2008:339 - Carrowreagh (Millmount) Phase II, Dundonald, Down

Work continued at this site during the spring months of 2008. A large scheduled ring-barrow (DOW005–061) lies within the limits of the development. The site was divided into three distinct areas, A, B and C.
Two ring-barrows and two small pits were excavated in Area A. The average diameter of the barrows was c. 3.5m. One of the barrows contained a fragmented Bronze Age vessel with associated burnt bone.
Located between Area A and the scheduled barrow, Area B contained the remains of a large circular ditched enclosure with an entrance to the east. An associated linear slot feature and a number of pits, post- and stake-holes were located within the enclosure and around its perimeter. The enclosure measured 26m in diameter while the ditch varied between 1.5m and 1.9m in depth. The stratigraphy of the ditch suggested an external bank. Mid- to late Neolithic pottery was recovered from the ditch deposits along with numerous hollow scrapers, a hollow-based arrowhead and a leaf-shaped arrow-head. Also recovered were a polished stone axe fragment, a polishing stone and two anvil stones. A large fragment of worked timber was recovered from the base of the ditch near the southern terminal. The evidence so far presents a Neolithic henge.
The remains of a rectangular structure, a hearth and a Bronze Age cremation were uncovered within the henge interior. The cremation was located towards the northern end of the structure. Pottery sherds recovered from the cremation and one of the post-holes were very similar, thus indicating a possible contemporaenity between the two features. This structure has preliminarily been interpreted as a mortuary enclosure. Several sherds of prehistoric pottery and over 100 flint flakes were recovered from the linear slot feature that separated the henge from the scheduled barrow. This site has been interpreted as a Class I henge from its external bank and single entrance. These types appear to have been the earliest form, generally dating to c. 4000 bc. The artefactual evidence currently supports this interpretation.
Five ring-barrows, varying between 3m and 5m in diameter, were located immediately west of the scheduled barrow in Area C. The insertion of modern field drains had affected the preservation of these features.
Post-excavation analysis has not yet begun for this site, as a final phase of works has yet to begin. Aerial photography has revealed the presence of several potential archaeological features to the north of the henge.