2005:376 - LOUGHBRICKLAND, Down

This excavation, within Derrycraw townland, Co. Down, was the final phase of excavations (see Excavations 2004, Nos 420 and 421, AE/04/55 and AE/04/77 for other work here) associated with the 10km dualling of the A1 between Loughbrickland and Beech Hill. During initial monitored topsoil-stripping, three circular ditches, a large pit and a stony spread with several associated small pits were identified cut into stony subsoil. The subsoil was covered by c. 0.3m of topsoil sloping to the south and east.

Excavation of the site indicated that two of the circular ditches were similar, possibly contemporary. The largest had a 10m diameter, the smaller 6m; neither had a central burial. The larger ditch contained burnt timber, the smaller sherds of Bronze Age pottery. The third ring-ditch, with a diameter of 0.75m, enclosed a central cremation; the feature was badly truncated. Ten metres west of ring-ditch 3 were five ‘token’ cremations in close proximity to a probable cairn base, c. 2.5m by 4m. Three of the cremations had unique attributes; one was deposited in a backfilled post-hole. The second was in a pit filled by a large stone (0.9m diam.). The third contained the remains of a charred basket, surrounding the cremation material and lining the pit.

The large post-pit was associated with an undecorated urn burial. The intact urn, with capstone, contained the cremated remains of one person. The burial appeared to have been inserted into the wall of the pit, which had been dug for a post with a diameter of 0.6m. All the various burials appeared to respect each other.

Another large pit and a number of small post-holes and stake-holes were excavated. The function of the pit is unclear. The post- and stake-holes do not appear to form a coherent feature. Post-excavation evaluation is ongoing.

638 Springfield Road, Belfast, BT12 7DY