County: Wicklow Site name: Blakestown Lower
Sites and Monuments Record No.: WI009-039 Licence number: 17E0174
Author: Faith Bailey, IAC Ltd
Site type: Early medieval activity
Period/Dating: —
ITM: E 694703m, N 708166m
Latitude, Longitude (decimal degrees): 53.115634, -6.585335
Testing was carried out at the site of a proposed residential development in Blakestown Lower, County Wicklow, following a request for further information as issued by Wicklow County Council. Due to the close proximity of an early medieval burial ground (and possible enclosure) to the north-north-west of the site (WI009-039), a geophysical survey of the site was also carried out. A portion of the burial ground was excavated by the author in 2013 (see Britonstown, 2013:203) and a possible accompanying enclosure identified during the course of this work.
The edge of the enclosure to the north of the site under assessment was confirmed during the geophysical survey. It also indicated the presence of possible associated boundaries and features within the proposed development area. Testing revealed 21 archaeological contexts, which were formed by linear features, pits and post-holes. One potential kiln was identified and one small pit was found to contain slag. It is probable that the archaeological remains that have been identified represent early medieval activity associated with the enclosure to the north. The features appear to have formed part of a field system that was located to the south of the enclosure.
The layout of the proposed development was altered to avoid the archaeological features identified. As such the development will not impact on remains associated with the early medieval settlement.
Unit G1, Network Enterprise Park, Kilcoole, Co. Wicklow
