2008:1199 - Farriter, areas 34–36, Tyrone

This site was investigated as part of the proposed corridor improvements of the line of the A4 between Dungannon and Ballygawley where 15km of new road will be constructed. A total of 43 SMR sites lie within 500m of either side of the new road alignments with 5 industrial heritage sites in the near vicinity. Prior to archaeological investigations on the route, prehistoric activity, both settlement and ritual, was poorly represented in the area.
Areas 34–36 extended some 740m along the road-take, with an average width of 80m, following the crest of a ridge in an area of drumlins. The natural was characterised by brownish-orange boulder clay interleaved with frequent grits and fine gravels. The excavation was carried out between 17 June and 11 July 2008 in wet conditions.
One hearth and two possible pits/hearths were excavated in Area 34. These features were not associated with other archaeological features. Five field boundary/drainage ditches, two parallel north–south ditches and one east–west ditch containing modern ceramic pipes, post-medieval pottery and glass were also excavated. An additional north–south ditch was excavated. Although broadly in alignment with those above, the profile and depth of the cut suggest that this ditch may relate to an earlier field system. A well with a concrete cap was present on the site, but not excavated.
In Area 35, a rectangular structure, possibly prehistoric in date, was revealed just to the north of the crest of the ridge. It was orientated roughly east–west and comprised 33 post-holes in four parallel rows. The maximum dimensions of the structure were 8.4m by 4.8m. The rows of posts were spaced c. 1.3m apart. A further row of seven post-holes lay c. 15m to the south-east. Nineteen possible pits, six possible post-holes, one curvilinear gully, nine field boundary and drainage ditches and a hearth were also excavated across the area.
Two possible pits, three field boundary ditches and two modern field drains were recorded in Area 36. Two flint concave scrapers were found in a small tree bole. Although the deposit within this tree bole had a charcoal lens, there was little evidence for the in situ burning that characterised many of the adjacent tree boles and root systems in this area.
A significant number of additional features were identified during monitoring. Many included charcoal and ash deposits, and were identified as tree boles and roots that had been burnt in situ. These features were located across Areas 34, 35 and 36 but were particularly concentrated along the southern edge of the ridge and suggest a phase of intense deliberate or natural burning of scrub or young woodland. In Areas 34, 35 and 36 respectively, 15, 73 and 78 roots or tree boles were excavated.