2008:290 - Desertmartin Road, Moneymore, Derry

Test-trenching was carried out as part of pre-development works at a proposed residential housing development from 29 September to 20 October 2008. The testing regime was largely based upon a preliminary desktop study which identified a number of archaeological sites within the site boundary (LDY046–052, and mill-race and railway line noted on the historic maps), with the site visit identifying a number of areas of archaeological potential. A total of c. 3km of linear test-trenching was carried out within the boundaries of the site and revealed three areas of archaeological activity.
The first area of activity was uncovered within the south-western portion of the site and was investigated within six test-trenches. Within this portion of the site were a modern field boundary ditch aligned east–west and two subsoil-cut features, a shallow pit with single homogenous fill of clayey sand with moderate charcoal and a post-hole measuring 0.3m in diameter by 0.17m deep. A single piece of struck flint was recovered from the pit.
The second area of activity represented the surviving remains of LDY046–054, positively identified as a large ditched enclosure located within the central portion of the proposed development. The enclosure was found to surround the base of a natural mound, enclosing an area 37m in diameter. Partial excavation of the ditch revealed it to survive as a subsoil-cut feature, 3.5m wide by 1.8m deep ditch with a V-shaped profile and an entranceway through the ditch at the north-east. Within the internal area defined by the ditch were several subsoil-cut features consisting of pits, post-pits and post-holes, and a spread of material that contained evidence of burnt bone suggestive of cremation burials. On the external side of the ditch were several small clusters of subsoil-cut features consisting of pits, post-holes and gullies that most likely relate to the use of the enclosure.
Evidence for the now disused Randalstown to Cookstown railway line was identified along the western boundary of the proposed development, this surviving as backfill material consisting of ashes, coals and hardcore rubble associated with the flattening of the original railway embankment back into the railway cutting.
The third area was located north of the enclosure ditch and consisted of an archaeological activity area defined by numerous large pits, post-holes, stake-holes and possible foundation slots. A comparatively large quantity of prehistoric pottery (possibly Neolithic) and struck flint was recovered from this small area, suggesting a domestic function to the activity; i.e. the possible remains of a Neolithic house structure. A smaller area of activity peripheral to the domestic structure was uncovered extending southwards towards the ditched enclosure and appears to have been the grouping of rubbish and refuse activity. Artefacts recovered make it possibly contemporary to the domestic structure.