2007:1388 - SHEEPHOUSE/OLDBRIDGE, Meath

A series of excavations were undertaken on the route of the Sheephouse–Oldbridge bypass in advance of the final phase of construction. These works were part of improvements to access to the Battle of the Boyne interpretative centre and lie within the landscape of that conflict. The route was tested by David J. O’Connor in 2003 (Excavations 2003, No. 1466, 03E1759). Monitoring and excavations were undertaken by the writer in 2005 on drainage works in the Groggin’s field and uncovered a Early–Later Bronze Age settlement site, a brick kiln and demolition waste and metalled surfaces from pre-19th-century houses (Excavations 2006, No. 1616, 03E1759 ext.). Test-pitting by the writer of a known flint scatter (ME025–019) on the western side of the Oldbridge–Donore road recovered lithics of Final Neolithic–Late Bronze Age date but no archaeological features (Excavations 2005, No. 1617, 05E1349). This episode of work involved the development of the main bypass, which straddled Sheephouse and Oldbridge townlands. It was c. 640m in length and 12m in width. Metal detecting of the routeway was undertaken prior to stripping.
Prehistoric
On the crest of a ridge at 38m OD a series of features of probable prehistoric date were uncovered. A linear east–west ditch, F5, was excavated and extended across the road-take. It measured 1.6m width by 0.65m depth. The lower fills contained frequent angular stones and were overlain by mid-brown silty clay. A metalled surface including large cobbles overlay parts of the ditch. Eight decorated sherds of Early Bronze Age pottery were found within.
A curving east–west ditch, F69, with relatively sterile deposits was excavated 30m south of F5. It was 0.29m in depth and 1.5m in width. At the western edge of the road-take immediately west of this ditch part of a double ring-ditch was excavated. The excavated diameter of the ditch was 9m. The outer ditch measured 1–1.2m in width by 0.6m in depth. Given the overall length of the arc it is estimated that the ring-ditch was up to 13m in overall diameter. The dimensions of the inner ditch were not possible to measure accurately as the western edge was beyond the limit of excavation; however, it is up to 0.6m in depth. The area between both ditches had been scarped to 0.26m below the natural ground surface. The inner ditch had a series of deposits. The lower deposits were largely grey sandy silt and pockets overlain by dark-brown compact silty sand with frequent charcoal flecks and burnt bone. A small quantity of flint was found within. The outer ditch contained similar deposits but was filled by less burnt bone. The upper deposits of both ditches were filled by cobbles and angular stones. A large pit was found immediately to the north and was cut by the ring-ditch.
Intensive fieldwork in the area in recent years has uncovered a series of ring-ditches and flint scatters within Oldbridge Demesne and thus added to the existing monuments in close proximity to the route, which include two standing stones and two cist burials (Cooney et al. 2001). The excavations on the bypass route have extended the distribution of these monuments and will also provide dating. This site can be seen in context with the recent excavation by Kieran Campbell of a Late Bronze Age ring-ditch at Stalleen 1km to the south-west (Excavations 2004, N0.1342, 04E0625).
Medieval
Three substantial field ditches were excavated in Fields 5 and 4. They were all orientated east–west. The most northerly ditch was located in Field 5, F51 (2.3m by 0.85m). No dating evidence was recovered and it is included as it is similar to F80 and F207, which contained medieval ceramics. These latter ditches were located in Field 4 and contained occasional sherds of medieval pottery (4m by 1.25m and 2.1m by 0.8m). The ditches were filled by relatively sterile silty clay with occasional animal bones. Three further north-west to south-east gullies were excavated and contained medieval pottery.
Post-medieval
Parts of the stone footings of a small cabin were excavated in Field 1. They were within a small foundation trench. The structure was subrectangular in plan and measured 4.5m (north–south) by 1.1m. Part of the interior contained a clay floor with traces of hearth waste. Clay pipe and post-medieval ceramics were recovered.
In Field 2/3 a significant metalled area was found further north. This contained a horseshoe and traces of a stone wall. Some of the major east–west ditches were recut. In addition a series of north-west/south-east ditches were excavated. None of these ditches are present on the 1836 OS map and one of the major post-medieval features, F129, was clearly cut by one of them, suggesting they considerably pre-date that map. A large pit was present on the eastern edge of the road-take. It contained a large quantity of animal bone. This ditch system is likely to have been associated with a post-medieval farm complex under the 19th-century farm cluster on the roadside to the east.
Reference
Cooney, G., Byrnes, E., Brady, C. and O’Sullivan, A. 2001 A Pilot Archaeological Survey of the Site of the Battle of the Boyne, Oldbridge Estate, Co. Meath. Unpublished report for Dúchas, The Heritage Service. Department of Archaeology, University College Dublin.