2006:421 - GRASMERE, Derry

Archaeological mitigation was required in advance of the construction of a new housing development located at Grasmere, Coleraine. The area of the proposed development was topsoil-stripped using a mechanical digger fitted with a toothless bucket. Topsoil removal revealed a total of eight features of archaeological importance.

A total of six shallow pits were excavated. These varied in size and shape, but were generally U-shaped in section with sharp sides and a slightly concave base. A single fill was excavated from all of the pits. This consisted of medium brown friable loose silty clay containing occasional charcoal flecks and small to medium-sized stones.

A roughly rectangular area of burnt clay and charcoal was located in the south corner of the proposed development site. It measured c. 3m north–south by 1.5m. The spread consisted of a mottled layer of fired clay and charcoal containing small and medium-sized stones.

A ditch feature was identified towards the south-west of the proposed development site. It was elongated in plan and had a width of c. 1.8m. In section, the ditch was shallow with sharp sides and a flat base. The feature was cut to a maximum depth of 0.3m. A single fill was removed from the cut. This was light-brown, moderately compact plastic silty clay containing organic rooting and occasional small and medium-sized stones.

Editor’s note: Although this licence was issued during 2004, the report on the work was not received in time for inclusion in the bulletin of that year.