County: Meath Site name: KNOWTH
Sites and Monuments Record No.: N/A Licence number: —
Author: George Eogan and Helen Roche, Dept of Archaeology, University College Dublin
Site type: Megalithic tomb - passage tomb and Settlement cluster
Period/Dating: Multi-period
ITM: E 699429m, N 773517m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.701880, -6.494157
The 1992 season of excavation at Knowth began in July and continued until October. The work was mainly concentrated in the area around and in front of the Eastern Tomb and also in the south-eastern area of the site. The work concentrated on (1) Western Neolithic settlement, (2) Passage Tomb settlement, (3) Site 1, eastern passage, (4) Beaker settlement, (5) Medieval/post-medieval activity.
(1) Western Neolithic Settlement
Evidence for Western Neolithic activity uncovered during the 1991 season of excavation was finalised this year. The excavation of the trench feature in front of Kerbs 15–17, Site 1, was completed. A further 0.4m of the trench was exposed which ran into a pit measuring 0.3m in width and 0.2m in depth. It is difficult to decide whether the feature was a storage pit or a posthole. The fill consisted of charcoal-rich earth containing very small sherds of early Western Neolithic pottery.
(2) Passage Tomb settlement
The area of known habitation was extended considerably, especially under Site 1. The main bulk of evidence was found immediately north and south of the East Tomb Passage. Here extensive evidence for occupation was found directly below the basal sod layers of the mound of Site 1. The area was defined by a spread of black charcoal-rich earth, representing the habitation debris of the settlement. The structural remains consisted of over 100 stake-holes representing several circular structures. Two large hearths showing evidence for extensive burning were found in association and also 2 charcoal spreads. Sherds of broad-rimmed late Neolithic pottery and 'Sandhills' type ware were found within the habitation layer. Several small flint scraps were found and also some chert pieces.
(3) Eastern Passage
The existing cuttings on either side of the passage were extended. While excavating the exposed basal sod layers of the mound a remarkable range of twigs and wood were found. A large amount of animal bones was also found within the sod layers, including what may be a ritual deposit. This consisted of a horn and a jaw-bone including various pieces of wood which were placed on a rough 'marring' of shredded wood. This feature was located within the lowest levels of the sod layers. Pottery was not found within the sod layers but several flint pieces were found and a fragment from a polished stone axe. A considerable amount of work was carried out in the area of the Eastern Passage itself. This involved the straightening of many of the passage orthostats, the replacing of corbels and capstones and repairing damaged structural stones. As a result of this work a comprehensive investigation of the sockets and other structural derails took place, including methods of construction. Further examples of megalithic art also came to light.
(4) Beaker
The excavation of the large pit circle which was discovered last year in the area in front of the Eastern Tomb continued this season. Thirty-one post-pits have now been excavated to form a circular structure with what appears to be a porch feature. The post-pits which form the main circle are similar in size, measuring about 0.7m in width and up to 1m in depth. Those which form the porch feature were more substantial, measuring up to 1.2m in width and 1.3m in depth. The post-pits contained a large amount of pottery, mainly well-fired flat-bottomed vessels with an incised line just below the inside rim. Flint was also found, the most common form being the end scraper. Animal bones were also found within the pits.
(5) Medieval/post-medieval
In the south-eastern area of the site the excavation of a ditch and drain complex, including a large penannular ditch, continued during this year's season. Evidence for habitation was revealed in the form of foundations for stone built structures, ash spreads, hearths, and pits. The majority of the features were post-medieval in date and large quantities of post-medieval pottery and iron objects were found. Sherds of medieval pottery were also found in the area but few definite features could be associated with them.
Click on the link below for the Royal Irish Academy's online resource for Knowth Excavations:
