2005:1086 - AREA 14, PLASTER, Louth

This site was discovered during Phase 1 testing. Four cuttings were opened up by mechanical excavator. Sites 115A and 115B, to the east of the area, both measured 20m by 20m. Two cuttings, each measuring 20m by 20m, were opened to the north of the area, these two cuttings then being extended to form cutting 115C, measuring 30m by 40m.
Only one small feature was found in Cutting 115A, which appeared to be the remains of a small fire, probably modern in origin.
Two small pits were found in Cutting 115B. There were no finds associated with them and their date and purpose remain unknown. The loamy fill suggests that they are probably modern in origin.
After cleaning in Cutting 115C, several circular or oval features were revealed. Most of these were characterised by a loamy fill and rounded profile. These were interpreted as stone sockets, the result of large stones being either cleared prior to ploughing or displaced during ploughing, the void subsequently being filled with plough soil. A small circular pit filled with a charcoal-rich soil and with steep sides and a flat base was noted on the southern boundary of the site. The fill contained several sherds of coarse pottery, possibly prehistoric in date, together with two struck flint fragments, as well as some medium-sized stones. North of this was the shallow remnant of another small, circular, flat-based pit with a charcoal-rich fill. These two features may be contemporary and may have served as small post-holes, although no particular structure can be inferred from them.