2008:041 - Duncan’s Road, Magheralave, Antrim

Monitoring took place of topsoil removal at a proposed development by DE Estates, Ministry of Defence, within the townland of Magheralave at the site of Duncan’s Road, Lisburn, Co. Antrim.
The northern extent of the site forms a boundary with the southern boundary of ANT064–033 (Site 1). The records describe this monument as a ‘tree ring/rath’. A buffer zone of 10m has been maintained around this monument to preserve any as yet unidentified subsurface archaeological remains associated with it.
During an earlier desk study and field survey three sites of potential archaeological significance were identified. A substantial tree ring with raised interior (Site 2), a curvilinear feature comprising a bank with raised interior and planted trees (Site 3) and a large mound covered with vegetation (Site 4). It was recommended within the earlier desk study that Site 2 be preserved in situ with a buffer zone of a minimum of 10m around it. As Sites 3 and 4 currently lie within a zone of protection due to the presence of badger setts, no further recommendations are required.
The desk study also identified an area of possible cultural heritage which consists of the overgrown footprint remains of a substantial unscheduled dwelling complex (Site 5). Whilst there are no standing remains of the dwelling itself, there are the remains of architectural features in the form of three gate piers, one of which is cylindrical in shape. It was recommended within the desk study that these piers, and any other architectural features that may be uncovered as a result of vegetation clearance, be examined by a conservation architect to determine the preferred course of action in relation to these features within the context of the proposed development.
In addition to the sites identified as a result of the field survey, from cartographic evidence there was a road or laneway (Site 6) indicated on the first-edition OS map of 1832 running north-north-east to south-south-west across the middle of the proposed development area. The road/laneway is no longer visible as surface remains, but it is likely that remains of it still exist in a subsurface capacity.
Monitoring of topsoil-stripping took place between 24 July and 9 September 2008. No features or deposits of an archaeological nature were identified. However, a deposit of Victorian refuse was identified, consisting mainly of glass bottles; within this refuse deposit a light cavalry sabre was found and has been dated by Thomas Wylie of the National Museums of Northern Ireland, Cultra (c. 1795). This sword is now undergoing conservation. Topsoil-stripping of a small area located towards the northern limit of the site is scheduled to start in 2009, otherwise monitoring of the majority of the site is complete.