Burnt pit

The National Monuments Service's description

Archaeological test trenching by Yvonne Whitty under Licence 20E0571 for an 8.4-hectare extension to the existing quarry revealed two features of archaeological significance were identified at the southeast corner of the proposed quarry 3m from the field boundary and access laneway which will be preserved in situ. Following consultation with the client this area will not be excavated; the boundary ditch along the entire length of the proposed quarry will not be removed and a buffer of 10m will be left from the boundary ditch to the limit of excavation to store topsoil and prevent undermining of the laneway. There will be no topsoil stored at the location of the pits which will be fenced off with post and sheep wire to prevent accidental damage from wheel ruts.
The results of the testing were described by Whitty (2021) as follows; 'Temporary fencing covering an area of 25 square meters has been erected around the features in the interim and the limit of excavation will be 7m from these features which was devoid of archaeology. The field is currently under pasture and it may take several years for the quarry to reach this limit. Two features of archaeological significance were identified at the east corner of the proposed quarry extension 3m from the field boundary and access laneway which will be preserved in situ. The two shallow pits filled with fractured, heat-affected subangular sandstone stones and black, ashy soil were exposed). The fill of both pits was identical and similar to the typical fills of burnt mounds. The pits were 0.75m apart. The most easterly pit had a diameter of 1.15m - 1.17m and a small slot showed a depth of 0.28m at the deepest, central point. The most westerly pit had a diameter of 0.90 - 1.09m. An area 15m by 10m was opened around the pits which was constrained by a lane to the north. No other features were encountered and no artefacts were recovered. If related features are present'.

Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien based on details provided by Yvonne Whitty

Date of upload: 6 May 2021

References

Whitty, Y. 2021 Test Trenching Report Tober Upper, Dunlavin, Co. Wicklow, 20E0571. Unpublished report submitted to the National Monuments Service, Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Dublin.