2014:188 - Fathom Lower (Fathom Mountain), Armagh

IAC Ltd carried out investigations to understand the significance of two SMR sites, ARM29:21 and ARM29:22, located on the slopes of Fathom Mountain, Co. Armagh, as part of a feasibility study for the proposed Newry Southern Relief Road. The work was undertaken for AECOM on behalf of Transport NI in response to recommendations made by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA): Historic Monuments Unit regarding the proposed development.

The evaluation was undertaken in six stages including, ecological survey, clearance of vegetation, topographical survey, metal detection survey, trial trenching across the two sites, and reporting. This work was carried out over the course of three weeks in December 2014.

These two SMR sites were the central two of four circular features (the others being ARM29:20 and ARM29:23) positioned along the eastern flank of Fathom Mountain, each of which are described in the SMR records as ‘tree-rings’. Following consultation with NIEA, it was suggested that these features may be also interpreted as possible late 16th-/ early 17th-century sconces or artillery fortifications dateable to the Nine Years War. The evaluation was focussed on finding evidence that could confirm either interpretation. Each site consists of a single bank enclosing an area of approx. 25–30m in diameter. The enclosing banks each stand between 0.9m and 1.2m in height.

The programme of archaeological works entailed the evaluation of ARM29:21 and ARM29:22. This assessment involved firstly tree clearance followed by a programme of topographical survey, metal detection and trial trenching.

The evaluation failed to reveal any evidence that either of the two enclosures are military in nature or of early 17th-century date. The metal detecting survey also failed to identify any significant archaeological objects and did not identify any definitive 17th-century military items. The majority of finds from this investigation can be dated to between the late 18th and 20th century. Furthermore a radiocarbon date of AD 1521–1950 was established from the lower bank deposit of enclosure ARM29:22 using a secure charcoal (Prunus) sample. The calibrated radiocarbon determination shows two clear ‘peaks’ suggesting higher probabilities of either a middle–late 17th-century date or a late 18th-century date for the construction of the enclosure. All this, coupled with the form of the two enclosures with their outer stone facings, would certainly suggest that these are ornamental features within an organised estate landscape (probably associated with Fathom House to the north, the deeds of which suggest a date of 1732 for its construction), rather than military sconces of early 17th-century date.

A second C14 date is currently being sought.

IAC Ltd, Unit G1, Network Enterprise Park, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow