2009:026 - NORTHEAST DIVISION, BASHFORDSLAND, CARRICKFERGUS, Antrim

An archaeological evaluation at a proposed residential development site in the townland of North-East Division (Carrickfergus), at Bashfordsland, Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim, revealed evidence of prehistoric features. A total of 8002m• of test-trenches were excavated across twelve fields. Three areas containing features, finds and deposits of archaeological consequence were identified in Field 1, Field 2 and Field 11.
In Field 1, a linear feature, orientated northwest/south-east with one fill, was identified in Trench 1. A small amount of prehistoric pottery and burnt flint were recovered from the surface of this feature. Trench 1A was excavated across this area to see if there was a return for this feature or if any other features were visible nearby. Subsequently an area measuring 100m• was stripped around this feature and two sections were excavated across it, one of which produced several sherds of prehistoric pottery. This feature measured c. 0.5m wide, 0.35m deep and at least 15m long, running beyond the baulk to the north-east and south-west, but did not continue into Trench 1B c. 30m to the south. No other features were identified nearby.
In Field 2, a large, shallow, sub-oval pit-like feature was identified in Trench 2B. It measured c. 3.8m long, 3.5m wide and 0.1m deep and contained a single fill. A sondage was excavated through this feature, producing a large assemblage of prehistoric finds including pottery, a concave and a convex scraper, burnt flints, flint flakes and debitage. Another convex flint scraper and large flake were found nearby in topsoil in Trench 2B. An area measuring c. 53m• was stripped around the pit to identify other associated features. A linear feature, orientated east–west and measuring c. 4.2m long, 1.5m wide and 0.08m deep, was identified north of the pit. A flint flake was found on its surface.
In Field 11, two linear features, C.07 and C.09, were identified close to each other near the eastern end of Trench 11A. C.07 was orientated north–south, measuring 2m long (but extending beyond both baulks), 0.5m wide and 0.06m deep. It contained one fill and produced no finds. This feature may be a plough furrow, but no associated furrows were identified. C.09, orientated north-east/south-west, measured c. 2m long (but extending beyond both baulks), 1m wide and 0.23m deep. Its fill contained much charcoal. This feature had similarities with the feature in Field 1, but produced no finds.
A burnt spread consisting of black clay and charcoal with abundant heat-affected stones was identified in a hollow, close to a deep canalised field drain at the eastern end of Trench 11B. Trench 11B was specifically set out to target this hollow to assess its archaeological potential. Subsequently an area measuring c. 25m• was stripped around it to expose its full extent. The feature measured c. 3m long east–west and 1.5m wide.