2006:2081 - Rathgowan, Westmeath

Pre-development testing was carried out on the site of a proposed housing development at Rathgowan, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, in November 2006. The site is located on the north-west edge of the town and is not near any known monument. Testing comprised the excavation of 43 trenches on the footprint of the proposed development. The topsoil averaged 0.3m in thickness and overlay boulder clay and black shale limestone outcrop. A probable Bronze Age pit feature was uncovered during testing. It presented as a black outer and grey inner circle with a total diameter of 0.35m. A quarter section revealed three depositions, the first a grey silt, the second the charcoal-rich lining of the pit and the final grey ash-enriched deposit. This final central deposit contained burnt-bone fragments that could clearly be seen in section. Full excavation of the pit feature and its environs and monitoring of topsoil removal in the vicinity of the pit was recommended.