2024:335 - Templemichael, Caherconlish, Limerick

The project entailed the construction of 7 two-storey townhouse-type dwellings with works to public footpath, public lighting, hard and soft landscaping, connection to public services and all associated site works at Templemichael, Caherconlish, Co. Limerick.

Medieval features identified at the northern end of the site were archaeologically excavated. These were:

Feature 1: Feature 1 (centred on ITM 568089 649454) was revealed during the initial top- and subsoil strip of the eastern end of the field, south of the gated entrance to the site. This isolated, irregular, linear feature, situated close to the eastern field boundary, measured 3.1m north to south by 0.7m at its widest point. A shallow feature of no more than 0.05m, the fill comprised a dark grey to dark brown, sandy clayey soil of moderate compaction. There were frequent charcoal flecks throughout and although the base appeared to be slightly rounded, no cut could be observed. No finds are associated with the feature. A soil sample was retained should further analysis prove necessary.

Feature 2: Feature 2 (centred on ITM 568066 649442) was originally identified during archaeological testing of the site in 2021 as the severely truncated remains of a stone ‘sett’ surface, with associated hearth features, which was recorded and covered over with a temporary protective membrane before the test trenches were backfilled. This protective membrane was revealed during machine removal of the top- and subsoils under strict archaeological supervision, and the stone-built platform work surface was hand excavated. The stone-built platform presented as a high quality, finely crafted example of dry stone building technique, which served as a platform working surface, that may have facilitated or alleviated drainage in a regularly flooded area. Visible evidence of in situ burning, and the recovery of metal ores (ferrous and non-ferrous) and smelting by-products (such as slag, ferrous and non-ferrous) indicate the operation of a forge associated with smelting or smithing of ores and metal on the site, possibly centred on this stone-built, earth-set platform surface, but extending over the surrounding area and bounded by the river to the west, and the road to the north (as suggested in the testing report).

Feature 2 was made up of narrow, rectangular, roughly-shaped and dressed, small slabs of greyish sedimentary stone (either mudstone or sandstone, of probable local origin, similar to modern contemporary decorative stonework in evidence on the nearby bridge to the west of the site). These slabs were placed on their side and were then laid side by side, with the long, narrow (0.15m x 0.03m) ‘face’ of the stone facing up, to present a solid surface, along a regularly coursed (at least 52 courses) northwest – southeast oriented axis, with smaller packing stones also in evidence. Two reddened areas were visible where the feature had been truncated on the eastern side, the smaller of which lay along the southern edge of the platform, with the larger one closer to the centre of the remaining stones, and was also present, and spreading through the underlying clay (C3).

Overall, the feature measured 2.4m along the long axis (north-south), and 1.2m at its widest point (east-west), with a minimum width of 0.7m, and an average width of between 0.9m and 1.1m. The depth of the feature (up to 0.3m in places) was defined by the placing of the individual stones, which averaged up to 0.4m in length, 0.05m width, and up to 0.15m height. The working surface appeared to have suffered some subsidence in places as it was uneven and dipped in parts, though this may have happened after it ceased to be used. The feature is edged (on the west side) with ‘kerb’ stones of a similar shape and size to those that made up the main body of the stone surface. These were placed perpendicular to the regularly coursed northwest to southeast orientated stones. Tightly packed and unbonded, the feature was seemingly held in place in a manner familiar to modern dry stone paving or walling techniques. The surrounding orange boulder clay (C3) has been redeposited on at least one occasion, most likely to alleviate the rising groundwater conditions (despite being more than 55m above sea level) caused both by proximity to the River Groody, and the geographical position at the base of gently rising surrounding ground. It is difficult to ascertain what the original dimensions of the complete stone ‘sett’ feature may have been, but it may have extended up to 2m to the east where a small number of outlying stones were recorded, roughly aligned along the same axis as F2. Two possible stake-holes (F7 and F8) were recorded, situated to the east of the feature and within 3m.

A range of finds were recovered in association with F2, all from the initial clean back and pre-excavation cleaning. There were no finds from the excavation of the stones or from the limited excavation of the redeposited surrounding soils. No foundation cut was detected during the course of the excavation of F2, but the very wet weather conditions which accompanied the rising groundwater encountered while excavating made it difficult to progress the archaeology consistently and sufficiently. Soil samples have been retained.

During the top- and subsoil strip of the intended development area a number of earth-cut linear features were observed and excavated. They include:

Feature 3: Feature 3 (centred on ITM 568066 649442) is a possible pit located 7.5m to the northeast of F2, measuring 1.1m north to south by 0.6m east to west, with a maximum depth of 0.2m. The fill consisted of a heavily charcoal-flecked dark grey gritty and clayey silty soil cut into a redeposited boulder clay (C3). There were small stones present on the northern and south-western edges. No finds were recovered from the basal fill, but faunal samples, slag waste, and pottery was found on and around the surface during the clean back of the feature and surrounding area. F3 is close to a linear ditch feature (F4) to the east, oriented north to south, and to the north, oriented east to west, situating F3 within the turn of F4. Samples have been retained for further analysis.

Feature 4: Feature 4 (centred on ITM 568065 649439) is a linear ditch feature oriented north to south, situated c. 6m to the east of F2 (at their closest points) and turning to the west for a length of no more than 4m at its northern extent. In attempting to define the extent and orientation of the linear feature, evidence of a potential stone lining was observed during clean back of the southern extent whereupon the feature continued under the southern baulk as far as could be ascertained. The full extent of the course of the linear feature (F4) was not determined, and a similarly oriented linear feature (F5) was uncovered (parallel to F4) during the excavation. Upon resumption of archaeological excavation in March 2024, F4 was investigated and manually cleaned before being excavated in sections along the course of its north to south orientation as far as the limits of excavation to the north and to the south.

F4 was exposed for a length of 17m and continued beyond the limit of excavation to the north and to the south. The potential stone lining observed during the course of works in September/October 2023 was revealed to be a drainage channel of unbonded dry stone construction (F26) which traversed the known length of the ditch feature F4 and overlay earlier underlying silty ditch fills (C10, C11). F4 measured up to 2m wide and had a minimum depth of 1.2m. The cut for the ditch feature (F4) measured 17m (north-south) within the limits of the excavation, with an average width at the top of between 1.4m and 1.6m, and a depth of 0.7m to a rounded base. The fill consisted of a firm mid to dark brown moderately compacted clayey silt with frequent small to medium sized stone and charcoal inclusions. Pottery and glass shards, animal bone, clay pipe bowls and stems, along with ferrous (iron) slag material was recovered from the fill. A small non-ferrous metal backing for a button was also unearthed during clean back of the feature. Bulk soil and faunal samples have been retained for analysis and will be processed, along with a charcoal sample. The ditch feature F4 was fully excavated despite a constant inundation of groundwater in challenging meteorological conditions.

Feature 5: Feature 5 (centred on ITM 568067 649440) was a linear feature, similar to F4 and apparently parallel with it for a length of at least 5m from the known northern edge of excavation. Curving towards F4 (the north – south linear ditch feature containing the unbonded stone drain) from the north, F5 was cut into F4 and measured 1.9m in width where excavated, and had an average depth of 0.4m which induced water inundation during and after excavation. Situated to the east of F4, the fill consisted of a dark brown clayey silt with moderate inclusions of small to medium sized rocks and fragments of sedimentary mudstones similar to those excavated as part of F2. A faunal sample was recovered along with pottery, slag and glass artefacts. The cut for the linear ditch feature F5 measures 0.8m wide at the top narrowing to an average of 0.2m at the base, which had been rounded, and appeared to have a small shelf-like protrusion along the eastern side of the feature. No evidence for a continuation of the ditch feature west of F4 was found.

The two linear features (F4 & F5) appear to occupy the eastern extent (perhaps forming the eastern boundary) of the site, and apart from Feature 1 (an isolated linear feature) and a shallow, narrow, possibly agricultural feature (F23), there was no further evidence of an archaeological nature uncovered east of F5.

It was noted during the excavation of both linear features (F4 and F5) that they repeatedly filled with water easily and quickly, and would have served as water courses if left open. This suggests the possibility that this was the intention, considering the presence of small to medium sized stones towards the base, and that they are wide and apparently relatively shallow. The necessity for drainage on the site, even if only using it for a brief period, would be overwhelming as the water table is very high in this low-lying area adjacent to a river.

Feature 6: (centred on ITM 568066 649441) was an irregular, oblong, deposit situated 2m east of F4, and on the line of (and possibly overlying) the northern extent of F5. The long axis measured 0.6m east to west and it was wider at the western end (measuring 0.2m) than at the eastern end (minimum 0.05m). The feature was half sectioned first and the fill depth was recorded as no more than 0.1m, before being fully excavated to reveal a shallow depression with no evidence of a cut. An environmental sample was recovered for analysis and a single pottery sherd was found on the surface during excavation.

Feature 7: (centred on ITM 568060 649438) is a possible stake-hole, one of two, (the other being F8) recorded within the immediate vicinity of F2, c. 2m (F7) and 3m (F8) to the west of F2. A dark brown clayey silt with no inclusions was excavated as the fill of F7 from the surrounding (possible redeposit, C3). F7 is situated 0.7m east of F8 and was excavated to a depth of 0.1m.

Feature 8: (centred on ITM 568060 649438) is possible stake-hole, one of two, (the other being F7) recorded within the immediate vicinity of F2, c. 3m (F8) and 2m (F7) to the west of F2. A dark brown clayey silt with no inclusions was excavated as the fill of F7 from the surrounding (possible redeposit, C3). F8 is situated 0.7m west of F7 and was excavated to a depth of 0.1m.

Feature 9: (centred on ITM 568061 649438) was a possible post-hole, one of two, located close to 2m to the north of the stake-holes F7 & F8. Half section and subsequent excavation proved inconclusive. No finds were recovered and the possible fill seemed to be non-archaeological in nature. Environmental sample was retained.

Feature 10: (centred on ITM 568062 649439) was a possible post-hole, the second of two, located close to 3m to the north of the stake-holes F7 & F8. Half section and subsequent excavation proved inconclusive. No finds were recovered and the possible fill seemed to be non-archaeological in nature. Environmental sample was retained.

Feature 11: (centred on ITM 568067 649442) Feature 11 was a sub-rectangular deposit aligned east-west on the long axis and situated 1.3m to the north of F2. Feature 11 measured 0.7m east to west by 0.55m, and had a depth of 0.28m. The fill was a dark grey silty sand with gravel and occasional medium-sized water-rolled stones. A glazed sherd of pottery was recovered from the upper part of the fill.

Feature 12: (centred on ITM 568066 649442) was identified as a possible clay cap deposit which, when excavated, proved to be inconclusive. Located to the east of the point where F4 (linear earth-cut feature) turns, from a north to south orientation to an east to west orientation, Feature 12 lay 1.2m to the south of F6, and 1m to the northeast of F13. The proximity of these three features (F3, F12, and F13) to each other (all within 2m), and in conjunction with the equally close F4 (the linear earth-cut feature) to the east, and the north, suggested structural elements or a work floor surface, with evidence of possible small packing stones, and a total of three small (each measuring no more than 0.2m) clay deposits, all within a 2m range.

Feature 13: (centred on ITM 568066 649442) Situated no more than 1.5m to the south, of Feature 12, Feature 13 was recorded as a possible spread or deposit with frequent charcoal flecks and small to medium (with some large) stones. Mottling in evidence suggested a possible redeposited boulder clay with overlying clay cap deposits (F12). Excavation at this location was subject to flooding and discontinued.

Feature 14: (centred on ITM 568038 649425) This was a post-hole identified as part of a pair of two post-holes and a small linear feature (F18) close to the limit of the excavation (southern baulk). A circular cut and fill (see also C4 and C5) measuring 0.2m north to south by 0.22m, excavated to a depth of 0.28m, Feature 14 lay 1m to the west of F15 and consisted of a dark grey clayey silt soil with occasional charcoal flecks. F17, an east to west orientated earth-cut linear feature is situated 2m to the west. A small fragment of possibly fired clay (clay exposed to heat and hardened) was recovered from within the upper fill.

Feature 15: (centred on ITM 568039 649425) was a post-hole identified as part of a pair of two post-holes and a small linear feature (F18) close to the southern limit of the excavation (southern baulk). A circular cut and fill (see also C6 and C7) measuring 0.2m north to south by 0.25m, excavated to a depth of 0.2m, Feature 15 lay 1m to the east of F14, and 2.5m to the east of F17 (an east-west oriented earth-cut linear feature). The fill comprised a dark grey clayey silt with occasional charcoal flecks present. A faunal sample recovered from the fill has been retained for further analysis.

Feature 16: (centred on ITM 568066 649442) is a possible post-hole measuring 0.3m east to west by 0.4m, situated 4m east-southeast of Feature 2 and yielded faunal samples, metal slag and ore, and pottery.

Feature 17: (centred on ITM 568038 649425) is an east to west oriented earth-cut linear feature, which continued to the west under the western baulk (and limit of excavation), and was observed for a length of 7m (east-west), measuring 1.4m wide (north-south) at the surface. This feature was uncovered during monitoring of machine subsoil strip to expose the limits of an area of modern waste deposited in the south-west corner of the area of development. There may be a relationship between F17, and F18, a narrow, shallow linear feature (associated with F14 and F15) as they appear to be aligned along the same orientation. The upper surface fill of F17 comprised a dark brown clayey silt with frequent inclusions of stone. Post-medieval pottery, glass, and faunal remains were recovered.

Feature 18: (centred on ITM 568040 649426) Measuring 2m long (east-west) and 0.4m wide Feature 18 was no deeper than 0.03m. It terminated (at the eastern end) at the post-hole F14. The fill was a dark grey gritty clayey silt.

Feature 19: (centred on ITM 568066 649442) is a possible pit, measuring 0.7m east to west and north to south, which presented as a dark grey/black silty clay overlying a mottled orange possible redeposit parallel with and to the west of F4 and 3m southeast of F2. The feature was further cleaned upon the resumption of excavation in March 2024 and found to be a shallow deposit situated between the two parallel north-south linear features F4 and F28 when excavated. There were pottery sherds, clay pipe fragments, ferrous artefacts, and non-ferrous slag or ore recovered from the feature.

Feature 20: (centred on ITM 568066 649442) was another possible post-hole 2.6m south of Feature 16 (a possible post-hole). Feature 20 measured 0.4m north to south by 0.4m, but when excavated turned out to be not of archaeological significance. F20 was situated c. 5m southeast of F2 (the stone-built platform working floor) and at the surface consisted of dark grey/blackish clay.

Feature 21: (centred on ITM 568070 649445) A spread of possible redeposit comprising a light brown sandy silty clay of firm compaction with frequent gravel and small stone inclusions. Feature 21 is situated west of F19, and south of F16.

Feature 22: (centred on ITM 568063 649444) This feature describes the redeposited soils underlying the sod and topsoil. Measuring up to 1m in depth in places, some later features were found to be cut into these deposits which built up over time, presumably in response to persistent inundation of groundwater.

Feature 23: (centred on ITM 568065 649439) This was the first feature resolved when excavation resumed in March 2024. Situated to the east of and cut into the eastern flank of the upper level of F4 (the linear north–south oriented ditch feature with associated stone drain) F23 measured 5m in length with a depth of between 0.05m and 0.15m and width ranging between 0.15m and 0.2m. The shallow U-shaped cut had a fill of dark grey-brown silty clay which had occasional small stones present.

Feature 24: (centred on ITM 568064 649437) This roughly-cut irregular-shaped spread of grey/black to brown silty clay comprised the fill of a relatively large (3.7m north-south by 3.5m) deposit of artefact-rich soil with frequent charcoal flecks and inclusions. The feature appeared to have been cut as a series of overlapping and interspersed small pits of irregular cut. F28, a sterile, possibly modern, linear ditch feature was cut into F24. A cluster of shallow possible stake-holes (F30 – F33) was revealed on the southern side of the excavated feature. Metal artefacts and slag, along with glass and ceramic sherds (including basal sherds of a possible cauldron) were recovered from the fill of the feature, and soil and faunal samples were retained for further analysis.

Feature 25: (centred on ITM 568065 649439) was located towards the southern edge of excavation, between F4 (the linear ditch feature) and F28 (another linear ditch feature situated west of, and parallel to, F4). Measuring no more than 2m in length where visible, up to 0.5m in depth, and between 0.3m and 0.4m in width, this possible linear feature displayed elements of a recut for F4.  The eastern flank of F28, close to the southern baulk, appeared to be cut by the western side of F25, while the western flank of F4, close to the southern baulk, appeared to be cut by the eastern side of F25. An iron object, ceramic sherds, and animal bone were recovered from the fill. A bulk soil sample was retained.

Feature 26: (centred on ITM 568065 649439) This is the uppermost fill of the linear ditch feature F4 and consists of a ‘French drain’ style, unbonded, single chambered, drainage channel of dry-stone construction. Assembled using undressed and unworked, apparently local, unquarried fieldstones of consistently medium size, the appropriate stones (with one side of consistent flat facing) were set into the upper fill of the linear ditch in two opposing rows, where the flat face of each stone was directly opposite another sufficiently flat-faced stone, with larger, flatter capstones set on top of the two stone rows. There were no basal stones present, and the silty fill that comprised the base of the drain formed the upper layer of the linear ditch fill (F4). This was interpreted as a deposit relating to the waterflow through a working drain. All finds were recovered from the lower levels of the ditch fill (a mid-brown clayey silt becoming a clayey sandy silt towards the base) and included a broad range of animal bone, metals both ferrous and non ferrous, slag metal waste, clay pipes, glass, and ceramic. The lack of mollusc shell from the ditch fill suggests that the feature did not remain as an open-cut ditch for any period of time, with the implication remaining that the ditch, though large, was originally excavated for the purpose of accommodating the aforementioned relatively small unchambered stone drain. Soil samples were retained and may offer further evidence with appropriate processing and archaeobotanical analysis.

Feature 27: (centred on ITM 568067 649440) was partially revealed at the northern edge of the limit of excavation, and appeared to be a typical agricultural stone land drain made up of a shallow linear cut backfilled with loose angular and sub-angular rocks and stones randomly placed within the cut. Oriented east to west it was present, and appeared to truncate, the northern extent of F5 and F4 (linear ditch features), being set perpendicular to the orientation of both ditches, and also may have been identified and excavated further to the west of an area of modern disturbance as F38 (an east-west land drain excavated closer to the western baulk edge and leading to the Groody river, the western field boundary). Some animal bone was recovered from the feature.

Feature 28: (centred on ITM 568063 649479) A 1m-wide ditch cut and fill measuring up to 18.5m in length, where visible, with an average depth of close to 0.4m. F28 describes a straight linear ditch cut and fill, which ran to the west of, and parallel to, F4 and F26. Apart from a small faunal sample recovered from the fill no other artefacts were found. The almost sterile nature of the fill and the straightness of the cut across its entire length suggests an agricultural or land drainage function. A bulk soil sample was retained should further analysis prove necessary.

Feature 29: (centred on ITM 568064 649437) This shallow, narrow, linear cut (and associated fill), oriented east-west, underlay F24 and was cut by F29; it measured 0.55m wide, with a length of 3.4m, and a depth of 0.21m. The fill was a blackish sandy clay which had occasional charcoal flecks present. Some animal bone fragments and clay pipe (bowl and stem) were recovered from the fill. A bulk soil sample was retained.

Feature 30: (centred on ITM 568064 649437) A possible post-hole with a blackish silty sand fill located within the cut of F24 (an irregular-shaped cut) and associated with other possible post-holes (F31, F32, F33) within the cut for F30, it measured 0.15m x 0.15m and had a depth of no more than 0.12m. There were no finds, and insufficient material present to sample.

Feature 31: (centred on ITM 568064 649437) Part of a cluster of possible post-holes (F30, F32, F33) within the cut for F24, with a fill of blackish silty sand, F31 measured 0.22m x 0.15m and had a depth of no more than 0.17m. There were no finds, and insufficient material present to sample.

Feature 32: (centred on ITM 568064 649437) Part of a cluster of possible post-holes (F30, F31, F33) within the cut for F24, with a fill of blackish silty sand, F32 measured 0.2m x 0.1m and had a depth of no more than 0.06m. There were no finds, and insufficient material present to sample.

Feature 33: (centred on ITM 568064 649437) Part of a cluster of possible post-holes (F30, F31, F32) within the cut for F24, with a fill of blackish silty sand, F33 measured 0.12m x 0.12m and had a depth of no more than 0.16m. There were no finds, and insufficient material present to sample.

Feature 34: (centred on ITM 568061 649436) This possible isolated post-hole was half sectioned to determine its nature, status, or function but had minimal depth (less than 0.04m) and no archaeological material other than a small amount of charcoal. It cannot be identified as a candidate for post-hole status.

Feature 35: (centred on ITM 568063 649479) Situated close to the northern extent of F28, close to an area of modern disturbance that separates two similar agricultural land drain features (F27 and F38), F35 presented as a spread of soft black silty sand with compacted yellow clay in evidence. The feature had measurements of length 1.8m, width 1.2m, and depth 0.27m. A number of stones were recorded in the base of the spread which may be related to the land drain features (F27 and F38). Animal bone fragments, metal slag, clay pipe, glass and ceramic shards were recovered.

Feature 36: (centred on ITM 568065 649445) A small pit, square in shape, measuring 0.8m length and 0.8m width, achieving a depth of 0.15m. The fill comprised a dark brown-black silt with occasional charcoal inclusions, and moderate stone inclusions. A bulk soil sample was retained for further analysis.

 Feature 37: This feature number was issued in error to record a previously numbered feature.

Feature 38: (centred on ITM 568067 649440) An east-west oriented land drain situated along the northern periphery of the site, close to the edge of excavation. Possibly a continuation of F27, which is situated to the east, and truncated by an area of modern disturbance to the east of F38. Measuring 6.63m in length, the feature had a width of 0.41m and a depth of 0.17m. The fill of loose, angular and sub-angular stones with soft greyish brown silty sand fill yielded some animal bone, clay pipe fragments, and ceramic shards. F39, a similar east to west oriented land drain, is parallel with F38, and situated to the north of F38. The proximity of the two parallel features (F38 and F39) and their functional similarities (agricultural land drains) suggests the possibility that there is an element of recut involved.

Feature 39: (centred on ITM 568066 649441) A shallow linear cut ditch feature with a fill of loose, angular and sub-angular, medium sized stones, oriented east-west, parallel with, and to the south of F38. Animal bone, clay pipe fragments, glass and ceramic shards were recovered in association with the feature.

Feature 40: (centred on ITM 568036 64942) A deposit of blackened silt, with frequent charcoal flecks and inclusions, and small to medium sized stones, situated immediately to the east of the eastern terminus of F41. F40 presented as a sub-circular arrangement of stones with a narrow protruding linear feature on its western side, physically close to the eastern terminus of F41 (although no relationship could be established between F40 and F41). There was no underlying evidence of in-situ burning, or heat-affected soils or stones. The physical remnants in plan suggest a kiln or furnace morphology but the absence of in-situ burning or heat-treated soils negates this. F40 measured 1.5m east-west by 1.1m and narrowed to a 0.3m wide linear protrusion on the western side. It was 0.3m maximum depth. Faunal samples were recovered from the fill, along with some small fragments of burnt bone, a possible iron nail, clay pipe fragments, glass and ceramic shards. Bulk soil samples were retained for further analysis, and a charcoal sample was retrieved.

Feature 41: (centred on ITM 568038 649425) A shallow linear cut-and-fill ditch feature, oriented east-west, and identified as F17 during the first phase of works in October 2023. F41 measured 6.8m west to east (appearing to continue west, under the western baulk) 1.1m wide, and had a depth of no more than 0.2m. The shallow nature of the feature, and the single consistent silty fill suggested a water course or drainage function. The fill consisted of a dark brown to black slightly clayey silt of moderate compaction with occasional small stones and charcoal inclusions. There were numerous small finds, faunal samples and artefacts recovered from within the fill including, but not restricted to, animal bone and horn, clay pipe fragments, glass and ceramic shards, and two metal (possible alloys) belt buckles. A bulk soil sample was retained for further analysis.

Feature 42: (centred on ITM 568065 649442) Situated to the south of F39 this uneven (possible) spread was investigated and resolved to be not of archaeological significance due to the sterile fill with no discernible cut, mixture of soil types and lack of viable surface. No finds were recovered.

Feature 43: A possible post-hole numbered as part of the identification and examination of F42. This possible feature was investigated and resolved as not of archaeological significance.

Feature 44: A possible post-hole in close proximity to F43 and situated north of F42.This possible feature was investigated and resolved as not of archaeological significance.

Feature 45: (centred on ITM 568040 649423) A shallow linear feature oriented northeast-southwest. The fill of dark grey silty soil had charcoal flecks and inclusions, and the feature is truncated on the northern side by an area of modern disturbance. F45 measured 2m northeast to southwest was 0.3m wide, and 0.1m deep. A small sample of animal bone was recovered from the fill and a bulk soil sample was retained for further analysis.

Feature 46: This short (partial) linear feature (measuring no more than 0.8m in length from south to north, 0.35m width, and 0.3m depth) was investigated and found to be continuing under the southern baulk of the edge of the excavation. Located less than 2m to the south of F41, a possible relationship cannot be discounted but could not be established definitively between F46 and F41. After investigation F47 and F48 were recorded in conjunction with F46. A partial possible spread, F47 and a partial possible pit or partial spread were found to be overlying F46. A faunal sample and a bulk soil sample have been retained, and some ceramic shards were recovered.

Feature 47: Part of a conjunction of partial features that appeared to continue under the southern baulk of the site, F47 was recorded as overlying F46 and yielded shards of modern pottery as well as clay pipe stems and a faunal sample.

Feature 48: Described as a small irregular-shaped pit or spread overlying F46, some animal bone was recovered from the available soils.

A sequence of context numbers was generated while processing the archaeological material uncovered and excavated during the course of the works. Numbering seventeen in total, four relate to the cuts and fills of two posth-oles (F14 & F15), One relates to the stone-built platform work floor (F2), three concern the ditch feature and stone drain feature (F4 and F26), six are the cut and fill of linear features F28, F4, and F45, two are top- and subsoils, and the remaining one describes the redeposit encountered on the site.

A total of two hundred and fifty seven (257) small finds were registered as being recovered during the course of the excavation, still to be fully assessed and processed before further analysis is undertaken, but consisting of at least: twenty-two faunal remains samples, Twenty-four bags of assorted post-medieval and early modern pottery sherds, some of which may yet prove to be of medieval origin, nineteen different examples of both metal slag and ores (both ferrous and non-ferrous), three metal artefacts (both ferrous and non-ferrous), eleven samples of clay pipe fragments (stem and bowl), sixteen bags of glass sherds (green, blue, brown, and clear glass, of varying thickness, ranging from thin to thicker), and eight possible lithic artefacts.

Thirty-four environmental samples from various features investigated and excavated were retained for further analysis.

The persistent inundation of groundwater which naturally springs to the surface when excavating the site offered the best interpretation of the archaeology of the site – the stone built work platform (F2) would provide a well-drained surface for a work area, while the earth cut linear ditch-like features (F4, F5, F17 F23, F26, F27, F28, F39, and F41) are satisfactorily explained as rudimentary water courses to facilitate drainage of the area.

The site no longer retains any archaeological material and it now survives as a paper, digital photographic, sample and artefactual record.

Further post-excavation shall occur to generate a final archaeological report and thus fulfil all archaeological obligations, namely:

• Analysis of artefacts excavated.
• Sieving of soil samples retrieved for analysis.
• Submission of charcoal samples for radiocarbon-dating.
• Digitising of site scale drawings.
• Generate of stratigraphic report.
• Further analysis as deemed appropriate through any additional findings that result from the post-excavation work.