County: Meath Site name: KNOWTH
Sites and Monuments Record No.: SMR 19:30 Licence number: E70
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
During this season work concentrated in finishing of the investigation of various features.
(i) Later Western Neolithic
At the time of the construction of the sub-rectangular structure (Eogan, Knowth Excavations, Vol 1, [1984], 211–19) a more extensive area was levelled by the laying down of a layer of earth. After the area went out of use a natural sod layer formed over it. This layer separates the Later Western Neolithic phase from the Passage Tomb phase.
(ii) Passage Tomb
A stretch of kerbstones, 15 examples, on the west side of the large mound has not been fully excavated. The method of construction varied. The majority were in sockets and secured by packing stones but some were sitting on the old ground surface and steadied by propping stones at the base.
(iii) Beaker
The full extent of this concentration has been established (Eogan Knowth 1 [1984], 270–86). The area of occupation was slightly larger than that previously thought. No further evidence of structures came to light but additional sherds of pottery and chips of flint turned up.
(iv) Early Christian
In association with the conservation of a souterrain (Eogan, Knowth Excavations Vol. 1, 87–111) evidence for earlier activity came to light. This was limited in extent and consisted of two small areas of rough paving overlying the fill of the outer ditch. There were also two hearths.
(v) Large pit extending over outer part of passage of Western Tomb,Site 1
This is somewhat in the shape of an elongated horse-shoe, about 14m long and 4m wide at the base. The pit was systematically backfilled but not with the material, mainly rounded stones alternating with layers of shale or boulder clay, that was removed from it. This backfill consisted of angular quarried stones. The date of the pit has not been established, neither has its purpose. However, it is at least clear that its digging was a substantial task that involved a considerable labour force while the acquisition of stones from elsewhere for the backfilling added to the magnitude of the work.
Click on the link below for the Royal Irish Academy's online resource for Knowth Excavations:
