Enclosure

The National Monuments Service's description

During Phase 3 a W outer annexe (dims c. 45m N-S; Wth c. 22m) appears to be connected to the inner W annexe but is probably later than it. At N, its defining ditch springs from a curve in the W inner annexe ditch, but the conjunction is disturbed by a slot-trench of a hut-site (ME025-096006-) just to the N. A direct connection between its W edge and the return of its E edge cannot be established but the enclosure is divided in two by an E-W ditch. In Phase 4 this annexe might have been extended further E (dim. c. 40m E-W) and provided with a new ditch connecting with the S edge of the old but extended E and W annexes now combined into a large subrectangular enclosure (ME025-096003-) but a connection between the E and W sides of this enclosure also cannot be established. (McGlade 2017, vol. 1, 27-30)
Four kilns are within the area of the W annexes. An isolated feature within the S part of the outer annexe was deeply truncated but appears to have been a figure-of-eight form. One keyhole-shaped kiln cut the fill of both an internal E-W gully within the smaller, earlier W annexe and the fill of the defining ditch of large rectangular enclosure. Another kiln was built in the fill of the E boundary of the earlier W annexe and was cut by the S line of the rectangular enclosure. The last kiln was cut into the fill of the earliest phase of the W annexe ditch and it is possible that a C-shaped structure within the enclosure might have served it as a wind-break although it does not enclose it. (McGlade 2017, vol. 1, 48-51; 82-3)

See the attached plans from McGlade (2017, vol. 1, P 22, 29) _01 location and early phase; _02 later phase;

Compiled by: Michael Moore

Date of upload: 19 April, 2023

McGlade, S. 2017 Preliminary Excavation Report, Site D, Alexander Reid, Navan. Licence: 16E0449. Unpublished report, 2 vols ,Archaeology Plan