County: Kildare Site name: Branganstown
Sites and Monuments Record No.: Adjacent to KD005-003 (Ringditch Licence number: 17E0158
Author: Jon Stirland
Site type: Medieval
Period/Dating: —
ITM: E 688903m, N 738974m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.393430, -6.663347
A total of 12 test trenches were excavated. The testing strategy targeted anomalies and features identified during the geophysical survey. For the purposes of the test trenching the site of the proposed development was subdivided into the four fields that make up the overall development site.
Field 1
The earlier geophysical survey identified the presence of a weakly defined large curving anomaly, the general appearance of which suggested that it is of possible geological origin. Two test trenches (10-11) were excavated across this feature and confirmed that the anomaly was not of an archaeological nature and appears to represent underlying geological formations.
The geophysical survey also identified the presence of three linear type responses within this field. These features are also visible on the ground and represent agricultural field boundaries, one of which is indicated on the first edition OS map. A single test trench (9), was excavated across one of these boundaries. The test trench confirmed that these features are relativity modern field boundaries/drainage ditches.
Fields 2-3
A large oval/sub-circular enclosure, which was truncated by a modern hedgerow, was identified as a result of the geophysical survey. This large enclosure measures approximately 100m in diameter and appears to have an attached annex located to the north, with evidence of an internal smaller circular enclosure to the south. There is also a suggestion of another internal ditch along the south-west. The survey also identified evidence of two further possible enclosing ditches located west of the main enclosure.
A total of 5 test trenches (1-4, 12) were excavated across the large oval/sub-circular enclosure and confirmed these features were archaeological in nature. A quantity of medieval pottery retrieved from the features indicates that the enclosure represents medieval settlement activity, possibly a Norman ringwork. The enclosing ditches vary from 2m to 6m in width and 1 to 2m in depth. A number of internal and external features were also identified.
Field 4
Three linear-type anomalies were identified within this field during the geophysical survey and appear to represent agricultural field boundaries. A total of three trenches (6-8) were excavated across the anomalies. Their appearance within the trenches suggests that they were formed by underlying geological formations and are not of an archaeological nature.
The results of an earlier geophysical survey and the targeted test trenching strategy clearly indicates that Fields 2-3 contains the presence of a large enclosure. The sections excavated through the enclosing features confirmed that they are archaeological in nature. Pottery retrieved from the features indicated that the enclosure represents medieval settlement activity and may represent a possible Norman ringwork. The targeted test trenching carried out within Fields 1 and 4 identified no potential archaeological features or deposits. However, because of the limited nature of the testing and the presence of the enclosure within Fields 2-3, it is recommended that further, more intensive testing be carried out throughout the site of the proposed development.
The proposed development will impact on the enclosure site. A portion of the enclosure extends below green space at the centre of the development and it may be possible to preserve that portion of the site in situ. The remainder of the enclosure should be preserved by record where preservation in situ is not possible which will involve a full archaeological excavation of the site.
Archaeological Consultancy Services Unit, Unit 21 Boyne Business Park, Greenhills, Drogheda, Co Louth
