2008:336 - A1 BYPASS SCHEME 2, Junctions at Dromore, Down

DBFO Scheme 2 comprises the construction of four new junctions on the existing A1 between Hillsborough and Newry. These junctions are at Hillsborough (see No. 341, Excavations 2008), Dromore, Banbridge (see No. 320, Excavations 2008) and Loughbrickland (see No. 352, Excavations 2008). They were investigated under one licence, AE/07/191, and allocated letters A–D to facilitate ease of discussion. Each area will be described separately, outlining the archaeology uncovered. A previous extensive desk-based assessment was prepared by Faber Maunsell for the original environmental impact assessment for the proposed junctions and this revealed that no known site will be impacted upon directly by the proposed developments. With sites of archaeological and historical interest in the nearby environs, however, it was decided to conduct testing at the proposed junctions for significant previously undiscovered archaeological remains which may delay the construction programme.

The junction lies on the crest of a low-lying ridge, which had commanding views of the surrounding countryside. The archaeologically sensitive area measured 200m along the length of the proposed road and extended outside of the study area to the north, east and west. The archaeological remains at the site included a series of intercutting field boundaries, seven ring-ditches, sixteen cremations (six were contained within pots), a possible timber circle, an oval structure, two semicircular structures, and a series of possible storage pits.

Six ditches were excavated on the site, one which was of indeterminate age the others modern.

Seven ring-ditches, a C-shaped feature and sixteen cremations were excavated. The ring-ditches were in a linear arrangement and ran from east to west along the crest of the hill. Six were annular and two were penannular in plan. The smallest ring-ditch, which was at the western limit of excavation, was subcircular in plan and measured 5.64m (east–west) by 5.68m and had a depth of 0.1m on average. This ring-ditch was truncated by a modern field boundary and contained an internal simple pit cremation. The largest ring-ditch, which was penannular, had a circumference of 22m, an external diameter of 8.6m and an internal diameter of 6.42m. The width of the ditch was 1.28m (max) at the entranceway and 0.8m at the north-west, with a maximum depth of 0.26m. The entranceway was facing east-north-east and was 0.8m in width.

One of the annular ring-ditches and one penannular one contained a single internal pit cremation. The remaining fourteen cremations were located outside the ring-ditches towards the centre of the site. Four of these burials were contained within the C-shaped ditch, which was located c. 2m from two of the ring-ditches. All of these burials were contained within pots. Other pits, possibly refuse pits, were located at the periphery of the site in close proximity to the ring-ditches.

Four structures were exposed on this site. Three have been interpreted as being associated with domestic activity and the remaining one as a timber circle. Structure A was sub-oval in plan and had exposed measurements of c. 12m by 8m and ran under the northern limit of excavation. A slot-trench which contained the remains of posts ran for a distance of c. 2m; post-holes, some of which contained evidence of stone packing, formed the sub-oval plan. There was evidence of a possible internal surface, which consisted of very compacted charcoal-flecked grey clay containing flint debitage and prehistoric pottery. This structure may represent a domestic activity or may be connected with the cremation cemetery. Post-excavation analysis of the soil samples and phosphate analysis may help with the interpretation of this feature.

Structure B has tentatively been interpreted as a timber circle. It consisted of a circular arrangement of post-holes, some of which contained evidence of stone packing. It had exposed measurements of c. 12m by 8m and only one third of it was excavated, as it ran beyond the northern limit of excavation. There were internal features which appeared to be subrectangular in plan and may have formed an internal structure. Post-excavation analysis of the soil samples and phosphate analysis may help with the interpretation of this feature.

Structure C was located c. 30m west of the timber circle, Structure B. It was defined by a C-shaped curvilinear gully which had a length of 12.8m, was 0.35–0.75m in width and had a maximum depth of 0.18m. The southern part of this structure was truncated by a modern east–west orientated ditch. A possible entranceway was located at the south-east of the structure. Seven internal post-holes, twenty-seven stake-holes and a pit were contained in the interior of the structure. The most centrally placed pit was backfilled with flint debitage and some cremated bone; however, there was evidence that this pit had supported double posts before it was backfilled. The volume of the stake- and post-holes indicates that this structure was probably roofed, and the gully may have supported a light wall. Post-excavation analysis of the soil samples and phosphate analysis may help with the interpretation of this feature.

Structure D was located on steep ground, c. 20m south of Structure C. It was also a C-shaped gully and had rounded terminals and was 15.4m in length. The gully was 0.45m in width and was 0.15m in depth and had evidence of stone packing. There were twenty-five internal features, eleven post-holes and fourteen stake-holes. These internal features indicate that the structure was possible roofed. No finds or features were recovered from this feature to indicate a function.