County: Waterford Site name: RECTORY FIELD, Stradballymore, Stradbally
Sites and Monuments Record No.: SMR 24:60/32:12 Licence number: 02E1240
Author: Daniel Noonan, for Eachtra Archaeological Projects
Site type: Kiln
Period/Dating: Undetermined
ITM: E 636412m, N 598056m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 52.133169, -7.468134
Monitoring by Áine Richardson of groundworks associated with the development of fourteen houses on the greenfield site in Stradbally known as the Rectory Field revealed a potential archaeological feature toward the centre of the development site (No. 1806, Excavations 2002, 01E0910 ext.). The site falls within the zone of archaeological potential of Stradbally.
The feature comprised a linear cut that contained a series of deposits, some of which had been burnt in situ. The cut appeared to have been lined, and the lining had also been oxidised. The nature of the cut and the matrix of the fills may suggest a kiln or metalworking activity. The lack of associated finds such as iron slag or burnt seeds may be a result of a clean-out when the feature fell into disuse.
It is not possible to be sure what this shallow feature represents. It is sited in a formerly heavily cultivated field, but it was most definitely associated with agricultural or small-scale industrial activity.
47 North Main Street, Youghal, Co. Cork
