2009:632 - BALRATH DEMESNE, Meath

Testing was undertaken in advance of a proposed woodchip processing plant at Balrath Demesne, Co. Meath. A geophysical survey (licence 09R207) was carried out at the site by J.M. Leigh Surveys on 24 November 2009. The geophysical survey identified a large archaeological complex defined by a rectilinear ditch and bank features, and possible wall remains surrounded by clusters of isolated responses interpreted as numerous pit features and possible hearth remains. A circular response nearby was also noted as a possible treering. Other linear responses were interpreted as cultivation features.
Testtrenching commenced at the site on 16 December and lasted for eight days. This was carried out using a 12tonne track machine excavator equipped with a flat, toothless bucket. A total of 56 trenches were mechanically investigated across the development area. Hand excavation of selected trenches was also undertaken.
Testing identified three main areas of archaeological activity: a medieval settlement complex (Archaeological Area 1); dispersed prehistoric features including a ringditch (Archaeological Area 2); and a possible west–east path (Archaeological Area 3).
In Archaeological Area 1, the medieval settlement, testing confirmed that the large archaeological complex measuring c. 200m west–east by c. 200m identified by the geophysical survey was a roughly rectangular, enclosed AngloNorman settlement, delimited by a ditch which ranges from 2–4m in width and varies in depth from 0.3m to over 1m. Large linear features within the interior of the settlement area were interpreted as stock enclosures and/or garden boundaries, as garden soils were identified in one of the testtrenches. A possible 55mdiameter enclosure was also noted within the southern boundary of the settlement.
In the central area of the medieval settlement stone buildings were identified. Three rectangular stone buildings with floor deposits, hearths and possible associated paths and metalled surfaces were identified in one trench positioned central to the settlement. Although limited test-trenching was undertaken in this area, geophysical survey suggests that there may be numerous medieval buildings (houses) throughout this central area, perhaps connected with metalled paths with associated animal pens and garden deposits. Medieval green-glazed pottery found within the ditch fills was also found associated with the buildings. This suggests that the settlement is 12th–14th-century AD in date.

The remains of these buildings were located very close to the ground surface (minimum of 0.05m below the present ground level). In the vicinity of the identified stone buildings the possible remains of further stone walls were also tentatively identified at ground level.
Archaeological features identified to the east of the medieval settlement in Archaeological Area 2 include a ring-ditch with associated pits and postholes. These features were dispersed across a large area measuring at least 60m north–south.
In Archaeological Area 3 a west–east metalled path was identified to the north-west of the medieval settlement and extended beyond the limits of the proposed development to the west and east. A stone wall positioned to the south of this path was considered to be contemporary/related.