2013:469 - Moylagh A and B, Moylagh, Tyrone

Archaeological excavation was undertaken at Moylagh A and B, Moylagh, Co. Tyrone, on behalf of The Department for Regional Development, Roads Service. The works were undertaken as part of Phase 2 of the Archaeological Services Contract prior to the commencement of construction of the proposed A5 road. The site is located along Section 3 of the proposed road route. Section 3 extends from Seskinore Road in the north to Ballygawley in the south. Section 3 was the southernmost segment of the proposed development site which consists of 37km of new road in total.

Moylagh A and B were previously unknown sites which were identified during Phase 1 archaeological work on the scheme. Phase 1 was carried out following an environmental impact statement on the proposed route which included a chapter on cultural Heritage (Mouchel 2012), and geophysical survey of the route (Durham 2012). The results of this survey subsequently formed the basis of an evaluation strategy which involved trial trenching and/or strip and map of selected areas of high archaeological potential.  The evaluation trench layout was designed by project managers Mouchel in consultation with the Historic Monuments Unit of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) In total 11,180.5m of trial trench was excavated and 29,682.5m² of strip and map was carried out on Section 3. Further works are proposed but could not be carried out before work on the scheme was suspended in June 2013.

Two areas were subject to full excavation between 3 and 11 April 2013 with a total area of 1204m² excavated at Moylagh A and 270m² excavated at Moylagh B. Fourteen archaeological features were identified.

Moylagh A contained an undated burnt spread, and a shallow irregular pit located on a north-facing slope possibly representing a first phase of activity on the site. Three undated ditches (one of which remained unexcavated) represented a second phase. A series of modern furrows, land drains and an undated tree throw hole identified a further phase of activity. No archaeological artefactual evidence was recovered from Moylagh A. The presence of modern artefacts was noted, and they were left in situ.

At Moylagh B, a large burnt spread was the main focus of the site. Several post-holes and a stake-hole lay beneath the burnt spread, as well as a shallow sub-rectangular possible trough with a flat base. Towards the eastern end of the trough base a large oval shaped post-hole or pit with vertical sides and a flat base was identified, itself cut by a small post-hole and although the physical relationship between these features was difficult to determine, it is likely that the large post-hole or pit cut the trough. The burnt spread and associated features mark a first phase of activity.

In addition, a second phase of activity was identified, comprising an undated field boundary ditch with a modern re-cut and two modern land drains. No artefactual evidence was recovered from Moylagh B.

Further analysis of the results of the excavation is required to refine the interpretation of the site. Proposals are set forth for further work in relation to this site.

References

Durham 2012, Section 3 A5 Western Transport Corridor Northern Ireland geophysical survey.

Mouchel 2012 http://www.a5wtc.com/Environmental_Statement.aspx, Chapter 9.

Cotswold Archaeology, Stanley House, Walworth Road, Andover, Hampshire SP10 5LH.