2016:040 - NEWTOWNARDS: NS20 Housing, Movilla Road, Down

The development contained ten areas of archaeological significance. The earliest archaeological features were Early Bronze Age pits which were found in the south-west (Area 4, ITM: X 751270 Y 874642) and north-east (Area, 8 ITM: X 751380 Y 874809) corners of the development which dated to Cal 1885 to 1695 BC (Beta-440287) and Cal 2460 to 2205 BC (beta-440288) respectively. These were clearly not contemporary features as the radiocarbon dates showed that they were in use a minimum of c. 300 years apart. Both however contained burnt cracked stones which were indicative of the use of hot stone technology and indicates a continuity of technological practices. Neither was associated with a burnt mound, though both were in close proximity to boggy areas.

Small pits in Areas 1 (ITM: X 751309 Y 874499), 3 (ITM: X 751446 Y 874602) and 5 (ITM: X 751345 Y 874682), and the large (20m diameter) burnt mound in Area 10 (ITM: X 751512 Y 874767) were undated but were most likely of prehistoric date. The burnt mound was preserved in situ on site as the current proposal did not require this area for development.

A linear ditch in Area 2 (ITM: X 751411 Y 874580) was dated to Cal AD 1280 to 1390 (Beta-440289) and provided evidence for medieval occupation in this area. However, no further contemporary features were encountered.

Early 19th-century industrial activity was identified by quarrying in Areas 5 (ITM: X 751345 Y 874682), 6 (ITM: X 751382 Y 874693) and 7 (ITM: X 751442 Y 874703). Area 7 was a slate quarry pit noted on the 1st edition OS map and recorded as IHR 02640:000:00 on the Sites and Monuments Record. The other two quarries had not previously been identified. The final feature was a late 18th-century vernacular building in Area 9 (ITM: X 751270 Y 874596). The house was initially one large building 10m long and 5m wide (34’ x 16’), with 2 rooms. At a later date the central doorway was then blocked up, forming two separate houses, the southern being a single room, the northern being divided into two rooms. The house corresponded to the footprint on the 1st and 2nd edition OS.