2002:0953 - MAYFIELD, Kildare

This site was identified during topsoil-stripping of the Kildare Town Bypass route. It consisted of a relatively large area that extended across the summit and western slope of a hill. Four areas of activity were identified along this contour. The first three areas, which comprised single pits and portrayed evidence of in situ burning, were near the summit of the hill. The fourth area was composed of heat-shattered stones and charcoal-rich soil deposited over five pits, a flat-bottomed trough and a sunken rectangular feature. This was situated near the base of the slope, close to a wetland area.

Two of the pits near the summit of the hill were severely disturbed, the first by a mechanical digger track (before discovery) and the second by a relatively modern agricultural furrow. It was evident from the fire-reddened surrounding boulder clay that burning had taken place in situ at both pits. Unfortunately the lack of further information and the high risk of contamination at both areas allowed for little additional interpretation. The third was a single subrectangular pit with intensely fired clay evident around the upper edges. It measured c. 1.8m by 0.8m, with a maximum depth of 0.17m. The fill contained a considerable amount of charcoal. A circular area of fired clay at the base of the pit has been tentatively interpreted as the signature caused by the use of bellows or an air vent to increase the temperature.

On discovery, the fourth area appeared as a layer of heat-shattered stones and charcoal-rich soil, scattered in varying intensity over an area of c. 8m by 5m. On commencement of the removal of this layer, the existence of negative features became evident. These features consisted of five pits (1.5m by 2m by 0.48m deep; 1.6m by 2m by 0.55m deep; 0.8m by 1m by 0.2m deep; 0.8m by 0.7m by 0.2m deep; 0.3m by 0.2m by 0.2m deep), a flat-bottomed rectangular trough and a sunken rectangular feature. The sunken rectangular feature (2.6m by 1.8m by 0.1m deep) appeared to be the focus, or at least at the centre, of the activity. All features were filled with the spread of fire-cracked stone and charcoal-rich soil. Underlying this layer and lining the interior of the three largest pits was a layer of whitish clay containing a moderate amount of charcoal. This may represent an impermeable layer used to retain water. The trough did not contain a similar layer, but the impressions of two side planks and four supporting stakes (presumably there were also end and basal planks) could be seen clearly. The sunken feature exhibited evidence of a superstructure. It had a post-hole in each corner, and seven stake-holes surrounded the edges of its cut. It may represent a small structure or a raised platform.

This project was financed by the National Roads Authority through Kildare County Council.

Brehon House, Kilkenny Road, Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny