primarily composed of alder, followed by ash and birch. Hazel, willow oak and dogwood were also identified. Metal tool marks were identified on the worked ends of many of the timbers from this structure. Three end types were recorded; the main one was chisel, followed by wedge and pencil, all cut at very shallow angles. The largest facet was 55 mm long and 50 mm wide. An ash pencil ended stake from here was blunted at one end, indicating where it was hammered into the ground. Structure [34017] Structure [34017] was located in cutting E and consisted of an arrangement of stakes radiocarbon dated to 2112 – 1884 cal BC (UB‐6902). It was not as substantial as other structures and was located to the north of the cutting. It was visible as an arc of stakes adjacent to a dump of stony material [34029] situated to the south of this cutting. All of these stakes were quite small in diameter with an average width of 0.02 m, and were set within peat and silt deposit (34013). From the elements sampled for wood identification, alder, ash and yew were present. Only three worked pieces were recorded with mixed end types. The largest facet was flat measuring 40 mm wide, 53 mm long and blunted at one end, indicating where it was hammered into the ground. Bronze Age Structures in Area 2 In Area 2 structure [34504] continued to the south and was also identified in trench 19 and [34507] which extended both north and south of the excavation area. This structure was associated with deposit (34004), organic reed peat deposits with a mixed silt and clay lens (34034). These structures were composed of substantial substructural elements, with upright roudwood elements driven into the glacial till. It is likely that the superstructural elements have been substantially damaged by tidal surge making interpretation problematic. Structure [34505] This structure was located in the eastern part of cutting G and consisted of a series of upright vertical posts and pegs, with concentrations of brushwood and occasional larger roundwood elements. Two dates were recovered from this structure, 1488‐1309 cal BC, from substructural elements, and 2034‐1780 cal BC (UB6464), from the upper part of the structure. A lighter


20

coloured grey deposit was located in the west and south of the cutting and a small amount of this deposit was also localised in the north‐east quadrant. The structure appeared to respect the edge of this lighter coloured deposit and almost no timbers were found within it. The lighter deposit contained a much higher percentage of silt in its composition than the darker peat deposits. The uppermost elements of the structure were located approx 0.55 ‐ 1.00 m beneath the modern ground surface and there were three distinct concentrations of brushwood in this structure. One was located in the northeast quadrant and appeared as a linear structure that extended beyond the area of excavation to the north. It was approx 0.40 m in width and it extended south from the baulk for approx 1.25 m before it joined up with the main part of the structure of upright posts and large roundwoods. The second brushwood concentration, consisting of approx 20 individual elements, was located in the northeast quadrant adjacent to the eastern edge of the site. These were all brushwood pieces of equal length of approximately 0.30 m to 0.10 m in diameter. This concentration was located in a small pocket of the lighter coloured silt that was present in the north east quadrant and brush wood elements were laid parallel to and abutting each other. The third concentration of brushwood was located adjacent to the site edge in the south east quadrant. It consisted of 35 to 40 individual brushwood elements and appeared to extend into the baulk. It was approx 2.15 m in length and extended into the cutting for a maximum of 0.50 m to the north. No trace of the brushwood structure was recorded in test trench 19 adjacent to the cutting. There were a number of upright stakes that were located between this brushwood concentration and the central part of structure. Alder, oak and ash were mainly used for construction, although hazel, willow and pomaceous fruitwood were also identified. The predominant end type was chisel, all cut at shallow angles. Facets were flat, the largest of which was 35 mm wide and 76 mm long. Structure [34519] This structure was located in cutting G beneath the structure [34505] and formed a definite substructure. It was composed of large upright posts that were driven into the glacial till (34021), some of which were up to 0.14 m in diameter. Alder was the main wood used, with some hazel. Metal tool marks were identified on several of these pieces, and a variety of facet types were recorded. These were concave, slightly concave and flat. Some of these were quite long, one being 82 mm long by 21 mm in width. Pollen data from Site 34 indicates the continued prominence of hazel and oak across the dryland suggesting no large clearances of the woodland took place in the vicinity of this site. The increase in such wild grass types during this period coupled with an increase in grass pollen at both Woodstown and Newrath. This may hold the key as to why there appears to have been a general abandonment of the area by people during this period. The rise in grass pollen is likely to signal a further expanse of reed swamp across the wetland on the margins of the River Suir. This increase is thought to have occurred as a result of a further rise in sea‐level taking place. Confirmation of the site being affected by marine waters is given by the foraminifera and diatom data, which show the site to now be firmly within the lower part of the upper salt marsh zone. It is unknown whether this hike in sea‐level occurred gradually or rapidly. Bronze Age structures in Area 3


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An area measuring 445m² was topsoil stripped by machine to determine the limits and extent of the burnt mound deposits identified in the additional testing. A timber‐lined trough, burnt mound spread and possible structural features were identified, situated on a distinct rise of higher land on the eastern margin of the site. Alluvial silt and re‐deposited gravels partially covered some of the site, explained by the presence of a relict streambed identified along the southern boundary. This stream flowed from the higher dry land area into the former wetland and was a significant factor in the location of the trough. A small charcoal pit, identified in additional testing, was also recorded adjacent to this area. Feature [341077] was the principle feature in Area 3. It was a rectangular cut of a timber‐lined trough, 1.65 m in length, extending into the edge of an east/west running paleochannel. The natural in this area comprised the glacial till, a yellow clay deposit, and light grey silty sand in the area of the paleochannel. The trough was 0.95 m at its eastern end and 0.70 m at the western end. It was quite shallow and at most the timbers survived to a height of 0.17m above the base of the cut. The base of the trough consisted of two well made large planks, the larger of which, located to the north, was doweled into position. This trough was quite shallow and the fill consisted of a compact mass of small burnt stone fragments, charcoal and silt and sand that appeared to have been washed in. Bronze Age structures in Area 4 Area 4 comprised a lower area of silty peat in the west, and a raised area of woody, fibrous peat in the east. Six brushwood structures were identified in the east of the area on what was interpreted as a paleo‐shoreline, leading to two substantial timber trackways in the east. A further structure [341513] was visible in the southern baulk of the area, and potentially continued to the south. It was not possible to extend the excavation area in this direction due to the presence of the modern drain. Other worked wood was identified but not properly investigated to the south of this excavation area. Area 4B was exposed and planned but not excavated beyond the first spit level. This material was significantly higher than the other wooden structures and was on average 0.70m below the present ground surface. A small quantity of worked wood was sampled for tool mark but no significant any variation was observed between this material and the other excavated structures in Area 4. A large, circular artefact was recovered from the section adjacent to this structure and was likely to have been associated with its primary function. The shape of the modified stone (04E0319:341513:13A) was created by pecking. It was too small to be have functioned as a quern stone and one quarter of the artefact had broken off in antiquity. Only one of the faces showed extensive signs of being worked to a regular smooth surface and the other sides were quite coarse and irregular. One lateral surface had a limited area which was flat. It retained most of an hour‐glass perforation which was very narrow at the point where the perforations from either surface met, and it may have been unfinished. If the shape of the object is any indication of its purpose, then it is possible that this is a discarded unfinished rough out for something such as an axe hammer or large stone mace head, although it could also have been reused as a fishing weight. Structure [341501] Structure [341501] was a large timber trackway approximately 10 m long, 0.75 m wide and 0.2 m deep, and was radiocarbon dated to 2133‐1901 cal BC (UB‐6466). The central part was composed of 8 large roundwoods that were laid parallel to each other, between 3.4 m and 4.65 m in length and 0.10 m and 0.20 m in diameter. The average overall width of this part of the


22

structure was 0.95 m and it was orientated NNE/SSW. The superstructure was placed on top of a number of smaller transverse roundwood timbers located under the western end of the trackway. At the western end of the large parallel timbers the structure changed direction and extended south for a further 2.4 m, though it was less well defined in this area. Smaller roundwood elements were used in this part of the trackway with more emphasis on upright timbers used to secure horizontal elements in position. The trackway was constructed on top of a silty peat deposit. This deposit appears to have continued to form after the construction of the trackway and was subsequently burried by continued accumulation. To the north of the trackway there was a coarse sand and mixed peat deposit (34063). A freshwater steam was identified directly to the east in Area 3 and may account for the deposition of coarse sand under high water energy conditions. There were a number of timbers situated to the east of the trackway, which appeared to be disturbed from their original position and were scattered over an area of approx 1.5 by 2 m. These could have been disturbed by repeated flood events that the sandy peat deposit indicates occurred in this area. A large number of upright stakes and posts were identified to the east of the structure, and a line of posts also extended to the south and terminated adjacent to structure [341523]. This indicated a possible relationship between both structures, although evidence of a direct relationship could not be determined. Bulk sample number 8 was taken from this structure and it was primarily constructed of alder, with much lesser evidence for ash, willow and birch. All of these timbers exhibit toolmarks made by metal axes/ adzes. The worked ends of all of the timbers were sampled, and were wedge, pencil and chisel. Concave, slightly concave and flat facets were evident and ranged in length from 93 to 37 mm. Structure [341512] Structure [341512] was either a platform located in the west of the cutting adjacent to a large light coloured silt deposit that may have indicated a channel. The structure was radiocarbon dated to 2200‐1980 cal BC (UB‐6908) and composed of brushwood and some larger roundwood elements laid parallel and adjacent to each other, with several upright stakes driven through the structure to anchor these into position. It was 5.6 m long, 3.4 m wide and a concentration of upright elements was recorded towards the north side of the structure. The larger branches and pieces of brushwood had their laterally projecting twigs removed, and the majority of the elements had at least one clear axe facet. There was no differentiation between the upper and lower parts of the structure, and it was constructed by placing layer upon layer of roundwoods on top of each other. It was set within deposit (341516) a peat and silt layer. To the east of the structure there were several stakes and some larger timbers including a large irregularly shaped tree stump. There were a number of other small stakes located between this structure and structure [341501] located approx 4.5 m to the east. There were also a number of other small upright posts and stakes located to the north and northeast of the structure, although they had no apparent pattern and were mostly present as isolated entities. Worked wood samples were taken from this structure and it was dominated by alder with some pomaceous fruitwood, ash, oak and yew. All of the end types were wedge and chisel. Flat facets were present, the largest of which was 60 mm wide and 75 mm long. Structure [341514] Structure [341514] was a linear arrangement of parallel roundwood elements that extended in a north/south orientation from the south edge baulk of the site for a distance of


23

approximately 1.40 m. It was 0.6 m wide, 1.9 m long and extended beyond the limit of excavation and was radiocarbon dated to 2855‐2488 cal BC (UB‐6909). In addition to the parallel round woods there was a scatter of brushwood elements that extended to the north in the direction of the structure for a distance of approx 1.3 m. An arc of four substantial upright posts was positioned between the north and south limit of the structure. Structure [341507] Structure [341507] was located on the raised eastern part of Area 4 and consisted of a small concentration of brushwood and a small number of upright stakes and pegs. It was a shallow, oval shaped structure 1.1 m long, 0.9 m wide and 0.10 m deep. Structure [341508] Structure [341508] was located in the raised area to the east of the excavated area of Area 4. The upper part consisted of a dense concentration of small brushwood elements and formed a platform roughly oval in shape that measured 1.5 m in width and 1.6 m in length. A number of large sub‐structural roundwoods were excavated beneath this. The largest element was partially exposed and found to be approx 0.2 m in diameter and 1.75 m of it was visible in the area excavated. Numerous small upright stakes were found within and adjacent to the structure. Structure [341509] This concentration of brushwood was located approx 1.5 m to the west of brushwood platform [341511] and consisted of upright posts and a concentration of brushwood and larger round wood elements. This structure was approx 1 m in width and extended in an east west direction for approx 3.5 m. The structure consisted of roundwood timbers laid parallel to each other and extending in a linear manner from east to west in the direction of the trackway [341501] Structure [341509] This concentration of brushwood was located approx 1.5 m to the west of brushwood platform [341511] and consisted of upright posts and a concentration of brushwood and larger round wood elements. This structure was approx 1 m in width and extended in an east west direction for approx 3.5 m. The structure consisted of roundwood timbers laid parallel to each other and extending in a linear manner from east to west in the direction of the trackway [341501] Structure [341510] This structure primarily composed of a brushwood concentration located in the northern part of the raised area at the east of the excavated area. A box section was excavated across this structure that showed that it consisted of a small spread of surface material with no substructural elements. Structure [341511] This was a brushwood platform located in the north eastern part of the site approx 1.5 m in width and 2 m in length. A less dense concentration of brushwood and upright posts extended to the west and was truncated during the excavation of an access ramp onto the lower portion of the site. The structures [341508], [341509], [341510] and [341511] were situated on a raised area of peat approximately 0.45 m higher than the structures located in the lower western part of the site e.g. [341501], [341512] and [341513]. The structure was present primarily on one spit level and the brushwood was present to a depth of 0.10 m.


24

Beneath this there were only occasional pieces of timber and no evidence for a substantial substructure. Several upright stakes were present in and near this structure, the main concentration appearing towards the south west in the direction of the structure [341501]. The Iron Age period (600 – cal. AD 400) The sea‐level driven changes in vegetation witnessed during the Bronze Age with the expanse of reed swamp continue into the Iron Age. It is during this period that sea‐level rise changes the morphology of the River Suir to the extent that land begins to be swallowed up along the river margins. The whole area was inundated due to rising sea level at approximately 1870±35 BP (GU‐13996; 60‐240 Cal. AD) with diatom and foraminifera evidence indicating an inter‐tidal environment by this time (Dawson and Haslett, Paleoenvironmental Analyses, Appendix 1 and 2 ). This increase in sea level led to the abandonment of the area in the Iron Age. Diatom and foraminifera evidence from Site 34 indicates that this site was completely submerged during this period with species indicative of brackish and marine waters both present. In addition, the site now occupies the MHWST (Mean High Water Spring Tide) to HAT (Highest Astronomical Tide) tidal zone. This data indicates that Newrath was now very much an estuarine site and the presence of tidal creeks running through the site into the river can be seen in the stratigraphy of the site. Such channels are frequent in today’s estuarine environments (Allen 2000). This estuarine environment which developed in the Iron Age lasted until relatively recent times, when land reclamation took place in the nineteenth century to provide pasture land for cattle. This submergence of areas of Waterford along the river margins, as it developed into an estuarine environment, would have had a marked impact on the vegetational communities. This can be seen in the pollen and plant macrofossil diagrams from Newrath where local plant communities are now dominated with aquatic species such as celery leaved buttercup (Ranunculus sceleratus), common water crowfoot (Ranunculus aquatilis) and common clubrush (Schoenoplectus lacustris). Salt marsh vegetation indicators such as goosefoots (Chenopodiaceous sp), Michaela’s daisies (Aster‐type) and sea plantain (Plant ago maritime) are present in the pollen record and show the development of these communities at the water’s edge. Pollen values of grasses remain high throughout both at Newrath and Woodstown, indicating that reed swamp communities continued to fringe the salt marsh areas.


25

Table 3 Iron Age Structures Iron Age Structures in Area 1 This period corresponds to depositional Phase 3 and was represented by (34033), a light grey silt and peat mix. As it was predominantly a silt deposit it was likely to have been the result of widespread flooding in the Suir basin, perhaps as a result of a significant change in the drainage pattern of the main channel. The accumulation of silt in the main channel of the Suir could have increased tidal pressure on the main drainage system. This would have been exacerbated by rising sea levels causing estuarine water to inundate areas that had previously been freshwater wetlands and reed swamps. This resulted in the successive inundation of the organic deposits by alluvial sediments. The majority of the archaeological structures in this area were associated with deposit (34037), a predominantly clay deposit containing less than 5% peat. Creeks and dendritic channels aided the drainage of tidal water, gradually silting up over time. A number of small dendritic drainage channels were recorded: [34009], [34010] and [34011]. These tidal creeks would have drained the rising and receding waters and were filled by a peat and silt mixture, (34036). Structure [34006] Structure [34006] was located to the east of the excavated area within cutting E, and appeared to be an irregular shaped platform 4 m long, 0.75 m wide and 0.15 m deep. It was primarily composed of brushwood that was laid horizontally with some larger roundwood elements and was radiocarbon dated to 1 – 344‐48 cal BC (UB‐6901). These were not laid in any discernable pattern but appeared to have been randomly placed throughout the structure. It appeared to extend beyond the cutting towards the east and it may have joined up beneath the baulk with the similar structure [34005] in adjacent cuttings. Both these structures extended beneath the baulk that separated the cuttings E, C and D. The structure was set within deposit (34035), a grey coloured silt and peat mixture, which appeared to have been accumulated around the structure.

Area Structure no. Cutting

C 14


Interpretation

1 (34006) E

344‐48 cal BC (UB‐6901)

D 0.15 W 0.75 L 4

(34035) Brushwood platform

1 (34007) E

173‐4 cal BC (UB‐6903)

D 0.65 W 2.5 L 6

(34039) (34003) (34039)

Brushwood hurdle bridging tidal creek

1 (34014) B

N/A D 0.55 W 3.75 L 10

(34003) (34013) (34035)

Brushwood linear structure

1 (34015) F

256‐414 cal AD (UB‐6904)

D 0.15 W 0.5 L 5.75

(34039) (34003) (34035)

Brushwood structure, some roundwood elements

1 (34018) F

N/A D 0.35 W 1.5 L 5.8

(34039)

Brushwood hurdle

1 (34029) E

N/A W 1.25 L 1.5 H 0.4

‐ Stone dump


26

Metal tool marks were identified on a large number of the worked wood elements. The worked ends were chisel, and two flat facets were recorded, the largest of which was 25mm wide and 35mm long. Alder, ash and willow were the main woods used for this structure. Structure [34007] Structure [34007] was located within cutting A and was visible as a linear arrangement of brushwood and larger roundwood elements with its long axis oriented north/south. The structure appeared to extend beyond the cutting to both the west and the south. To the west the channel appeared to extend further in this direction and the timber structure within it continued to respect this channel and this was confirmed by further excavation of the area to the west. It was 6 m long north/south, 2.5 m east/west, and 0.65 m deep, and was dated to 173 cal BC to 4 cal AD (UB‐6903). The brushwood appeared to be located within the fill of a channel filled by deposit (34039) and (34003). This structure was present within a number of deposits at a number of different levels. In addition to the main body of the structure there were a number of other outlying elements associated with the structure e.g. upright stakes and pegs. These were located adjacent to the main structure with an increase in frequency the north. Towards the base of the structure a roundwood was placed on to the silt surface at the base of the tidal channel (34039) and secured with nine pegs, far more than was functionally necessary to stabilise it. Why it needed so many pegs was unclear; it was oriented north/south, approximately 0.8 m in length and was not in direct physical contact with any other element. Bulk samples number 1 and 3 were recovered from the structure, and the assemblage was composed of alder, oak and pomaceous fruitwood, with hazel, willow, ash and elder also recorded. A number of individual worked pieces were recorded from here and comprised of pencil, chisel and wedge ended. Cutting angles were shallow, and facets were flat and slightly concave, the largest of which was 62 mm wide and 71 mm long. Structure [34014] Structure [34014] was primarily located within Cutting B and was characterised by a linear arrangement of brushwood and roundwood with the long axis oriented north‐east/south‐west. The structure appeared to extend beyond the cutting both to the north and to the south, and it was 10 m long, 3.75 m wide and extended to a depth of 0.55 m. The uppermost elements of this structure were located within a peat and silt mixed deposit (34003). The main body of this structure was located within deposits (34013) and (34035), both peat and silt mixtures. There were two distinct phases to the construction of this structure, suggesting that there were two separate phases of construction. The upper part was related to the mixed peat and silt deposits while the lower part was entirely contained within the homogenous peat deposit (34004). The lower phase was very similar in terms of orientation and construction with the upper phase. It was composed of large roundwood elements with smaller roundwood and brushwood placed on top. Bulk samples number 7 and 8 were taken from the upper spits of this structure, and alder, willow and ash were the main wood types identified. Hazel, yew, pomaceous fruitwood and oak were also present. A large quantity of worked wood was analysed from here; the roundwoods were mainly chisel ended, with flat facets. Nineteen facets were recorded, the largest of which was 36 mm wide and 75 mm long. An alder half split with a notch was identified.


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Structure [34015] Area 1 Structure [34015] was present within Cutting F and visible as a spread of brushwood adjacent to and running parallel with the west facing baulk of the cutting. It was 5.75 m long, 0.5 m wide and 0.15 m deep and dated to 256 – 414 cal AD (UB6904). It was constructed primarily of small brushwood elements although there was a concentration of larger roundwood elements located to the south of the cutting. It extended to the east under the baulk and may have been related to structure [34006] recorded in the west of Cutting E, and structure [34018] in Cutting F. Structure [34015] was located within the grey silt and peat deposit (34039), and was relatively shallow in depth. There were two clearly defined deposits present; (34003) in the western half of the cutting and (34035) in the eastern half of the cutting. Bulk samples were recovered from this structure; bulk sample #4 was located in the north of the structure at spit level 1 and was composed almost exclusively of small pieces of brushwood. Bulk sample # 9 was inserted into the southernmost part of the structure at spit level 2 and was primarily composed of large roundwood timbers. This structure was defined as a spread of brushwood and composed of mainly alder, ash, oak, pomaceous fruitwood and willow. Worked wood was composed of mainly half split ashes and oaks, and a radially cleft ash with a rectangular shaped notch was recovered from here. Structure [34018] Structure [34018] was a curvilinear arrangement of timbers located in the northwest of cutting F. It was 5.8 m long, 1.5 m wide and 0.35 m deep. It could have been related to structures [34007] in cutting A to the north and to [34015] in cutting F. It was set within deposit (34039), a grey coloured silt and peat mixture. It was composed of brushwood and some larger roundwood elements. It extended beyond the excavated area to the west and was only visible in spit level 2. The structure was seen to extend to the west for an unknown distance, and encountered during the stepping back of the edges of the site prior to the investigation of the late Mesolithic levels. During monitoring of this strip the structure was seen to extend to the west for a further 2 m, and bulk sample number 11 was taken from this structure at spit level 2. Structure [34029] This feature consisted of a dump of stones located in spit level 3 of Cutting E, although a number of upright stakes, pegs and posts may also have been related to this structure. The stones were located on what appeared to be a small area of a very fibrous brown peat. This was surrounded by a pure silt deposit to the west and by a silt and peat mixture to the east. The peat deposit containing structure [34029] appeared in section to be the result of a dome of vegetation raised above the surrounding deposits. This mound was approximately 1.50 m north/south and 1.25 m from east/west and 0.40 m in high. There were 40 stones recorded and appeared to have been brought deposited through human agency. They varied in shape and size from 5‐15 cm, with one large flat stone measuring 0.15 m long and 0.12 m wide. They were too large and localised to have been transported by a tidal channel and traces of charcoal were identified adhered to the surface of some stones, and others were found to be heat shattered.


28

The Medieval period (AD 1169‐1540) This activity was followed by depositional Phase 4 and could indicate a temporary lull in the cycle of inundation enabling access to the rich wetland resource. Informal brushwood platforms, trackways and wooden structures could have been in use over a number of generations or just a few years, but the process of inundation soon resumed to cover the archaeological structures. At least 2 contexts were deposited by estuarine floodwater in this phase: (34035), pure silt deposit and (34045), a brownish grey marl mixture containing 20% organic content, likely to be the result of erosional deposition. Area/ Structure/ Cutting

Radiocarbon dates


Interpretation

2 (34504) H

1324‐1441 cal AD (UB‐6906

D 0.25 W 3 L13.5

(34035) (34045)

Brushwood platform

2 (34507) I

1316‐1436 cal AD (UB‐6907)

D 0.3 W 0.35 L 1.2

(34035) (34045)

Brushwood platform

Table 4 Medieval Structures Structure [34504] This structure was in the centre of cutting H and was characterised by a continuous linear spread of brushwood, with few larger roundwoods. It was 13.5 m long (also identified in test trench 19 to the south of Area 2), 3 m wide and 0.25 m deep. This was laid horizontally on a layer of silt and peat and occasionally pegs were used to secure elements it in position although not in a systematic fashion, and were dated to 1324‐1441 cal AD (UB6906) and 1298‐1421 cal AD (UB6465). It was largely confined to spit level 1 and the structural elements excavated in spit level 2 were not significantly different from those above. Its long axis was oriented north south. It extended beyond the cutting both to the south and may have also extended under the baulk to the west, joining up with the structure [34507] in cutting I. The structure was present in two main deposits. A dark brownish grey peat and silt in the northern half of the cutting and a light grey silt and peat located in the west of the cutting. The centre of the structure appeared to have been expanded into a type of platform constructed of the same type of brushwood as the main body of the trackway and numerous stones were found adjacent to the south of the structure. A number of disassociated pieces of brushwood were recorded adjacent to the structure and were likely to have become dislodged from their original location. A single bulk sample was taken from the northern part of the structure in spit level 1. Alder was the main component, while other wood such as oak, pomaceous fruitwood, willow, ash, dogwood and birch were also used. A high number of chisel ended pieces (46) were recorded from this structure, with a small percentage of wedge and pencil ends. Facets were predominantly flat, the largest of which was 71 x 62 mm. A large rectangular shaped jam curve was lifted from an oak roundwood, which was 83 mm in width. Structure [34507] This structure was located in the westernmost cutting, primarily in the northwest and northeast quadrants of cutting I, in an area that appeared to have been an active channel prior to the structure being built. This channel was located to the south and to the west of the area


29

and may have been one of the main drainage channels between the estuary and the back swamp. It appeared to have partly silted up prior to the construction of the structure. The structure was radiocarbon dated to 1316‐1436 cal AD (UB6907). The main part of the structure appeared to have a northeast to southwest orientation. It was mostly composed of brushwood branches laid parallel and adjacent to each other, with the addition of some brushwood pieces that ran parallel with the orientation of the structure. The structure consisted of brushwood elements for the most part between 0.35 m and 1.25 m in length and between 0.75 and 2.5 cm in diameter. Numerous smaller brushwood pieces and fragments were incorporated into the structure. There were very few upright pegs or stakes used in a systematic manner. The structure was present to a max depth of approx 0.40 m though a depth of 0.30 m was the average. The lower parts of the structure were identical in composition to the upper parts. This would imply that they were from the same construction phase and that brushwood was deposited until a structure that was adequately raised above the ground surface was achieved. There was a small concentration of parallel brushwood pieces located in the northwest corner of the cutting, but no direct physical association between this concentration and the main structure was recognised. It was approx 1.20 m in length and extended in a northwest/south east direction. It was approx 0.35 m in width and extended beyond the excavated area to the northwest for an unknown distance. A much less well defined section of the structure was recorded to the southeast of the main body of the structure. There was much more of a general spread of brushwood material and occasional larger roundwood elements. This spread may represent a possible platform as it would have represented an area of 3 square metres raised above the ground surface. Of particular interest is that at the northern edge of this spread of material was located a large tree stump 34W4001 that was lying on its side. It survived for a height of approx 0.50 m and was approx 0.30 m in width. The upper portion of the trunk had been removed by metal tools and the stump was wedge shaped. The medullary rays were noticeably prominent from the surrounding tissue. The lower part of the stump had had the roots removed. The stump was lying on its side with the upper trunk pointing towards the south east. Neither the roots nor the upper portion of the trunk was located nearby, this would imply that the trunk stump grew and was processed elsewhere and just this portion was deposited in this cutting. Alder was the dominant wood selected, with lesser amounts of hazel, willow and pomaceous fruitwood. The worked ends were mainly chisel, cut at shallow angles. Three flat facets were recorded, the largest of which was 50 mm long and 48 mm wide. Early Modern Period An area of 330 square metres was topsoil stripped by machine to identify the limits and extent of a brick kiln structure [34509] identified in Contract 2 testing (Wren 2003). This was predominantly composed of orange brown brick dust. No upstanding structure could be determined but the kiln was interpreted as a clamp kiln on the basis of firing and scorch marks and dumps of hand‐made brick wasters. These were temporary rectangular structures constructed from unfired bricks interleaved with fuel (often peat), then dismantled following firing. As with other excavation areas in Site 34, the deposit sequence included a vegetation layer (34008) overlying oxidised clay layers (34001 and 34002) that formed as consequence of reclaimed wetland. The entire structure was accounted for by a use phase of scorched clay and an abandonment phase of dumped brick and debris. The main deposit of orange brown


30

brick dust [34509] formed the principle evidence for in situ burning, and this overlies a black layer of burnt clay mixed with orange brick dust (34510). The surrounding clay (34511) was scorched and revealed the stacked pattern of bricks laid in rows side by side, with a small gap between each row to assist air circulation. The possibility remains that these bricks were stacked in this position once fired in an adjacent kiln. The location adjacent to the canalised Strangsmill stream was intended to aid export of finished product whilst also taking advantage of the clay raw material. A charred black clay deposit (34516) resulted from in situ burning during the firing of the kiln. Deposit (34519) was 1 m wide and 7.5 m long and was a subretangular layer of orange colour clay and brick dust. This was fairly loose, and extended to a depth of 0.01 m. Deposit (34520) was similar to the above deposits, and consisted mainly of burnt and scorched clay as a result of in‐situ burning. It was 0.02 m in depth and was fairly loose. A black deposit (34528) was the result of in situ burning and 0.2 m deep. Deposit (24517) was the result of bricks being fired in situ, and although no direct evidence for structure survives, the outline of bricks stacked symmetrically was clearly recorded in plan. It was irregular in plan but was 7.5 m b y 7.5 m at its widest points and 5 mm in depth. The surface was a bright yellow and orange colour as a result of its main inclusion of brick dust. It overlay (34518) which were black in colour and very compact with a maximum depth of 0.02 m. A line of orange and bright yellow stripes (34529) was above this, 1 m wide and 5 m long. A black grey layer of in‐situ burning (34530) 0.02 m deep was above this. Deposit (34531) was square in plan and located at the eastern end of the main body of the brick kiln. It was visible as scorch marked lines in the surface NNE/SSW 0.25 m wide. This was above a grey black charred deposit (34532) 0.4 m deep, 0.45 m long and 0.5 m wide. An irregular shaped deposit (34515) comprised a mix of brick dust and brick rubble. It was approximately 0.01 m in depth, barely extending beyond the depth of the surface. It had an irregular shape in plan and was 4 m long and 2.5 m wide. A sub‐rectangular layer consisting of broken brick and dust (34527) was 2.5 m wide by 6 m long though less so than the areas thus far mentioned. A dump of broken brick (34505) extended towards the west end of the area consisting of 80% broken brick and 20% clay. It was 0.20 m deep and 2.10 m wide and was overlay by scorched grey clay deposit (34506) that was 0.03 m deep, and the likely result of hot bricks dumped. Above this a grey layer of clay (34537) was recorded, mixed with less than 15% broken bricks. It is clearly visible in section running beyond the limit of excavation. It was 2 m wide and between 0.10‐0.15 m deep and was interpreted as a levelling deposit. A brick dump (34521) in the eastern corner of the structure was 5 m in length, 6 m wide and approximately 0.2 m deep. A series of interleaving dump layers (34532), (34522) 34533) and (34534) were also recorded here and were the result of successive dumping events. Natural Deposits A thin layer of topsoil (34501) covered the area of the brick kiln varying in thickness between 0.5‐0.10 m. It was composed of the same kind of oxidised material covering the rest of the bog, and supported grass vegetation. Immediately below this deposit a grey clay layer (34502) and (34503) was recorded, extending to a similar depth to the rest of the wetland area. A drain feature (34513) was 2.5 m wide and 7.5 m long and was related to modern agricultural drainage post dating the use of the kiln.


31

9. Discussion Estuarine archaeology remains poorly understood in Ireland, despite significant results generated by a range of projects worldwide, and a wealth of archaeological information from similar landscapes in Britain and mainland Europe (Bell and Neumann 1997; 1998). The North Munster Project of the Discovery Programme carried out several seasons of inter‐tidal and archaeological work on the Shannon estuary between 1992‐7 (O’Sullivan 2001), but the excavation of Site 34 was one of the first times such a site had been excavated in response to development‐led archaeology in Ireland (but see Carter 2007 for NRA‐funded work on alluvial sediments). As a consequence of no major work having been undertaken in similar conditions, the starting assumption was that this type of landscape was archaeologically marginal and would not reward extensive investigation. The burial environment of wet sites has long been recognised as empirically valuable and potentially more informative than equivalent dryland sites (Gowan 2005). As the majority of artefacts in the past were organic, the optimum preservation of wet sites contains significant evidence of the human presence. And in addition to the artefactual evidence, past ecological habitats and economic practices can be reconstructed through the exceptional preservation of ecofactual evidence. At Newrath a combination of techniques were used in a multi‐proxy investigation undertaken on two monoliths collected from Area 1. These included pollen and non‐pollen palynomorphs, plant macrofossil, wood identification, foraminifera and diatom analyses. This has enabled a detailed reconstruction of the environmental context of the structures at Site 34. The application of techniques derived from archaeological science to wet sites has resulted in detailed empirical and paleoenvironmental studies, but the reliance on over deterministic models of change and human interaction has come under criticism (O’Sullivan and Van de Noort 2007). Estuarine landscapes have traditionally been conceived as neutral environments ripe for exploitation, with archaeological remains explained in terms of cultural adaptation to a rich wetland resource. These perspectives have been challenged by recent moves to consider the ways that aspects of social identity such as status, kinship, ethnicity or gender, may have influenced and been influenced by living and working in wetlands (Van de Noort and O’Sullivan 2006). If people define their sense of self by what they do, then the movement into estuarine salt marshes and fens would have had a powerful structuring influence. Daily life would have been governed by cultural convention relating to the types of work that could be undertaken by individuals or groups and the specific places it could be done. Taking this approach at Newrath has enabled us to emphasise the practical, lived experience of people’s knowledge of the wetland and to situate this within specific cultural and historical contexts. The structures have provided insights into the choices and decisions that people made to create route ways for short‐term access to the wetland. Wood species and tree‐ring studies have demonstrated how people have used materials local to the site, and the multi‐proxy paleoenvironmental study has allowed us to understand the biographies of these structures in their changing environments. By constructing an onsite history of the human inhabitation of the landscape from the Mesolithic to the present day, and recording the long‐term formation processes as the landscape changed over time, Newrath can be conceived as a dynamic social stage. Late Mesolithic Mobility


32

Mesolithic hunter gathers clearly inhabited wetlands in a range of different ways, but despite this variation the distribution of both excavated sites and stray finds in Ireland indicates a strong emphasis on coastal, alluvial and estuarine sites (Little 2005). This may have been a consequence of restricted movement, with people more likely to travel via the coast of river valleys than through the wooded landscape (Woodman 2006). The artefacts recovered from Site 34 are located at the current fringe of the River Suir and support this interpretation, although during the Mesolithic period the morphology of the river is likely to have been much different than today and probably resembled more of a stream (Carter 2007). It has been suggested by Mitchell (2005) that a dense woodland covered Ireland during the Mesolithic. This would have constrained activities and could be a factor influencing the location of Mesolithic activity at Site 34. Later Mesolithic sites are usually located adjacent to water, reflecting a preference for utilising the rich wetland resource for hunting, fishing and fowling or gathering starch rich roots. As an essentially dryland site at the water’s edge, we can confidently predict that the earliest material will be further out into the wetland area, with later activity moving progressively eastwards in response to rising water levels or encroaching vegetation. As a corollary to this argument, the contemporary active channel of the Strangsmill stream precludes finding later Mesolithic activity beyond a certain point west as this land surface was under considerable depth of water. Given the relatively small area of contemporary ground surface exposed in Areas 1, 3 and 4, and the difficult excavation conditions, the recovery of 5 Later Mesolithic artefacts from the base of the peat cuttings (including two butt‐trimmed forms and one distally‐trimmed example) indicates a significant phase of activity on Site 34 during this period. Although 5 other chipped stone artefacts were recovered, these could not be attributed with certainty to the Later Mesolithic. The varied composition of raw material from which these artefacts were constructed (including high quality flint, landscape. Carboniferous limestone deposits are located to the north of the road scheme and chert could have been sourced from these. Flint may have been traded, or collected from the nearby coast. Rhyolite is known to outcrop at Monvoy, near to Tramore on the Waterford coast, comprising part of the Ordovician/Silurian dated Paratectonic Volcanics of the South East (Green and Zvelebil 1990, cited in Woodman 2006). One of the butt‐trimmed flakes was constructed from mudstone (04E0319:34100:103), and may have been brought from further north. If this were the case it would parallel similar sites in the Bann Valley where this type of raw material was imported in small quantities from adjacent areas (Woodman 2006) The significance of this activity at Site 34 is thrown into relief by the paucity of finds from other sites excavated on the N25. Radiocarbon dated paleoenvironmental evidence from this period is also relatively scarce with information coming from only five sites with an age range spanning from 4997‐4792 cal BC (UB‐6630) to 4492‐4349 cal BC (UB‐6642). These include Rathpatrick (Site 17) and Mullinabro (Site 4) Granny (Site 22) and Newrath (sites 35 and 37), (Gleeson 2006; Wilkins 2006; Wren 2006). Evidence that people were moving through this woodland environment is shown by the charcoal and charred hazel nutshell recovered from the sites mentioned above. Although more ephemeral in nature than some of the archaeology recovered from later periods around Waterford, these features show that people were able to utilise the wild plant resources available both for food and fuel.


33

The small‐scale Mesolithic activity recorded at Site 34 fits with this picture. Perhaps taking advantage of local channelling, pools and stream eddies, hunter‐gather groups would have used the dryland/wetland margin for hunting, fishing and fowling or gathering starch‐rich roots. But this activity cannot just be reduced to economic exploitation, as these activities were embedded in many different social practices. Mobility throughout the landscape was bound up with ‘persistent places’ – well known camp or hunting sites revisited episodically, with pre‐agreed rendezvous to meet other social groups and exchange raw materials amidst that years stories. Site 34 was clearly not a ‘persistent place’, though the low level activity could indicate that it was a pathway on the journey up and down valley. Woodman notes that at this point the Suir valley is reminiscent of some of the wider stretches of flood plain in between key points on the River Bann, where similar scatters have been recorded in between key sites. Neolithic Opportunism During the Mesolithic period, this was an open‐water environment, but it was in the process of changing, being steadily colonised by freshwater reed swamp. This created the favourable conditions for a much more established colonisation by Carr woodland —a change recognised in stratigraphic sections at around 3710–3620 BC (GU‐13998) with an associated steady accumulation of sediment that lasted for approximately 600 years. Pollen diagrams indicate that this was at first an oak‐dominated woodland giving way to alder, hazel and other water‐tolerant species (see Appendix 9). Perhaps because tree‐cover at Site 34 was too dense at this time, we have no evidence for human activity during this phase or immediately before it. However, significant Neolithic activity was recorded on two adjacent sites to the east—Sites 35 and 37, which include three structures and a series of three pits with deliberately placed objects of ritual significance (Site 35: NGR 259210 114460, 15 m OD, excavation licence no. 04E0319, approximately 100 m to the east of Site 34; Site 37: NGR 259260 113500, 18 m OD, excavation licence no. 04E288, approximately 150 m to the south‐east of Site 34). Despite the lack of direct evidence for Neolithic activity at Site 34, evidence from adjacent sites supports the Monolith data for agricultural intensification. This was a significant departure from the Mesolithic life‐way, with small communities dependent on a narrow range of intensively managed food sources. Stable isotopic analysis of Neolithic human remains indicates a general shift in this period from marine to terrestrial diet, shifting from a diet of fish to that dominated by meat, bread and dairy products (see Timpany, Appendix 8). Evidence from sites adjacent to Site 34 corresponds with this picture. Charred cereal grain of emmer wheat has also been found at Newrath (Site 35) with grain here being radiocarbon dated to 3695‐3523 cal BC (UB‐6639). The dated grain was recovered from the fill of a small sub‐circular pit, which also contained charred hazel nutshell and charcoal fragments (unidentified) suggesting the pit was used for the disposal of domestic food waste. Radiocarbon dating of hazel nutshell fragments from the pit produced a near identical date of 3694‐3521 cal BC (UB‐6640) indicating the contemporaneity of the material. Further emmer grain was identified from other pits investigated at the site. Cereal pollen grains have also been identified at Newrath (Site 34) and identified as barley‐type (Hordeum group) and oat/wheat‐type (Avena/Triticum group). On the basis of the identified charred grain it is likely these pollen types represent the cultivation of emmer wheat and naked barley. This episode of cultivation takes place between 3500‐3100 cal BC (SUERC‐14691) and 3370‐3090 cal BC (SUERC‐15499), thus placing it just after the date of the charred grain from Site 35. However,


34

the close proximity of the two sites in location and date suggests this agricultural activity may represent a continuous phase of cultivation at Newrath during the Neolithic. However, pollen evidence at Woodstown does indicate that woodland clearance was taking place elsewhere in the Waterford area. Here a decline can be seen in the pollen of both oak and hazel, where oak in particular becomes near absent in the pollen record. This change has been dated as taking place at 1890‐1680 cal BC (Beta‐195833). LOI data shows an increase in mineral sediments during this phase which is thought to indicate the removal of trees on the valley slopes, thus increasing the amount of hillwash (colluvium) entering the valley basin. Prior to this clearance of woodland, cereal pollen types begin to appear in the pollen record together with an increased representation of herbaceous taxa associated with meadow vegetation such as grasses (Poaceae sp), plantains (Plantago sp) and buttercups (Ranunculaceae.sp). Together this assemblage indicates clearance was taking place to obtain land for the cultivation of cereals (Farell and Coxon 2004). Evidence for a marine incursion is the most significant event during this phase, with implications for our understanding of human agency. It is following the initial deposition of silts in Monolith 2 (see results section) that cereal pollen of Hordeum‐group begins to appear at 198 cm (Zone NWB2b). The appearance of cereal pollen in Monolith 2 at this level follows a sharp decline in Quercus pollen at 200 cm when silts begin to be deposited. It is noticeable that cereal pollen of Hordeum‐group and Avena‐Triticum‐group appears consistently during the phase of silt deposition but disappear as [wood] peat begins to accumulate. Timpany (Appendix 9) suggests that this period of agricultural activity and marine transgression are linked. The role of storms in paleoenvironmental records is often underplayed but as Allen (1996, 1998) observes, high winds can have a significant impact on woodlands causing the natural felling of trees and those around it (Blackburn et al, 1988; Denslow et al, 1998). The decline in arboreal taxa identified in the monoliths during this period is likely to be consequence of just such events, with a concomitant impact on the archaeological record as witnessed at Site 35. By opening up the woodland directly adjacent to Site 34, Neolithic people could take advantage of cleared space for agricultural activity. Much less activity was needed to maintain clearings than to create them in the first place, even though experimental work has shown that stone axes could be very effective in felling trees. As tree growth re‐established, agricultural activity is seen to decrease adjacent to Site 34, indicating that this was an essentially opportunistic endeavour. Bronze Age taskscapes Throughout this period the landscape at Site 34 was in the process of changing, with a gradual replacement of alder‐dominated fen carr with a phragmites‐dominated reed swamp that lasted from 2880–2620 BC (GU‐13997) to 540–370 BC (GU‐13999). A similar environmental change has been identified at other estuarine sites in Britain and Ireland, and is the result of much wetter conditions—both groundwater rise and rising sea levels (Bell 2002). As tree‐cover diminished, the landscape became more accessible, and not surprisingly, we find trackways and platforms at Newrath to aid people’s access across the reed swamp to the water’s edge. In Area 4 evidence for brushwood structures was identified on an old shoreline leading to two substantial timber trackways. The first gave us a date range between of 2200‐1980 BC (UB‐6908) and was 3 metres in length and composed of parallel round wood timbers laid side by side. The second structure was 4 meters in length and constructed of thin round woods laid


35

side‐by‐side and secured by upright pegs. Whereas the first trackway was narrow and appeared to cross a small pool, this was considerably wider. It could have functioned as a platform, perhaps for launching boats and we actually found a possible fishing weight nearby. Moving into the Later Bronze Age, the fresh water reed swamp was becoming much more established on Site 34. In Area 3 a burnt mound was situated on a distinct rise of higher, dryer land on the eastern margin of the site. The Area 4 wooden trackways and brushwood platforms were constructed by people to ensure access to and egress from the abundant resources offered by the inter‐tidal wetland. Additionally they would have also worked to enable access to the open water of the river channel. Resources such as fishing and fowling are often mentioned in relation to wetland sites and indeed would have been important resources, but wetlands can also offer a range of plant resources that can also be used to fulfil dietary and construction requirements. The common reed (Phragmites australis) can provide both a dietary and construction resource (i.e. its rhizomes (below ground root) is edible and it may also be used as thatch). That local carr‐woodland resources were used is evident from the wood used in the construction of the trackways. Wood identifications show alder to have been the main wood type used, with other elements including birch, hazel, willow, ash, oak and dogwood (Cornus sanguinea). Radiocarbon dates from the trackways show they were constructed and used between 2200‐1980 cal BC (UB‐6908) and 1488‐1309 cal BC (UB‐6905). These dates correspond well with the cereal dates from Newrath thus highlighting the varied resources that were used by Early Bronze Age people. The structures were constructed in the wetland using local, easily obtained resources. Wood analysis and species identification indicates that dominates the assemblage. Other arboreal taxa utilised for construction include Betula, Corylus avellana, Salix, Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus and Corus sanguine (dogwood), which is absent in the pollen and plant macrofosil assemblages (see Lyons and O’Donnell Appendix 8). The trackways were constructed from small roundwoods, the majority of which were Alder aged between 6‐15 years. The narrow age range may be indicative of woodland management through coppicing, and a small number of coppice heels were identified. Rather than fell the larger trees of the adjacent dryland, it is likely that much smaller wetland species were selected, also explaining the low numbers of Quercus (and Corylus) timbers recorded in trackway construction. Together with wild plant, fish and bird food resources there is also evidence that large grazing animals were present on the wetland during this period. Fungal spores linked to animal dung such as Types 16, 112 (Cercophera sp) and 170 (Rivularia sp) have been identified and linked to this period (van Geel and Aptroot, 2006). These spores could also originate from wild animals so are not necessarily indicative of a domesticated presence. The appearance of Trichuris‐type (whipworm) eggs is of intrinsic significance, but also has social implications. These were identified in Zone NWB2d. They infect a variety of mammals including cattle, sheep, pigs and dogs, but are also one of the commonest human intestinal parasites that inhabit the large intestine, the eggs of which are passed into the faeces of the host (Dark 2004). Dark (2004) has suggested that Trichus‐type eggs from prehistoric wetlands may represent the contamination of food or water from areas where animals and humans congregated. Parasitic eggs identified at the Mesolithic site of Goldcliff East were interpreted as originating from a peripheral area of the site used for defecation. Within Monolith 2 Trichuris‐type eggs occur at approximately 2500‐2290 cal BC (SUERC‐14689), indicating its deposition prior to the main phase of trackway construction when this area could well has been peripheral to other activities.


36

Burnt Mounds are usually located near springs, streams or in marshy areas to fulfil their primary function of boiling water. The burnt mound in Area 3 was no exception to the rule and a relict streambed was identified along the southern boundary, flowing from the higher dry land to the east into the former wetland. It has been established that the function of burnt mound troughs was to boil water but how this water was subsequently utilised is difficult to ascertain. So far no specific evidence has been identified from this excavation to indicate how the hot water was used, and none of the possibilities i.e. cooking, washing, tanning or brewing can be ruled out. The depth of the trough in Area 3 was too shallow for cooking and the stake‐holes made no structural pattern that would indicate a sweat‐lodge, but they may have been used for pegging out textiles after processing, which might explain the shallowness of the trough. No trackways or platforms have been dated to the Late Bronze Age. The rise in grass pollen mentioned above is likely to signal a further expanse of reed swamp across the wetland on the margins of the River Suir. This increase is thought to have occurred as a result of a further rise in sea‐level taking place. Confirmation of the site being affected by marine waters is given by the foraminifera and diatom data, which show the site to now be firmly within the lower part of the upper salt marsh zone. It is unknown whether this hike in sea‐level occurred gradually or rapidly. Either way, it certainly must have affected the lives of the people who inhabited these wetland areas. Rising waters would have made some of the trackways redundant as they were impacted by increased tidal levels and access to the wetland would have become more restricted. This loss of a resource would have had a knock on effect to the communities in the area and may help to explain the apparent near abandonment of the region. Salt marsh grazing in the Iron Age and Medieval Period From the Iron Age onwards, the dynamic changes recognised in the vegetation records for Site 34 are largely driven by sea‐level change. The sea‐level curve (Appendix 9) indicated that during this period a rapid rise in sea level took place resulting in regular inundation. The decline in archaeological structures during the Late Bronze Age may be a response to this. Foraminifera and diatom evidence that Site 34 was becoming increasingly intertidal, and by the Iron Age it had developed into an estuarine salt marsh environment. Tidal influence may have increased, but far from becoming an inaccessible landscape the structures identified in this period indicate that it was a rich and highly valued resource. As in the Bronze Age, Site 34 would have provided resources for fishing, fowling and edible plants. It is also likely the salt marsh area would have been used for the grazing of cattle and sheep, a practice still carried out in similar landscapes today. Saltmarshes provide highly nutritious grazing, particularly for sheep, as the salt helps to prevent the foot rot and liver fluke that normally exclude these animals from damp pastures. The presence of Trichuris‐type eggs in the Monoliths during this period indicate dung at the site, probably representing animals grazing on the reedswamp of the wetland or within the reedswamp/saltmarsh area. The main barrier to access in salt marsh environments is that they are criss‐crossed by a network of steep‐sided creeks that drain the rising tidal waters. To aid movement of livestock trackways and hurdles were required to bridge active and semi‐active creeks, as recorded in Area 1. Wood identifications from the trackways indicate that local carr‐woodland resources continued to be used for construction materials with alder still the main wood species utilised. Other species used include willow, ash, hazel, elder (Sambucus sp) and dog wood, together with oak. The presence of oak and hazel in the construction of the wooden structures


37

across the salt marsh of Newrath indicates the continued presence of oak‐hazel woodland in parts of the landscape. Indeed the pollen evidence from Newrath suggests this woodland remained in the landscape into the medieval period suggesting that in some areas woodland, which may have formed during the Mesolithic, continued to exist in areas on the dryland up until relatively recent times. Evidence that the dryland woodland continued to remain a valuable resource particularly for fuel wood is seen in the charcoal record across eleven sites where either oak and/or hazel charcoal fragments have been identified across a period spanning from 397‐207 cal BC (UB‐6317) to cal AD 1188‐1278 (UB‐6648). Industrial archaeology and reclaimed wetland Evidence for the first use of bricks in Ireland as a fashionable building material can be traced back to the 16th century, when it was used in buildings such as the Ormond manor house at Carrick‐on‐Suir, Co. Tipperary and Bunratty Castle, Co. Clare (Rynne 2006, 166). Over the following centuries brick production grew from a small, limited, and exclusive industry to production on an industrialised scale. This development began in the early modern period, when single‐use structures called ‘clamp kilns’ were used. These were temporary rectangular structures constructed from unfired bricks interleaved with fuel (often peat), then dismantled following firing. Clamp kilns were often located near a source of suitable clay, and a large irregular shaped pond 25 m to the south of the brick kiln is likely to have been the original clay pit. The clay would have been processed on site by removing all stones and worked to a suitable consistency by adding water and trampling under foot (Rynne 2006, 167). The kiln at Newrath was consistent with a pattern of small‐scale use. It was estimated to have been able to fire 20,000 bricks at once, requiring 24 cubic m of clay. Bricks were then formed to set sizes and allowed to dry before the brick clamps were constructed. By stacking unfired bricks in rows (known as benches) with alternate short and long facing sides, or header and stretcher, layers could be built up to 5 m high before firing (Hull 2005, 31). The gaps between the bottom rows of bricks were filled with fuel, including peat and wood, and ignited. The clamps were often covered with peat and allowed to burn for a number of days or weeks resulting in the finished product (ibid). The kiln product could easily have been exported by river, utilising the canalised Strangsmill stream. Site 34 is adjacent to the grounds of Mullinabro house, an estate owned by the Jones family and highly active from the eighteenth to the early twentieth century. This estate was well established by the late eighteenth century when the house and grounds were depicted on Richards and Scale’s map (1764) of Waterford City and environs. In the valley of the Strangsmill Stream to the west there are the remains of a narrow gauge railway, built by the Jones family to service their limestone quarries. It is entirely possible that the kiln product was intended for estate buildings, a further example of the small‐scale use of the wetland that began in the Mesolithic.

Conclusion New road developments in southern Ireland are not only improving the infrastructure of the country, improving road safety and meeting the demands of increasing traffic volume; they are also providing a rare opportunity for archaeological and palaeoenvironmental investigations. If wetlands are defined as “any area of land covered by water for part of each


38

year, or each day, or which has been drowned by water at any time of its existence” (Coles 1984) then the likelihood of encountering such landscapes in Ireland is extremely high. But although estuarine landscapes have been the subject of major investigation in Britain and Europe, these landscapes are rarely encountered in the course of development‐led archaeology in Ireland and so have been subject to much less scrutiny. Site 34 demonstrates the potential wetland archaeology that can be encountered by a transect drawn across the landscape – in this case from Kilmeaden in Co. Waterford in the west to Slieverue in Co. Kilkenny to the east. The starting assumption at project design‐stage was that Site 34 was archaeologically marginal and would not reward extensive investigation. The results reported here have directly challenged this assumption. Whilst the overall road scheme strategy for archaeological mitigation must be focussed on dryland environments, the strategy for wet sites should be to assess the potential of the archaeology encountered on the site itself (such as wooden structures) whilst recovering evidence that can put the other sites excavated on the scheme into a broader environmental context (NRA 2006). Adopting this principle from the outset, the recording strategy and paleoenvironmental approach at Site 34 have directly influenced guidelines for all future road schemes, in addition to greatly enhancing our understanding of the Suir estuary and its surrounding environs.


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10. References

Bell, M. and Neumann, H. 1998. Intertidal survey in the Welsh Severn estuary. Archaeology in the Severn Estuary 1997. 8: 13‐28. Bell, M. and Neumann, H. 1997. Prehistoric intertidal archaeology and environments in the Severn estuary, Wales. World Archaeology 29(1): 95‐113. Bell, M., Allen J. R.L., Buckley, S., Dark, P. and Haslett, S. K. 2002. Mesolithic to Neolithic coastal environmental change: excavations at Goldcliff East, 2002. Archaeology in the Severn Estuary 12 27‐53. Bennett K.D. (1989) A provisional map of forest types for the British Isles 5000 years ago. Journal of Quaternary Science 4, 2 141‐144. Bradley, R. 2002. The Past in Prehistoric Societies. London and New York: Routledge. Blackburn, P., Petty J. A. and Miller F. 1988. An assessment of the static and dynamic factors involved in withdraw. Forestry 61, 1 29‐43. Bradley, R. and Williams, H. 2005. The Past in the Past: The Reuse of Ancient Monuments Brown, A. G. 2007. Dating the onset of cereal cultivation in Britain and Ireland: the evidence from cereal grains. Antiquity. 81 1042‐1052. Carter, S. C. 2007. Environmental archaeology: two examples from the N25 Waterford City Bypass and the N7 Limerick Southern Ring Road (Phase II). New Routes to the Past, Archaeology and the National Roads Authority Monograph Series 4 47‐60. Coles, J. M. 1984. The Archaeology of Wetlands. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press. Coles, B. J. and Coles, J. M. 1989. People of the wetlands: bogs, bodies and lake dwellers. London: Thames and Hudson. Cooney, G. 2000. Landscapes of the Neolithic. London: Routledge. Cooney, G. and Eogan G, E. 1994. Irish Prehistory: a social perspective. Dublin: Wordwell. Dark, P. 2004. New evidence for the antiquity of the intestinal parasite Trichuris (whipworm) in Europe. Antiquity. 78 676‐681. Denslow, J. S., Ellison, A. M. and Sanford, R. E. 1988. Treefall gap size effects on above and below ground processes in tropical wet forrest. Journal of Ecology. 86 597‐609. Farrell A. and Coxon P. (2004) N25 Waterford Bypass: Sedimentological and Palaeoenvironmental Investigation of Wetland Area adjacent to Woodstown. Unpublished assessment report, Trinity College Dublin.


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Gowen, M., OʹNeill, J. and Phillips, M (eds.) 2005. The Lisheen Mine Archaeological Project 1996‐8. Bray: Wordwell. Hull, G. 2005. Brick kilns. Archaeology Ireland 19 (4) Issue 74.

Little, A. 2005. Reconstructing the social topography of an Irish Mesolithic lakescape. In H. L. Cobbs, F. Coward, L. Grimshaw and S. Price (eds.) Investigating prehistoric hunter‐gatherer identities: case studies from Palaeolithic and Mesolithic Europe. Oxford: Archaeopress. Mitchell, F.J.G. 2005. How open were European primeval forests? Hypothesis testing using palaeoecological data. Journal of Ecology 93 168‐177. NRA. 2006. Guidlines for the Testing and Mitigation of the Wetland Archaeological Heritage. Environment Series On Construction Impacts. Dublin. OʹNeill, J. and Plunkett, G. 2007. A Middle Bronze Age occupation site at Ballyarnet Lake, County Derry: the site in its wider context. In J. Barber, C. Clarke, M. Cressey, A. Crone, A. Hale, J. Henderson, R. Housley, R. Sands and A. Sheridan (eds). Archaeology from the wetlands: recent perspectives: Proceedings of the eleventh WARP conference, Edinburgh. Edinburgh, Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. Warp Occasional Paper 18: 175‐82. OʹSullivan, A. 1990. Wood in Archaeology. Archaeology Ireland. 14: 68‐77. OʹSullivan, A. 2001. Foragers, farmers and fishers in a coastal landscape; an intertidal archaeological survey of the Shannon estuary. Dublin: Royal Irish Academy. OʹSullivan, A. and Van de Noort, R. 2007. Temporality, cultural biography and seasonality. In J. Barber, C. Clarke, M. Cressey, A. Crone, A. Hale, J. Henderson, R. Housley, R. Sands and A. Sheridan (eds). Archaeology from the wetlands: recent perspectives: Proceedings of the eleventh Rynne, C. 2006. Industrial Ireland 1750‐1930: An Archaeology. Cork: The Collins Press. van de Noort, R and OʹSullivan, A. 2006. Rethinking Wetland Archaeology. London: Duckworth van Geel B., Hallewas, D. P. and Pals, J. P. 1983. A late Holocene deposit under the Westfriest Zeedjik, near Enkhuizen (Prov. of N‐Holland, The Netherlands): paleoecology and archaeological aspects. Review of Paleobotany and Palynology. 31 269‐335. WARP conference, Edinburgh. Edinburgh: Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. Warp Occasional Paper 18: 67‐77. Woodman, P. 2006. Report on lithics from Site 34 in the Townland of Newrath, Co. Kilkenny. Unpublished Report for Headland Archaeology Ltd. Wren, J. 2003. Report on the Archaeological Assessment of Newrath Townland, N25 Waterford Bypass, Contract 2, Co. Kilkenny. Unpublished Report of Archaeological Development Services Ltd. Wilkins, B. 2005. Summary Report on Archaeological Investigations at Site 34 and 35 in the Townland of Newrath, Co. Kilkenny. Unpublished Report of Headland Archaeology Ltd. Wilkins, B. 2005. Preliminary Report on Archaeological Investigations at Site 34 and 35 in the Townland of Newrath, Co. Kilkenny. Unpublished Report of Headland Archaeology Ltd.


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Waterford

Reproduced from 1996 Ordnance Survey of Ireland 1:50,000 Discovery Series no 76, C Government of Ireland. Licence No. EN 0008102

Figure 1 - N25, Waterford Bypass, Contract 3: Site 34, 04E0319, location

SITE SITE

0 100 m

ADS previous trenchesHeadland Archaeology trenches

CPO

Large modern field drains

Site 34 Area 1 = 511 m Area 2 = 558 m Area 3 = 445 m Area 4 = 636 m Area 4b = 187 m Brick kiln = 330 m Additional testing Linear trenching = 1195 m

2 2 2 2

2 2

Site 34

Site 35

Brick kiln

1

2

3 4

4b

N

N

0 1000 m

SITESITE

Figure 2 - N25 Waterford Bypass, Contract 3: Site 34, 04E0319,Extract from Record of Monuments and Places map

Reproduced from 1950 Ordnance Survey of Ireland, Second Edition, Six Inch to One Mile map, Co Kilkenny Sheet 43, C Ordnance Survey of Ireland and Government of Ireland. Licence No. EN 0008105Reproduced from 1950 Ordnance Survey of Ireland, Second Edition, Six Inch to One Mile map, Co Kilkenny Sheet 43, C Ordnance Survey of Ireland and Government of Ireland. Licence No. EN 0008108

Red box marks the extent of the third panel from Figure 1

A

C

D

E

F

Bsite step

site step (in section)

Area 1

SUMP

timber structuresseen to continue

timber structuresseen to continue

Mesolithic chipped stone findspots

Mesolithic features cut into glacial till

Structures

Stones

Section reproduced for Area 1 in Figure 9

Mesolithic

Area 1 structures listed by phase

Iron Age

Bronze Age

3410134102341113411534124

3400534017

3400634007340143401534018340291680-1500 cal BC (UB-6900)

173-174 cal AD (UB-6903)

344-348 cal BC (UB-6903)

2112-1884 cal BC (UB-6902)

256-414 cal AD (UB-6904)

mound

3411534111

34101

34124

34102

34018

34015

34029

3400534007

34014

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34017

0 10 m

N

Figure 3 - N25, Waterford Bypass, Contract 3: Site 34, 04E319, Area 1features and structures

Section reproducedfor Area 2 in Figure 9

Cutting ICutting G

Cutting H

Area 2

line of Trench 19

line of Trench 1934504 timbers continue here (unrecorded)

sump

sump

sump

sump

sump

sump

sump

3450734504

34505


sump


34519

Bronze AgeArea 2 structures listed by phase

Medieval

3450534519

3450734504

1316-1436 cal AD (UB6907)1324-1441 cal AD (UB6906)1298-1421 cal AD (UB6465)

1488-1309 cal BC (UB6905)

2034-1780 cal BC (UB6464)

0 5 m

N

Figure 4 - N25 Waterford Bypass, Contract 3: Site 34, 04E0319, Area 2features and structures

Location of bulk samples

Area 3

341021

341032

341051

341071

341077

341024

341043

341059

341048

projected edgesof paleochannel

Burnt mound material

fulacht material

area ofcobbles

and compactedclay

0 5 m

N

Figure 5 - N25 Waterford Bypass, Contract 3: Site 34, 04E0319, Area 3 featues

0 2 m

341114341115

341097

341111341112

341094341102

341107

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sump

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341509

341510

341508

341507

341513

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Section reproduced for Area 4 in Figure 9

Raised areaof woody, fibrous peat

Location of bulk sample

Lower areaof silty peat

2200-1880 cal BC (UB-6908)2133-1901 cal BC (UB-6466)

2855-2488 cal BC (UB-6905)

0 5 m

N

Figure 6 - N25, Waterford Bypass, Contract 3: Site 34, 04E319, Area 4 structures

0 5 m

N

Figure 7 - N25, Waterford Bypass, Contract 3: Site 34, 04E319, Area 4b structures

341521

341522

sump

flooded

flooded

sump

sump

sump

large timber

Location of bulk sample

Strangsmill Stream

34507

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34525

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darklightlight

light

light

light

light

pinkpink

pinkpink

orange brown

dark darker

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dark

orange brownburnt clay and brick dust

North trench

South trench

North trench

South trench

exposed peat

Test trench

bricks

0 5 m

N

Figure 8 - N25, Waterford Bypass, Contract 3: Site 34, 04E319, Brick Kiln plan

Area 1

Area 2

Area 3Area 4

Area 4b0 25 m

N

Figure 9 - N25 Waterford Bypass, Contract 3: Site 34, 04E0319,Structures, features and deposits by phase

Mesolithic

Early - Middle Bronze Age

Late Bronze Age

Iron Age

Medieval

Dry zone

Intermediate zone

Deep channel, wet zone

0 50 m

Figure 10 - N25, Waterford Bypass, Contract 3: Site 34, archaeological zones, structures and section locations

Dry zone

Intermediate zone

Deep channel, wet zone

CPO Area

Headland Trenches

Testing Trenches

Sample sections (fig 11, 12)

Structures

Projected continuation of structures

N24

N

Area 1

Brick kiln

Area 2

Area 3 Area 4

Area 4b

deep modern drain

deep modern drain

deep modern drain

34004

34004 34034

34033 34032

34039

34008 34008 34001

34071

34070 34062

34057

34063

34069

34065

34004

34060 34060

34002

34037

34039

34045

stone

34074

34035

34001

34002

34045

34035

34036 34013

34043

34033

34037

34009

34004

34042

34021

Area 1 South facing section from Cutting B

Area 2 From Trench 19, opposite Cutting I

Area 4

E W SE NW W E

Figure 11 - N25, Waterford Bypass, Contract 3: Sample sections through deposits from Site 34

0 1 m

lower portion of section from Cutting I in Area 2, red level is consistent

the sections used are located on Figure 8, as red triangles and also on the idividual Area Plans, as

top of trackway accumulated organic sediment

Alluvial sediments

grey marl oxidised clay and sod

till till Glacial till

BHS3

14

BHS3

14

BHS3

13

BHS3

13

BH31

1B

BH31

1B

BH31

1 BH

311

BH31

1A

BH31

1A

BH31

0B

BH31

0B

BH30

8A

BH30

8A

BH30

2,R

302

BH30

2,R

302

BH30

1,R

301

BH30

1,R

301

BH30

5 BH

305

BHC

H28

0 BH

CH

280

BH31

0A

BH31

0A

BHS3

12

BHS3

12

BH30

8 BH

308

BH30

7 BH

307

BH30

6 BH

306 0 200 m

0 25 m

0 20 40 60 80 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 0 20 40 60 80 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 m

0 m OD

0 m OD 0 m OD

horizontal and verticalscale is consistent

Site section, vertical axis exagerrated 200% Trench 19

Channel section

Present ground surface

Alluvial sediments

Glacial till

Figure 12 - N25, Waterford Bypass, Contract 3: Site 34, 04E0319, Generalised stratigraphy derived from engineering bore-hole data compared with site section from Trench 19, to show location of archaeology in relation to underlying shelving terrace, accumulated organic sediments and alluvial sediments

A

A B

C

C

D

D C

D

B

Position of Area 2 in plan, relative to bore-hole data in section

dry land in prehistoric eras dry land in prehistoric eras

wetland in prehistoric eras

point at which channel deposits rise above present sea level

BHS314 BHS314

BHS313 BHS313

BH311B BH311B BH311 BH311

BH311A BH311A

BH310B BH310B

BH308A BH308A

BH304 BH304

BH302,R302 BH302,R302

BH301,R301 BH301,R301

BH305 BH305

BHCH280 BHCH280

BH310A BH310A

BHS312 BHS312

BH307 BH307

BH306 BH306 BH308 BH308

Representational line of channel section

‘Prongs’ used to align bore holes accurately into a simulated straight line

Bore-hole locations

Location of site section

Figure 13 - N25, Waterford Bypass, Contract 3: Site 34, 04E319, Mesolithic reconstruction

Figure 14 - N25, Waterford Bypass, Contract 3: Site 34, 04E319, Neolithic reconstruction

Figure 15 - N25, Waterford Bypass, Contract 3: Site 34, 04E319, Early Bronze Age reconstruction

Figure 16 - N25, Waterford Bypass, Contract 3: Site 34, 04E319, Later Bronze Age reconstruction

Figure 17 - N25, Waterford Bypass, Contract 3: Site 34, 04E319, Iron Age reconstruction

Figure 18 - N25, Waterford Bypass, Contract 3: Site 34, 04E319, Medieval reconstruction

Find number: 21Area 4,Rhyolite flake,weathered

Find number: 4Area 3,Large Rhyolite blade

Find number: 106Area 1,Flint,Obliquely retouched ondistal end

Find number: 14Area 4,Rhyolite blade,weathered

Find number: 103Area 1,Bann flake/Butt trimmed form

Figure 19 - N25 Waterford Bypass, Contract 3: Site 34, 04E0319, Late Mesolithic artefacts

0 5 cm

0 5 cm

Figure 20 - N25 Waterford Bypass, Contract 3: Site 34, 04E0319, Artefact Find number 13,partially modified stone with hour-glass perforation, broken in antiquity,

possibly re-used as a fishing weight

Figure 21 - N25 Waterford Bypass, Contract 3: Site 34, 04E319,Selection of Alder roundwoods, Area 4, Structure 341501 and 341512

Figure 22 - N25 Waterford Bypass, Contract 3: Site 34, 04E319,Alder roundwood, chisel end, Area 1, Structure 34007

Figure 23 - N25 Waterford Bypass, Contract 3: Site 34, 04E319,Felled Ash log 34W4001, Area 2, indicating felling techniqueswith two opposing notches cut at least 40cm from the ground

Figure 24 - N25 Waterford Bypass, Contract 3: Site 34, 04E319, worked wood

Notched ash piece 34W2010, Area 1, structure 34015. Re-used timber from radially cleft, fast grown ash

Notched alder piece 34W1595, Area 1, structure 34014. Re-used timber from log-split alder piece

Figure 25 - N25 Waterford Bypass, Contract 3: Site 34, 04E319,Rectangular edged jam curve from 34W3524, Area 2, Structure 34504

Figure 26 - N25 Waterford Bypass, Contract 3: Site 34, 04E319,Alder stake, pencil end, structure 34007, Area 1

Plate 1 - Area 1 Cutting A, section, facing north

Plate 2 - Area 1 Cutting A, Structure [34007] in (34039) facing north

Plate 3 - Area 2, showing cuttings I, H and J, facing east

Plate 4 - Area 2 Cutting I, showing marl filled channel [34512] over peat [34004], facing east

Plate 5 - Area 2 Cutting I, showing from base; peat deposit, brown silt, bands of peat interspersed with estuarine silt, facing north

Plate 6 - Area 3, timber lined trough [341077], facing east

Plate 7 - Area 4, showing trackway [341501] in foreground, facing north

Plate 8 - Excavation team cleaning peat from an early medieval platform in Area 2 prior to recording and sampling

Plate 9 - Bronze Age platform in Area 4 being cleaned prior to recording

Plate 10 - Brushwood structure, Area 1, Cutting A, looking west

Plate 11 - Iron Age trackway in Area 1 being drawn to ensure that the exact location of all worked wood was fully recorded


42

Context Registers Site 34 Context Register – Area 1 Structures and Cuts

Context Number

Area Type Description Interpretation

34005 1 Structure Wooden structure located within cuttings C/D. This was composed of a superstructure of small branches which were on top of larger round‐wood timbers which were laid longitudinal to the structures orientation (north‐south). Upright pegs were driven in on either side and through the structure to anchor it in position. Metal tool marks have been identified on the worked ends of many of the timbers. The more substantial elements of this structure were located to the north

This appeared to be a rudimentary togher or track way. The area that was raised above the surface of the peat appeared to have been colonised by shrubby tree growth. There was a definite slope discernible from top at north to base and the end of the structure at south.

34006 1 Structure Wooden structure. This was present in the upper level of cutting E. Constructed on a marl deposit (34035), it was composed of substantial amounts of brushwood. This was spread over several square metres, with a noticeable concentration towards the south of the cutting. Metal tool marks have been identified on the worked ends of many of the timbers.

This possibly represents an irregular shaped dump/platform of brushwood and some larger roundwood element. Extending north east from this concentration, there was a line of timbers that seemed to have the same orientation as the structure present at the same level in cutting B. Not all of this structure was visible as some was under the baulk.

34007 1 Structure Wooden structure located in cutting A, constructed within the fill of channel [34048]. It was visible as a linear arrangement of brushwood and longer roundwood elements with its long axis oriented north‐south. In addition to the main body of the structure there were a number of other outlying elements associated with the structure, e.g. upright stakes and pegs. Metal tool marks have been identified on the worked ends of many of the timbers.

This structure appeared to extend beyond the cutting to both the west and the south, along the orientation of the channel filled by (34039), (34032) and (34026). The structure was substantial enough to have served as a track way or possibly as a platform.


43

Context Number


34009 1, Cut B

Cut Cut of small dendritic channel. One of a number of such small channels that were all filled by the same silty fill. These channels display evidence of gradually silting up.

Filled by (34036). These small channels appear to have eroded their course out of the deposits (34013) and (34033).

34010 1, Cut B

Cut Cut of small dendritic channel. See [34009]

Filled by (34036). These small channels appear to have carved their course into the deposits (34013) and (34033).

34011 1, Cut B

Cut Cut of small dendritic channel. See [34009]

Filled by (34036). These small channels appear to have carved their course into these deposits (34013) and (34033).

34014 1 Structure Wooden structure, initially identified in cutting B. It was present as a linear arrangement of brushwood and roundwoods with its long axis oriented northeast to southwest. There were two distinct phases of this structure, a lower element within the peat (34004) and an upper element that was not directly physically associated it which was situated in peat and marl deposits (34035) and (34013)

This structure was constructed well enough to have functioned as a track way. It has a superstructure of loosely interwoven small branches and a substructure of larger roundwood branches.

34015 1 Structure Wooden structure identified in cutting F. The structure was visible primarily as a spread of brushwood elements running adjacent and parallel to the west facing baulk of the cutting. There was also a concentration of larger roundwood elements located to the south of the cutting. All elements were in association with the deposit (34035). This structure was relatively shallow in depth and may be related to structure [34006] present in the west of cutting E at a similar level. Metal tool marks were identified on a number of worked wood elements.

Possible brushwood platform. The relationship with the other structures in the area was unclear as only a small portion of this structure was exposed


44

Context Number


34017 1 Structure This was a possible structure located in Cutting E. It was an arrangement of stakes and may be related to the dump of stone [34029]. It appeared to the north of the cutting and was visible as an arc of stakes. All of these stakes are quite small in diameter (2cm). Metal toolmarks were identified on a number of worked wood elements. A linear arrangement of upright stakes was also located immediately to the south east of the stone dump and extended for two metres to the east into the baulk. It was similar in form to the stakes located to the north of the cutting.

Possible structure may be related to the dump of stony material (34029), which occurs south of the arc of stakes.

34018 1 Structure This was a curvilinear arrangement of timbers located in the northwest of cutting F. It may have been related to the structures [34007] in cutting A to the north and to structure [34015] in cutting F. The structure was composed of brushwood and some larger roundwood elements and was present at spit 2 only.

Curvilinear arrangement of timbers. Could have been associated with possible track way [34007] in cutting A and/or possible brushwood platform [34015] in cutting F.

34029 1 Structure? This feature consisted of a dump of stones located in spit level 3 of cutting E, specifically on a small area of very fibrous brown peat, which appears to have had the appearance of a dome of vegetation raised above the surrounding deposits. These stones were too large to have been carried in by water action and formed too discrete a structure so must have been brought here through human agency. There were traces of charcoal present on these stones and they appeared to have been shattered as a result of exposure to intense heat.

Phase 3, (On‐Site Stratigraphy) Possible hearth.


45

Context Number


34048 1 Cut Cut of a large channel filled by (34032)

in its northern section and by (34026) in its southern area. This large north south running channel was approx 2.20m wide at the top and 0.55m wide at the base. The channel was approx 0.65m deep. The measurements were taken from the baulk at the southern edge of the site. Overall length of channel approx 15m. Extended beyond the excavated area in either direction

Phase 3, (On‐Site Stratigraphy) This channel was identified both in cuttings A and F. It was also identified in the north facing baulk of the site edge south. This large channel appeared to have been silted up prior to the construction of any timber structures

34072 1 Possible feature

Timber concentration in south of cutting E. This was indicated on the plan as [34017]. This is incorrect, and it was probably natural tree growth that had died in situ.

Non structural timbers, this was evidence of tree growth on the peat. It appears that the tree died in situ and was covered by peat growth.

34073 1 Cut Cut of channel visible in section # 9, filled by (34036), area 1 cut A

Small dendritic channel similar to [34009]

Site 34 – Area 1 Extension/Mesolithic

Context Number


34100 1‐Ext Deposit Pale grey/brown silty clay with organic inclusions.

34101 1‐Ext Cut Sub circular/irregular shape in plan with concave sides and flat base.

Cut of possible pit or tree bole. Filled by (34105) to (34110)

34102 1‐Ext Cut Irregular shape with irregular sides and base.

Cut of a shallow burnt pit/spread. Filled by (34103) and (34104).

34103 1‐Ext Fill Blackish brown peat with frequent charcoal inclusions. Loose compaction.

Upper fill of small shallow pit [34102].

34104 1‐Ext Fill Grey/brown sandy clay. Firm compaction.

Lower fill of small shallow pit [34102].

34105 1‐Ext Fill Mid brown peat with occasional fine pebble and angular stone inclusions. Moderate compaction.

Fill of possible pit or tree bole [34102]

34106 1‐Ext Fill Dark brown peat with occasional fine pebble inclusions. Moderate compaction.


34107 1‐Ext Fill Mid brown/grey silty clay with occasional pebble and medium angular



46

Context Number


stone inclusions. 34108 1‐Ext Fill Mid brown /grey silty sandy clay with

moderate inclusions of large stones. Moderate compaction.


34109 1‐Ext Fill Mid brown peat with very occasional large stone inclusions. Moderate compaction.


34110 1‐Ext Fill Grey/light brown silty clay/peat with frequent medium and large stone inclusions. Moderate to firm compaction.


34111 1‐Ext Cut Linear shape in plan with steep sides and rounded base.

Cut of possible pit. Could be naturally formed by water flow. Filled by (34117), (34118) and (34125)

34112 1‐Ext Deposit Dark brown sandy loam. Firm compaction.

Deposit fill of [34111], same as [34117].

34113 1‐Ext Deposit Light to mid brown/grey fine sandy silty with very occasional flecks of charcoal and occasional small rounded fragments of limestone and root material inclusions. Firm compaction.

Possibly upcast redeposited natural which formerly occupied the space within a tree bole.

34114 1‐Ext Deposit Mid brown/grey fine sandy silt with occasional small rounded fragments of limestone and moderate root material inclusions. Moderate compaction.

Mixture of peat and redeposited glacial till.

34115 1‐Ext Cut Irregular shape in plan. Steep sides at northeast and south and becoming more gradual elsewhere. Uneven base.

Cut of tree bole. Filled by (34113) and (34114).

34116 1‐Ext Deposit Brownish grey silty clay. Moderate compaction. Deposit was originally part of [34124], later slumping into the [34101].

Deposit containing a mixture of peat from cut [34101] and mound [34124].

34117 1‐Ext Fill Dark grey/brown silty clay loam with occasional charcoal inclusions. Firm compaction.

Fill of [34111]

34118 1‐Ext Fill Pinkish mid to pale grey/brown silty clay loam with frequent stone inclusions of various sizes. Firm compaction.

Primary fill of [34111].

34119 1‐Ext Deposit Light grey fine sand with no inclusions. Very loose compaction.

Lowest deposit of mound 34124.

34120 1‐Ext Deposit Light grey/brown sandy silt. Friable. Occasional stone (3cm) inclusions. Very loose compaction.

Deposit in mound 34124. Above (34119).

34121 1‐Ext Deposit Light grey fine sandy silty clay with frequent root material inclusions. Very

Deposit in mound 34124. Above (34121).


47

Context Number


loose compaction. 34122 1‐Ext Deposit Dark brown medium sand with very

frequent root material inclusions. Very loose compaction.

Deposit in mound 34124.

34123 1‐Ext Deposit Light grey gritty, sandy silt with frequent root inclusions and occasional small stone inclusions.

Deposit in mound 34124.

34124 1‐Ext Deposit Mound 3m x 0.70m. 0.60m depth. A mound of redeposit. 34125 1‐Ext Deposit Dark brown silty loam with occasional

decayed, bluish stone inclusions. It contained frequent charcoal. Moderately loose compaction.

Charcoal rich fill of possible pit [34111].

Site 34 Context Register –Area 2 Structures

Context Number


34504 2 Structure This structure was located in the central cutting H. In the main part it was a continuous linear spread of brushwood with its long axis orientated north‐south. It extended beyond the cutting to the south and may extend under the baulk to the west to join up with the structure [34507] in cutting I. The centre of the structure appeared to have been expanded into a type of platform constructed of the same type of brushwood as the main body of the track way. Metal toolmarks were identified on worked wood elements found throughout the structure.

Possibly a wooden togher or track way which expanded in the middle to form a possible platform.

34505 2 Structure This structure was located in the eastern part of cutting G. It consisted of a series of upright vertical posts and pegs, concentrations of brushwood and less dense concentrations of larger roundwood elements. There were three distinct concentrations of brushwood in this structure. Metal toolmarks were identified on worked wood elements found throughout the structure

Possible brushwood track way or platform.


48

Context Number


34507 2 Structure This structure was located in the westernmost cutting, cutting I. The main part of the structure appeared to have a northeast to southwest orientation and was mostly composed of brushwood branches laid parallel and adjacent to each other. Metal toolmarks were identified on worked wood elements found throughout the structure

Possible brushwood platform and or Track way

34512 2 Cut Cut of channel in cutting I Channel contained a light to mid grey pure marl deposit

34519 2 Structure This structure was located in cutting G, beneath the structure [34505] and may be a part of its substructure. It is composed of large upright posts that were driven into the glacial till (34021). Metal toolmarks were identified on several of these pieces.

Possibly a substructure of structure [34505].

Site 34 – Area 2 Extension Context Register

Context Number


34601 2‐Ext Cut Rectangular shape in plan. Irregular profile with gentle break of slope at base and a flat base.

Cut of burnt pit. Filled by (34602), (34603), (34604), (34608)

34602 2‐Ext Fill Blue/grey clay. Moderate compaction with frequent charcoal flecks throughout.

Fill of a shallow pit [34601] that had burning in situ.

34603 2‐Ext Fill Black, charcoal rich fill of [34601]. Loose compaction.


34604 2‐Ext Fill Black, brown, pinkish brown (due to in situ burning) sandy loam. Moderate compaction. Very occasional large stone inclusions (5%).


34605 2‐Ext Deposit Light brown silt deposit. Probably just a variation of the sandy loam natural.

34606 2‐Ext Deposit An orange streaked grey clay deposit ‐ occurs as a circular shape in plan.

Probably just a variation of the sandy loam natural.

34607 2‐Ext Deposit A light brown sandy loam. Probably just a variation of the sandy loam natural

34608 2‐Ext Deposit Light brown sandy, clayey silt with yellow tints. Loose compaction. No inclusions.

Lens in a shallow pit, [34601], that had burning in situ.


49

34609 2‐Ext Deposit A concentration of small cylindrical finds/samples. Find #’s 34601‐34604.

Probably natural but maybe anthropogenic.

Site 34 Context Register – Area 3

Context Number


34008 3 Deposit Topsoil layer composed of topsoil vegetation.

Topsoil

341002 3 Deposit Yellow white clay with orange flecking, below (31008)

Subsoil

341003 3 Deposit Light grey silty clay with 20% orange flecking, below (341002)

Subsoil

341004 3 Deposit Black slag/mineral deposit over charcoal rich burnt stone deposit

Mineralised deposit that post dates the deposition of charcoal rich burnt stone. Possibly manganese.

341005 3 Deposit Very compact mid grey/white clay (ash?) immediately above (341006)

Ash deposit. This may be evidence for the in situ burning heating of the stones on the mound of discarded burnt stone fragments

341006 3 Deposit Charcoal rich burnt stone Fragmentary heat shattered stone mixed with charcoal clay and ash.

341007 3 Fill Dark brown silty clay. Fill of [341008]

341008 3 Cut Curvilinear feature in plan with an irregular profile.

Cut of curvilinear feature, filled by (341007)

341009 3 Fill Top fill of possible trough in the SE quadrant

This is the top deposit in the burnt mound spread

341010 3 Deposit Irregular in plan. Light yellow brown sandy clay.

Deposit, including slag, mineral rock and some quartz.

341012 3 Fill Dark grey sandy silt Fill of possible stakehole [341013]

341013 3 Cut Oval shape in plan with steeply sloping sides (75 degrees). Concave base.

Cut of possible stakehole. Filled by (341012)

341014 3 Fill Grey sandy silt, medium compaction Fill of possible stakehole [341015]

341015 3 Cut Oval/sub circular in Very gradual slope on sides. Very shallow.


341017 3 Cut Sub circular in plan. Steep slope (75 degrees). Concave base.


341018 3 Fill Grey sandy silt with charcoal Fill of possible stakehole


50

Context Number


inclusions. Medium compaction. [341017] 341019 3 Deposit Dark grey silty clay with wood and

charcoal inclusions. Medium compaction.

Possible redeposit, overlapping wood, charcoal and wood lined pit. Wood most likely invasive roots etc

341020 3 Deposit Medium grey sandy silty clay. Deposit or possible shallow pit

341021 3 Cut Linear feature with irregular edges. Stone lined base.

Cut of possible pit.

341022 3 Fill Mid grey sandy silty clay with some charcoal flecking. Very loosely compacted.

Fill of [341023]

341023 3 Cut Linear shape in plan. Gradually sloping sides with flat base.

Cut of linear feature. Filled by (341022)

341024 3 Cut Sub circular in plan with gradually sloping sides with concave base.

Cut of possible pit.

341025 3 Deposit Dark grey clayey sand with burnt and heat shattered stone inclusions. Loosely compacted.

Fill of pit [341024]

341026 3 Deposit Yellow with orange and grey mottling, sandy silt with charcoal and burnt stone inclusions. Fairly loose compaction.

Fill of [341059] These may not be a separate feature. They may be part of the burnt mound that has filled a natural hollow

341027 3 Deposit Orange/brown sandy silt with charcoal inclusions. Medium compaction.

Same as above

341028 3 Deposit Orange/brown clayey silt. Fairly loose compaction.

Same as above

341029 3 Cut Almost oval shape in plan. Gradual to steep slope at sides with flat base.

Possible posthole. Filled by (341030)

341030 3 Deposit Yellow/black sandy clay with charcoal inclusions. Hard compaction.

Fill of possible posthole [341029]

341031 3 Deposit Irregular in plan. Grey silty clay with charcoal, brushwood and gravel inclusions. Firm compaction.

Irregular shaped spread of silty clay.

341032 3 Cut Irregular/oval shape in plan. Gradual slope on sides with flat base. Located on raised area to north of paleochannel. Area consisted of well compacted clay and sub rounded stones set into a slight natural depression

Possible metalled/cobbled area. This may be a work area related possibly to the wood lined trough located to the south west

341033 3 Deposit Light grey with yellow mottling with charcoal and frequent stone inclusions.

Related to (341032)

341034 3 Deposit Light grey silty clay with charcoal and ash inclusions. Very loosely

Secondary fill of linear cut [341023]


51

Context Number


compacted. 341035 3 Cut Small, oval shape in plan. Gradually

sloping sides with flat base. Cut of possible posthole. Filled by (341036)

341036 3 Fill Grey/pink sandy clay with charcoal and small stone inclusions.


341037 3 Cut Small, oval shape in plan with concave base.

Cut of possible posthole. Filled by (341038)

341038 3 Fill Black/grey sandy clay with charcoal inclusions. Hard compaction.


341039 3 Cut Small, oval shape in plan. Gradually sloping sides with concave base.


341040 3 Fill Black/grey sandy clay with charcoal inclusions. Hard compaction.

Fill of possible posthole [341039].

341041 3 Cut Small, oval shape in plan. Gradually sloping sides with flat base.


341042 3 Fill Grey/yellow/pink sandy clay with charcoal and heat effected stone inclusions. Hard compaction.


341045 3 Fill Dark brown/black sandy clay with charcoal and heat shattered stone inclusions.


341046 3 Fill Grey sandy silt with charcoal and burnt stone inclusions.

Fill of [341047]

341047 3 Cut Oval shape in plan with gradually sloping sides. Flat base, sloping gently towards south west.

Cut of pit. Filled by (341046) and (341045).

341049 3 Deposit Black sandy silt with charcoal, ash and burnt stone inclusions. Medium compaction.

Related to the heating of the burnt stones, possible hearth

341050 3 Cut Rectangular shape in plan with steep sides and flat base. Shallow.

Cut of trench. Filled by (341062) and (341070).

341051 3 Cut Oval shape in plan. Gradually sloping sides with irregular base.

Cut of possible pit. Filled by (341052)

341052 3 Fill Black/grey silty clay with charcoal and burnt stone inclusions. Loosely compacted.

Charcoal rich fill of possible pit [341051]

341053 3 Fill Grey with orange/yellow mottling. Clayey silt. Moderately compacted.


341054 3 Fill Grey sandy silt. Loose compaction. Fill of pit [341047]. Possible redeposit wash.

341055 3 Fill Yellow/light brown with burnt stone inclusions. Loose compaction.

Fill of pit [341047]. Possible redeposit wash.

341057 3 Fill Grey, coloured by iron oxidation. Sandy clay. Moderate to hard compaction.


341059 3 Cut Sub circular shape in plan. Gradually sloping sides with regular flat base.

Cut of possible pit containing charcoal and burnt stone. Filled by


52

Context Number


(341060) 341060 3 Fill Very light grey silty clay. Loosely

compacted. Fill of possible pit [341059]

341061 3 Fill Light grey sand with orange mottling and charcoal inclusions. Very loosely compacted.

Fill of possible pit [341059]

341062 3 Deposit Mid grey with orange mottling (caused by oxidation). Silty clay with very occasional inclusions of brushwood and charcoal flecking. Mid to firm compaction.

Uppermost deposit in the north east side of the paleochannel in the southwest quadrant.

341063 3 Deposit Orange brown silty sandy gravel. Medium compaction.

Deposit related to paleochannel

341064 3 Deposit Mid grey clayey sand with very occasional charcoal flecking, brushwood and roots and small sub angular stone inclusions. Medium compaction.


341065 3 Deposit Mid yellowish brown with very occasional charcoal inclusions. Loose compaction.


341066 3 Deposit Mid brownish grey silty sand with very occasional charcoal flecking and undecayed organic material.


341067 3 Deposit Mid brownish grey silty sand with very frequent undecayed organic material and very occasional charcoal flecking and coarse sand. Medium compaction


341068 3 Deposit Mid grey brown silty sand with very frequent coarse gravel. Loose ompaction.


341069 3 Deposit Mid grey brown silty sand with frequent undecayed organic remains and very occasional charcoal flecking. Medium compaction.


341070 3 Fill Mid yellowish grey sandy clay with orange mottling due to oxidation, containing very occasional undecayed organic material and very occasional charcoal flecking. Mid to firm compaction.

Deposit relating to paleochannel

341071 3 Cut Sub circular shape in plan with irregular, gradually sloping sides. Flat, slightly irregular base.

Cut of possible pit/trough containing charcoal and wood. Filled by (341072)


53

Context Number


and (341073). 341072 3 Fill Light grey silty clay with charcoal and

burnt stone inclusions. Loose compaction.

Fill of possible pit/trough [341071]

341073 3 Fill Very dark grey clay with brown mottling and burnt/heat shattered stone inclusions. Loosely compacted.

Fill of possible pit/trough [341071]

341074 3 Fill Dark grey silty clay with 5% sand inclusions, occasional burnt stone and frequent charcoal inclusions. Very loosely compacted.

Fill of pit [341059].

341075 3 Deposit Black, charcoal rich sandy clay with burnt stone inclusions. Loose compaction.

Burnt deposit west of possible trough [341032] and above wood lined trough, [341077].

341076 3 Cut Circular shape in plan with gradually sloping sides. Flat even base.

Pit

341077 3 Cut Rectangular cut of timber lined trough. Cut into edge of east west running paleochannel at south of area 3. Trough at south was cut into natural yellowish clay deposit and at north it was cut into silty sand most likely deposited by the paleochannel. Roughly half of the trough was in each deposit. Dimension of cut for trough, east west 1.65.m approx. The trough was wider at its eastern end 0.95m than its western 0.70m. The base of the trough consisted of a two well made large planks. The larger of which, located to the north, was doweled into position.

This trough was quite shallow. At most the timbers survived to a height of 0.17m above the base of the cut. The fill of the trough consisted of a compact mass of small burnt stone fragments, charcoal and washed in silt and sand. It was unclear as to whether the trough had originally been deeper and had been truncated of eroded by later activity

341078 3 Fill Dark brown/black sandy clay with very frequent charcoal and stone inclusions. Very loosely compacted.


341079 3 Fill Dark brown/black sticky sandy clay with inclusions of charcoal chunks. Very loosely compacted.

Charcoal rich fill of possible posthole [341086].

341080 3 Fill Dark brown/black sticky sandy clay with very frequent charcoal inclusions. Very loosely compacted.

Charcoal rich fill of possible posthole [341087]

341081 3 Fill Dark brown/black sandy clay with very frequent charcoal inclusions and occasional burnt stone inclusions. Very loose compaction.


341082 3 Fill Dark brown/black sandy, silty clay with very frequent charcoal inclusions and occasional small stone inclusions.



54

Context Number


Very loose compaction. 341083 3 Fill Dark brown/black sandy silty clay with

very frequent charcoal inclusions and occasional small stone inclusions. Very loosely compacted.


341084 3 Fill Dark brown/black silty sandy clay with moderate charcoal inclusions and occasional small stone inclusions. Very loosely compacted.


341085 3 Cut Sub circular in plan with steeply sloping sides (80 degrees) and concave base.


341086 3 Cut Circular shape in plan with steeply sloping sides and concave but uneven base.

Cut of possible posthole. Filled by (341079).

341087 3 Cut Sub circular to oval in plan with steeply sloping sides and a flat uneven base.


341088 3 Cut Oval shape in plan with steeply sloping sides and uneven, concave base

Cut of possible stake hole. Filled by (341081)

341089 3 Cut Circular shape in plan with steeply sloping sides and a concave base.


341090 3 Cut Very irregular shape in plan and irregular profile – steep slope on all sides. Flat base.


341091 3 Cut Circular shape in plan with steeply sloping sides. Concave base.


340192 3 Cut Circular shape in plan, steep sides and concave base. Packing stone at base.

Cut of possible posthole. Filled by [341093].

341093 3 Fill Black silty sandy clay with very frequent charcoal, occasional burnt stone inclusions. Loosely compacted.

Charcoal rich fill of possible stake hole [341092]

341094 3 Cut Circular shape in plan. Steep slope on sides with concave base.


341095 3 Fill Black silty sandy clay with very frequent charcoal inclusions and occasional burnt stone inclusions.


341096 3 Fill Black/dark grey sandy clay with very frequent charcoal inclusions and occasional heat effected stone inclusions. Loosely compacted.


341097 3 Cut Circular to oval shape in plan with irregular profile. Flat base.

Cut of possible posthole. Filled by(341096)

341099 3 Deposit Dark brown sandy silty clay with occasional charcoal inclusions. Loosely compacted.

This material was adjacent to the trough and a fill within the paleochannel.


55

Context Number


341100 3 Cut Circular shape in plan with steep sides. Round tapered.


341101 3 Cut Circular shape in plan with steep sides. Round tapered.


341102 3 Cut Circular shape in plan. Steep sides. Round tapered.


341103 3 Fill Black/grey/brown/yellow mix. Sandy silty clay with very frequent charcoal and packing stone inclusions. Loosely compacted.


341104 3 Fill Black/grey/brown/yellow mix. Silty sandy clay with charcoal inclusions (30%) and burnt stone inclusions (30%).


341105 3 Fill Black/very dark grey/brown/yellowish mix. Silty clay with charcoal (20%), burnt stone (5%) and small stone inclusions (5%).


341107 3 Cut Circular shape in plan. Round tapered. Cut of possible stake hole. Filled by (341109)


341109 3 Fill Grey/black silty clay with moderate charcoal inclusions (30%). Loosely compacted.


341110 3 Fill Yellow/black silty clay with charcoal (40%) and burnt stone (30%) inclusions. Loosely compacted.

Charcoal rich fill of possible stake hole [341108].

341111 3 Cut Oval shape in plan. V‐tapered. Cut of possible stake hole. Filled by (341118)


341113 3 Cut Circular shape in plan. Round tapered. Cut of possible stake hole, Filled by (341120)

341114 3 Cut Circular shape in plan. V‐tapered. Cut of possible stake hole. Filled by (341121)


341116 3 Cut Oval shape in plan. Steep side. U‐shaped profile.

Cut of possible stake hole. Filled by (341123).

341117 3 Cut Oval shape in plan. Irregular profile. Cut of possible stake hole. Filled by (341124)

341118 3 Fill Grey silty clay with charcoal inclusions (20%). Hard compaction.

Fill of possible stake hole [341111}

341119 3 Fill Black/grey silty clay with charcoal Charcoal rich fill of


56

Context Number


(40%) and very small burnt/heat effected (30%) inclusions.

possible stake hole [341112].

341120 3 Fill Black/grey silty clay with charcoal (40%) and very small burnt/heat effected stone inclusions. Loosely compacted.


341121 3 Fill Black/grey silty clay with charcoal (50%) and very small burnt/heat shattered stone (40%) inclusions.


341122 3 Fill Black/grey silty clay with charcoal (60%) and very small burnt stone (30%) inclusions. Loosely compacted.


341123 3 Fill Black/grey/yellow silty clay with charcoal (40%) inclusions. Loosely compacted.


341124 3 Fill Black/grey/yellow silty clay with charcoal inclusions (30%). Loosely compacted


Site 34 – Area 4 and 4B Structures

Context Number

Type Type Description Interpretation

341501 4 Structure This structure was a large timber track way comprised of 8 large roundwoods that were laid parallel to each other. The superstructure as described was placed on top of a smaller transverse roundwood timber located under the western end of the track way. The structures long axis was oriented north, northeast to south, southwest. To either end of this section of parallel roundwoods were smaller parallel timbers and some upright elements that secured them in position. To the west of the central section the structures direction veers towards the south. All of these timbers exhibited toolmarks made by metal axes/adzes.

A large timber track way comprised of 8 large roundwoods. This structure also contained two less well constructed portions, one at the west and one at the east. The eastern element may be connected to the structure [34009] located on the raised peat area to the east of the site. To the west of the parallel timber section, the structure was comprised of smaller less well put together elements

341507 4 Structure This structure was located on the raised eastern part of the area and consists mainly of a small brushwood concentration and a small number of upright stakes and pegs. It was a shallow structure, roughly ovate/circular in shape. Several timbers

Possible brushwood platform.


57

Context Number


exhibit metal toolmarks

341508 4 Structure This structure was located on the raised eastern part of the area. The upper part of this structure consisted of a dense concentration of small brushwood elements which formed a roughly oval shape. Beneath this upper brushwood concentration were located a number of large sub structural roundwoods. Numerous small upright stakes were found within and adjacent to the structure. several elements bore evidence of metal toolmarks

A small platform measuring 1.5m in width and 1.6m in length.

341509 4 Structure This structure consisted of upright posts and a concentration of brushwood and larger roundwood elements.

Possible platform/small track way running in the direction of track way [341501].

341510 4 Structure This structure was located in the northern part of the raised area at the east of the excavated area and was composed mainly of a brushwood concentration visible only at spit 1.

Possible platform/small track way.

341511 4 Structure This structure was located in the north eastern part of the site. It consisted of a possible brushwood platform with a less dense concentration of brushwood and upright posts extended to the west. This was a shallow structure, 0.10m deep approximately. Several upright stakes were present in and near this structure.

Possible brushwood platform.

341512 4 Structure This structure was located in the west of the cutting. It was composed of brushwood and some larger roundwood elements laid parallel and adjacent to each other and there were several upright stakes driven through the structure to anchor these into position. Metal tool marks were identified on a number of worked wood elements.

This structure was either a small track way or a platform.


58

Context Number


341513 4 Structure This structure was situated adjacent to and extending beyond the southern limit of excavation of the site. It was composed of 2 main parts, a lower substructure, which comprised of a large dark coloured timber laid horizontally, and an upper superstructure which consisted of light coloured branches and brushwood that were loosely interwoven together and placed on top of the substructure.

This structure was a potential small togher or track way.

341514 4 Structure This structure was a linear arrangement of parallel roundwood elements which extend in a north‐south orientation form the site edge baulk in a southerly direction. In addition to the parallel roundwoods there was also a scatter of brushwood elements extending to the north in the direction of structure [341501]. Of particular interest is the arc of four upright posts that extended from the northern edge of [341514] towards the southern edge of the large trackway [341501].

Possible togher extending beyond the limit of excavation to the south. Although only a small amount of this structure was uncovered, its stratigraphic location and the manner of its construction all indicate that it was contemporary with the other trackway and platform elements in this area.

341521 4B Structure This structure was located to the south excavated area 4. It consisted of a linear structure composed of brushwood and larger roundwood elements laid together horizontally with their long axis respecting the structures orientation. A number of upright pegs and stakes were located within the linear structure and others were located nearby.

Possible brushwood/roundwood platform or track way. This structure was not excavated in its entirety.

341522 4B Structure This structure was located in the northern part of area 4B. It was composed of both horizontal and upright elements. The horizontal elements consisted of discontinuous parallel roundwoods which extended in a north south direction. There were also a number of associated roundwood and brushwood elements as well as numerous upright stakes and posts. Metal toolmarks were

Possible brushwood platform/track way.


59

Context Number


evident on a number of worked wood elements.

Site 34 context registers – Wetland deposit registers

Context Number


34001 1, 2 and 4

Deposit Colour: Light/mid grey with orange/brown mottling and also black mottling. Mottling : Orange brown mottling:

• Abundance = many 20‐40% • Size = very fine, 1‐2 mm • Contrast = distinct • Sharpness = diffuse, >2mm

transition Consistence: Resistance to soil rupture is strong/moderately strong. Structure: Strongly developed, sub angular, blocky (mixed rounded, flattened faces with many rounded vestrues). Boundary : of (34001), (34008)

• Distinctness = gradual • Zone of uncertainty = 50‐150mm • Form = irregular

Pores and voids: Very fine fissures, very fine macropores. Root and plant remains : Moderate amount of intrusive living roots from topsoil layer, becoming less frequent in the lower part of the deposit

Phase 5 (On‐Site Stratigraphy) This deposit was found directly beneath the topsoil throughout the site. It had the appearance of very compact orangey grey clay. It is believed that the formation of this deposit was caused by the lowering of the water table in this area related to the east west running field drains. The water loss from the sediments caused the compact, sterile fine particled clay to form. The orange colour is evidence of redox phenomena associated with oxidation of the deposit (34001).

34002 1, 2 and 4

Deposit Colour: Predominantly blue/grey with orange mottling. Mottling : Orange rust coloured

• Abundance = Very many >40% • Size = medium to coarse >5cm • Contrast = prominent • Sharpness = clear <2mm

transition Texture : Silty clay loam (very adhesive) Fibre content = <5%. No stones. Consistence: Resistance to soil rupture = very firm. Structure: Apedal – massive (no discernable structure). Boundary : Not known Pores and Voids : None

Phase 5. (on‐site stratigraphy) Oxidised peat and marl. Due to water loss and drying out after early modern drainage in the area, the deposit became more compact as described above. This process does not appear to have been uniform throughout the site.


60

Context Number


Root/plant remains : None

34003 1,2 and 4

Deposit Colour: Light to mid grey colour.Mottling: a light orange brown tint was recorded; this may be due to the presence of fine grass roots. Texture: Silt/very fine marl. Very low fibre content <5%. Boundary : Flat/ horizontal boundary

Phase 3 and 4. (on‐site stratigraphy) Estuarine mud deposited during flooding events. Formed a layer over much of the excavation area. This deposit was the latest inundation event that we can identify. Above this the deposits have been subject to water loss, oxidation and compaction.

34004 1,2 and 4

Deposit Colour: A very uniform mid brown.Mottling: No indication of the presence of the oxidisation of iron. Texture: An organic horizon. Fibre content = > 25% Consistence : Very weak Structure: Very weakly developed. Boundary: Not known. Pores and Voids : Fissures : 1‐3mm = fine Root/plant remains: No live roots/plants.

Phase 3 and 2 (on‐site stratigraphy) This deposit is a freshwater peat. The upper levels of which have produced some cultural material. The peat whilst appearing to be a deep homogenous deposit was sampled in two separate locations. Macrofossil analysis has identified two distinct phases of vegetation from the samples. The cultural material can be associated with the uppermost of the two samples (34004A)

34004B 1,2 and 4

Deposit Colour: Very dark brown with occasional black inclusions. Texture: Organic horizon. H6 – well decomposed (plant structure indistinct). Most remains unidentifiable. Fibre content <2%. Stones:

• Size = Very small (2‐6mm) sub angular.

• Abundance = very slightly stony (<5%)

Consistence: Resistance to soil rupture = very weak. Force applied between thumb and forefinger. Adhesive when wet (crumbles when dry).

Phase2 (on‐site stratigraphy) This deposit was a freshwater peat. This sample was taken from the lower levels of a seemingly deep homogenous deposit. Macrofossil analysis has identified that there was a change in the vegetation that formed the peat between the upper and lower parts of the deposit.


61

Context Number


Structure: Weakly developed.Boundary: Not known. Pores and Voids : Fissures = medium Macropores = very fine Root/plant remains : None

34008 1,2,3 and 4

Deposit Topsoil, consisting of topsoil vegetation. Phase 6 (on‐site stratigraphy)

34012 1 Deposit Colour : light grey, colour uniform throughout deposit, no evidence for mottling Texture: very soft silt deposit Structure : very weakly developed Consistence : adhesive when wet Boundary : sharp and clear between the deposit (34013)

Phase 3 and 4, (on‐site stratigraphy). This deposit of soft fine silt had almost certainly an estuarine/marine origin. This was visible as an arc of material set into the deposit (34013). This may be evidence for a dendritic channel albeit quite a small one

34013 1 and 2

Deposit Colour: Original colour = light to mid brown, goes very dark brown/black on extended exposure. Mottling : Unidentified Texture: Organic horizon. H5 (moderately decomposed). Fibre content = <2%. No stones. Small pieces of timber. Consistence: Very weak. Structure: Weakly developed. Pores and Voids: Fissures = medium to coarse. Macropores = very fine <0.5 Root/plant remains : None

Phase 3 (on‐site stratigraphy) Peat/marl mixture. Evidence for gradual inundation of reed peat with gradual deposition of sediment. The majority of the structures in Area 1 were found to have a direct physical relationship with this deposit.

34016 1 (section 7, sheet3)

Deposit Colour : Grey Texture: Silt/marl. Contains a high percentage of reeds, a low percentage of brushwood and low fibre content.

Phase 2 and 3 (on‐site stratigraphy) This deposit appeared as a lens of material within the peat deposit (34004). It appeared as a band of material in section within the eastern edge of the site. This may be related to an inundation event.

34019 1 Deposit Colour : Dark blackTexture: Organic horizon Peat rich pocket with timber. Contains a high percentage of reed and brushwood. Several large timbers were located here also. Deposit contains more than 50% brushwood and timber in its composition

Phase 3 and 4 (on‐site stratigraphy) Lens of wood rich material within (34004). Possible tree throw. This tree may indicate a localised colonisation of a dryer raised area of vegetation


62

Context Number


rather than being indicative of a marine regression event where we would see greater evidence for colonisation by less water tolerant species. This appears to represent an individual tree. That has died in situ.

34020 1 Deposit Colour : GreyTexture : Fine particles silt Consistence : Structure: Apedal Boundary : Marl and peat mixture below (34004) and within (34022)

Phase 2 and 3 (on‐site stratigraphy) This deposit may be indicative of a transgression event. (34020) was located above a number of peat deposits (34023) and (34022) and it was located below (34004) another widespread peat deposit. The grey colour and fine particle size of the deposit (34020) show the marine/ estuarine origin of this deposit. This transgression event appeared to have been a short lived phenomena, as the formation of peat (34004) continued after (34020) has been deposited.

34021 1, 2 and 4

Deposit Colour: Whitish/grey, no mottles present.Texture: Loamy sand. Moderately stony, sub rounded stones. Consistence : Weak Structure : Apedal massive Boundary : Sharp/smooth Pores and voids: Very fine fissures and very fine macropores. Roots and plant remains : None

Phase 1 (on‐site stratigraphy) Till formed by glacial activity during the last stadial event in the region. This land surface has produced material of a late Mesolithic date. The land surface was then covered by the encroachment of freshwater peat (34004)

34022 1 Deposit Colour: Mid brown with orange tint.Texture: Peat. Contained a high percentage of fibres and a moderate percentage of reeds. This was an organic horizon.

Phase 2 (on‐site stratigraphy) Peat whose differences from (34004) may result from micro ecological changes in the character of the reed swamp. This peat was formed prior to any marine transgression events.

34023 1 Deposit Colour : uniform Light brown Phase 2 (on‐site stratigraphy)


63

Context Number


Mottling : noneTexture: Peat. H5 on von post scale Consistence : very weakly developed Boundary : diffuse Pores and voids : none Roots and plant remains: Contained a high percentage of reeds, a low percentage of brushwood and low fibre content. None of which were intrusive

Almost identical to (34004)

34024 1 Deposit Colour : Rich dark brownMottling : none Texture: Peat with <10% reed and high percentage of wood. Moderately fibrous Consistence : very weakly developed Boundary : diffuse Pores and voids : none Roots and plant remains : none

Phase 2 (on‐site stratigraphy) Peat almost identical to (34004).

34025 1 Deposit Colour : Brownish greyTexture: Peat, organic horizon, H5 on von post scale. Contains moderate amount of rounded, sub rounded and angular stones, at 5%. These vary in size from 0.2cm p to 4‐5cm in diameter. These stones are very similar to those present within the till deposit (34021) Consistence : weakly developed Structure : Apedal Boundary : diffuse,> 2mm. Difficult to discern from the deposit above Pores and voids: none Roots and plant remains : none

Phase 1 and 2 (on‐site stratigraphy) This was probably an interface layer. It was located immediately above the glacial till (34021) and beneath a thick deposit of peat (34004). (34025) was almost identical to (34046) which has the same stratigraphic position. It contained moderate amounts of reed and brushwood. Moderately fibrous

34026 1 Deposit Colour : Dark grey marl Mottling : none present Texture: Silty peat, H5 on von post scale. 35% peat/ 75% silt Consistence : weakly developed Boundary : diffuse Pores and voids : none Roots and plant remains : none

Phase 2 and 3, (on‐site stratigraphy) This deposit was located at the south of cutting 1. It appeared to be the fill of a channel measuring 0.40m across at the base and 2m wide at the top. The channel was approximately 0.60m deep. Immediately above the channel but still within the context was located a concentration of timber and brushwood mixture with more peat than in (34003). It was above (34004).


64

Context Number


34027 1 Deposit Colour : light brown greyMottling : none Texture: silty peat Consistence : weakly developed Boundary : diffuse Pores and voids : none Roots and plant remains : none

Phase 3, (on‐site stratigraphy) recorded as being an interface between (34003) and (34004), this deposit exhibited characteristics of both deposits

34028 1 Deposit Colour : Brown with a grey tintMottling : None Texture : organic horizon 70% peat Consistence : very weakly developed Boundary: diffuse Pores and voids : none Roots and plant remains: none

Phase 3, (on‐site stratigraphy) A predominantly peat, peat and marl mixture. This deposit was present only as a lens and was not recorded anywhere else in the excavation.

34030 1 Deposit Colour : Grey marl with a blue tintMottling: Some small patches of dark blue. These occurred at less than 10% of total Texture: Silt marl. Inorganic deposit. Very fine particle size some small sand particles present at < 1% Consistence : weakly developed Boundary : diffuse Pores and voids : none Roots and plant remains : none

Phase 3, (on‐site stratigraphy) Fill of channel within (34026) This deposit appears to be the fill of a paleochannel, that has cut its course into the deposit (34026) and through it to cut a channel into the peat deposit (34004)

34031 1 Deposit Colour : Black Mottling : mid grey flecking caused by gritty sand within the context Texture: organic horizon but with a large quantity of sand and grit < 10%. This deposit contains a large amount of brushwood and fragmentary pieces of larger timbers at < 25%. Charcoal present at < 1% Consistence : weakly developed Boundary : diffuse Pores and voids : some , small at < 1% Roots and plant remains : none charcoal rich silty lens within (34013)

Phase 3, (on‐site stratigraphy) This lens of material was very rich in timber material and charcoal. This may be related to the deposition of burnt or charred timbers in deposit (34013). The presence of the gritty sand is enigmatic. Was this a dump of material relating to the possible hearth feature [34029] located in cutting E, spit 3 which was found in association with the deposit (34013) also?

34032 1 Deposit Colour : Blue/green marl Mottling: The entire deposit consisted of various shades and tones of blue and green. They were present at approx 50% of each

Phase 3, (on‐site stratigraphy) The deposit was present within paleochannel [34048]. It contained a significant amount of timber in its upper


65

Context Number


Texture : silt marlConsistence : weakly developed Pores and voids : none Roots and plant material : none

levels where it has expanded beyond the confines of the channel [34048]. These timbers may be related to the cultural activity identified further to the north. This deposit was very similar to the deposit (34026) which was also a fill of the paleochannel [34048].

34033 1, 2 and 4

Deposit Colour: Light greyish brown.Mottling: Some mid brown”staining” – probably caused by decomposing vegetation. Texture: H5 = moderately decomposed. Fibre content = 30‐35%. No stone s evident. Consistence : Resistance to soil rupture = weak Structure: Grade = weakly developed. Boundary: Not known. Pores and Voids: Fissures = fine (1‐3mm). Macropores = very fine <0.5mm Root/plant remains : None

Phase 3 (on‐site stratigraphy)

34034 1 and 2

Deposit Colour: Greyish brown.Mottling: Some mid brown”staining” – probably caused by decomposing vegetation. Texture: Fibre content = 30‐35%. No stone s evident. H5 on the von Post scale.Consistence : Resistance to soil rupture = weak Structure: Grade = weakly developed. Boundary: Not known. Pores and Voids: Fissures = fine (1‐3mm). Macropores = very fine <0.5mm Root/plant remains : None

Phase 2 and 3 (on‐site stratigraphy)

34035 1 and 2

Deposit Colour : Dark blue/grey marlTexture: Silt – almost an organic horizon. Structure: Weakly developed, possibly because of high organic content.

Phase 3 (on‐site stratigraphy) This deposit was very similar in terms of its composition to (34039). In Area 2 it was above (34039) and below (34037)

34036 1 Deposit Colour: Dark greyish blue with a greenish tint Texture: silty marl Consistence: moderately well developed, has a sticky feel

Phase 3 (on‐site stratigraphy) Channels within the area affected by tidal? Inundation. These would be the result of the rising and falling water


66

Context Number


carving out dendritic channels for the drainage of the wetland.

34037 1 and 2

Deposit Colour : greyish brownMottling : none Texture : peat and marl deposit,organic deposit with a very silty feel Structure : very fine particle size with almost no grit or sand in the deposit< 1% Consistence : moderately well developed Boundary : diffuse Pores and voids : none Roots and plant remains : living none, some amount of undecomposed vegetation

Phase 3, (on‐site stratigraphy) Intercalated peat and marl deposit. This deposit may indicate deposition of eroded peat with fine particled marl or it may be indicative of regenerating vegetation that continues to be inundated by rising estuarine waters. Both of these processes may have been active in the formation of this deposit

34038 1 Deposit Colour : light greyTexture: silt. Structure: very fine particle size contains a small amount of small sand/ grit particles. / Consistence: weakly developed Boundary: somewhat wavy with deposit beneath. Indicative of slight turbidity during deposition. Pores and voids: none Root/ plant remains: none

Phase 3, (on‐site stratigraphy) A deposit purely composed of sediment of marine/estuarine origin Particle size was consistent with deposition under low water energy conditions.

34039 1 and 2

Deposit Colour : Brownish greyTexture: Silt. H4 on the von Post scale. Fibre content = >25%. This is an organic horizon. Consistence : Moderately weak Structure : Weakly developed Boundary : Unknown Pores and voids : None Root/plant remains : None

Phase 3, (on‐site stratigraphy) A deposit purely composed of sediment of marine/estuarine origin

34040 1 Deposit Colour : Reddish brown Phase 2 and 3, (on‐site


67

Context Number


Texture: an organic horizon H5 on van post scale Consistence: Structure: weakly developed Boundary: boundary visible only as a colour change Pores and voids: none Root/ plant remains: none

stratigraphy) Pure peat deposit, this formed prior to the inundation event. The difference with it and (34004) is primarily one of colour. The difference may be superficial. Over (34046) and under (34004) and (34041)

34041 1 Deposit Colour: greyish brownTexture: organic horizon H4/5 on van post scale Consistence: Structure: weakly developed Boundary: boundary clear as a colour change, difficult to recognise otherwise Pores and voids: none Root/ plant remains: none

Phase 2, (on‐site stratigraphy) This appears to be a peat deposit within (34004) and very similar to it in composition.

34042 1 Deposit Colour: Mid grey with bluish tint.Mottling: Some paler grey patches.

• Abundance = few <2% • Size = very fine, 1‐2mm • Contrast = faint • Sharpness – diffuse >2mm

transition Texture: Sandy loam. Stoniness:

• Size = very small • Abundance = 15‐20% Fibre content = 5‐8%. Contains pieces of brushwood <5%.

Consistence: Resistance to soil rupture = firm. Structure : Grade =apedal massive Boundary : Not known Pores and Voids : Fissures = fine 1‐3mm Macropores = very fine <0.5mm Root/plant remains : None

Phase 2, (on‐site stratigraphy) This deposit appears to contain some amount of organic matter. This deposit was a lens of material within deposit (34004). This is representative of an inundation event. As there were numerous small stones within the deposit, this may be evidence of deposition under high energy water conditions. It is unclear whether a freshwater or saltwater process was responsible

34043 1 Deposit Colour : pale whitish creamy colour Mottling : none Texture: sandy loam. Moderately stony

Phase 2, (on‐site stratigraphy) The deposit was entirely composed of inorganic


68

Context Number


Very small stones at 10%. Fibre content at 5%, contains small fragments of brushwood and larger timbers at 5% Structure : apedal massive Consistence : moderately firm Boundary : diffuse Pores and voids : none recognisable Root and plant remains : no living intrusive material

sediments. It is unclear whether the sediment was deposited under a freshwater or brackish/ saltwater regime. The large particles of sand and the stoniness suggest high water energy.

34044 1 Deposit Colour : cream whiteMottling : none Texture : loamy sand Boundary : diffuse with both the deposit above (34043) and beneath (34021)

Phase 2, (on‐site stratigraphy) Possible interface layer or its origin may be similar to that of (34025) as discussed above

34045 1 and 2

Deposit Colour : Greyish brownMottling : Orange brown

• Abundance = common (2‐20%) • Size = fine to medium (2‐15mm) • Contrast = faint (evident on close

inspection) • Sharpness = diffuse

Texture: Silty clay loam. Fibre content = c.15‐20%, close to being an organic horizon. Consistence: resistance to soil rupture = weak (crumbles when crushed). Structure: Weakly developed (breaks easily). Boundary : Not known Pores and Voids : Fissures = very fine Macropores = very fine. Root/plant remains : None

Phase 4 (on‐site stratigraphy) Marl deposit that contained a large amount of organic matter, notably mostly remains of phragmites australis.

34046 1 Deposit Colour : cream white with a brown tintTexture : gritty/ sandy silt, several small stones present Consistence : weakly developed Boundary : sharp and distinct with (34021), diffuse >2mm with (34004) Peat mixing into the mineral clay. Classic interface deposit

Phase 1 and 2, (on‐site stratigraphy) This deposit was located directly above the glacial till (34021). It appeared to be a mixture of organic freshwater peat and inorganic very fine light coloured silt. It is unclear if this deposit had an estuarine or freshwater origin

34047 1 Deposit Colour: Light brown with a grey (and orange tint). Mottling: A mixture of orange and brown.

• Abundance = many (20‐40%) • Size = medium to coarse • Contrast = prominent

Phase 4, (on‐site stratigraphy) This deposit seems to have a negligible organic component and can be explained as another inundation event. This deposit was located above (34045) and below


69

Context Number


• Sharpness = clear <2mm transition.

Texture: Silty clay loam. Fibre content = <10%. No stones. Consistence: Resistance to soil rupture – moderately firm. Structure: Apedal massive (no discernible structure). Boundary : Not known Root/plant remains: None identified.

(34002)

34049 2 (Cut G and H). and 4

Deposit Colour : Mid to dark brownMottling: No mottling. Texture: Organic matter > 25% so is an organic horizon. No stones. Consistence: Moderately firm. Structure: No discernible structure. Boundary: Not known. Pores and Voids: Fissures = <1mm, very fine. Macropores = <0.5mm, very fine Root/plant remains : None

Phase 3, (on‐site stratigraphy) This deposit was located and beneath (34013). This was the deposit located directly beneath the platform [341512]

34050 2 (Cut G)

Deposit Colour: Light brown with dark grey/bluish tint. Mottling : None Texture: Silt. Fibre content is >25%. An organic layer. H5 on the von Post scale. No stones present. Consistence: Moderately firm. Structure: Apedal massive. Boundary: Not known. Pores and Voids: A dense layer where the fine silt has no pores or voids. Some fine (1‐3mm) fissures but only around plant remains. Root/plant remains: No live remains.

Phase 3, (on‐site stratigraphy) An organic layer, very high in silt content, giving a very muddy look and feel. No inclusions. Located beneath (34051) and above (34049)

34051 2 Deposit Colour: Light brown with a very slight greyish tint. Mottling : No evidence Texture: Fibre content > 25% so is an organic deposit. H4‐H5 on von Post scale. Contains occasional very small, sub angular stones, <2%. Consistence: Very weak.

Phase 3, (on‐site stratigraphy) A mixture of peat and silt with very occasional small stones. Located above the deposits (34039),(34050) and (34052)


70

Context Number


Structure: Apedal massive. Boundary: Not known. Pores and Voids: Fissures = fine, 1‐3mm wide. Macropores = Occasional, very fine, <0.5mm Root/plant remains: No live root or plant remains.

34052 2 (Cut G)

Deposit Colour: Very dark grey with a brownish tint. Mottling : None Texture: Fibre content = >25% so is an organic layer with a high percentage of silt. H4‐H5 on the von Post scale. Consistence : Moderate to firm Structure: No discernible structure. Apedal massive. Boundary: Not known. Pores and Voids: None, very dense, probably due to high silt content. Root/plant remains: No live remains.

Phase 3, (on‐site stratigraphy) An organic peat layer, high in silt content with no other inclusions other than the occasional nodule of grey silt/clay. This was located above (34049) and beneath (34051)

34053 2 (Cut H)

Deposit Colour : light greyish brownMottling : none Texture : organic horizon but with a substantial amount of inorganic sediment in its composition Consistence : moderate to weakly developed Structure : not recorded Boundary : diffuse Pores and voids : none Root and plant remains : none .

Phase 3, (on‐site stratigraphy) This was located beneath (34049) and above (34004) Light grey/brown peat lens with a high percentage of marl in its composition

34054 2 (cut H)

Deposit Colour : brownish greyMottling : none recognisable Texture : organic horizon 70% mar, 30 % peat Consistence : weakly developed Structure : apedal Boundary : diffuse Pores and voids : none Root and plant remains : none

Phase 3, (on‐site stratigraphy) This deposit was located beneath (34055) and above (34013). It was related to a number of the structures including Peat/marl mixture. The structure [34504] was partially contained within this deposit

34055 2 Deposit Colour : dark brownMottling : none Texture: organic horizon > 20%. contained a significant amount of

Phase 3, (on‐site stratigraphy) Contained elements of timber and brushwood togher [34504] located in cutting H. This


71

Context Number


brushwood and timber fragments Consistence : silty peat, almost no sandy grit inclusions at < 1% Structure : apedal Boundary : diffuse Pores and voids : none Roots and plant remains : none

deposit was fairly widespread in area 2 and was found in all the cuttings and also in association with the structure [34507]. The amount of brushwood fragments may indicate that some degree of timber processing as well as deposition took place in this area

34056 4 Deposit Colour: Very dark grey and black giving it a purple tint. Some lighter grey nodules also giving it a mottled effect. The overall effect is black. Mottling: No evidence of any iron oxides. Texture: Silty clay. The fibre content is <25%, but the organic material is discernible. H6 on von Post scale. No stones present. Consistence: Moderately firm. Structure: Moderately developed. Peds were evident but not distinct due to stickiness of the silty clay content. Boundary : Crystals etc: Contains soft aggregations of light grey and black nodules.

• Sizes = varies from <1mm (very fine) to 5‐15mm (medium).

• Abundance = common. Pores and Voids : Fissures = fine, 1‐3mm Root/plant remains : None

Phase 3 and 2, (on‐site stratigraphy) This was a very small lens of material within the deposit (34058)

34057 4 Deposit Colour: Mid brown with slight tints of dark grey Mottling : None evident (no iron oxides) Texture: Silty clay loam. Contains > 25% organic material. H4‐H5 on von Post scale. Consistence: Moderately firm. Structure: Weakly developed. Peds are evident but not distinct. Boundary: Wavy. Pores and Voids: Fissures = very few and very fine, <1mm. Macropores = fine (0.5‐2mm) Root/plant remains : None

Phase 3, (on‐site stratigraphy) This deposit contained a considerable amount of cultural material in the form of brushwood and timber. This deposit was located above (34004) and was located below (34062) and (34063)


72

Context Number


34058 4 Deposit Colour: Mid grey with a slight brownish

tint probably caused by presence of organic material. Mottling: None apparent. Texture: Silty clay loam. Fibre content > 25%so is an organic horizon. H5 on the von Post scale. Consistence: Moderately weak. Structure : Apedal massive Boundary : Wavy Crystals, nodules etc: Contains soft aggregations of grey/white clay like material.

• Size = fine, 2‐5mm • Abundance =few, <2% by volume• Shape = irregular.

Pores and Voids: Fissures = very fine, <1mm. Macropores + fine (0.5‐2mm) and few in number. Root/plant remains : None

Phase 3, (on‐site stratigraphy) Taken from section through [341512]. The deposit was located directly above the glacial till in this area

34059 4 Deposit Colour: A rich dark brown.Mottling: None evident. Texture: Fibre content >25% so this is an organic horizon. Consistence: Moderately weak. Structure: Weakly developed, peds are barely visible. Boundary : Wavy Pores and Voids: Fissures = very fine, <1mm. Macropores = barely visible/fine, 0.5‐2mm Root/plant remains : None

Phase 3, (on‐site stratigraphy) Taken from section through [341512] this appears to be a small pocket of material located above (34057) and (34058) and beneath (34039) and (34049)

34060 4 Deposit Colour: Grey with an orange inclusion with occasional very dark/black patches of organic material. The overall effect gives the sample a light brown/orange colour. Mottling: A mottled effect which appears to be due to the presence of organic material rather than the presence of iron oxides. Texture: Clay. <25% organic matter so is a mineral deposit. H5‐H6 on the von Post scale. Contains angular and sub angular very small (2‐5mm approx) and small (6‐20mm approx) stones. Consistence : Firm

Phase 1, (on‐site stratigraphy) This deposit was clay that had been deposited prior to the formation of the peat deposits. The clay either formed later than or was deposited contemporary with the glacial till (34021). It had certainly formed by the late Mesolithic period as a stone tool from this period was found resting on the surface of (34060)


73

Context Number


Structure: Apedal massive.Boundary : Wavy Pores and Voids : None Root/plant remains : None

34061 4 Deposit Colour: Very dark grey/blue with a rich brown inclusion and lighter grey patches. Overall effect is a very dark brown. . Mottling: None evident. Texture : >25% organic material present so is an organic horizon. H6 on the von Post scale. Consistence: Very weak. Structure: Weakly developed. Boundary : Wavy Crystals/nodules etc.: Unidentified soft aggregations of grey/white material, 5‐15mm. Abundance is few, < 2% by volume. Irregular in shape. Pores and Voids: Fissures = very fine, <1mm. Macropores = /fine, 0.5‐2mm Root/plant remains : None

Phase 1 and 2 on‐site stratigraphy This deposit was related to a number of the structures located in the lower western part of the area.

34062 4 Deposit Colour: Very dark rich brown/black.Mottling: None evident. Texture: > 25% organic matter so is an organic horizon. H7 on the von Post scale. No stones, sand or grit. Consistence: Moderately weak. Structure: No discernible structure. Boundary : Wavy Crystals/nodules etc.: Unidentified soft aggregations of dark grey clay like material.

• Size = small (up to 15mm) • Shape = irregular

Pores and Voids: Fissures = very fine, < 1mm wide. Macropores = fine, 0.5‐2mm Root/plant remains : None

Phase 3 (on‐site stratigraphy) This deposit was located above (34057), (34063) and (34070). It was situated beneath (34071)

34063 4 Deposit Colour: Mid to dark brown with patches of blue/grey tints. Mottling: None visible. Texture : >25% organic matter so is an organic horizon. H6‐H7 on the von Post scale. Consistence: Moderately weak.

Phase 3 (on‐site stratigraphy) This deposit was related to a number of the structures. It was located above (34004), (34069), and (34057) and was located below (34070) and (34062). A possible stone tool


74

Context Number


Structure:No discernible structure. Boundary: Wavy. Crystals/nodules etc.: Very few (<1%). Unidentified clay like soft aggregations of a very dark blue/grey colour. Pores and Voids: Fissures = very fine, <1mm. Macropores = very fine, <0.5mm Root/plant remains: None

was situated in this deposit, Find #15

34064 4 Deposit Colour: Blue/grey with a brownish tint.Mottling: None evident. Texture: Silty clay. < 25% organic matter so is a mineral deposit. No stones. Consistence: Moderately firm. Structure: Apedal massive, no discernible structure. Boundary : Wavy Pores and Voids: Fissures = very fine, <1mm wide. Macropores = fine, 0.5‐2mm Root/plant remains: None

Phase 1 and 2, (on‐site stratigraphy) This was an interface deposit between the clays and tills and the organic peat deposits that overlay them. In no instances was this deposit thicker than a few centimetres

34065 4 Deposit Colour: Very dark grey with a bluish tint. Mottling: None visible. Texture : <25% organic matter so is a mineral deposit. Consistence : Loose Structure: Apedal‐single grain. Boundary : Wavy Pores and Voids : Macropores = very fine, <0.5mm Root/plant remains: None

Phase 3, (on‐site stratigraphy) This deposit is representative of the inundation events that deposited inorganic silt deposits in this area.

34066 4 Deposit Colour: Very light brown with a greyish tint. Mottling: Orange coloured glaebules caused by the presence of organic matter. No iron oxides evident. Texture: Sandy clay. < 25% organic

Phase 1 and 2, (on‐site stratigraphy)


75

Context Number


matter present so is a mineral deposit. Stoniness:

• Size = very small, <1mm • Abundance = stoneless, <1% by

volume • Shape = undetermined.

Consistence : Very firm Structure: No discernible structure. Boundary : Wavy Pores and Voids: Fissures = fine, 1‐3mm wide. Macropores = fine, 0.5‐2mm Root/plant remains: None

34067 4 Deposit Colour: Mid brown with a greyish tint. Mottling: None evident. Texture: Sandy loam. >25% organic matter so is an organic horizon. A high percentage of mineral content is present. H7 on the von Post scale. Consistence : Weak Structure: Weakly developed. Boundary: Unknown. Crystals, nodules etc.: Contains soft aggregation of grey clay like material.

• Size = fine, 2‐5mm • Irregular shape • Abundance = common, 2‐20% by

volume Pores and Voids : Macrospores = very fine, <0.5mm Root/plant remains: None

Phase 1 and2, (on‐site stratigraphy) This was a peat deposit that contained a significant amount of large grits and sand particles. This was evidence of a flooding event under high water energy conditions. As this deposit was found to be more concentrated to the east (dryland) and more diffuse to the west (wetland), the origin of this deposit is freshwater runoff/ discharge from the dryland. This could have taken the form of surface runoff. The sand deposit was encountered as a discrete lens of material about 0.75m in width and 0.15m in depth in the raised area in the lower area it was present as a diffuse deposit that tapered off a bout 2m from the edge of the higher area. This would be consistent with a flow with sand in suspension running as a channel through the peat falling into an area of standing water where the flow would rapidly lose energy and deposit any matter in suspension


76

Context Number


34068 4 Deposit Colour: Dark ochre grey with an orange/brown tint caused by organic matter. Mottling: None evident. Texture: sandy clay loam. H6 on the von Post scale. Stoniness:

• Size = very small, 2‐6mm • Abundance = stoneless (by

definition) <1% • Shape = sub angular

Consistence : Moderately weak Structure : Weakly developed Crystals, nodules etc: Contains soft aggregations of light to medium grey glaebules.

• Size = fine, 2‐5mm • Abundance = common, 2‐20% • Shape = irregular

Boundary : Not known Pores and Voids : Macropores = very fine, <0.5mm Root/plant remains: None

Phase 1 and 2, (on‐site stratigraphy) Very similar to (34004)

34069 4 Deposit Colour: Mid brown on initial exposure. Rapidly oxidised to dark brown/black. Texture: Silt with < 1% sand. H4 on the von Post scale. Fibre content = >25%. This is an organic horizon. Stoniness:

• Size = very small sub angular and singular stones (2mm)

• Abundance = 2% Consistence: Very weak. Structure : Apedal massive Boundary : Not known Pores and Voids : Macropores = very fine, <0.5mm Root/plant remains: None

Phase 3, (on‐site stratigraphy) This deposit was located beneath the deposit (34063) and above (34004) it was related to cultural activity

34070 4 Deposit Colour : Dark greyish brownMottling: Mid brown mottles (15%), possibly caused by oxidisation post ex. Texture: Silt with <1% sand. H4 on the von Post scale. Fibre content = >25%. This is an organic horizon.

Phase 3 (on‐site stratigraphy) This deposit was related to some of the cultural activity in this area. The deposit was located beneath the deposit (34071) and above the deposit


77

Context Number


Stoniness: • Size = 2mm, angular and sub

angular. • Abundance = <1%

Consistence : Very weak Structure : Apedal massive Boundary : Not known Pores and Voids : Very fine micropores = 1% Root/plant remains: None

(34063)

34071 4 Deposit Colour : Dark brownish greyMottling: Mid brown mottles between 0.5‐1cm in diameter. Texture: Silt <1% sand. Fibre content = >25%. This is an organic horizon. H4 on the von Post scale. No stones. Consistence : Very weak Structure: Apedal massive. Boundary : Not known Pores and Voids : Micropores = <1% Root/plant remains: None

Phase 3 and 4 (on‐site stratigraphy) This deposit was located high in the stratigraphic succession. It was located beneath (34001) and above (34070) and (34062). It was a very fibrous woody type deposit

34074 2 and 4

Deposit Number added in post excavation. This deposit was visible as a dark band within the deposit(34002)

Phase 5, (on‐site stratigraphy) This was visible as a thin band of vegetation that was present as a lens within (34002).

34080 4b Deposit Colour : light to mid greyMottling : none Texture : silt Consistence : weak to moderately well developed Structure : apedal Boundary : not known

Phase 3, (on‐site stratigraphy) The structures [34020] and [34021] were located in this deposit. It appeared to be mostly estuarine in origin, although there was a small percentage of peat in its composition at < 20%

34508 2 Deposit Colour: Mid grey – oxidised to mid brown after exposure post ex. Texture: Silt. Too dry to perform von Post. Consistence : Moderately firm Structure : Apedal massive Boundary : Not known Pores and Voids: Micropores = very fine, <0.5mm. No fissures. Root/plant remains: None

This number was allocated to the material located directly beneath the structure [34507] located in cutting I, area 2.


78

Context Number


34509 2 Deposit Colour : Dark greyish brown.Texture: Silt. H4 on von Post scale. Fibre content = >25%. This was an organic horizon. No stones. Consistence : Very weak Structure : Weakly developed Boundary : Not known Pores and Voids : Micropores = 2% Root/plant remains: None

This deposit was the material that was located directly beneath spit 1 and above spit 2 of the structure [34504] in area 2, cutting H

Site 34 – Brick Kiln context register Context Number


34501BK Kiln Deposit This topsoil layer varied in thickness to a maximum of c.10cm deep.

Topsoil

34502BK Kiln Deposit Redeposited marl after peat extraction. It is c. 60cm deep.

Subsoil

34503BK Kiln Deposit Peat lying below the Redeposited marl and was never encountered during the excavation.

Peat below (34502).

34504BK Kiln Deposit Natural lying below the peat. Natural 34505BK Kiln Cut Irregular shape in plan with

steep sides (not well defined) and uneven base.

Cut of broken brick spread.

34506BK Kiln Deposit This deposit consists mainly of broken brick (80%) and marl (20%)

Primary deposit of broken brick spread [34505]

34507BK Kiln Cut Irregular shape in plan. Orange/grey brick and marl mix.

Deposit of broken brick spread [34505].

34508BK Kiln Deposit 70% marl with large brick inclusions. Contains more peat and dark brown clay (30%) at extremities of deposit.

Deposit of broken brick spread [34505].

34509BK Kiln Cut Sub circular shape in plan. Surface is an orange/brown colour consisting of burnt clay and brick dust. The burnt clay surrounds the area of brick dust

Pit


79

Context Number


and c.30cm in width. 34510BK Kiln Deposit Black with traces of

orange/brown brick dust on the surface, c.2cm deep with no inclusions. Firmly compacted scorched clay.

A mix of dust and brick rubble, c.10% volume.

34511BK Kiln Cut This “feature” surrounds [34509] and consists of natural scorched clay.

Sterile area of natural marl with no archaeological significance.

34512BK Kiln Deposit No individual deposit detected. Natural marl.

34513BK Kiln Cut Marl only, no other signs of activity.

Possible line of drain.

34514BK Kiln Deposit Marl, no other signs of activity Layer

34515BK Kiln Cut Irregular shape in plan. Surface consists of a brick dust/brick rubble mix c.1cm thick.

Pit

34516BK Kiln Deposit Black charred marl with light brick dust on the surface (barely visible in section).

Layer showing evidence of firing/ burning in situ

34517BK Kiln Cut Irregular shape in plan. Surface of bright yellow and orange (brick dust) with darker lines that appear to be areas of brick stacking.

Brick stacking area

34518BK Kiln Deposit Black scorched marl with a thin layer of yellow/orange brick dust on the top. Firm compaction. No inclusions.

Deposit of [34517]

34519BK Kiln Cut Sub rectangular shape in plan. Set between 2 areas where brick stacking occurred.

A spread of brick dust between 2 areas where brick stacking occurred. Area of waste material.

34520BK Kiln Deposit Loosely compacted, some scorching and staining of the underlying marl has taken place

Deposit of spread [34519]

34521BK Kiln Cut Rectangular shape in plan with no definite edges, spread merges with adjoining “features”. Very smooth but undulating base of marl.

Extensive broken brick spread. Possible dumping area for waste material and broken bricks from nearby kiln.

34522BK Kiln Deposit Orange in colour with grey marl and jet black coal. Very firm compaction. Brick rubble, brick dust, marl and coal composition. No other

Deposit of extensive broken brick spread [34521]. Possible dumping area for waste material and broken bricks from nearby kiln.


80

Context Number


inclusions. 34523BK Kiln Cut Irregular shape in plan.

Composed of a brick dust/marl mix (50%/50%).

This area lies to the south of the areas where brick stacking occurs and is probably an intermediate area where waste material has over spilt. No archaeological significance.

34525BK Kiln Cut Irregular shape in plan. Composed of a spread mix of brick dust and marl.

A loose brick dust/marl mix. Probably the result of a spillage overflow from [34509] and [34511].

345626BK Kiln Deposit Orange/brown marl (50%) and brick (50%) mix. Loosely compacted.

Deposit of [34525]

34527BK Kiln Cut Sub rectangular shape in plan. An area of “natural” marl containing patches of dark areas that appears to be charring.

An area outside of main activity, no evidence of brick stacking evident.

34528BK Kiln Deposit Black charred marl. Very firmly compacted. No other inclusions.

Heart, shows evidence for heating

34529BK Kiln Cut Rectangular shape in plan. A spread of orange and bright yellow similar to [34517].

Brick stacking area.

34530BK Kiln Deposit Black and grey scorched marl. Very firmly compacted.

Deposit of brick stacking area [34529]

34531BK Kiln Cut Square shape in plan. There are a series of different coloured “segments” on the surface ranging from pink. Orange/brown to black/grey. Brick marks lie in 2 separate segments lying on a pink and an orange base. There are dark marks indication scorching.

Probable brick stacking area.

34532BK Kiln Deposit Grey to black charred marl with no inclusions. Very firm compaction.

Deposit of extensive broken brick spread [34521]. Possible dumping area for waste material and broken bricks from nearby kiln

34533BK Kiln Deposit Orange and grey mix with occasional flecks of black, brick and marl mix with occasional coal inclusions. More loosely compacted than the rest of the spread.

Deposit of extensive broken brick spread [34521]. Possible dumping area for waste material and broken bricks from nearby kiln

34534BK Kiln Deposit Black coal. Solidly compacted with no inclusions.

Deposit of extensive broken brick spread [34521]. Possible


81

Context Number


dumping area for waste material and broken bricks from nearby kiln

34536BK Kiln Deposit Black/charcoal grey brick/marl mix. Firm compaction.

Burnt marl created when hot brick was dumped.

34537BK Kiln Deposit Grey marl /brick mix (85%/15%) with broken powdered brick inclusions.

Burnt brick and marl deposit over (34506).

34538BK Kiln Deposit Black at surface, fading to grey. Scorched marl with no inclusions. Very firm compaction.

Deposit of possible brick stacking area [34531]


82

Finds Register STONE Area 1 ‐ STONE Excavation No.

Context No.

Find No.

Material Type Identification Description Habitat Quantity

04E0319 34001 3 Stone Granite? Round granite like stone (natural)

Headland Offices

60g

04E0319 34002 8 Stone Quartz Pebble Rounded white quartz pebble‐water rolled

Headland Offices

10g

04E0319 15 Stone Igneous rock Angular igneous rock Heat effected angular igneous rock‐possibly associated with find # 47 and sample # 1G******

Headland Offices

560g

04E0319 34013 20 Stone Igneous rock Angular igneous rock Surface weathered by interaction with bog chemicals

Headland Offices

44g

04E0319 34003 22 Stone Chert Small piece of chert‐unworked

Headland Offices

12g

04E0319 34013 23 Stone Igneous rock Angular igneous rock Heat/chemical effected igneous rock*******

Headland Offices

56g

04E0319 24 Stone Igneous rock Angular grey igneous rock

Heat effected igneous rock*******

Headland Offices

20g

04E0319 25 Stone Igneous rock Angular grey igneous rock

Heat/chemical effected igneous rock******

Headland Offices

94g

Excavation Context Find Material Type Identification Description Habitat Quantity


83

No. No. No. 04E0319 26 Stone Igneous rock Flat slab‐possible

grinding stone******* Grey thick slab*****

Headland Offices

Too heavy

04E0319 34 Stone Unknown hard igneous rock

Possible hammer stone

Rounded stone‐very infrequent small mica crystalline inclusions

Headland Offices

658g

04E0319 35 Stone Igneous rock Pebble Heat effected pebble******

Headland Offices

46g

04E0319 37 Stone Granite Possible rubbing stone

Grey, 1 side rounded the other flat

Headland Offices

04E0319 45 Stone Limestone Possible scraper?(unlikely)

Possible limestone scraper? (unlikely)

Headland Offices

38g

04E0319 46 Stone Igneous rock Possible rubbing stone/whetstone******

2 x flat, smoothed surfaces Headland Offices

360g

04E0319 47 Stone Quartz Multiple stones‐some heat shattered********

May be associated with sample # 1G from possible hearth.

Headland Offices

176g

04E0319 48 Stone Igneous rock Possible heat effected stones*******

Possibly associated with find # 47

Headland Offices

740g

04E0319 49 Stone Igneous rock Possible heat effected stone*****

Fragment of possible heat effected stone

Headland Offices

14g

04E0319 70 Stone Possible limestone/mudstone

Possibly naturally struck and possible wear on some surfaces

Headland Offices

146g

04E0319 73 Stone Igneous rock Possible heat shattered stone****

Possible heat shattered stone****

Headland Offices

94g



84

No. No. No. 04E0319 76 Stone Igneous rock Possible rubbing

stone 1 smooth surface

Headland Offices

386g

04E0319 81 Stone Igneous rock Very angular igneous rock

Very angular igneous rock

Headland Offices

94g

04E0319 34021 97 Stone Chert? Fragment Unworked

Headland Offices

32g

04E0319 99 Stone Quartz and chert

Fragments Unworked Headland Offices

46g

04E0319 83 Stone Chert 2 fragments Headland Offices

36g

04E0319 92 Stone Igneous rock Pebble Small water rolled pebble Headland Offices

12g

Area 2 – STONE Excavation No.

Context No.

Find No.


04E0319

503 Stone Igneous rock Angular igneous rock Possible iron oxide effected stone

Headland Offices

308g

04E0319 504 Stone Chert? Small piece chert Headland Offices

42g

04E0319 505 Stone Igneous rock Angular igneous rock Chemical/heat effected stone

Headland Offices

100g



85

No. No. No. 04E0319 506 Stone Sandstone Flat stone Chemical effected? Headland

Offices 138g

04E0319 509 Stone Igneous rock Rubbing stone******* Rubbing stone****** Headland Offices

369g

04E0319 520 Stone Igneous rock Angular igneous rock Unworked Headland Offices

60g

4E0319 521 Stone Quartz Small piece of quartz Headland Offices

94g

04E0319 522 Stone Igneous rock Angular igneous rock Unworked Headland Offices

72g

04E0319 34504 525 Stone Igneous rock Angular igneous rock Unworked Headland Offices

92g

04E0319 527 Stone Igneous rock Angular igneous rock Very large angular stone Headland Offices

Too heavy

04E0319 34505 529 Stone Igneous rock Angular igneous rock Angular stone Headland Offices

30g

04E0319 534 Stone Limestone Natural Headland Offices

64g

04E0319 535 Stone Igneous rock Possible heat shattered igneous rock*******

Headland Offices

34g

04E0319 536 Stone Various lithologies

Various angular stones

Natural Headland Offices

270g

04E0319 537 Stone Igneous rock Sub rounded stone Natural Headland Offices

206g

04E0319 549 Stone Igneous rock Possible rubbing stone******

Fragment Headland Offices

208g



86

No. No. No. 04E0319 550 Stone Igneous rock Possible rubbing

stone****** Headland

Offices 404g

04E0319 551 Stone Igneous rock Possible rubbing stone – (dubious)

Sub angular

Headland Offices

308g

04E0319 552 Stone Igneous rock Possible stone lid for a pot*****

Very flat, partially smooth on both surfaces

Headland Offices

252g

04E0319 553 Stone Igneous rock 2 x natural small angular stones

Headland Offices

184g

04E0319 555 Stone Igneous rock Possible heat shattered stone*****

Headland Offices

202g

04E0319 34504 557 Stone Igneous rock Possible surface for breaking hazelnuts**

Large flat stone with a number of dents on the surfaces

Headland Offices

1395g

04E0319 566 Stone Sedimentary ‐ limestone

Angular stone‐smooth Headland Offices

270g

04E0319 567 Stone Rhyolite Possible rubbing stone**

Flat, smooth 1 side Headland Offices

244g

04E0319 577 Stone Igneous rock Possible rubbing stone/whetstone****

Headland Offices

662g

04E0319 34507 579 Stone Igneous rock Hollowed stone Stone with hollow but not very smooth

Headland Offices

>1 kg

04E0319 34507 581 Stone Sedimentary Very large with acidic bog staining

Headland Offices

>1 kg

04E0319 34507 582 Stone Igneous rock Possible whetstone******

Headland Offices

410g



87

No. No. No. 04E0319 584 Stone Igneous rock Possible hammer

stone****** Headland

Offices 484g

04E0319 34507 591 Stone ? Angular stone from BS#7 Headland Offices

508g

04E0319 34507 592 Stone Igneous rock Probably natural with mineral staining

Headland Offices

1035g

04E0319 34507 595 Stone Sedimentary Very large water rolled stone

Headland Offices

>1 kg

04E0319 34507 596 Stone Sedimentary Possible rubbing stone****

Very smooth cobble, water rolled

Headland Offices

822g

04E0319 598 Stone Conglomerate stone – quartz and other minerals

Headland Offices

68g

Area 3 ‐ STONE Excavation No.

Context No.

Find No.


04E0319 341010 1 Stone Igneous Sub angular stone‐broken Headland Offices

04E0319 341099 7 + 8 Stone Quartz Possible hammer stone

2 x rounded quartz cobbles. Show pronounced pink colour on external surface, internal surface is white

Headland Offices

804g



88

No. No. No. 04E0319 341077 9 Stone Limestone Possible blade

(dubious) Heat shattered Headland

Offices 18g

04E0319 341099 6 Stone Limestone Probably heat shattered fragment but visually and morphologically similar to tools

Headland Offices

16g

Area 4‐ STONE Excavation No.

Context No.

Find No.


04E0319 341508 10 Stone Sedimentary Possible bulb on surface of stone (natural?)

Headland Offices

56g

04E0319 341507 11 Stone Various lithologies

Natural Headland Offices

1465g

04E0319 341513 13 Stone Conglomerate Possible net fishing weight/anchor******

Broken, but possible hole through centre. It could have functioned as an anchor. 0.75 approx remains.

Headland Offices

>1 kg

04E0319 Beneath 341512

15 Stone Blade chip Possibly struck stone Headland Offices

8g

04E0319 341512 16 Stone Large stone Headland Offices

135g



89

No. No. No. 04E0319 341512 20 Stone Igneous rock Possible hammer

stone fragment***** Rounded possible hammer stone fragment*****

Headland Offices

296g

04E0319 28 Stone Igneous rock Very hard. Light grey/white in colour

Headland Offices

344g

BONES AND TEETH Area 1 – BONES AND TEETH Excavation No.

Context No.

Find No.


04E0319 34003 11 Tooth BOS/cow Molar/premolar Tooth from cow – older animal

Headland Offices

10g

04E0319 17 Bone Mammal Small rib 7cm long Headland Offices

22g

04E0319 34003 18 Bone Sheep Tibia Possibly sliced bone Headland Offices

24g

04E0319 30 Tooth BOS/Cow Young Young cows tooth Headland Offices

20g

04E0319 34013 36 Tooth BOS/Cow Old Possible cows tooth – older animal

Headland Offices

28g

04E0319 38 Bone Mammal Split Split bone (possibly worked end tool). Similar to find # 39

Headland Offices

8g

Excavation No.

Context No.

Find No.



90

04E0319 39 Bone Mammal Split Split (similar to find # 38) Headland Offices

10g

04E0319 40 Bone Bird Leg bone Small fragment, avian leg Headland Offices

2g

04E0319 41 Bone Bird Leg bone Larger and more robust than find # 40

Headland Offices

6g

04E0319 58 Bone Mammal Metallic properties Possible small mammal bone but appears to have metallic properties

Headland Offices

<1g

04E0319 59 Bone Tibia Small tibia Headland Offices

4g

04E0319 60 Bone Femur Femur? Headland Offices

10g

04E0319 68 Bone Sheep? Scapula Possible fragment of scapula

Headland Offices

10g

04E0319 74 Bone Sheep? Long bone Headland Offices

60g

04E0319 78 Bone Sheep? Scapula? Possible sheep scapula Headland Offices

160g

Area 2 – BONES AND TEETH


91

Excavation No.

Context No.

Find No.


04E0319 Surface find

508 Bone Bone splinter Headland Offices

14g


510 Bone Cow Unfused radius Cut marks,/gnaw marks evident

Headland Offices

100g


511 Bone Cow Mandible Young animal Headland Offices

172g


512 Bone Horse Tibia Headland Offices

546g


513 Bone Horse Radius Headland Offices

508g

04E0319 34501 514 Bone Horse Mandible Headland Offices

676g

04E0319 34501 515 Bone Horse Rib Headland Offices

36g

04E0319 34501 518 Bone Cow Rib Headland Offices

52g

04E0319 34505 530 Tooth Horse Headland Offices

6g

04E0319 34505 531 Bone Horse Tibia Headland Offices

208g

04E0319 34505 533 Bone Splinter Headland Offices

4g

04E0319 538 Bone Splinter Headland Offices

4g

Excavation No.

Context No.

Find No.


04E0319 541 Tooth Cow

Headland Offices

22g


92

04E0319 542 Tooth Horse Headland Offices

10g

04E0319 543 Tooth Horse Headland Offices

16g

04E0319 546 Bone Horse Tibia Headland Offices

26g

04E0319 547 Bone Vertebra?? Headland Offices

32g

04E0319 548 Bone Ribs Headland Offices

10g

04E0319 561 Bone Horse Vertebra? Headland Offices

40g


38g

04E0319 34504 565 Bone Horse Scapula Headland Offices

208g

04E0319 34507 568 Bone Rib Headland Offices

8g


10g


28g

4E0319 34504 575 Tooth Horse Headland Offices

24g

04E0319 577 Bone Horse Distal and proximal ends non‐existent

Headland Offices

246

Excavation No.

Context No.

Find No.



20g


93

04E0319 34504 585 Bone Animal Skull Headland Offices

18g

04E0319 34504 586 Bone Horse Skull Headland Offices

106g

04E0319 34504 588 Bone Horse Skull Headland Offices

14g

04E0319 34507 589 Bone Cow Headland Offices

52g

04E0319 34507 594 Bone Animal Rib Headland Offices

48g

04E0319 595 Bone Rib Found with find # 548 Headland Offices

2g

Area 4 – BONES AND TEETH Excavation No.

Context No.

Find No.


04E0319 341513 4 Bone Fragments of unfused epiphysis

Black in appearance on excavation, found in association with find # 5

Headland Offices

<1g

04E0319 Beneath 341512

22 Bone Cattle/deer Long bone/femur Found directly above glacial till in association with find # 23

Headland Offices

310g

Excavation No.

Context No.

Find No.


04E0319 Beneath 341512

25 Tooth Deer Molar Deer molar/premolar found near find # 22,23 and 24

Headland Offices

10g


94

04E0319 29 Bone Headland Offices

42g

Area 1 Ext. ‐ BONES Excavation No.

Context No.

Find No.


04E0319 34100 104 Tooth Cow Cow tooth Headland Offices

20g

NUTS, SEEDS ETC. Area 1 –NUTS, SEEDS ETC. Excavation No.

Context No.

Find No.


04E0319 34002 1 Nut Acorn/hazelnut Bead? Probable acorn/hazelnut with hole going through it

Headland Offices

5ml

04E0319 34002 2 Nut Acorn/hazelnut Acorn/hazelnut Headland Offices

20ml


7 Nut Hazelnuts Multiple hazelnuts Headland Offices

50ml

Excavation No.

Context No.

Find No.


04E0319 34004 10 Nut Hazelnuts Multiple hazelnuts – 1 hollowed out

Headland Offices

2ml

04E0319 34006 12 Nut Hazelnuts Fragments of hazelnut shell Headland 1ml


95

Offices 04E0319 34006 13 Nut Hazelnut Fragments of hazelnut shell Headland

Offices 2ml

04E0319 34014 29 Seeds Very small orange/yellow seed

Headland Offices

40ml

04E0319 34014 33 Nut Small complete nut

Headland Offices

1 nut

04E0319 34015 43 Nut Hazelnut? Whole nut and shell fragments

Headland Offices

2.5 nuts

04E0319 34015 44 Nuts Hazelnuts Several fragmentary and whole nuts

Headland Offices

20ml

04E0319 34017 50 Nuts Hazelnuts Multiple hazelnuts Headland Offices

40ml

04E0319 34017 51 Nut Acorn Acorn Headland Offices

5ml

04E0319 34017 53 Seed Small seed – possibly apple Headland Offices

10ml

4E0319 Cutting A – spit 3

55 Nut Hazelnut Whole hazelnut Headland Offices

5ml

04E0319 34015 57 Seeds Seeds Headland Offices

10 seeds

04E0319 34015 61 Nut Shell Possible nut shell Headland Offices

4 fragments

Excavation No.

Context No.

Find No.


04E0319 34017 63 Nut Hazelnuts Hazelnuts Headland Offices

15ml

04E0319 34017 64 Nut Acorn Acorns Headland 15ml


96

Offices 04E0319 34006 65 Nut Acorns 2 acorn fragments Headland

Offices 2 fragments

04E0319 34006 66 Seeds Reed? Headland Offices

3ml

04E0319 34006 67 Nut Acorns Acorns Headland Offices

3ml

04E0319 69 Nut Acorn Acorn Headland Offices

Half an acorn

04E0319 34015 72 Nut Hazelnut Hazelnut Headland Offices

40ml


20ml


1 nut


1 nut

04E0319 87 Nut Hazelnut Multiple fragments of hazelnuts

Headland Offices

2ml

04E0319 100 Nut Hazelnut Headland Offices

30ml

Excavation No.

Context No.

Find No.


04E0319 101 Nuts Acorns, hazelnuts and possible malus

Acorns, hazelnuts and possible malus seeds

Headland Offices

50ml


97

seeds 04E0319 102 Nut Hazelnut Hazelnut Headland

Offices 15ml

04E0319 103 Nut Hazelnut Hazelnut – found above mineral clay in conjunction with charcoal

Headland Offices

2ml

Area 2 – NUTS, SEEDS, ETC. Excavation No.

Context No.

Find No.


04E0319 34501 501 Nut Hazelnut Hazelnut shell Headland Offices

04E0319 34502 502 Seed Possible seed from larger shrubs or trees

Headland Offices

1 seed

04E0319 507 Seed Sloe/hawthorn (prunus sp.)

Sloe/hawthorn (prunus sp.) Headland Offices

1 fragment

04E0319 519 Nut Hazelnut Hazelnut Headland Offices

Multiple fragment


Multiple fragments

04E0319 524 Nut Acorn Acorn Headland Offices

1 fragment

Excavation No.

Context No.

Find No.


04E0319 528 Nut Hazelnut Whole hazelnut Headland Offices

1 nut

04E0319 532 Nut Hazelnut Hazelnut Headland 10ml (in


98

Offices matrix) 04E0319 539 Seed ? Unidentified seed Headland

Offices 5ml (in matrix)

04E0319 544 Seed Emmer wheat? Headland Offices

5ml (in matrix)

04E0319 545 Seeds Possible seed from larger shrubs or trees

Headland Offices

2 seeds

04E0319 34504 556 Nut Hazelnut Hazelnut

Headland Offices

2.5 nuts

04E0319 558 Nut Hazelnut Hazelnut shell Headland Offices

1 fragment

04E0319 559 Nut Hazelnut Hazelnut shell Headland Offices

1 fragment


Multiple fragments


1 nut


4 fragments

04E0319 576 Seed Possible acorn Possible acorn Headland Offices

2 fragments

Area 4 – NUTS, SEEDS, ETC. Excavation No.

Context No.

Find No.


04E0319 341501 1 Nut Hazelnuts Hazelnuts Headland 1 whole, 2


99

Offices half nuts 04E0319 341513 5 Nut Hazelnuts Hazelnuts Headland

Offices 2

04E0319 6 Nut Hazelnuts Burnt hazelnut fragment Headland Offices

1

04E0319 341509 7 Berry/seed/nut

Possibly ivy Berry Headland Offices

1 berry

04E0319 9 Nut Hazelnuts Hazelnuts Headland Offices

5ml

04E0319 341507 12 Berry Juniper? Ivy? Headland Offices

1

04E0319 Stray find

26 Nut Acorn 1 whole acorn Headland Offices

1 nut

LITHICS Area 1 Ext./Mesolithic ‐ LITHICS Excavation No.

Context No.

Find No.


O4E0319 34021 100 Flint Blue/grey translucent. Debitage

Headland Offices

1 very small piece, <1g

Excavation No.

Context No.

Find No.


04E0319 34100 101 Chert/ Flint

Black/grey matrix, white cortex. Struck beach cobble with multiple facets. Possible debitage but not a

Headland Offices

4g


100

tool. 04E0319 34100 102 Chert Scraper Bann flake? Bann flake. Blue grey with

cortex visible on ventral surface

Headland Offices

6g

04E0319 34100 103 Flint Butt trimmed Bann flake

Pale grey flake with broken tip and possible retouch

Headland Offices

10g

04E0319 106 Chert Butt trimmed Bann flake

Headland Offices

10g

Area 3 ‐ LITHICS Excavation No.

Context No.

Find No.


04E0319 341043 3 Chert Possible debitage, (very dubious)

Headland Offices

<1g

04E0319 4 Rhyolite Possible Bann flake?

Possible Bann flake but more likely a Neolithic scraper.

Headland Offices

Area 4 – LITHICS Excavation No.

Context No.

Find No.


04E0319 Beneath 341513

14 Chert Blade Bann flake Large Bann flake. Stone blade, butt trimmed with 2

Headland Offices

36g


101

fragments that have split from Unworked side

04E0319 340021 21 ? Not chert or flint

Bann flake Headland Offices

14g

04E0319 Beneath 341512

24 Chert Bann flake Worked tool. Dark grey material with light grey mottling.

Headland Offices

8g

Charcoal and Charred wood Area 1 – CHARCOAL AND CHARRED WOOD Excavation No.

Context No.

Find No.


04E0319 34017 27 Charcoal 1 fragment Headland Offices

2ml

04E0319 34017 28 Charcoal Multiple fragments of burnt wood

Headland Offices

15ml

Excavation No.

Context No.

Find No.


04E0319 34017 31 Charcoal 1 fragment of burnt wood Headland Offices

1ml

04E0319 34007 52 Charred wood

Burnt woodchip Headland Offices

2ml

04E0319 34006 71 Charcoal Charcoal Headland 5ml


102

Offices Area 2 –CHARCOAL AND CHARRED WOOD Excavation No.

Context No.

Find No.


04E0319 34504 574 Charred wood

Charred wood Headland Offices

1 very small piece

Area 4 –CHARCOAL AND CHARRED WOOD Excavation No.

Context No.

Find No.


04E0319 341501 27 Charcoal Charcoal chunks Headland Offices

6g

SHELLS AND MOLLUSCS Area 1 – Shells/Molluscs Excavation No.

Context No.

Find No.


04E0319 34007 56 Shell Seashell? 1 whole possible seashell Headland 1 shell


103

Offices 04E0319 34015 62 Shell? Flecks of white material,

possible seashell Headland Offices

Few flecks

04E0319 34015 77 Shell Possible marine mollusc

Possible marine mollusc Headland Offices

10ml

04E0319 34015 82 Shell Mollusc Mollusc Headland Offices

20ml

AREA 2 EXT. – ALL FINDS Excavation No.

Context No.

Find No.


04E0319 34609 601 Unknown Cylinders (material or identification unknown)

Headland Offices

82g‐combined weight of find # 601‐604


Headland Offices


Headland Offices

Excavation No.

Context No.

Find No.



AREA 2 – BEETLECASING Excavation Context Find Material Type Identification Description Habitat Quantity


104

No. No. No. 04E0319 34501 516 Beetle

casing Headland

Offices 1ml

04E0319 562 Beetle wing casing

Headland Offices

1ml

AREA 4B– SHOES Excavation No.

Context No.

Find No.


04E0319 8 Shoes Leather 1 and a half leather shoes found in fibrous material in trench directly south of area 4

Headland Offices

1.5 shoes

WOOD Area 1 Extension – WOOD Excavation No.

Context No.

Find No.


04E0319 34110 105 Wood Possibly worked piece

Possibly worked (unlikely) Headland Offices

1 piece

Area 1 – WOOD


105

Excavation No.

Context No.

Find No.


04E0319 34001 4 Wood Stake Waterlogged, partial stake Headland Offices

1 piece

04E0319 42 Wood Splinter Hardwood, possibly splinter from chopping

Headland Offices

1 very small piece

Area 4 ‐ WOOD Excavation N.

Context No.

Find No.


04E0319 341512 18 Wood Spoon like wooden object with rounded edge

Headland Offices

1 piece

Brick Kiln Excavation Number

Context Number

Find Number


04E0319 Surface 001 Pottery Post medieval C18/C19. Glazed both sides Headland Offices

6g

04E0319 Surface 002 Pottery Medieval/post medieval

Unglazed Headland Offices

12g

04E0319 Surface 003 Metal Unidentified Unidentified iron object Headland Offices

8g

04E0319 Surface 004 Nut Possible acorn Possible acorn, black in Headland <1g


106

colour. Offices 04E0319 Surface 005 Stone Possible stone Possible stone Headland

Offices 6g

04E0319 [34521] 006 Glass/slate/pot Post medieval Dark, thick post medieval glass bottle sherd and grey slate and thin white glazed, patterned pot sherd.

Headland Offices

74g/34g/<1g


107

3. Sample register for dating purposes Area 1 Ext./Meso and Area 4 Area Sample

No. Context No.

Amount Description Type/ Initial results

1‐Ext. BS19 34001 10L Upper grey clay deposit 1‐Ext BS20 34002 10L Lower orange mottled clay deposit 1‐Ext BS21 34047 10L Mid brown, grey silty clay/marl 1‐Ext. BS22 34045 10L Brownish/blue grey marl 1‐Ext BS23 34013 20L Brown peat with marl traces 1‐Ext BS24 34033 15L Light, white marl/peat mix 1‐Ext. BS25 34035 20L Dark blue/grey marl 1‐Ext BS26 34004A 20L Brown peat 1‐Ext BS27 34031 30L Black silty charcoal lens 1‐Ext. BS28 34004B 10L Brown peat, under 34031 1‐Ext BS29 34042 10L Pale band of marl 4 1540 34001 10L Very light grey/white clay from sect. 6 4 1541 34071 10L Dark brownish grey fibrous peat. 4 1542 34070 10L Dark greyish/brown reed rich peat. 4 1543 34063 10L Mid to dark brown peat with patches

of blue/grey tints from sect. 6

4 1544 34004 10L Mid brown peat from sect. 6 4 1545 34062 10L Very dark rich brown/black peat from

sect. 6


108

Soil Sample Register and Assessment Area Sample

No. Context No. Amount Description

1 1G 34029 5 Bags 100% sample of burnt stones 1 3G 34013 0.5L Small deposit of peat within

the clay/marl 1 Ext. 100 34110 10L Lower fill of [34101] 1 Ext. 101 34103 5L Fill of shallow burnt pit

[34101]. Peat with charcoal 1 Ext. 102 34104 5L Fill of [34102]. Greyish brown

clay with peat inclusions. 1 Ext. 103 34112 30L Fill of [34111] 1 Ext. 104 34105 30L Fill of [34101] 1 Ext. 105 34107 2L Fill of [34101] 1 Ext. 106 34113+34114 5L Mixed deposit due to floods 1 Ext. 107 34108 6L Fill of [34101] 1 Ext. 108 34109 10L Fill of [34109] 1 Ext. 109 34109 10L Fill of [34101] 1 Ext. 110 34110 20L Fill of [34101] 1 Ext. 111 34113 20L Redeposited natural from

[34115] 1 Ext. 112 34114 5L Greyish brown mix of peat

and redeposited natural from [34115]

1 Ext. 113 34116 15L Fill between [34101] and [34124]

1 Ext. 114 34121 15L Fill of [34124] 1 Ext. 115 34106 10L Fill of [34101] 1 Ext. 116 34122 20L Fill of [34124] 1 Ext. 117 34109 1 bag Wood from [34101] 1 Ext. 118 34117 20L Secondary fill of [34111]. Grey

brown organic peat 1 Ext. 119 34118 10L Primary fill of [34111] 1 Ext. 120 34125 20L Tertiary fill of [34111]. Peat

with charcoal. 1 Ext. 121 34124 15L Dark brown /orange silty clay

with organic components 1 Ext. 122 34124 25L Light grey fine sandy clay 2 501 34508 20L Greyish brown silty peat/marl

mix in [34507] 2 502 34509 10L Reed peat [34504] 2 503 34510 10L Greyish brown silty peat/marl

mix in [34504] 2 504 34504 <1L Possible moss in [34504] 2 505 34507 10L Peat/marl mix 2 506 34504 10L Reed peat beneath spit 3 in

[34504]


109

Area Sample No.

Context No. Amount Description

2 508 34004 10L Peat base layer in cutting G from sect. 15

2 509 34039 10L Marly upper layer in cutting G from sect. 15

2 510 34049 10L Peat and marl mix towards base of cutting G from sect. 17

2 511 34050 10L Dark grey and brown marl in cutting G from sect. 17

2 512 34051 10L Dark grey and dark blue marl in cutting G from sect. 17

2 513 34052 10L Lighter grey and blue marl in cutting G from Sect. 17

2.Ext 601 34602 100% sample of grey clay fill 2.Ext 602 34603 100% sample of burnt fill 2.Ext 603 34604 Burnt lining 2.Ext 604 34608 Grey lens 2.Ext 605 34609 Spread of cylindrical finds 3 1 341006 5L Wood and charcoal 3 2 341007 1L Fill of linear feature, [341008]‐

contains wood and charcoal 3 3 341010 6L Charred mineral/slag deposit 3 4 341010 2L Charcoal rich deposit‐not so

much slag present as sample # 4 but still the same context

3 5 341012 0.5L Dark grey fill of possible stake hole [341013] , contains charcoal

3 6 341014 1L Dark brown/black sandy clay, fill of possible posthole [341015]

3 7 341018 4L Grey/black sandy clay, charcoal rich, fill of possible stake hole [341017]

3 8 341020 8L Grey sandy silt with wood inclusions

3 9 341022 10L Grey sandy/silty clay with ash and charcoal inclusions

3 10 341006 10L Charcoal rich burnt stone deposit

3 11 341019 10L Grey silty clay deposit, charcoal rich with wood inclusions

3 12 341007 10L Dark reddish brown silty clay with small pebble, semi decayed wood and charcoal inclusions, fill of [341008]


110

Area Sample No.


3 13 341031 10L Mid blue/grey silty clay with inclusions of charcoal and wood.

3

14 341033 10L Grey silty clay with wood and charcoal inclusions, fill of [341032}

3 16 10L Peat from test trench 3 3 17 341038 0.25L Black/grey clay from possible

posthole [341037] 3 18 341040 0.25L Black/grey clay from possible

posthole [341039] 3 19 341042 0.25L Greyish, yellowish, pinkish

sandy clay from possible posthole [341041]

3 20 341043 10L Mid grey silty clay, charcoal rich, fill of pit [341044]

3 21 341046 10L Grey silty clay, charcoal rich, fill of pit [341047]

3 22 341045 10L Blackish sandy clay, charcoal rich, fill of pit [341047]

3 23 341049 20L Black stony mineral deposit, charcoal rich, over (341004)

3 25 341043 0.25L Charcoal only from (341043) 3 28 341060 20L Light grey clay with charcoal

inclusions, fill of [341059] 3 29 341027 10L Light grey sand containing

charcoal 3 30 341061 10L Orange/brown sandy clay

with burnt stone and charcoal inclusions

3 31 341025 6L Dark grey clayey sand, fill of [341024]

3 32 341072 5L Grey clay containing burnt/heat effected stones and charcoal, fill of [341071]

3 33 341073 6L Dark grey clay containing burnt stones

3 34 341008 1L Split wood from base of [34008]

3 36 341100 0.5l Black/grey/brown silty, sandy clay

3 37 341106 32L Black, charcoal rich silty clay, containing heat shattered stones.


111

Area Sample No.


3 38 341106 1L Black charcoal rich fulacht material, fill of trough [341077]

3 39 341104 0.5L Black/grey/brown (mixed colour) silty, sandy, clay, fill of possible stake hole [341101]

3 40 341105 0.5L Black/grey/yellowish silty clay. Fill of possible stake hole [341105]

3 41 341109 0.5L Grey, silty clay, fill of possible stake hole 341107

3 42 341110 0.5L Yellowish black silty clay, rich in charcoal, fill of possible posthole [341108]

3 44 341118 0.3L Yellowish grey silty clay, fill of possible posthole [341111]

3 45 341119 0.3L Grey, black silty clay, fill of possible posthole, [341112]

3 46 341120 0.3L Yellowish/blackish grey silty clay, fill of possible stake hole [341113]

3 47 341121 0.7L Black, silty clay, fill of possible posthole [341114]

3 48 341122 1L Yellowish, black silty clay, fill of possible stake hole [341115]

3 49 341123 0.3L Grey/black silty clay, fill of possible posthole/stake hole 341116

3 50 341124 0.3L Black/grey silty clay, fill of possible stake hole, 341117

3 51 341126 5L Grey clay, rich in organic material

3 52 341128 5L Silty deposit with organic material removed from underside of trough, timber E.

3 53 341128 8‐10L Deposit from underside of timber F.

3 54 341128 0.5L Deposit from underside of timber G.

3 55 341128 0.25L Black charcoal from around timber H.

3 57 341125 2.5L Fibrous organic material adjacent to fulacht trough timber at east.

3 58 341125 1‐2L Fibrous organic matter from trough.

3 59 341125 0.5L Fibrous organic matter


112

Area Sample No.


3 60 341125 0.5l Material adjacent to fulacht timber

3 61 341099 0.25L Hazelnuts

3 62 341128 0.25L Material from between and beneath timbers

3 63 341125 1.5L Material deposit within base of trough 341077

3 64 341128 0.25L Material from within internal SW corner of trough [341077]

4 1500 341505 10L Reed peat from below BS#1, [341508], spit 1

4 1501 341511 15L Reed peat from below brushwood concentration at eastern end of [341511], spit 1

4 1502 341511 10L Reed peat from below brushwood concentration at western end of [341511], spit 1

4 1503 341513 20L Reed peat from below wood in BS#4, [341513], spit1

4 1504 341509 10L Reed peat from below wood in BS#3, in possible structure [341509]

4 1505 341516 20L Wet reed/root rich peat 4 1506 341509 10L Reed peat from below wood

in BS#6, from western end of bulk sample area

4 1507 341509 10L Reed peat from below wood in BS#6, from eastern end of bulk sample area.

4 1508 341501 1‐2L Micro sample taken from between timbers of track way [341501]

4 1509 341512 10L Sample from beneath spit 2 of [341512]

4 1510 341520 10L Dark grey/black peat at base of [341512]

4 1511 34049 10L Mid‐dark brown peat, moderately firm, from section 1

4 1512 34039 10L Very light brown/greyish tinted marl, silty clay loam, from section 1

4 1513 34056 5L Very dark grey‐black, silty clay, moderately firm compaction. From section 1


113

Area Sample No.


4 1514 34057 10L Mid brown with slight tints of dark grey, silty clay loam, moderately firm compaction, from section 1

4 1515 34058 10L Mid grey with a slight brownish tint probably caused by the presence of organic matter, silty clay loam, mottled marl from section 1.

4 1516 34004 5L Mid brown thin layer of peat from sect. 1

4 1517 34059 5L Dark brown peat lens from section 1

4 1518 34060 10L Yellow clay, firm compaction from section 4

4 1519 34061 10L Greyish brown clay from section 4

4 1520 34062 10L Very dark brown/black peat from section 4

4 1521 34063 10L Mid‐dark brown silty peat from section 4

4 1522 34064 5L Blue/grey silty peat, moderately compacted from section 4

4 1523 34065 10L Very dark grey with a blue tint, sandy gravel from section 4

4 1524 34066 5L Pale pinkish clay and sand, very firm, from section 4

4 1525 34067 5L Mid brown with a greyish tint, sandy gravel from section 4

4 1526 34068 5L Dark, ochre sandy clay with an orange/brown tint caused by organic matter.



4 1529 34067 10L Mid brown with a greyish tint. Sandy loam from section 3

4 1530 34066 5L Pale pinkish clay and sand, very firm, from section 3



114

Area Sample No.




4 1534 34057 10L Mid brown with a greyish tint. Sandy loam from section 6

4 1535 34062 10L Very dark brown/black peat from section 6

4 1536 34069 5L Mid brown fibrous peat. Rapidly oxidised to dark brown on exposure.

4 1537 34070 3L Dark greyish/brown reed rich peat.

4 1538 34001 2L Light/mid grey with orange/brown mottling and also black mottling. Clay from section 6

4 1539 34071 3L Dark brownish grey fibrous peat.

4 1540 34001 10L Light/mid grey with orange/brown mottling and also black mottling. Clay from section 6

4 1541 34071 10L Dark brownish grey fibrous peat.

4 1542 34070 20L Dark greyish/brown reed rich peat.



4 1545 34062 10L Very dark brown/black peat from section 6.

Site 34 – Brick Kiln Sample Register Sample Number

Context Number

Amount Description Type/Initial results

001 Surface Brick for ID material and firing method

002 Surface Slag? For ID material 003 Surface Coal? For ID material 004 Surface Brick (Differential firing) 005 [34531] Burnt wood‐possibly kiln

fuel


115

4. Site 34 – Area 1, 2 and 4 Wood Bulk Samples per Structure Area Structure

Number Spit Number

Cutting Bulk Sample Number

Sample Number

Sample Description Reason for sampling Number of Bags

1 34005 1 C 2 40 All timber from within designated bulk sample area

Species identification and dating

8

1 34005 2?

C 5 116 All timber from within designated bulk sample area


4

1 34005 4 D 13 195 All timber from within designated bulk sample area


12

1 34005 2 and 3

D 12 190 All timber from within designated bulk sample area


5

1 34006 1 E 1 20 All timber from within designated bulk sample area


10

1 34007 1 A 3 43 All timber from within designated bulk sample area


9



5





5


116

Area Structure Number

Spit Number


Sample Number


1 34014 3 B 7 160 All timber from within designated bulk sample area


3



8



5

1 34014 5 and 6

B 16 204 All timber from within designated bulk sample area


1 34015 1 F 4 46 All timber from within designated bulk sample area


2



13



10

1 34017 4 E 10 185 All timber from within designated bulk sample area


1 34017 5 and 6

E 14 200 All timber from within designated bulk sample area


2 34504 1 H 54 509 All timber from within designated bulk sample area


1



1



1


117


Spit Number


Sample Number




1



1



37

2 34504 ? H 65 558 All timber from within designated bulk sample area


9



11

2 34505 1 G 59 515 All timber from within designated bulk sample area


9

2 34505 G 60 526 All timber from within designated bulk sample area


2 34507 1 I 51 506 All timber from within designated bulk sample area


1

2 34507 1 I 61 All timber from within designated bulk sample area


28



10



12



2


118


Spit Number


Sample Number




1



1

4 341501 Not applicable

N/A 6 1567 All timber from within designated bulk sample area


2




6




3




11




12




15




9


119


Spit Number


Sample Number





3




6




1

4 341509/341519 Not applicable



4


120

Individual Wood Samples per Structure Asterix and bold print indicates exceptional toolmark specimen. Area Structure

Number Spit Number

Cutting Individual worked No.

Sample Number Sample Description Reason for sampling Condition

1 34007 ? A 34W1023 47 Stake, chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

OK


Good


Good


Good


121


Spit Number




Poor

1 34007 ? A 34W1028 25 Split roundwood Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good


OK

1 34007 ? A 34W1030 33 Roundwood, chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Poor


Good


?

1 34007 ? A 34W1037 124 Peg, pencil end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

?


122


Spit Number



1 34007 ? A 34W1038 143 Forked roundwood, chisel ended

Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

?


?

1 34007 ? A 34W1040 125 Peg, wedge end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

?

1 34007 ? A 34W1041 121 Upright peg, chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Poor

1 34007 ? A 34W1042 144 Peg, facetted Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

?


?


?


123


Spit Number



1 34007 ? A 34W1045 147 Forked roundwood, chisel ended


Good

1 34007 ? A 34W1050 155 Large roundwood log Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

?


?


OK

1 34007 ? A 34W1049 162 Possible peg, wedge end


?


Good


?


124


Spit Number



1 34007 ? A 34W1053 161 *********Possible rope marks‐large wedge ended roundwood********


OK


OK

1 34007 ? A 34W1056 193 **********Plank with possible mortise hole**********


OK

1 34007 4 A 34W1057 208 *******Hollow stake, chisel ended*****


OK

1 34007 4 A 34W1058 209 Stake, wedge ended Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

OK

1 34007 4 A 34W1059 210 Large chisel ended stake


OK

1 34007 4 A 34W1060 211 Large chisel ended stake


OK


125


Spit Number



1 34007 4 A 34W1061 212 Roundwood, worked both ends


OK

1 34007 4 A 34W1062 213 Stake, chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good

1 34007 4 A 34W1063 214 Stake, wedge ended Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

OK

1 34007 4 A 34W1064 215 *********Stake‐possible rope marks********


OK

1 34007 5 A 34W1066 219 Roundwood chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

?

1 34014 1 B 34W1500 87 Post, chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good

1 34014 ? B 34W1503 75 Upright roundwood, facetted


Good


126


Spit Number



1 34014 ? B 34W1504 94 Stake, chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

OK

1 34014 ? B 34W1505 93 Roundwood, chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Poor

1 34014 ? B 34W1506 106 Roundwood chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

OK


Poor

1 34014 ? B 34W1508 48 Roundwood, facetted Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Poor


OK


OK


127


Spit Number




Good

1 34014 ? B 34W1515 63 Roundwood, facetted Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

OK

1 34014 ? B 34W1518 65 *******Stake, chisel end‐wear mark possibly due to lashing*********


Good


Good


OK


Good

1 34014 ? B 34W1522 76 Plank Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good


128


Spit Number




OK


OK


Poor


OK


OK


Poor

1 Baulk ? B 34W1531 118 Roundwood, chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

OK


129


Spit Number




Good


Good


OK


OK

1 34014 ? B 34W1537 74 Stake, chisel end, held in place by a peg


Good


Poor


Good


130


Spit Number



1 34014 ? B 34W1540 77 Peg, chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

OK


Good

1 34014 ? B 34W1542 128 Split roundwood Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

OK


?

1 34014 ? B 34W1544 81 Wood splinter Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

OK


OK


Good


131


Spit Number



1 34014 ? B 34W1547 71 Roundwood, wedge end


Good

1 34014 ? B 34W1548 70 *******Possible binding withy*****


Good


Good


OK


Poor


OK

1 34014 ? B 34W1554 109 Split timber Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good


132


Spit Number



1 34014 ? B 34W1555 99 *******Post/stake‐possible coppice heel******


Good


?


Good

1 34014 ? B 34W1558 148 Possible plank Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

?

1 34014 ? B 34W1559 104 Notched roundwood fragment


?


OK


Good


133


Spit Number





OK


OK


OK


OK

1 34014 ? B 34W1569 115 ********Plank with mortise hole and blade marks evident********


Good



?

1 34014 ? B W341571 134 Roundwood, chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

?


134


Spit Number



1 34014 ? B 34W1572 135 Wedge shaped plank Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

?


OK

1 34014 ? B 34W1574 136 Forked rooty roundwood


OK


?

1 34014 ? B 34W1578 150 ****Roundwood with possible drill hole******


?

1 34014 ? B 34W1579 149 Peg Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

OK


OK


135


Spit Number



1 34014 ? B 34W1582 152 Small stake/peg Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

OK

1 34014 ? B 34W1584 158 Roundwood with possible fork end


OK

1 34014 ? B 34W1585 154 Stake, pencil end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good


Good

1 34014 ? B 34W1587 157 Stake‐held in place by peg


Good

1 34014 ? B 34W1589 165 Transverse split timber Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

OK


Good


136


Spit Number





Good


OK


Good


OK

1 34014 ? B 34W1595 189 ******Stake with notch******


Good

1 34014 5 B 34W1596 187 ****Stake with possible notch*****


Good

1 34014 5 B 34W1597 202 Plank, no tool marks Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

OK


137


Spit Number



1 34014 ? B 34W1598 203 Long, thin roundwood‐possibly yew. No tool marks‐sampled for species identification.

Species identification. Good

1 Stray Stray Stray 34W000 54 ********Secondary conversion with possible mortise and tenon fixings*******


Poor

1 34005 ? C 34W001 191 *******Stake with wedge end‐possible evidence of iron axe marks******


VG

1 34005 ? C 34W002 3 component rnmkoundwood fork, wedge end on one prong‐good for illustration‐possible used as a securing component of structure********


Good

1 34005 ? C 34W003 3 Roundwood, chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good


138


Spit Number




Good

1 34005 ? C 34W005 8 Small piece of split wood


OK

1 34005 ? C 34W006 4 Split roundwood Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good


OK

1 34005 ? C 34W008 5 Roundwood, pencil end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good


Good

1 34005 ? C 34W010 12 Roundwood twig, chisel end


OK


139


Spit Number



1 34005 ? C 34W011 2 ʺDaggerʺ like split of wood. Sampled for shape not tool marks.


Good


Good


Good


Good


Good


Good

1 34005 2 C 34W025 59 Roundwood, chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good


140


Spit Number



1 34005 2 C 34W028 60 ********Peg, possible rope marks********


Good

1 34005 ? C 34W030 57 Roundwood, wedge end


Good

1 34005 2 C 34W0311 58 Roundwood, pencil end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good

1 34005 2 C 34W032 80 Roundwood, chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good

1 34005 ? C 34W033 175 Roundwood, facetted Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

OK


?


OK


141


Spit Number




?

1 34005 ? C 34W038 196 Upright peg Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good

1 34005 ? C 34W039 197 Upright peg, chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

OK

1 34005 ? C 34W040 199 Upright peg, wedge end


Good

1 34005 ? C 34W041 198 Upright peg, wedge end


OK

1 34005 ? C 34W042 180 Stake, chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good


Good


142


Spit Number



1 34005 4 C 34W044 205 ****Stake, pencil end. Possible bore holes and rope marks evident******


OK

1 34005 3 C 34W047 221 Roundwood, wedge end


VG

1 34005 3 C 34W048 222 Post, wedge and chisel facets


VG

1 34006 ? E 34W502 18 Plank Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good

1 34006 ? E 34W503 24 Roundwood, chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good

1 Stray ? Stray 34W504 30 Roundwood, chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

OK


Good


143


Spit Number




Good


Good


Good


Good

1 34006 ? E 34W510 42 Split roundwood, possibly chisel end


Good


Good

1 34006 ? E 34W514 15 ******Roundwood, chisel end. ‐Possible rope abrasion marks*****


Good


144


Spit Number



1 34006 ? E 34W515 14 Split roundwood Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

OK


Good


Poor

1 34006 ? E 34W518 9 Possible split roundwood


OK


Good

1 34006 ? E 34W520 16 Roundwood, possible facets


OK

1 34006 ? E 34W521 27 *******Roundwood, chisel end‐circular cut with 2 facets evident*******


Good


145


Spit Number




Good

1 34006 ? E 34W523 39 *******Split wood with chisel end‐possible square nail hole*******


Good

1 34006 ? E 34W524 23 Split roundwood Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

OK


Good

1 34017 ? E 34W526 173 Secondary conversion radial split


OK

1 34017 ? E 34W528 132 *****Upright peg, chisel end‐in line with 34W529, 34W533 and 34W534******


Good

1 34017 ? E 34W529 178 Upright peg, chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

OK


146


Spit Number



1 34017 ? E 34W530 174 Radially split roundwood


OK

1 34017 ? E 34W531 176 *******Small timber‐possible wear marks*******


Good

1 34017 ? E 34W532 177 Radially split secondary conversion‐possible debris from woodworking.


Good

1 34017 ? E 34W533 182 Upright, chisel end stake


OK

1 34017 ? E 34W534 179 Upright, chisel end stake


OK

1 34015 1 F 34W2001 49 Roundwood, chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

OK

1 34015 1 F 34W2002 52 Possible split log Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good


147


Spit Number



1 34015 1 F 34W2003 50 Roundwood, facetted Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

?

1 34015 1 F 34W2005 51 Roundwood, chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good

1 34015 1 F 34W2006 53 Roundwood with concave facet


Good

1 34015 1 F 34W2007 54 ******Roundwood fragment‐possible rope marks******


VG

1 34015 1 F 34W2008 55 Primary half section with chisel facet


Poor

1 34015 1 F 34W2009 56 Split plank stake Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good

1 34015 ? F 34W2010 188 *******Short plank with possible mortise hole******


Good


148


Spit Number



1 34015 3? F 34W2011 192 Short split plank‐large piece of possible oak‐dendro date

Species identification, dating.

Poor

1 34015 ? F 34W2012 194 Split stake Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good

1 34015 5 F 34W2014 216 Upright peg, wedge end


Good

1 34015 ? F 34W2015 217 Large section of log Species identification, dating

OK

1 34015 5 F 34W2016 219 Stake, chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

OK

1 34015 5 F 34W2017 218 Stake, chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

OK

2 34504 1 H 34W3502 519 Stake with pencil facet Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good

2 34504 1 H 34W3513 533 Stake, chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good


149


Spit Number



2 34504 1 H 34W3516 547 Plank at one end, stake at other


Poor

2 34504 1 H 34W3517 548 *******Stake, chisel end. Possible saw marks****


VG

2 34504 1 H 34W3518 549 *******Possible coppice piece*******


Good

2 34504 1 H 34W3519 551 Upright peg Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good


Good

2 34504 1 H 34W521 553 Peg, chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good

2 34504 1 H 34W3522 554 Stake with wedge at one end and chisel at other end


OK


150


Spit Number




Good

2 34504 H 34W3524 556 *******Worked root*******


Good

2 34505 1 G 34W3001 501 Upright stake, chisel end


Good

2 34505 1 G 34W3002 502 Peg, chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

OK

2 34505 Stray Stray 34W3003 503 Peg, chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

OK

2 34505 Stray G 34W3004 504 Peg, chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

OK

2 34505 1 G 34W3005 505 Peg, chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

VG


151


Spit Number



2 34505 5 G 34W3006 514 Plank Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Poor

2 34505 1 G 34W3016 517 ********Rounded timber with groove*********


OK

2 34507 1 I 34W4001 524 Large worked tree stump


OK

2 34507 1 I 34W4004 538 Stake Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good

2 34507 1 I 34W4005 539 *********Possible coppice piece********


Good

2 34507 1 I 34W4006 540 *********Possible coppice piece********


Good

2 34507 1 I 34W4007 543 Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good


152


Spit Number



2 34507 1 I 34W4008 544 Stake, chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good

2 34507 1 I 34W4009 545 Stake, chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

OK

2 34507 1 I 34W4010 546 ********Stake with possible demi mortis*******


Good

2 34507 1 I 34W4011 550 Whittled roundwood Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Fair

2 34519 4 G 34W3019 563 Upright post, facetted Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

OK

2 34519 4 to 6 G 34W3020 564 Upright post, facetted Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

VG

2 34519 6 G 34W3021 565 Upright post, facetted Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good


153


Spit Number



2 34519 3 G 34W3022 566 Upright stake, facetted Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good

2 34519 3 to 5 G 34W3023 567 Upright stake, facetted Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

VG

2 34519 3 to 5 G 34W3024 568 Upright stake, facetted Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good

2 34519 3 to 5 G 34W3025 569 Upright stake/post, facetted


Good

2 34519 3 to 5 G 34W3026 570 Upright stake, chisel end


Good

2 34519 3 to 6 G 34W3028 573 Post, facetted Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good


Good


154


Spit Number



2 34519 4 to 6 G 34W3030 575 Peg, facetted Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good

2 34519 4 to 6 G 34W3031 576 Peg, facetted, blackened Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good

2 34519 4 to 6 G 34W3032 577 Peg, chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good

2 34519 4 to 6 G 34W3033 578 Peg, facetted Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good


Good


Good

4 341501 N/A N/A 34W4532 1560 Roundwood with chisel end


OK


155


Spit Number



4 341501 N/A N/A 34W4533 1561‐1562 Roundwood‐facets at east end


Good

4 341501 N/A N/A 34W4534 1563 Roundwood with wedge end


Good

4 341501 N/A N/A 34W4535 1564 Roundwood, no tool marks evident

Species identification, dating

?



OK



OK

4 341501 N/A N/A 34W4538 1568+1570 Roundwood, tool marks at both ends


Good

4 341501 N/A N/A 34W4538 1572 Roundwood, tool marks at both ends


Good

4 341501 N/A N/A 34W4541 1573‐1575 Roundwood with tool marks


Good

4 341501 N/A N/A 34W4548 1577 Roundwood Species identification, dating

?


156


Spit Number




?

4 341501 N/A N/A 34W4542 1580 Roundwood with facets at west end


OK

4 341501 N/A N/A 34W4543 1581 Roundwood wedge end at west end


Good

4 341501 N/A N/A 34W4557 1582 Roundwood post/peg with facets


Good

4 341501 N/A N/A 34W4546 1585 *****Roundwood with charred wedge end*****


OK

4 341501 N/A N/A 34W4544 1588 Roundwood, tool marks evident


OK

4 341501 N/A N/A 34W4545 1589+1591+1592 Roundwood, tool marks evident


OK

4 341501 N/A N/A 34W4592 1602 Upright stake, wedge end


VG


157


Spit Number



4 341501 N/A N/A 34W4594 1604‐1605 Roundwood outlier, wedge end


OK

4 341501 N/A N/A 34W4595 1606 ********Roundwood‐deep impression of possible axe*******NB


Good

4 341501 N/A N/A 34W4596 1607‐1609 Roundwood, chisel end at south, chopped and trimmed at north


?

4 341501 N/A N/A 34W4597 1610 Split plank with facet Species identification, dating

OK

4 341501 N/A N/A 34W4598 1611 Roundwood, chop marks at west end


Good



OK

4 341501 N/A N/A 34W4554 1614‐1616 Roundwood‐chopped at north end, chisel end at south


Good

4 341501 N/A N/A 34W4602 1617 Upright stake, pencil end


VG


158


Spit Number



4 341509 N/A N/A 34W4504 1517 Linear roundwood, quarter radial section


OK

4 341509 N/A N/A 34W4539 1569 Plank Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

OK

4 341509 N/A N/A 34W4540 1571 ********Plank portion‐possible partial mortise********


Good

4 341512 N/A N/A 34W4501 1503‐1505 Transverse roundwood‐multiple facets at both ends


VG

4 341512 N/A N/A 34W4502 1506‐1508 Transverse roundwood‐multiple facets at both ends


OK

4 341512 N/A N/A 34W4503 1511‐1513 Transverse roundwood, wedge end


OK

4 341512 N/A N/A 34W4505 1514‐1516 Transverse roundwood, chisel end


Good


159


Spit Number



4 341512 N/A N/A 34W4506 1520‐1522 Roundwood outlier‐tool marks evident at southern end


OK

4 341512 N/A N/A 34W4507 1518‐1519 Transverse roundwood‐no tool marks evident


Poor

4 341512 N/A N/A 34W4508 1523‐1524 Roundwood outlier, no tool marks evident


Good

4 341512 N/A N/A 34W4509 1527‐1528 Transverse roundwood, no tool marks evident


OK

4 341512 N/A N/A 34W4510 1525‐1526 Transverse roundwood, no tool marks evident


Poor

4 341512 N/A N/A 34W4511 1529‐1531 Transverse roundwood, chiselled end


VG

4 341512 N/A N/A 34W4512 1532‐1534 Roundwood outlier, tool marks on south end


Good

4 341512 N/A N/A 34W4513 1535‐1539 Possible post, tool marks evident


VG

4 341512 N/A N/A 34W4514 1540 Transverse roundwood, tool marks evident


?


160


Spit Number



4 341512 N/A N/A 34W4515 1544‐1547 Almost complete tree trunk(but split)‐component of trackway‐no tool marks evident


VG

4 341512 N/A N/A 34W4516 1541‐1543 Roundwood, facets at both ends


Good

4 341512 N/A N/A 34W4517 1549‐1550 Roundwood, chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

OK

4 341512 N/A N/A 34W4518 1551‐1552 Roundwood, facetted Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

OK

4 341512 N/A N/A 34W4520 1553+1555 Roundwood, chisel end Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good

4 341512 N/A N/A 34W4522 1554 Roundwood, worked both ends


Good

4 341512 N/A N/A 34W4526 1556 Roundwood with facet Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

OK


161


Spit Number



4 341512 N/A N/A 34W4529 1557 Roundwood with tool marks


Good

4 341512 N/A N/A 34W4531 1558‐1559 Roundwood with chisel end


OK

4 341512 N/A N/A 34W4549 1576 Roundwood with tool marks


OK

4 341512 N/A N/A 34W4551 1579 Roundwood with wedge and chisel points


OK



Good



OK



OK



OK


162


Spit Number



4 341512 N/A N/A 34W4580 1593 Roundwood, ʺhookʺ shaped


OK



Good

4 341512 N/A N/A 34W4583 1595 Whittled twig, possibly hazel or willow


OK

4 341512 N/A N/A 34W4587 1597 Upright stake, whittled to point?


OK

4 341512 N/A N/A 34W4588 1598 Upright stake Species identification, dating and tool mark identification.

Good

4 341512 N/A N/A 34W4589 1599 Upright stake, pencil end


OK


OK


OK


163


Spit Number




?


164

5. Deposit depths Area 1 – Deposit minimum/maximum and average depths

(34021) is the basal fill of this section and was unexcavated. ‐0.525 is the lowest depth below the absolute value of 0.075 and ‐0.325 is the highest depth below the absolute value. Area 2 – Deposit minimum/maximum and average depths

34008 0.22 0.32 0.27 34002 0.54 0.62 0.58 34004 0.08 0.32 0.2 34037 0.4 0.64 0.52 34035 0.5 0.84 0.67 34039 0.42 1.32 0.87 34045 0.32 0.81 0.565

Context Minimum depth of context

Maximum depth of context Average depth

34008 0.02 0.14 0.08 34001/34002 0.28 0.6 0.44

34045 0.06 0.24 0.15 34035 0.04 0.44 0.24 34037 0.02 0.06 0.04 34036 0.02 0.1 0.06 34013 0.02 0.2 0.11 34004 0.42 0.68 0.55 34033 0.02 0.24 0.13 34031 0.02 0.16 0.09 34042 0.02 0.08 0.05 34043 0.02 0.2 0.11

Context Minimum depth of context

Maximum depth of context Average depth


165

6. Archive Quantities Item QuantityContext sheets 225 Plans 64 Sections 97 Photographs 1299 Digital photographs 69 Registers 33 Notebooks 0 Wood recording sheets 398

163

App

endi

x 7

Rad

ioca

rbon

Dat

e C

atal

ogue

Year

s BP

Si

te

Cont

ext c

lass

ifica

tion

, num

ber

Lab

Code

D

ated

Mat

eria

l

2S

igm

aCal

ibra

tion

(95.

4% p

roba

bilit

y)

48

50

35

Site

34

Allu

vial

dep

osit

Mon

olith

1 S

UER

C-1

0126

Pl

ant t

issu

e (b

uds &

bud

cal B

C 3

710

- 362

0 (7

3.7%

)

and

3580

- 35

30 (

21.7

%)

Ba

sal f

en p

eat

Que

rcus

& B

etul

a

4820

41

Si

te 3

4 A

lluvi

al d

epos

it U

B-64

81

Woo

d

ca

l BC

369

5 - 3

677

(3.0

437%

) and

367

0 - 3

617

Are

a 1

(340

04B)

Mac

rofo

ssil

sam

ple

Pr

unus

sp.

(33.

6779

%) a

nd c

al B

C 3

614

from

dep

osit

sequ

ence

s.

- 3

520

(63.

2784

%)

47

65

35

Site

34

Allu

vial

dep

osit

Mon

olith

1

SUER

C-1

0128

Plan

t tis

sue

(bud

s & b

ud

ca

l BC

364

0 - 3

500

(86.

0%)

an

d 34

30 -

3380

(9.4

%)

Ba

sal w

ood

peat

Q

uerc

us &

Bet

ula

46

28

43

Site

34

Allu

vial

dep

osit

[C34

042]

U

B-64

82

Woo

d

ca

l BC

362

2 - 3

606

(1.5

219%

) and

352

2 - 3

337

Are

a 1

(C34

042)

Low

erm

ost l

evel

. A

lnus

sp.

(96.

7315

%) a

nd c

al B

C 3

207

Mac

rofo

ssil

sam

ple

from

dep

osit

- 3

194

(1.1

551%

) and

cal

BC

sequ

ence

s.

31

49 -

3140

(0.5

915%

)

4580

40

Si

te 3

4 A

lluvi

al d

epos

it M

onol

ith

2 SU

ERC

-146

91 Pl

ant t

issu

e

(bud

s & b

ud

cal B

C 3

500

- 343

0 (1

8.8%

)

and

3380

- 32

60 (3

9.7%

) and

Allu

vial

dep

osit

Que

rcus

& B

etul

a

ca

l BC

324

0 - 3

100

(36.

9%)

164

45

40

40

Site

34

Allu

vial

dep

osit

Mon

olith

2

SUER

C-1

4690

Plan

t tis

sue

(bud

s & b

ud

ca

l BC

337

0 - 3

090

(95.

4%)

A

lluvi

al d

epos

it A

lnus

& B

etul

a Ye

ars

BP

Site

Co

ntex

t cla

ssifi

cati

on, n

umbe

r La

b Co

de

Dat

ed M

ater

ial

2Sig

maC

alib

rati

on

an

d de

scri

ptio

n

(9

5.4%

pro

babi

lity)

4505

35

Si

te 3

4 A

lluvi

al d

epos

it M

onol

ith 1

SUER

C-1

4687

Fru

it st

one

ca

l BC

336

0 - 3

090

(95.

4%)

A

lluvi

al d

epos

it Pr

unus

spin

osa

41

50

35

Site

34

Allu

vial

dep

osit

Mon

olith

1

SU

ERC

-101

25 S

eeds

cal B

C 2

880

- 262

0 (1

00%

)

Top

of w

ood

peat

Ru

bus s

p.

40

68

35

Site

34

Smal

l tra

ck w

ay. (

3451

3)

UB-

6909

W

ood

cal B

C 2

855

- 281

2 (1

2.9%

)

an

d 27

47 -

2725

(2.9

%) a

nd

A

rea

4 W

ood

11 S

truc

ture

[341

513]

. Po

moi

deae

cal B

C 2

697

- 254

6 (6

5.7%

)

Wor

ked

woo

d sa

mpl

e.

an

d ca

l BC

254

1 - 2

488

(1

8.5%

)

3935

35

Si

te 3

4 A

lluvi

al d

epos

it M

onol

ith 2

S

UER

C-1

4689

Se

eds

ca

l BC

257

0 - 2

520

(7.7

%)

and

2500

- 22

90 (8

7.7%

)

Allu

vial

dep

osit

Rubu

s sp.

3859

38

Si

te 3

4 A

lluvi

al d

epos

it (3

4004

) U

B-64

71

Frui

t sto

ne

ca

l BC

246

4 - 2

270

(8

3.78

96%

) and

225

9 - 2

206

Are

a 4

(340

04).

Mac

rofo

ssil

sam

ple

Prun

us sp

.

(16.

2104

%)

165

Year

s BP

Si

te

Cont

ext c

lass

ifica

tion

, num

ber

Lab

Code

D

ated

Mat

eria

l 2S

igm

aCal

ibra

tion

and

desc

ript

ion

(95.

4% p

roba

bilit

y)

38

35

39

Site

34

Allu

vial

dep

osit

(340

33)

UB-

6469

W

ood

cal B

C 2

460

- 219

8

(9

8.15

74%

) and

216

2 - 2

152

Are

a 1

C34

033.

Mac

rofo

ssil

sam

ple

from

Pr

unus

sp.

(1.8

426%

)

dep

osit

sequ

ence

s.

3733

38

Si

te 3

4 A

lluvi

al d

epos

it (3

4031

) U

B-64

80

Woo

d ca

l BC

228

0 - 2

250

(5.0

623%

) and

223

0 - 2

219

Are

a 1

C34

031.

Mac

rofo

ssil

sam

ple

from

A

lnus

sp.

(1.3

077%

) and

cal

BC

221

2 -

d

epos

it se

quen

ces.

2027

(93.

6299

%)

37

02

34

Site

34

Smal

l tra

ckw

ay [3

4151

2]

UB-

6908

W

ood

(wor

ked)

ca

l BC

220

0 - 2

158

(12.

3%)

or

pla

tform

. an

d 21

54 -

2015

(84.

5%) a

nd

A

rea

4 W

ood

34W

4501

Str

uctu

re

Aln

us sp

. ca

l BC

199

7- 1

980

(3.2

%)

34

1512

. Wor

ked

woo

d sa

mpl

e

(T

ranv

erse

roun

dwoo

d-m

ultip

le fa

cets

at

bo

th e

nds)

.

3637

36

Si

te 3

4 La

rge

timbe

r tra

ckw

ay [

3406

3] U

B-64

66

Woo

d (w

orke

d)

cal B

C 2

133

- 208

1

(1

7.23

15%

) and

206

0 - 1

901

Are

a 4

Woo

d 45

37 S

truc

ture

[341

501]

A

lnus

sp.

(82.

7685

%)

[3

4063

]. W

orke

d w

ood

sam

ple.

166

36

05

33

Site

34

Arc

of s

take

s for

min

g

[340

17]

UB-

6902

W

ood

(wor

ked)

ca

l BC

211

2 - 2

101

(1.5

%)

st

ruct

ure

and

ca l

BC 2

036

- 188

4

A

rea

1 W

ood

34W

532

Stru

ctur

e 34

017.

Ta

xus s

p.

(98.

5%)

167

Year

s BP

Si

te

Cont

ext c

lass

ifica

tion

, num

ber

Lab

Code

D

ated

Mat

eria

l 2S

igm

aCal

ibra

tion

and

desc

ript

ion

(95.

4% p

roba

bilit

y)

35

85

36

Site

34

Poss

ibly

a s

ubst

ruct

ure

of [3

4049

]UB-

6464

W

ood

(wor

ked)

ca

l BC

203

4 - 1

876

plat

form

345

05.

(95.

1569

%) a

nd 1

842

- 181

9

A

rea

2 W

ood

3020

Str

uctu

re 3

4519

Sa

lix/P

opul

us

(2.9

784%

) and

cal

BC

179

7 -

C

3404

9. W

orke

d w

ood

sam

ple.

17

80 (1

.864

7%)

35

42

37

Site

34

Allu

vial

dep

osit

[340

13]

UB-

6468

Pl

ant m

acro

foss

il ca

l BC

200

7 - 2

005

(0.2

644%

) and

197

4 - 1

754

Are

a 1

3401

3. M

acro

foss

il sa

mpl

e fr

om

Aln

us sp

. (9

9.73

56%

)

dep

osit

sequ

ence

s.

3301

36

Si

te 3

4 W

oode

n Tr

ackw

ay

[340

05]

UB-

6900

W

ood

(wor

ked)

ca

l BC

168

0 - 1

674

(1.1

%)

an

d 16

70 -

1500

(98.

9%)

A

rea

1 W

ood

34W

048

Stru

ctur

e 34

005.

A

lnus

sp.

W

orke

d w

ood

sam

ple.

(pos

t, w

edge

and

chis

el fa

cets

)

3119

32

Si

te 3

4 Po

ssib

le b

rush

woo

d

[345

05]

UB-

6905

W

ood

(wor

ked)

ca

l BC

148

8 - 1

483

(0.8

%)

tr

ack/

plat

form

. an

d 14

54 -

1309

(99.

2%)

A

rea

2 W

ood

34W

3002

Str

uctu

re

Cory

lus a

vella

na

[3

4505

]. W

orke

d w

ood

sam

ple

(peg

, chi

sel

en

d).

168

23

60

35

Site

34

Allu

vial

dep

osit

Mon

olith

1 S

UER

C-1

0127

Pl

ant t

issu

e (M

onoc

ot.)

cal B

C 7

20 -

690

(2.1

%) a

nd

540

- 370

(93.

3%)

To

p of

reed

pea

t Ph

ragm

ite

Year

s BP

Si

te

Cont

ext c

lass

ifica

tion

, num

ber

Lab

Code

D

ated

Mat

eria

l

2S

igm

aCal

ibra

tion

and

desc

ript

ion

(95.

4% p

roba

bilit

y)

21

16

32

Site

34

Irre

gula

r sha

ped

woo

den

[340

06] U

B-69

01

Woo

d (w

orke

d)

cal B

C 3

44 -

323

(4%

) and

dum

p/pl

atfo

rm

205

- 48

(96%

)

Are

a 1

Woo

d 34

W50

7 St

ruct

ure

3400

6.

Aln

us sp

.

Wor

ked

woo

d sa

mpl

e (r

ound

woo

d, c

hise

l

end)

.

2062

32

Si

te 3

4 Su

bsta

ncia

l woo

den

[3

4007

] U

B-69

03

Woo

d (w

orke

d)

cal B

C 1

73 -

cal A

D 4

(100

%)

st

ruct

ure-

poss

ible

trac

kway

Are

a 1

Woo

d 34

W10

63 S

truc

ture

340

07.

Frax

inus

exce

lsior

Wor

ked

woo

d sa

mpl

e (s

take

, wed

ge

en

ded)

.

2045

40

Si

te 3

4 A

lluvi

al d

epos

it M

onol

ith 1

SUER

C-1

4682

Pl

ant t

issu

e (M

onoc

ot.)

ca

l BC

170

- A

D 6

0 (9

5.4%

)

Allu

vial

dep

osit

Phra

gmite

s

2029

33

Si

te 3

4 W

oode

n st

ruct

ure

- [34

035]

U

B-64

63

Woo

d (w

orke

d)

cal B

C 1

58 -

135

(3.9

199%

)

poss

ible

trac

k w

ay.

and

114

- 54

(96.

0801

%)

A

rea

1 W

ood

1507

Str

uctu

re 3

4014

Sa

lix/P

opul

us

C

3403

5. W

orke

d w

ood

sam

ple.

169

19

65

35

Site

34

Allu

vial

dep

osit

Mon

olith

1

SU

ERC

-146

81 Pl

ant t

issu

e (M

onoc

ot.)

ca

l BC

50

- cal

AD

90

(91.

0%) a

nd c

al A

D 1

00 -

Allu

vial

dep

osit

Ph

ragm

ites

130

(4.4

%)

Year

s BP

Si

te

Cont

ext c

lass

ifica

tion

, num

ber

Lab

Code

D

ated

Mat

eria

l

2S

igm

aCal

ibra

tion

and

desc

ript

ion

(95.

4% p

roba

bilit

y)

1950

34

Site

34

Dep

osit

(340

35)

UB-

6470

Pl

ant m

acro

foss

il

ca

l BC

37

- 28

(2.5

994%

) and

24

- 10

(4.0

876%

) and

cal

Are

a 1

(340

35) U

pper

mos

t lev

el.

Salix

sp./P

opul

us

BC 3

-cal

AD

126

(93.

313)

Mac

rofo

ssil

sam

ple

from

dep

osit

sequ

ence

s.

1870

35

Site

34

Allu

vial

dep

osit

Mon

olith

1SU

ERC

-101

24

Plan

t tis

sue

(Mon

ocot

.)

cal A

D 6

0 - 2

40 (1

00%

)

End

of re

ed p

eat /

est

uari

ne s

ilt tr

ansi

tion

Ph

ragm

ites

Zo

ne

1698

31

Site

34

Poss

ible

bru

shw

ood

plat

form

[340

15] U

B-69

04W

ood

(wor

ked)

ca

l AD

256

- 30

5 (2

6.2%

)

and

312

- 414

(73.

8%)

A

rea

1 W

ood

34W

2007

Str

uctu

re 3

4015

. Fr

axin

us sp

..exc

elsio

r

Wor

ked

woo

d sa

mpl

e (r

ound

woo

d

fr

agm

ent-p

ossi

ble

rope

mar

ks).

1665

35

Site

34

Allu

vial

dep

osit

Mon

olith

1SU

ERC

-146

80

Plan

t tis

sue

(Mon

ocot

.)

cal A

D 2

50 -

440

(91.

1%)

an

d 48

0 - 5

30 (4

.3%

)

Allu

vial

dep

osit

Phra

gmite

s

170

59

2 32

Si

te 3

4 Po

ssib

le w

oode

n tr

ack

way

[340

54]U

B-64

65

Woo

d (w

orke

d)

cal A

D 1

298

- 137

2

w

hich

exp

ande

d to

form

(7

1.24

11%

) and

137

8 - 1

412

plat

form

.

(2

8.75

89%

)

Are

a 2

Woo

d 35

17 S

truc

ture

345

04

Aln

us sp

.

3405

4. W

orke

d w

ood

sam

ple.

Ye

ars

BP

Site

Co

ntex

t cla

ssifi

cati

on, n

umbe

r La

b Co

de

Dat

ed M

ater

ial

2Sig

maC

alib

rati

on

an

d de

scri

ptio

n

(9

5.4%

pro

babi

lity)

541

30

Site

34

Poss

ible

bru

shw

ood

[3

4507

] U

B-69

07

Woo

d (w

orke

d)

cal A

D 1

316

- 135

4 (3

1.6%

)

plat

form

or t

rack

way

.

an

d 13

89 -

1436

(68.

4%)

A

rea

2 W

ood

34W

4004

Str

uctu

re 3

4507

. A

lnus

sp.

W

orke

d w

ood

sam

ple

(sta

ke).

52

4 29

Si

te 3

4 Po

ssib

le w

oode

n tr

ack

way

[345

04]U

B-69

06

Woo

d (w

orke

d)

cal A

D 1

324

- 134

6 (1

2.7%

)

whi

ch e

xpan

ded

to fo

rm

and

1393

- 14

41 (8

7.3%

)

plat

form

.

Are

a 2

Woo

d 34

W35

23 S

truc

ture

345

04.

Aln

us sp

.

Wor

ked

woo

d sa

mpl

e (w

orke

d ro

ot, c

hise

l end

)

Documents

N25 Waterford Bypass, Contract 3. Final Report on archaeological Investigations at Site 34 in the townland of Newrath, Co Kilkenny Volume 1