2006:2104 - FERNS UPPER, Ferns, Wexford

A large-scale test excavation was carried out on a greenfield site in Ferns as part of a pre-planning enquiry to investigate the archaeological potential of a proposed residential development site. The site was located at the eastern end of Ferns village on the opposite side of the N11 to the cathedral and priory. A total of 67 test-trenches were excavated across the site, which measured 210m east–west by 45m.

The distribution and density of archaeological features identified during the excavation varied considerably across the site. In particular, the steeply sloped northern one-third of the site contained virtually nothing of any significance. Similarly the low-lying area along the southern bank of the stream was also largely devoid of archaeological features. A third area in the south-west corner of the site had been subject to high levels of disturbance; much of the area had been used as a dump in the 19th century. The poorly preserved remains of a cottage from this period were also uncovered.

Prehistoric activity was suggested by the presence of at least one possible cremation pit. Earlier testing by Mary Henry for the Ferns sewerage scheme uncovered an additional cremation pit 15m further to the east. In addition, the excavation carried out by the author in the adjacent field to the east uncovered seven cremation pits, two of which contained fragments of pottery. The possibility of uncovering additional cremation pits and associated features from the prehistoric period is high.

The discovery of two concentric 5–6m-wide ditches close to the eastern boundary of the site suggests the presence of a strategic bivallate ringfort occupying the high ground and overlooking the early medieval ecclesiastical complex to the south-west. The ditches are 15m apart and there is no evidence of a bank. Based on the curvature of the inner ditch, approximately one-third of the possible ringfort site is preserved on the site. No internal features were found during the test excavation. A local authority housing development now occupies the site but no archaeological work was carried out prior to the development. Further archaeological work is required to determine the nature and extent of this feature.

If this interpretation is correct, then it is likely that many of the linear features uncovered to the south-east form part of the field systems associated with the enclosure site. It was also noted that the linear features do not truncate the enclosing ditches, which suggests that the enclosing ditches and field systems are part of the same archaeological complex. Many of the linear features and pits contained fragments of iron slag, as did the two curving 7m-diameter linear features. This would suggest the presence of domestic/industrial settlement outside the main ringfort complex.

The third substantial ditch uncovered remains more problematic. The east–west alignment suggested that it is not related to the other two enclosing ditches. A test section was excavated, which revealed a V-shaped ditch of considerable dimensions: 5m wide, 2m deep and filled with a sterile mottled yellow/brown clayey silt. Further work is required to determine the nature and extent of this feature.

Archaeological features from the medieval period consisted of the remains of agricultural field systems. Sherds of Leinster cooking ware recovered from several of the linear features indicate a 13th- or 14th-century date. During the previous excavation on the adjacent site to the east, a medieval house and associated field systems were found. The features uncovered during this excavation are a continuation of these field systems.

In conclusion, there are two main areas of archaeological activity on the site. The first is located along the western and central areas of the site and the second is located further to the south. The areas to the south-west, north and east are of limited archaeological significance based on the results of this test excavation and two previous test excavations carried out by Maurice Hurley and Mary Henry.

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