2009:235 - ROSELAWN CEMETERY, BALLYGOWAN, Down

This site relates to the extension of the Roselawn Crematorium and cemetery complex, Castlereagh, Belfast. There are fourteen archaeological sites within a 1.5km radius of the proposed development, the closest of which are that of a prehistoric barrow (DOW009–007), located c. 370m from the north-west corner, and an enclosure (DOW009–010), located c. 500m to the south-east. This site incorporates eight fields which lie adjacent to the west side of the current Roselawn Cemetery. A series of 51 test-trenches, each measuring 2m in width, were excavated using a tracked back-acting machine with a smooth-edged bucket. The total length of the trenches excavated measured 4856m.

A total of 26 archaeological features were uncovered across the eight fields along with 71 agricultural drainage features and boundary ditches. The features included groups of pits or post-holes, with some showing evidence of charcoal flecking, and also four possible ring-ditches. Although only partially exposed during the evaluation, two of these would have a diameter of 4–5m and the other two may be between 7m and 8m in diameter if fully uncovered and completely circular. These were all located on the lower slopes of an undulating north to south ridge that dominated the site. Also uncovered was part of a possible stone-packed post-hole structure of unknown date. The remaining features were spread across the site, with most concentrating towards the higher ground of the northern half of the site, particularly along the main ridge.
The evidence collated from the test-trenches suggests the presence of possible Bronze Age domestic and/or funerary practices across the site. This interpretation may be further refined through additional investigations. An additional 5–6mdiameter ring-ditch was uncovered during a previous archaeological evaluation to the east of this site (see No. 234 above, AE/08/220).