2007:1272 - Cakestown Glebe 1, Meath

This site was located within Contract 4 (Navan–Kells and Kells bypass) of the M3 Clonee to North of Kells motorway scheme and was identified during testing carried out by Jo Ronayne (IAC Ltd) in 2004 (Excavations 2004, No. 1345, 04E0913). It was excavated between 23 February and 3 March 2007 and consisted of the remains of a structure, a large pit, a modern drain towards the north, the remains of two structures with a fireplace at its centre, and a series of pits and post-holes towards the south. Finds recovered from this site include flint flakes, clay pipes and post-medieval pottery.
In the north-east of the area of excavation were two large pits. To the east of these were the foundations of a house (Structure 1) which were heavily truncated by a test-trench and therefore the original dimensions were not known. Towards the east of the site were three associated features, a backfilled pit, a gravel deposit and what appeared to be the cut of a modern fireplace located directly to the west. Fragments of clay pipes and iron were present in the rubble fill of the backfilled pit (2.4m by 1.4m by 0.52m deep). The gravel layer (4.65m by 1.45m by 0.66m), of possible post-medieval date, appeared to have been a foundation layer for a smaller structure or room within a larger structure, possibly Structure 1. The cut of a modern fireplace was located directly to the west of the pit and gravel spread.
The series of pits towards the south of the site appeared mainly to represent modern activity, although one shallow pit (2.5m by 1.7m by 0.35m) contained burnt bone, charcoal and two flints and may have been earlier in date.
This work was funded by Meath County Council and the National Roads Authority.