Applecross Broch Community Archaeology Project
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Applecross Broch
Community Archaeology Project
Data Structure Report
Excavation Summary and Preliminary Finds Discussion May 2010
Mary Peteranna
Cait McCullagh
With contributions from Cathy Dagg
The Applecross Broch Community Archaeology Project has been funded by:
Applecross Campsite
Applecross Historical Foundation
Aurelias Charitable Trust
Awards for All
The Highland Enterprise
Hugh Fraser Foundation
LEADER European Development Programme
North of Scotland Archaeology Society (NOSAS)
Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh Ward Forum
1
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Table of Contents
Summary 5 Acknowledgements 5 Volunteers during the 2009 Season 6
1 Introduction 1.1 Background 7 9 1.1.1 Site location and geology 1.1.2 Archaeological and historical background 1.1.3 Time Team 1.1.4 Applecross Archaeology Society
1.2 Applecross Broch Community Archaeology Project 9 1.2.1 2006 Season 1.2.2 2007 Season 1.2.3 2008 Season 1.2.4 2009 Season
2 Objectives 10 2.1 Overall aims 2.2 Specific objectives
3 Methodology 11 3.1 Desk based assessment 3.2 Excavation and recording 3.3 Sampling and finds processing
4 2009 fieldwork results 11 4.2 Trench 8 12 4.2.2 Courtyard 12 4.2.3 Intramural passage and staircase gallery 13 4.2.4 Intramural staircase 16 4.2.5 Intramural gallery (#3) 16 4.2.6 Inner broch wall 17 4.2.7 Outer broch wall 19 4.2.8 Possible pre broch structures 21 4.2.9 External deposits 23 4.2.10 Sub broch passage 23
4.3 Trench 9 25
2
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
4.4 Discussion 4.4.1 Pre broch external structures 28 4.4.2 Main broch structures 29 4.4.3 Post broch internal changes 29 4.4.4 Trench 9 30
5 Radiocarbon dating results 31 5.1 SUERC 26924 5.2 SUERC 26925 5.3 SUERC 26926
6 Summary of finds from the 2009 season 6.1 Introduction 32 6.2 Worked and utilised stone 32 6.2.1 Lithics 6.2.2 Pumice 6.2.3 Quartz 6.2.4 Other worked and utilised stone
6.3 Worked Antler 34 6.4 Worked and possibly worked oil shale 35 6.5 Pottery 36 6.6 Fired clay 37 6.7 Slag 38 6.8 Metalwork: Cu alloy 38 6.9 Modified bone 39 6.10 Conclusions 39
7 Recommendations for 2010 Season 40
8 Post excavation analysis 40
9 Further work and reporting 41
10 Publication and presentation 41
11 Archiving and finds disposal 41
References 42
3
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Appendices Appendix 1 Index of Contexts 45 Appendix 2 Index of Features 55 Appendix 3 Index of Finds 56 Appendix 4 Index of Samples 63 Appendix 5 Index of Site Plans 66 Appendix 6 Index of Site Photographs 68
List of Figures Figure 1 Map of the orthwest Highlands 7 Figure 2 Applecross broch site location 8 Figure 3 C.0809 Intramural stairs and gallery, C.0803 Intramural passage (APL09 Plan 14) 15 Figure 4 Outer broch wall C.0837 in Trench 8 (Plan 10) 20 Figure 5 C.0851 wall face in sub broch passage (APL09 Section plan 3) 24 Figure 6 Recumbent slabs from Trench 9 (Plan 4) 25 Figure 7 Site plan, showing outline of site structures and four outlying trenches 27 Figure 8 Radiocarbon plots for Samples 108, 118 and 138 from Applecross Broch 2009 31
List of Plates Plate 1 SF236: Antler comb end plate fragment 13 Plate 2 Stair gallery, jaw bones and vertebrae from C.0844 and paved surface C.0845 15 Plate 3 Third intramural gallery 17 Plate 4 Inner broch wall face and stone setting 18 Plate 5 Outer broch wall ‘improvement’ C.0837 18 Plate 6 Trench 8 at the end of the 2009 season facing E SE 22 Plate 7 South face of sub broch passage 23 Plate 8 Trench 9 structure 26
4
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Summary
This report presents a summary of the results of the excavation and preliminary analysis of finds from the 2009 field season of Applecross Broch, Wester Ross, Highlands (National Grid Reference NG 71183 44331), carried out during September 2009. Copyright of this report is held jointly by Applecross Archaeology Society and the authors.
The Applecross broch site was first investigated in 2005 by Wessex Archaeology for presentation on the television programme Time Team. This resulted in the formation of Applecross Archaeology Society , who initiated the Applecross Broch Community Archaeology Project with local professional archaeologists.
Previous seasons of fieldwork for the project took place in October 2006, April 2007, September 2007 and July 2008. The 2009 season was directed by Cathy Dagg, who was assisted by Cait McCullagh and Mary Peteranna. A final season is scheduled in June 2010.
Acknowledgements
The volunteer excavators have been a vital part of the success and enthusiasm of the Applecross Broch Community Archaeology Project . At the heart of the project are the community and the educational and heritage value that the excavations represent to them.
The experience and commitment of members of orth of Scotland Archaeological Society ( OSAS ) has been invaluable.
The directors of the project would like to thank the following people and organisations for their assistance during 2009: Martin Wildgoose, Dr. Fraser Hunter of National Museums Scotland, Historic Scotland , Dr. Jennifer Miller of Glasgow University Archaeological Research Division, Owen Kilbride, Nick Goldthorpe, John and Trina Wombell, Kirsty Cameron of the Highland Council Archaeology Unit and the Applecross Campsite.
Special thanks to Beverly Ballin-Smith for visiting the site on September 6, 2009 and for her helpful review of the overall assemblage of ceramics.
Special thanks to Fraser Hunter and Tanya Romanciewicz for visiting the site on July 17, 2009.
5
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Volunteers during the 2009 S eason
Steven Birch Liz Curtis Brian Duff Paul Dungey Joyce Durham Freida Dyson Sam Easson Marleen Forsyth Allan Gilles Jim Glazzard Stephanie Glover James Goldthorpe Nick Goldthorpe Jonie Guest Richard Guest Susanne Inman Alistair Jupp George Kozikowski Cathy and volunteers digging in Trench 8, September 2009 Allan MacKenzie Meryl Marshall Ella McDonagh Gordon Sleight Ann Wakeling Heather Walker Sue Walker Anna Welti Martin Wildgoose Graham Wilson John Wombell Trina Wombell
Project team and volunteers at the end of the 2009 Season
6
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
1 Introduction
1.1 Background
1.1.1 Site location and geology
The village of Applecross is situated on the western coast of the Applecross Peninsula in the northwest Highlands of Scotland. The small residential community is situated along a natural harbour that opens into the Inner Sound of Skye and faces the Isle of Raasay and Isle of Skye to the west. The Sound of Skye borders Applecross to the north and west, and although Applecross is isolated from the adjoining mainland by mountainous terrain to east and southeast, the situation of the site is an ideal location along prehistoric sea routes of communication and transportation.
The broch site is centred at Ordnance Survey NGR NG 71183 44331 on the raised beach site where Applecross Campsite is located. It was constructed on the southeastern end of a low ridge of glacially-formed material, sitting at about 40m OD and 200 metres from the present coastline. Its location gives it on an outstanding vantage point with a viewshed arcing from southwest to northeast 1.
Figure 1 Map of the orthwest Highlands (red arrow points to Applecross) 2
1 Peteranna and McCullagh, 2008. 2 Mapping reproduced courtesy of Landmark Information Group, RoCAS license #LIG1044. 7
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Figure 2 Applecross broch site location 3
1.1.2 Archaeological and historical background
Applecross or Abercrossan , meaning mouth of River Crossan, has another ancient name, Comrich or Comaraich—a Gaelic derivation meaning protection, implying that this was a land on which one could seek immunity 4. Applecross is well-known as being the centre for the foundation of an early Christian Community in the early Medieval Period. In 673 AD, St. Maelrubha is believed to have founded a monastery (NMRS #NG74NW1) at the eastern end of Applecross Bay. It was later reported to have been raided by Vikings.
In the Old Statistical Account of 1792 (Vol. 3, 378 9) , the site is referred to as a ‘dun’ by Rev. J. MacQueen. The site location was at that time known as ‘Borrodale’, a Norse derivation for ‘stronghold valley 5.’ More recently, the site was recorded by the Ordnance Survey and the Highland Council Archaeology Unit (NMRS #NG74SW 2, Highland HER# MHG7680) and in 2005 it was proven to be a broch by Time Team archaeologists.
3 Mapping reproduced courtesy of Landmark Information Group, RoCAS license #LIG1044. 4 McQueen, J. Pp. 378. 5 Watson, W.J., 1904. 8
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
1.1.3 Time Team
The Applecross campsite manager, Nick Goldthorpe, first brought the site to the attention of Time Team , who commissioned Wessex Archaeology to conduct excavations in 2005. The aim of the 2005 Time Team excavation was to determine whether or not the rubble-covered structure was an Iron Age broch, to establish the extent of the remains and to investigate areas outside of the broch for other structures 6.
Eight trenches were excavated by hand, three of which (Trench 1, Trench 3 and Trench 8) located broch walling and features (including an intramural wall passage). Five trenches were focused on outlying areas around the site, targeted mostly by using geophysical survey, which suggested the outline of the broch structure and revealed a possible second stone structure on the glacial ridge to the northwest of the site. One trench (Trench 2) revealed an outer kerb interpreted as a causeway. Another trench 10m northeast (Trench 4) of the broch revealed eroded midden material and another trench (Trench 7) showed structural rubble of a possible separate structure. Two further trenches, Trench 5 and Trench 6, revealed no archaeological deposits, features or finds 7.
1.1.4 Applecross Archaeology Society
Subsequent to the Time Team excavation, Applecross Archaeology Society commissioned professional archaeologists in October 2006 to lead a project with the aim of excavating the site to reveal the final phase of occupation of Applecross Broch. Fundamental to this was the local community’s full involvement, assisted by the archaeologists. The project was designed to enable the widest possible inclusion of local people and to develop practical, research, educational, social and economic benefits8. Upon completion, the intention of Applecross Archaeology Society was to consolidate, interpret and present the site for the community and visitors.
1.2 Applecross Broch Community Archaeology Project
1.2.1 2006 Season
The first season of excavations of the Applecross Broch Community Archaeology Project took place over eight days in October 2006. Two opposing quadrants (Trench 1 to the south and Trench 2 to the north) were uncovered, exposing significant portions of both inner and outer walls and several redeposited contexts of interest that yielded prehistoric pottery sherds and stone tools. At the end of the season there were clear indications that structural remains extended deeper than previously thought and that there were post-broch structural changes 9.
6 Wessex Archaeology. May 2006. 7 Wessex Archaeology, May 2006. 8 Wood, J. March 2008. 9 Peteranna and McCullagh, 2008. 9
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
1.2.2 2007 Seasons
The second phase of excavations took place during one week in April 2007, with follow-up work taking place during a further week in September 2007, with a focus on clearly defining the broch structure and excavating the courtyard in Trench 1 and Trench 2.
Three slabbed features interpreted as purpose-built work spaces used during the post-broch occupation were uncovered in the courtyard space of both trenches. In Trench 2, below the outer broch wall to the north-northwest, three large slabs covered a possible souterrain entrance and an extension of Trench 2 in September revealed the broch entrance. Two large sandstone slab fragments with enigmatic incised markings were recovered while excavating here. Initial analysis suggests that the incisions were made with a metal implement but there is not yet an interpretation of the carvings 10 .
1.2.3 2008 Season
A fourth season 11 was held for two weeks in July 2008, focused on the revealing another quarter of the site, Trench 4, and investigating the souterrain entrance in Trench 2. As well as this, three trenches (Trench 5, Trench 6 and Trench 7) closely outlying the main structure were excavated in an effort to establish the extent of the archaeology on site. The excavations brought further clarification to the broch site and revealed a minimum of three phases of occupation.
1.2.4 2009 Season
The fourth quadrant of Applecross Broch was uncovered during two weeks in September 2009. Trench 8 revealed the final quadrant of the broch which included two outside courses of walling and Trench 1 was extended to link up external wall faces. The remains of the intramural staircase and internal wall passage (first uncovered by Time Team) showed a complex series of activities (industrial and ritual) and closure events. Excavation of a fourth outlying trench, Trench 9, was targeted to investigate a feature of recumbent slabs found along the edge of Trench 2 and appeared to be another sub-broch passage or drain. The results of the 2009 season are the focus of this report.
2 Objectives
2.1 The overall aims 12 of the archaeology programme are:
• To determine and record the character, extent, condition, date and significance of the latest phase of occupation of the site • To underpin proposals for site conservation, interpretation and presentation • To encourage the widest possible inclusion of local people in the discovery, discussion and outcome of the project, and to develop practical, research, educational, social and economic benefits for the community as a whole
10 Pers comm., Richard Bradley. 11 Note: Trench 3 was a slot trench northwest of the broch structure. It was covered by a watching brief prior to commencement of the 2008 season, the purpose of which was to relocate overhead electricity lines running above the site. 12 Wood, J. 2006. 10
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
2.2 The specific objectives are:
• To expose the final phase ground plan of the broch • To assess the presence and survival of later structures overlying the broch • To provide an opportunity for local people to experience and obtain training in archaeological techniques and the value of their local heritage • To leave the broch as a visible and interpreted monument for the public and community • To ensure that the broch is not compromised by unnecessary excavation
3 Methodology
3.1 Desk based assessment
An assessment of desk-based sources was undertaken. This included the records held by the National Monuments Record of Scotland (NMRS), Highland Historic Environment Record (HHER), historical mapping, statistical accounts and other literary and archival resources.
3.2 Excavation and recording
Open area excavation was conducted to reveal the fourth quadrant of the site. One trial trench was opened as an extension to the first quadrant of the site in order to investigate a targeted feature. All excavation was conducted by hand, based on standard stratigraphic principles. As per the project objectives, primary archaeological deposits were left in situ .
Recording was undertaken using context record sheets, plan / section drawings, levelling using a standard dumpy level and digital photography. All work was conducted in accordance with the Institute for Archaeologists (IfA) Code of Conduct .
3.3 Sampling and finds processing
All finds and samples were recorded by trench number and context number. Samples were taken of all archaeological deposits and have been indexed and stored for future specialist analysis.
Artefacts were cleaned and indexed during the field season and have been stored for specialist analysis. Provenance of special finds was recorded on plan drawing and using a standard dumpy level.
4 2009 Fieldwork Results
ote: the annotation ‘T’ followed by a number indicates a trench number; ‘C’ followed by a number indicates a context number and ‘SF’ followed by a number indicates a find number.
4.1 The 2009 field season was conducted from 5-20 September 2009. The focus of the season was the removal of the overburden from and excavation of the fourth / final quadrant of the structure (Trench 8) and the excavation of a slot trench (Trench 9) to investigate of a feature previously identified in Trench 1. It was also the first chance that the team had to remove the terram overlying Time Team ’s Trench 1, which contained an intramural passage and 11
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
remains of the intramural staircase. As well, excavation of a large quantity of redeposited backfill in Trench 8 enabled removal of the base of an electricity pole, which revealed a glimpse at the depth of deposits on the site and, surprisingly, two wall faces of a sub-broch passage.
4.2 Trench 8
4.2.1 The removal of the overburden from Trench 8 (C.0801) was consistent with what has been previously dug throughout the site. It is characterised by turf overlying mid brown sandy loam and contained modern finds alongside redeposited ceramic, slag and stone artefacts. Across the broch site, this context reflects the mixing of topsoil with redeposited material from past site occupation.
4.2.2 Courtyard
Similarly to previous seasons, the courtyard deposits uncovered in Trench 8 were consistent with the central deposits in the three adjoining quadrants, showing mixing and transitioning between redeposited contexts. The initial underlying deposits, C.0802 and C.0819, comprised of black, sticky soils yielding some period finds-hammerstones, pottery sherds, antler toggles and antler comb fragment (SF236, Plate 1). The courtyard held water well in comparison to other areas of the site, implying further depth of archaeological deposits and surfaces.
A small stone slab setting (C.0834) was uncovered in the courtyard and appeared to relate to similar hearth-like structures from Trench 1 and Trench 2. The setting had been partially truncated prior to its discovery and is associated with post-broch use of the site.
A 1950s overhead electricity line pole was removed from the courtyard and the hand-dug cut allowed for an informative glimpse into the depth of deposits on the broch. The redeposited material in the cut (C.0829, C.0833) contained hammerstones, one antler toggle and a deposit of clay.
Excavation of the courtyard overburden has not been completed in all four quadrants of the site and will be a focus for the 2010 season, in order to achieve the goal of revealing the final phase of site use.
12
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Plate 1 SF236: Antler comb end plate fragment
4.2.3 Intramural passage and staircase gallery
C.0803, passage A fourth intramural passage for the broch (C.0803) was identified during the 2005 Time Team excavations. The team re-opened the passage during the 2009 season.
This fourth passage and the intramural staircase entrance gallery, into which it led, contained a series of upper level slabbed surfaces overlying contexts pertaining to hearth-related activity.
C.0807 / C.0816, slabbed surface Initial excavation of the passage and gallery revealed a stone-slabbed surface (C.0807) within the passage which sloped upward from the courtyard and adjoined slabs (C.0816) in the staircase gallery. This area formed one continuous paved surface, which terminated above the intramural stair, although it could have been partly truncated by the Time Team excavations. It is associated with a phase of post-broch site restructuring and occupation and, interestingly, opposes a similar surface uncovered in the third quadrant during 2008 fieldwork. 13
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
C.0842 / C.0845 Within the staircase gallery and intramural passage, the uppermost slabbed surface overlay an earlier slabbed surface (C.0842). These slabs overlay a context of black, charcoal-rich material (C.0844), which overlay a hearth surface comprised of compact charcoal-rich clay and small slab-like stones (C.0845). A cache of bone containing deer mandible and other assorted bone (Plate 2) was distinctly placed next to the W stair gallery wall and overlay the C.0845 slabs. One radiocarbon date (SUERC 26925) from the site has dated C.0844, the charcoal rich surface, to 1925 BP.
C.0849 Within the intramural passage (Figure 3), adjacent to the N passage face, the hearth surface (C.0845) had been cut by a clay-lined linear pit (C.0849), interpreted as a flue that was associated with another and later phase of hearth-related activity. The flue had been backfilled with a deposit containing shell and bone (C.0848).
This series of activities suggests either large-scale processing of deer carcasses or a period of ritual-based feasting and closure events to the gallery and passage where each context appeared distinctly sealed by the next.
14
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Plate 2 Stair gallery (Photo #CD165) , jaw bones and vertebrae (inset Photo #CD 134 ) from C.0844 and paved surface C.0845
C.0849 C.0803
C.0809
C.0845
Figure 3 C.0809 Intramural stairs and gallery, C.0803 intramural passage (APL09 Plan 14) 15
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
4.2.4 Intramural staircase
Four in situ stair slabs (C.0809) were exposed within the staircase gallery, accessed from the broch courtyard by an intramural passage (C.0803). As described above, the slab steps were incorporated into post-broch use of the structure, and appeared not to have been heavily worn.
C.0808 A small subcircular setting of upright stones, interpreted as a post hole setting (C.0808), is situated west of the uppermost slab. It has been loosely associated with another stone setting (C.0826) located within the inner broch wall less than four metres to the east. One possible interpretation for two post settings could be that the held a wooden screen or wind break for shielding the activity within the staircase gallery and passage.
4.2.5 Intramural gallery #3
Half of the broch’s northwest intramural gallery (C.0821) was uncovered in Trench 8. The northern half of this gallery had been excavated during 2006 fieldwork in Trench 2.
The maximum internal width of this section of the gallery was 1.1 metres, narrowing to 0.6 metre at the south stop wall (C.0827). This stop wall would have been situated below the base of the intramural staircase.
This gallery was accessed by an intramural passage first uncovered in T2 during 2006 fieldwork. In Trench 8, the gallery (Plate 3) was laid with an irregularly slabbed surface (C.0831) that was partly underlain by compact clay surface (C.0832). A charcoal-rich deposit containing bone and shell (C.0825), probably redeposited midden material, had overlain the majority of the slabbed surface.
16
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Plate 3 Thir d intramural gallery in Trench 8 (Photo #CD062)
4.2.6 Inner Broch Wall
Only a small portion of the inner face of the i nner broch wall (C.0823) was well-preserved in Trench 8 in comparison to the res t of the structure (see Figure 7 ). The so uth corner of the inner wall face in the trench starts with an intramural passage face (C.0803) and runs northward for about one metre to where a semicircular stone setting (C.0826) had been cut into the wall. To the north side of this feature, only one metre of the inn er face remains in situ due to post broch disturbance and the insertion of an overhead electricity line pole.
C.0826 The stone setting (C.0826, approximately 0.5m wide), which had been cut into the inner wall inner face (Plate 4), could indicate a niche, alcove or post hole. It is associated with post - broch re-structuring of the site and might be related to another post setting (C.0808) found alongside the intramural stairs .
17
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Plate 4 Inner broch wall face and stone setting to left (C.0826) indicated by arrow (Photo CD162)
Plate 5 Outer broch wall ‘improvement’ (C.0837, Photo CD172)
18
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
4.2.7 Outer broch wall
Excavation outside of the broch outer wall face in Trench 8 showed that the structure did survive to a much greater height than previously believed. The removal of a large amount of mixed fill and redeposited material from the northwest side of the structure revealed a continuous section of wall face over one metre in height. In contrast to this quadrant, the other three quadrants of the structure (T1, T2 and T4) had gaps in sections of the broch outer wall (see Figure 7).
An east-facing aerial photograph of the broch outer wall taken by John and Trina Wombell (Plate 6) clearly shows the uppermost row of large stones forming the continuous arc of the outer broch wall outer face (C.0422). However, this course of stone overlies another circular outer wall face (C.0817) which branches off from the broch outer wall in T8 and encircles it southward across Trench 1.
The battered southeast section of the outer wall from T8 across T1, starting from the location of a strikingly visible triangular standing stone, was constructed on top of and inside of the earlier wall. To the northwest of the triangular standing stone, the broch outer wall face and the earlier outer wall face merge into one continuous face of walling (C.0837), which appears to be an improvement on the earlier technique (Plate 5).
C.0837 This five-metre length of walling, forming the northwest outer face of the broch outer wall was constructed in the style of spaced boulders infilled with smaller galleting slabs (see Plate 5 and Figure 4). This is the tallest surviving portion of the wall and seems to both reflect a higher level of skilled workmanship and construction techniques at Dun Telve broch.
It appears that this portion of walling (C.0837) formed a structural transition between the earlier structure and the new one built on top of it. It is possible that this distinct section of walling coincides with a later episode of restructuring of the entire site, which could also have included relocation of the main entrance. Improved quality of construction does appear in other places on the structure, for example in the intramural passage in T1 (C.0437) and the inner wall face in Trench 2, both of which are probably related to a later phase of the structure.
19
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Figure 4 Outer broch wall (C.0837) in Trench 8 (APL09 Plan 10)
20
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
4.2.8 Possible pre broch structures
C.0817, an outer wall face An outer face of walling (C.0817) comprised of large boulders and one triangular standing stone was uncovered outside of and below the upper course of the outer broch wall, joining the ‘improved’ outer wall face (C.0837) on the west side of the structure. This wall face encircles the outside of the broch from Trench 8 across Trench 1 (identified as C.0423 in T1) where it disappears within boulder rubble on the south corner of the site—where the outer wall also disappears.
C.0843, an external structure Another wall face (C.0843) beyond the early outer wall face (see Plate 6) was revealed in Trench 8 and in the extension to Trench 1. This could relate to another early structure or outbuilding of the broch. The area between the two portions of walling in T8 and T1 has not been entirely uncovered. A further extension to the trenches in 2010 should clarify the relationship.
C.0859, a possible entrance Outside of the broch on the northwest side, a paved area (C.0860) within a line of boulders (C.0859) abuts the broch outer wall. It is interpreted as an early structural entrance, part of a blockhouse structure or even an original entrance to the broch which was later removed. During excavation, the paved surface was overlain by a slag- and charcoal-rich deposit (C.0838) that could pertain to its re-use as a work area. A radiocarbon date (SUERC 26924) dated this deposit to 2125 BP.
C.0818 Outside of the broch outer wall to the northwest, a line of stones (C.0818) forms a possible return from the south wall of the souterrain passage (C.0460). Although time did not allow for further investigation of the context, this suggests that the souterrain passage structure at one time extended further outside of the broch.
21
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
C.0423
C.0422 C.0817
C.08 37
C.0843
Plate 6 Trench 8 at the end of the 2009 season, facing E SE (Photo JW001) 22
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
4.2.9 External deposits
The removal of overbu rden in Trench 8 on the northwest side of the outer broch wall uncovered a deep ar ea of rich, redeposited fill s. The uppermost redeposited context , C.0810, uncovered south west of the souterrain passage, yielded one heavily abraded fragment of I.A. pottery . This deposit overlay two other redeposited context s (C.0830 and C.0836) which produced antle r, iron, slag and stone finds.
4.2.10 Sub broch passage
Eventual removal of the base of the former overhead electricity line (OHL) pole in Trench 8 made visible two inner faces (C.0851 and C.0852) of a passage at the base of the pole ho le. Four surviving courses of sandstone and limestone slabs comprised opposing wall faces appr oximately 0.5m wide by 0.6m high (N -facin g section) and 0.5m wide by 0.8m high (S- facing section, Plate 7) in profile sections at the base of the cut. The OHL pole hole partially truncated the S-facing wall face (C.0852), revealing that it had been built into the natural orange gritty sand subso il. The wall slabs were intermixed with soil and charcoal that came from either the original backfill of the passage (C.0858) or from the deposit overlying the top of the passage wall (C.0855/C.0857) . A radiocarbon date (SUERC 26926) from the S-facing wall fill ca me out at 2100 BP .
Plate 7 South face of sub broch passage (Photo CD184)
23
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Broch wall core
Figure 5 Sub broch wall S face (C.0851, APL09 Section 3)
The passage u nderlies the broch structure although there is an intermediate deposit (C.0855), probably bac kfill, between the broch and passage (Figure 5) . A possible lintel slab underlies the backfill and may have formed part of the passage roof. It sealed an ashy deposit (C.0853) overlying the north wall face , which contained material sampled for future radiocarbon dating.
Insertion of the OH L pole cut through the passage backfill expos ed the remains of this stony material (C.0857) on the south passage wall and the natural on the north wall face. It is interpreted as a deliberate backfill of the passage pri or to construction of the broch structure.
24
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
4.3 Trench 9
N
Figure 6 Recumbent slabs from Trench 9 (Plan 4 from APL09)
Trench 9, a 2m long by 5m wide offshoot of the south side of Trench 1 , was aimed at investigating a feature of three recumbent slabs (C.0446), which initially resembled the slabs overlying the souterrain entrance found in Trench 2 in 2007. The slabs , which had initially appeared to underlie broch rubble, were situated outside of a line of large boulders beyond the outer broch wall in T rench 1 . The feature could not be related definitel y to any one phase of broch construction .
Five slabs (C.0905), which had been held in place by sets of edge stones placed to counterbalance the larger, heavier slabs , were revealed in the trench and mor e slabs appear to extend further southward, outside of the trench edge (see Figure 6). This would indicate a slab-covered structure that extends below the broch rubble northward and beyond the excavated area southward . Excavation showed that one slab had collapsed into an underlying cut (Plate 8) which contained sandy, charcoal-flecked silt.
A hearth-like, charcoal-rich context (C.0903) was also uncovered to either side of the slab structure (C.0905 /C.0446) and could be associated with the feature .
25
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Plate 8 Trench 9 feature, collapsed slab in cut underlying slabs (Photo #CD149)
26
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Trench 7 Trench 2
Trench 6
Trench 4
Trench 8
Trench 5
Trench 9
Trench 1
Figure 7 Site plan in negative, showing the main site structure and four outlying trenches
27
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
4.4 Discussion
4.4.1 Possible pre broch structures
It is possible that the circular wall (C.0817) underlying the broch outer wall is an earlier roundhouse-type structure. On the surface, the wall looks like revetment for the broch. But close examination of it merging with the broch outer wall face suggests that it was an earlier building into which the broch was later incorporated. It could be that the broch was positioned over the earlier structure, beside the steepest slope on the ridge to the east, whilst at the same time exposing the outer wall faces of the earlier structure on the west side of the site. This theory could make an interesting comparison to the oval building that predated the broch at Clickihimin, Shetland 13 .
Furthermore, the remains of a probable entrance (C.0859 and C.0860) to this structure support the idea of an earlier building. The entrance, however, has been mostly removed apart from the largest boulders and the paved surface (C.0860). One radiocarbon date came from Context 0838, which overlaid the paved surface. This date, 2125 BP, is associated with a later use of the paved surface, possibly a closure event of the structure.
The layer of stone chips that sealed this charcoal-rich context is interpreted as an episode of stone working / dressing—possibly pertaining to the construction of a structure. The radiocarbon date shows that the paved surface and entrance date to before 100 BC. Also, this date corresponds with the date from the sub-broch passage at the base of the OHL pole.
The sub-broch passage walls (C.0851 and C.0852) were built into natural subsoil and possibly roofed by lintels. The profile view of the deposits underlying the broch structure showed a definite sequence of construction and backfilling. The passage was backfilled and covered with a new surface in preparation for construction of the overlying broch.
As mentioned above, a radiocarbon date from the fill around the N face of the passage implies that the passage dates to before 2100 BP since this material appears to have originated from the passage backfilling. This suggests a relationship between the closure of the entrance to the early broch structure and the closure of this passage. This evidence strengthens the theory that an earlier structure below the broch was intentionally backfilled around 2100 BP for the building of a new structure on top of it.
Finally, the subcircular wall of seven boulders (C.0843) further outside of the broch structure appears to lead to a line of walling in Trench 1 (see Figure 7). It is possible that this structure formed another earlier wall encircling the broch. It is also possible that this outermost wall relates to an outbuilding of the broch.
13 MacSween, A, Pp.60. 28
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
4.4.2 Main Broch Structure
The 2009 season of excavation on the broch has shown a substantial depth of walling still remaining for the site and that the structure contained the remains of three intramural galleries and one intramural staircase gallery. Looking at the complete overall plan (see Figure 7), this suggests that the structure was a ground-galleried broch, within which the main living areas were situated on the ground floor14 .
Although there has been some discussion as to whether or not the site is in fact a typical broch, the intramural steps leading from a galleried passage is a good indication that the structure was once a concentric-walled building with intramural staircase that rose to some height. It is possible, and there is evidence that rebuilding of internal and external walling took place, that the building failed structurally and the broch never attained a typical tower height. The walls and passages of the ‘broch’ may have formed a double-skinned building of more modest height. Certainly, as shown at other broch sites, the inhabitants of Atlantic roundhouses learned from experience and modified these circular, concentric-walled structures over time 15 . Perhaps Applecross Broch reflects one regional stage in this learning process, where an attempt to perfect a taller broch-like structure failed.
4.4.3 Post broch internal changes
Trench 8, the fourth and final quadrant to be excavated on the site provides consistent evidence for a later, post-broch phase of restructuring and occupation.
The post-broch paved surface (C.0807 and C.0816) overlying the intramural staircase gallery and passage is a similar feature to paved areas uncovered on the rest of the site and likely formed a part of a much larger post-broch surface. A saddle quern, placed within the paved surface C.0807, suggests a re-use of an object previously used during an earlier phase of occupation. Also in Trench 8, the inner/outer wall was slabbed over and two possible post settings (C.0808 and C.0826) either side of this indicate a functional use of the surface, possibly where a screen or partition was inserted to define work or living areas.
The paved surfaces and internal partitioning and wall restructuring uncovered in the Applecross site 16 are consistent with what has been seen in later phases on other broch sites such as the Broch of Burrian in Orkney 17 .
Within the intramural stair gallery and passage, the sequence of slabbed surfaces and deposits are indicative of a series of hearth-related activities and closure events. The earliest slabbed surface, C.0845, was overlain by the charcoal-rich deposit (C.0844), which was immediately sealed by another slabbed surface (C.0842). Another possible ‘feasting’ event occurred in conjunction with when the clay-lined flue (C.0849) was cut through deposit
14 Armit, I. Pp.75. 15 Armit, 2003. 16 Peteranna and McCullagh, 2008. 17 MacGregor, Pp. 65. 29
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
C.0844 and surface C.0845 and a cache of jaw bones and vertebrae were placed on the surface.
The uncovering of the entire structure during the 2010 season should allow for greater analysis of the post-broch paved surfaces and will hopefully assist interpretation of the spatial organisation within the post-broch structure.
4.4.4 Trench 9
Three theories have been proposed for the structure type uncovered in Trench 9: a flag- covered drain, a souterrain passage or a causeway.
As the Reverend John McQueen mentions in his 18 th c. account of Applecross parish, ‘in the district of Applecross are the remains of a subterranean house’ four feet wide and four feet deep of considerable length, faced with stones and covered with flags. He says this structure is located near a ‘Danish dun’ and mused that it could have been used for storing plundered goods 18 . This intriguing description could relate to the Trench 9 structure and, if so, the structure probably extends much further outside of the broch structure. Reverend McQueen could also be referring to the souterrain (C.0460) passage on the northwest side of the broch 19 .
Equally intriguing, a recent comparison to Skitten Broch, Caithness shows that the T9 structure bears a resemblance to a drain passage that underlay the broch entrance and extended across the courtyard at Skitten 20 . This is a possibility for the Applecross broch, which suggests that the drain is situated in the location of the original broch entrance on the S side of the broch and thus the entrance was later removed and rebuilt on the E-NE slope of the site. Such a possibility is supported by the lack of a broch outer wall on this S slope, as well as the presence of several restructured features in this location on the broch 21 .
If the primary entrance to the broch was located on the S side of the site, this suggests that the entrance to the structure as seen today constitutes a post-broch insertion. This possibility was raised by the excavators 22 , who noted the unusual location of the entrance on the northeast side of the broch, the steepest side of the ridge. The construction of this entrance and its situation does fit in well with post-broch paved surfaces and internal structural changes.
18 McQueen, Rev. J. Pp. 378-379. 19 Peteranna and McCullagh, 2008. 20 Calder, P.128, Figure 4. 21 Peteranna and McCullagh, 2008. 22 Peteranna and McCullagh, 2008. 30
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
5 Radiocarbon Dating Results
Three samples have been dated from Applecross Broch and place the site solidly within the Iron Age.
5.1 SUERC 26924 2125 + 30 BP Context 0838 This context could pertain to the remains of a work area or a closure event. It overlay a slabbed surface C.0859 outside of the broch outer wall. Sample 108, Corylus roundwood
5.2 SUERC 26925 1925 + 30 BP Context 0844 This charcoal rich-surface is associated with the first event in a sequence of hearth-related activities in the intramural staircase gallery. Sample 118, Corylus roundwood
5.3 SUERC 26926 2100 + 30 BP Context 0852 This sample originated from the fill within the N face of the passage at the base of the OHL pole hole. Sample 138, Betula
Atmospheric data from Reimer et al (2004);OxCal v3.10 Bronk Ramsey (2005); cub r:5 sd:12 prob usp[chron] SUERC-26924 2125±30BP
SUERC-26925 1925±30BP
SUERC-26926 2100±30BP
800CalBC 600CalBC 400CalBC 200CalBC CalBC/CalAD 200CalAD 400CalAD Calibrated date
Figure 8 Radiocarbon plots for Samples 108, 118 and 138 from Applecross Broch (APL09)
31
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
6 Summary of finds from the 2009 season (C. McCullagh)
6.1 Introduction
This summary aims to give an overview of the artefact groups that have been subject to a primary assessment, so far, from the 2009 season of excavations. The total of small finds attributed to anthropogenic activity was 58, including 18 worked stones; one fragment of worked flint / chert, 6 pottery fragments; four worked antler fragments and objects; 11 fragments of Fe Slag and one plano-convex cake of slag and clinker, four fragments of apparently worked shale, including one faceted jet bead and one possible Cu alloy pin in a very degraded condition.
6.2 Worked and utilised stone
As mentioned in previous reports, the excavations at Applecross Broch have revealed a number of whole and fragmentary worked stones that may prove to have originated as coarse stone tools; the majority of these remain in situ . A number may in the course of future investigations be characterised as quern-stone; grinding stone and hone fragments, being reused in or redeposited into the construction, shoring and infilling of the contexts in which they can now be found. Most of the stone tools have, indeed, been recovered from secondary contexts and, as such, may elicit little in terms of a chronological narrative for this assemblage.
6.2.1 Lithics
A single possible lithic was recovered during this last season. SF259, a flint or chert fragment with possible wear, was found in rubble C.0811; the remains of a likely slabbed surface at the exterior of the SW outer wall of the broch C.0423, in Trench 8, Quadrant 4. This object requires further investigation to verify the proposed wear marks.
A chert flake, SF198, was recovered during the 2008 season, showing conchoidal pressure fracturing on the dorsal surface and one evident serrated edge, now blunted, inferring that it was worked and then used as a scraping tool. The chert for this flake may have been sourced from known nodular deposits in the Durness Dolomite and Limestone outcrops in the Broadford area of Skye, or even the nodules exposed in the valley of the Alt Stapaig , Scalpay 23 . One other possible source may be the known natural deposits on Staffin, Skye 24
Whilst the presence of a variety of lithic artefacts recovered during each of the excavation seasons may suggest the possibility of a precedent to the broch construction horizon, none have been found in what might be considered primary contexts. Continued excavation of the entire broch complex is necessary to ascertain the significance, or otherwise, of these finds within a fuller understanding of the multi-phasing of the site.
23 Wickham-Jones, 1978 24 Pers. comm., Steven Birch 32
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
6.2.2 Pumice
Although not showing any obvious signs of wear, or of having been faceted to create a flat surface, SF230, a pumice stone fragment, found in the topsoil and rubble fill clean back in the courtyard interior C.0801, may have been curated as an ideal burnishing material. A number of the ceramic fragments found throughout the excavations of Applecross Broch site show evidence of burnished or rubbed surfaces created by the action of smoothing the pots once they had dried to a leather-hard state. It has been shown that pumice fragments have been used to achieve such ‘polish’ on a number of other Iron Age settlement sites, including comparative examples in the Northern Isles 25 .
Additionally, this fragment may have been used in grading protruding processes on bone and antler artefacts or for polishing the same 26 .
6.2.3 Quartz
Found in the re-deposited fill of the electricity pole hole C.0829, in close association with a possibly incised antler tine, sawn off from main beam (SF245), SF246 is a small worked quartz pebble, showing percussion pitting at the conical end. SF252, a quartz pebble of a similar size and form, shows percussion marks at both ends. Recovered in the deposit underlying C.0813, C.0830, it was found in close association with other worked stone artefacts, worked antler and a slag fragment.
6.2.4 Other worked and utilised stone
Eleven stone tools were found during the 2009 season, including one whetstone fragment, broken in section (SF285), one polisher / smoother (SF2814) and nine hammerstones or composite rubber / hammerstones or composite anvil / hammerstones (SF238, SF242, SF244, SF247, SF252, SF275 and SF241 and SF268 and SF276, respectively).
SF276, a composite anvil / hammerstone, was recovered from between three lintel slabs (one in situ , two collapsed) in Trench 9 C.0905. This location may be considered a secondary deposition or it may infer that the tool was last employed during in situ stone dressing. Such suggests that attention must be given to percussion evidence on associated structural remains at tool find spots and also to the recovery of associated stone chippings in these vicinities.
Three possible stone pot lids (SF 234, SF250 and SF256) were recovered during the 2009 season. These recoveries are compelling given the range and quantity of everted rim sherds that have been covered throughout the excavations at this site.
Their recovery from non-secure contexts means that the rotary quern fragments (SF248 and Micaceous Schist, upper wheel fragment, unreg.) found during 2009, cannot entirely be seen possible indices of the ‘quern transition’ – one of the five elements of dating evidence relevant to the Scottish Atlantic Iron age, as posited by Armit (1991) 27 . However, it is worth noting that any definition and evaluation of a sequence of structural and artefactual
25 GUARD. 2007.; Calder, C S T. 1939 26 Hallen, Y. 1994 27 Armit, I., 1991 33
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
developments, as indicated by such finds, may also include the recovery and analysis of economic evidence indicating developments in agricultural technology and / or pursuant wealth display.
A significant representation of horse bones in the bone assemblage, indicating the domestication of a herd, might be one such example. Further analysis of the entire assemblage and investigation of the secure occupation layers will be necessary in order to understand the potential significance of the rotary quern fragments in the phasing of this settlement site.
Whilst not strictly to be interpreted as a worked stone, the recovery of a possibly painted pebble from C.0844, the dark brown / black humic material that constitutes part of the fill of the intramural staircase passage, SW broch ; eventually interpreted as a fireplace / cooking pit, may infer structured deposition (Cunliffe, B. 1992, pp.69 - 83 28 ; Clarke, S. 2001, pp.76 – 82 29 ). Such artefacts are known from other Iron Age sites and are believed by some researchers to have been used as charms or amulets 30 . Only further interpretation of the characteristics of the contexts and their sequence in the narrative of construction, destruction and / or abandonment can offer a compelling argument for this reading.
Four fragments of vitrified stone (SF249, SF278a and SF278b, and SF283), were recovered in 2009. These appear to relate to the evidence for iron metal-working scattered throughout the site; most specifically the evidence for smelting as represented by a number of tap slag fragments and the plano-convex cake of ferrous material and associated detritus (SF225) recovered from the topsoil clean back C.0801.
6.3 Worked antler
Plate fragment
The antler comb end-plate fragment (see Plate 1), SF236, measuring 1.9cm x 2.5cm, which was recovered from a silty loam deposit layer in the inner courtyard area C.0819, may be diagnostic of a period of re-use of the broch site. With its distinctive dot and ring decoration, on both faces, and its graduated teeth, this plate fragment is recognisable as an element of a double sided composite comb of the types produced in Scotland in the 7th – 9th centuries 31 . It is one of up to possibly three toothed plates that would have been fixed, with iron rivets, along a horizontal brace plate.
Whilst it has been suggested by some researchers that the ring and dot decorations that proliferate on such plate fragments may have been crafted using a knife tip, MacGregor (1985) suggests that the symmetrical characteristics of these decorations infers the use of a specifically designed tool 32 .
28 Cunliffe, B. 1992 29 Clarke, S. 2001 30 Ritchie, A. 1972 31 Foxon, A. 1991; Hallen, Y. 1994 32 MacGregor, A.1985 34
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
The preferential use of antler over bone for Iron Age and later comb production is testament to the material resilience of the density and compaction of cancellous tissue in the former 33 .
Tines
SF245, an antler tine sawn off from main beam appears to have been incised with cross marks along one face at intervals.
Hallen (1994) proposes that sawn off tines are an essential index to artefact manufacture, highlighting that for most antler objects, the removal of the tines laid bare the beam structure which could then be sewn into reasonably sized segments of the necessary length 34 .
However, Fraser Hunter suggests that caution should be taken when interpreting shed antler remains as indicative of tool manufacture utilising either the tines or beams (Hunter, F. 2007 a, p.82 35 ). Both this tine and similar finds recorded as antler artefacts from previous seasons will merit future specialist analysis.
Annular cored antler sections
Both SF239 and SF240 are small cut sections of antler with the cancellous tissue cored out. The latter was broken into three segments. Neither of these finds shows any evidence of polishing or shaping on the exterior surface and no attenuation or decoration has been identified on either. Such may infer that unlike similar antler artefacts, often identified as toggles (Knight, S. 2002, pp.378 -380 36 , Ritchie, A. 2003 37 ), the Applecross examples may have been utilised as tool components, possibly as part of a rope / twine management or tightening system.
The shock-absorbing qualities of antler are known 38 and Foxon (1991) certainly suggests that the hollowing out of antler beams and tines suggests their use as sockets, ideal formations as part of a composite knife handle 39 . However, it is worth noting that such may actually be counter-intuitive. A blade with a circular-sectioned tang, such as those known from the excavations of Iron Age settlement structures at Sollas, North Uist 40 , would very likely swivel and rotate in a similarly circular socket. Specialist analysis, focused upon examining the annular, cored sections for traces of Fe corrosion would be a recommended course of action towards determining the intended use of these artefacts.
6.4 Worked and possibly worked oil shale
Shale fragments
That all possible shale fragments recovered at this site merit particular attention and specialist analysis for signs of wear is given enormous emphasis following the recovery in
33 Ibid. 34 Hallen, Y. 1994 35 Hunter, F. 2007, “Antler.” 36 Knight, S. 2002 37 Ritchie, A. 2003 38 Hallen, Y. 1994 39 Foxon, A. 1991 40 Campbell, E. 1992 35
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
2008, from the dark brown redeposited loam fill of Trench 5 [0503], of a shale bangle fragment (SF187). This artefact, alone, infers a significant index to Iron Age horizons on the site (Hunter, F. 2007 b, p.81 41 ).
Two possibly worked fragments, SF229 and SF233, were recovered during the 2009 season. Whilst the material nature of SF229 remains indeterminate, requiring further research, the recovery of SF233 within the same context C.0813 as SF235, the multi-faceted shale (possibly jet) bead mentioned below is intriguing.
Shale Bead; fully perforated and multi faceted
As of yet this find is undated. Although the use of jet and jet-like beads and other decorative artefacts increases throughout Scotland from the third millennium BC 42 , this find bears no resemblance, other than material type, to the disc and spacer beads known from other pre- historic contexts in the Highlands and Islands. It may be analogous to a similarly faceted bead recovered from Phase Five of the Norse royal farm site at The Biggings, Papa Stour, Shetland 43 . Further investigation is necessary here.
Whilst shale deposits and manufacturing sites are well known on eastern coasts 44 , thus inferring a possible trade and exchange route from coast-to-coast for the Applecross shale artefacts, it is also necessary to consider the intra-regional links suggested by the assemblage of shale bangles and associated working debris recovered from Uamh An Ard Achadh (High Pasture Cave), Skye 45 . Future specialist analysis and subsequent characterisation of the shale assemblage from the Applecross Broch site may reveal whether the raw material originates from the same source as the Skye examples; possibly one of the known lignite occurrences on the island.
6.5 Pottery
Prehistoric pottery
Six sherds of prehistoric coarseware were found during the 2009 season. All of the wares represent a variety of fabric colours and temper, which, as mentioned in previous reports, may not, necessarily be interpreted as signifying a multiplicity of wares. Certainly, studies of the more widely considered assemblages from sites in the Western and Northern Isles (Laing, L. 2003, pp. 48 - 49 46 ) have suggested that variability in the bedrock and firing conditions is as likely to produce similar diversity (Campbell, E. 2002, p.139 47 ; MacSween, A. 2002, p.152 48 ).
All of the recoveries from the 2009 season constitute undecorated body sherds (SF255, SF264, SF267, SF269, SF270 and SF284), meriting further specialist analysis in order to
41 Hunter, F. 2007, “Oil Shale and Cannel Coal 42 Sheridan, A. and Davis, M. 2002: 293 43 Crawford, B. E. and Ballin Smith, B. 1999 44 Pers. Comms. Alan Braby and Fraser Hunter 45 Birch, S. 2008 46 Laing, L. 2003: 48- 49 47 Campbell, E. 2002: 139 - 144 48 MacSween, A. 2002 36
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
determine diagnostic features. It is notable that both SF267 and SF284 also evidence fine grit inclusions, a feature suggestive of Iron Age manufacturing techniques (Brown, L. D. 2002 49 , p.53).
The recovery of a greyware body sherd (SF284) from Feature 4, in the vicinity of the possible interior continuation of the souterrain passage identified in a previous season, provides an interesting subject for typological comparison. Whilst there must be reservations placed on devising a narrative of the construction of the posited souterrain from a singular sherd, when it is considered alongside examples recovered during the 2008 excavations, further desk-based research, exploring comparisons with pottery typologies from dateable souterrain contexts within the region may provide useful insights.
Three sherds (SF267, SF269 and SF270) were recovered from C.0844, part of the fill of the intra-mural gallery believed to have been re-used as a hearth / cooking pit. The notable inclusion of ground quartz, as temper, in the fabric of the fine body sherd, SF267, is interesting when considered that this artefact was found in close association to the in situ mortar stone to the W of this SW passage. It is possible that the mortar identifies a temper processing area, where quartz and other rock materials were ground for inclusion in pottery clays.
As with many of the prehistoric ceramics recovered during excavations at the Applecross Broch site, SF264, a dark orange sherd with a black inner fabric, shows evidence of burning and may hold residues indicative of environmental and economic information of the period. Further specialist analysis of this and all of the prehistoric pottery assemblage will be necessary to determine the nature and import of such residues.
6.6 Fired clay
Fired clay fragments
One fragment of fired clay (SF225) was found during the clean back of Trench 8 in C.0801. Found in association with Fe, stone and gravel fragments, this fragment comprises the characteristics of part of a furnace interior. Despite the fact that this fragment may only indicate redeposition of primary material spreads, specialist analysis of the material sampled from Trench 6 during the 2008 season, when considered alongside the slag finds and the charcoal samples in this vicinity, may provide evidence for a primary structure, a furnace or a kiln, and a discreet area of industrial activity at that part of the site.
SF251, recovered from the fill of the Overhead Line Pole hole trench C.0833 appears oxidised, with the characteristic red-orange outer surfaces and grey inner that may indicate it as a constituent of either a furnace or kiln 50 .
Both fragments merit further specialist analysis.
49 Brown, L. D. 2002 50 English Heritage. 2001 37
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
6.7 Slag
A total of five fragments of Slag (SF 257, SF258, SF260, SF261 and SF271) were recovered as small finds during the 2009 season.
SF279 (like SF207 recovered during 2008) is a slag and stone composite; a fire-cracked stone onto which slag has poured.
The morphology of slag fragments can be extremely diverse in response to variations in temperature, duration of process, chemistry of the fuel used, the material of the hearth lining and the alloys used in the processes (Heald, A. 2007, p. 81 51 ). The material found during the 2009 season reflects a diversity of slag types, including tap slag. However, only full specialist analysis will elicit those forms that may prove to be diagnostic.
The recovery of SF225, a plano-convex cake of ferrous material (tap slag) and associated detritus, measuring 11cm in diameter, and with a posited dating of 16th century onwards , certainly points towards a more diagnostic material type– i.e. tap slags and smithing hearth bottoms (after Heald, 2007 52 ).
Possibly formed by a run-off of tap slag collecting in a circular pit close to a smelting furnace, this find infers iron being smelted in a furnace heated to above 1000 degrees centigrade. It is likely that such excessive temperatures were not achieved by native Iron Age metal-workers and are more likely to indicate, at the earliest, 16th century metalworking on the site. Whilst only further specialist analysis can confirm the chronology of iron smelting on the site, the potential for an early modern context adds significantly to an already complex multi-phasing as suggested by the structural stratigraphy.
As mentioned in previous reports, further desk-based assessment, considering archaeometallurgical techniques and their products and by-products and specialist input would better inform the sampling and finds policies of future excavations in order that the maximum information can be recovered from slag that is recovered as the project progresses.
6.8 Metalwork: Cu Alloy
Possible Cu Alloy Pin
The 2009 season saw the first indication of high status metal ware being used, at least, upon the site. SF272: believed to be the remains of a degraded copper alloy pin was recovered at the threshold between the passage to the inner courtyard and the hearth /cooking area created close to the lower steps of the aforementioned intramural passage, SW broch, it appears to be the remains of a degraded copper alloy pin, 4.5cm in length.
Whilst the artefact remains appear to be comprised almost entirely of corrosion product (verdigris) and are fragile and easily fragmented, it is hoped that further specialist analysis will confirm a likely date of manufacture. The fragment was box excavated in order to maintain maximum integrity. The spoil in the vicinity of the findspot was triple sieved, but no further fragments were recovered.
51 Heald, A. 2007 52 ibid 38
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
6.9 Modified bone
Two fragments of possibly modified bone were recovered from Trench 8 (SF262 and SF280). The former, apparently, a fish vertebra, measuring 5mm x 7mm in section and 12mm in length, evidences grooves on the front and reverse face with possible perforations alongside each. Further specialist analysis will reveal whether these characteristics are part of the natural morphology or anthropogenic incisions. One possible reading is that the fragment may have been used as a bead.
In order to provide the fuller information regarding species distribution, economic and environmental implications and cultural activities, further desk-based assessment and specialist input on the entire bone assemblage of the Applecross Broch site will be necessary. The assemblage of butchered, cremated, modified and other bone from Applecross Broch has been collected, stabilised and recorded in order to facilitate such future analysis.
6.10 Conclusion
This summary has provided a simple, primary overview of the assemblage of finds recovered during the 2009 season of excavations at Applecross.
As with most of the previous excavations, the majority of the finds have been recovered from redeposited contexts, consistent with the research design of the project, thus far – to define the extent of the broch structure, excavating and recording only the later levels of broch occupation. Notably, Iron Age material has been identified, as represented in the prehistoric pottery assemblage. The long Iron Age (through to Early Medieval) Period is represented by the recovery of a decorated comb plate fragment, believed to have been formed from antler.
Again, as with the findings from previous seasons of excavation, all of the artefact types and those ecofacts included as finds would merit further specialist analysis, enabling better understanding of their significance in the narrative of this complex, multi-phased broch site. This wider narrative includes the construction phasing; areas and types of industrial and domestic activity; intra-regional and wider geographic trading and exchange relationships and cultural influences and activities.
39
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
7 Recommendations for 2010 Season
During the 2010 season, the project team aims to uncover the terram and backfill covering the entire broch structure, with a view to expose the final phase of the broch for consolidation, thus completing the initial goals of the project.
Further excavation and recording of the site is required in all four quadrants to define the final phase of use of the structure, specifically:
• Extension of Trench 8 (NW) by, initially, 2m to determine the relationship between the two sides of the two arcs of boulder walling (C.0817 and C. 0843) • Extension of Trench 2 (NE) to determine the outer face of the outer wall and locate any associated external features, particularly to the immediate west of the entrance passage • Extension of Trench 1 (SE) by 1m to allow further investigation of the outer wall structures (C.0817 and C.0423) and the possible drain passage (C.0905) • Further removal of collapsed rubble and excavation of overburden in courtyard and intramural passages in order to define the final phase of use
Following the above work, the entire site is to be laser scanned before any consolidation work commences. This will include the recording, numbering and removal of the collapsed section of walling over the souterrain passage (C.0460) and excavation of the underlying deposits. Following this, passage will be rebuilt and the process of consolidation can begin.
8 Post excavation Analysis
8.1 The process of post-excavation analysis has commenced. We are grateful to already have received specialist support from Dr. Fraser Hunter from NMS and Beverly Ballin-Smith from GUARD and funding has allowed for three radiocarbon dates from SUERC.
8.2 A strategy of post-excavation will be put in place following the 2010 season, with an aim to establish the relationship between the different phases of site occupation and to interpret finds and their contribution to the complete record of material culture.
8.3 Specialist work shall focus on:
• Analysis of worked lithics, stone and antler • Analysis of the incised stone fragments • Special ceramic analysis • Radiocarbon dating • Environmental Analysis
40
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
9 Further work and reporting
9.1 Further work A one-day seminar has been scheduled to take place in Applecross on October 2, 2010 in order to discuss the Applecross broch site, broch architecture and contemporary sites in the wider landscape. Speakers will include Dr. Fraser Hunter, Tanja Romanciewicz, Beverly Ballin-Smith, Professor Iain Armit and Steven Birch.
9.2 The project has maintained a good relationship with archaeologists Steven Birch and Martin Wildgoose from High Pasture Cave on Skye. This was initiated in order to discuss similarities between the sites’ artefact assemblages and importance in the wider landscape. A team from High Pasture Cave visited and volunteered on the Applecross Broch site during the 2009 season and are eager to return during 2010. The Applecross team hopes to return the favour in the 2010 season. Martin Wildgoose has also provided advice and support towards the consolidation phase of the project.
10 Publication and Presentation
10.1 An interim report, summarising the fieldwork and results of the 2006, 2007 and 2008 seasons was prepared in 2008. This was submitted to the Highland Council Archaeology Unit, Historic Scotland and Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS).
10.2 A presentation of the project was made to the Community Archaeology Conference in Musselburgh in April 2009 and to the Highland Archaeology Fortnight Conference in September 2009. Three presentations are planned: to the Ardgay History Society in May 2010, to the Applecross community in June 2010 and in the Groam House Museum in Rosemarkie in August 2010.
10.3 During the 2009 season of fieldwork, the site team and volunteers conducted site tours of the excavation for visitors from the campsite and the local community.
10.4 A summary of the 2009 fieldwork was submitted to Discovery and Excavation in Scotland (DES) 2009.
10.5 An article about the 2009 season was presented to Archaeology Scotland for the Spring publication.
11 Archiving and Finds Disposal
11.1 A full archive of publications and digital images relating to work at Applecross Broch is currently being held by Ross and Cromarty Archaeological Services.
11.2 Finds reporting will be conducted in accordance with Scottish Treasure Trove procedures.
41
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
References
Armit, I., 1991. “The Atlantic Scottish Iron Age : five levels of chronology” in Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland , Vol. 121.
Armit, I, 2003. Towers in the orth . Tempus Publishing, Port Stroud.
Birch, Steven, 2010. Personal communication.
Birch, S., 2008. “Latest Finds from the High Pasture Cave excavations” in URL: http://www.high- pasture-cave.org/index.php/latest_finds/comments/164/, 14.09.08.
Braby, A. and Hunter, F., 2010. Personal communication.
Brown, L. D., 2002. “Pottery: Prehistoric Pottery” in Dockrill, S. et al (eds) 2002, Old Scatness Broch & Jarlshof Environs Project: Field Season 2001, Interim Report o. 7 . University of Bradford.
Calder, C S T. “Excavations of Iron Age dwellings on the Calf of Eday in Orkney” in Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, Vol 73, 1939.
Calder, C.S.T. “Report on the excavation of a broch at Skitten, in the Kilmster District of Caithness” in Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland , Vol. LXXII, 1947-1948.
Campbell, E., 1992. “Excavations of a wheelhouse and other Iron Age structures at Sollas, North Uist, by R J C Atkinson in 1957” in Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, Vol. 121, 1992.
Campbell, E., 2002. “The Western Isles pottery sequence” in, Ballin-Smith, B. and Banks, I (eds) 2002, In The Shadow of the Brochs: The Iron Age in Scotland . Tempus: Stroud.
Clarke, S., 2001. “Probably Ritual: Assemblage Interpretation at Newstead’, in Smith, A and Brookes, A (eds) 2001, Ritual Space (BAR International Series Vol. 956) Archaeopress: Oxford.
Crawford, B. E. and Ballin-Smith, B., 1999. “The Biggings, Papa Stour, Shetland: the history and archaeology of a royal Norwegian farm” in Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Monograph Series, No . 15 Edinburgh.
Cunliffe, B., 1992. “Pits, preconceptions and propitiation in the British Iron Age” in Oxford Journal of Archaeology , Vol 11. Oxford Institute of Archaeology
English Heritage. 2001. Archaeometallurgy . Centre for Archaeology, English Heritage: Swindon Musselburgh.
Foxon, A., 1991. Bone , antler , tooth and horn technology and utilisation in prehistoric Scotland , PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.
GUARD. 2007, “Post excavation artefactual analysis” in, Shetland Community Archaeology, Sandwick, Unst. Shorewatch: http://www.shorewatch.co.uk/unst/arte_tools.html, 30.04.10.
42
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Hallen, Y., 1994. “The use of bone and antler at Foshigarry and Bac Mhic Connain, two Iron Age sites on North Uist, Western Isles” in Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland , Vol 124, 1994.
Heald, A., 2007. “Slag: Description Deposition” in Dunwell, A. et . al . 2007, Cist burials and an Iron Age settlement at Dryburn Bridge, Innerwick, East Lothian. CFA Archaeology.
Hunter, F., 2007. “Antler” in, Dunwell, A. et . al .2007, “Cist burials and an Iron Age settlement at Dryburn Bridge, Innerwick, East Lothian.” CFA Archaeology: Musselburgh.
Hunter, F., 2007. “Oil Shale and Cannel Coal” in Dunwell, A. et . al . 2007, “Cist burials and an Iron Age settlement at Dryburn Bridge, Innerwick, East Lothian.” CFA Archaeology: Musselburgh.
Knight, S., 2002. “Butchery and intra-site spatial analysis of animal bone: A case study from Danebury Hillfort, Hampshire, England.” University of Leicester.
Laing, L., 2003. Pottery in Britain 400BC to AD1900: A guide to identifying pot sherds . Greenlight Publishing: Witham.
MacGregor, A. “The Broch of Burrian, North Ronaldsay, Orkney” in Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, Vol. 105, 1972-1974.
MacGregor, A., 1985. Bone, Antler, Ivory, and Horn: The Technology of Skeletal Materials since the Roman Period . London: Barnes and Noble.
MacSween, A., 2002. “Dun Beag and the role of pottery in interpretations of the Hebridean Iron Age” in Ballin-Smith, B. and Banks, I (eds) 2002, In The Shadow of the Brochs: The Iron Age in Scotland. Tempus: Stroud.
McQueen, Rev. J, 1792. Old Statistical Account of Scotland , Vol III. “Parish of Applecross.”
Morrison, Rev. N. Third Statistical Account of Scotland , Vol. XIII. “Parish of Applecross.”
Peteranna, M. and McCullagh, C. Applecross Broch Community Archaeology Project . September 2008: Interim Report No.3, Rev 1.
Ritchie, A., 1972. “Painted pebbles in early Scotland” in Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, Vol. 104, 1971-2.
Ritchie, A., 2003. “Jarlshof” in British Archaeology Vol. 69. CBA, URL: http://www.britarch.ac.uk/BA/ba69/feat3.shtml, 16.09.08.
Sheridan, A. and Davis, M., 2002. “Investigating jet and jet-like artefacts from prehistoric Scotland: the National Museums of Scotland project.” in Antiquity Vol. 76, 2002.
Watson, W.J., 1904. Place ames of Ross and Cromarty. Inverness, reprinted Evanton, 1996.
Wessex Archaeology, May 2006. Applecross Broch, Applecross, Wester Ross, Highlands . Report 59464.01.
43
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Wickham-Jones, C. R. and Collins, G. H. 1978, ‘The sources of flint and chert in northern Britain’ in Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, Vol. 109, 1977-8.
Wood, J. et al , 2008. Applecross Broch ew Community Archaeology Project: Project Design (HAS080306). Highland Archaeology Services Ltd.
44
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010 Appendix 1 Index of Contexts
Trench Fill Filled o. Type Description Over Under Finds Find o. Sample Interpretation / Quad of by
0802, 0806, Slag, iron, Dark brown loam and 225, 227, 0808, coke, clay, Overlying fill of 0801 Deposit stones-topsoil and rubble; 8 / 4 230, 231, 0810, pumice, Trench 8 cracked cobbles 266 0811, stone 0812 Stone, Dark brown sticky soil, antler, Redeposited material 0802 Deposit 8 / 4 0819 0801 238, 239 97, 131 centre of T8, below turf cracked in broch courtyard, T8 cobbles 0803 Structure Intramural passage N face 8 / 4 - Wall face N 0804 Structure Intramural passage S face 8 / 4 - Wall face S Metal, T8 Intramural passage 0805 Group 8 / 4 worked 254, 256 group stone?
Dark brown soil and Backfill of passage boulders (and charcoal) 0807, from TT trench- 0806 Deposit 8 / 4 0801 90 from TT trench backfill, 0809 redeposited midden inside of [0805] material?
E side of [0805], Slabbed surface inclining Saddle slabbed surface quern 0807 Structure from courtyard over 8 / 4 0806 286 quern stone utilised; forms intramural passage part of C.0816
45
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Trench Fill Filled o. Type Description Over Under Finds Find o. Sample Interpretation / Quad of by
Post setting with packing Post for screen used in 0808 Structure stones, adjacent to 8 / 4 0801 cooking pit within stair intramural stair slabs gallery?
Remains of intramural 0809 Structure Intramural stair slabs 8 / 4 0806 - stair
Dark brown, organic 0818, Mixed, redeposited Ceramic 0810 Deposit redeposited soil with 8 / 4 0830, 0801 226 91 soil; outside outer wall (IA) some burnt bone 0836 by souterrain passage
Possible slabbed surface Excavation of the 0811 Structure outside [0424], SW side 8 / 4 0801 Flint 259 feature revealed it to of broch be rubble
Dark brown-black sandy Redeposited material loam outside [0424] W Lithic- under topsoil like 0812 Deposit 8 / 4 0801 265 side of broch; by standing quartz 0815, beside triangular stone stone
Dark brown sandy, silty soil with rubble to northwest of site, outside Lignite, Intentional deposit for outer broch wall; mixed coin, jet?, 235, 233, a surface path or work 0813 Deposit 8 / 4 0830 0801 100 with overlying fill; at slag, glass, 232, 261 area?, NW side of same level as other bone [0424] redeposited contexts 0810 and 0814
46
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Trench Fill Filled o. Type Description Over Under Finds Find o. Sample Interpretation / Quad of by
Fill below tree root, very Could have been dark brown black sticky slabbed area 0814 Deposit 8 / 4 0801 228, 229 soil and rubble, runs to undermined by tree C.0813 root
Dark brown-black sandy worked 0815 Deposit 8 / 4 0801 234, 237 Same as 0812 loam, T1 extension stone, slag Forms part of slabbed Slabbed surface outside 0816 Structure 8 / 4 0842 0801 surface, same as 0805 C.0807
Curvilinear wall face Outer course of outside of broch outer 0817 Structure curvilinear walling 8 / 4 0801 wall-revetment wall outside broch outer wall for broch?
Boulders outside of broch outer wall, forming Possible wall / 0818 Structure 8 / 4 0810 possible return to S back revetment or facade passage wall Worked Dark brown-black mixed antler, Courtyard redeposit 0819 Deposit soil in courtyard with 8 / 4 0829 0802 236, 255 92 bone, teeth, layer charcoal frags and stone ceramic
Cut for electricity post Hand-cut electricity 0820 Cut hole, containing 8 / 4 0801 0829 pole hole redeposited mixed soil
47
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Trench Fill Filled o. Type Description Over Under Finds Find o. Sample Interpretation / Quad of by
Curving intramural Continuation of gallery, 3.9m in length, 0821 Structure 8 / 4 0801 0822 intramural gallery 1.1m wide at N end to 0.6 from T2 (C.0453) wide at S end; faced walls
Dark blue-brown sticky Fill of intramural 0822 Deposit organic soil containing 8 / 4 0824 0801 93 gallery at NE end charcoal, shell and bone
Set large facing stones of inner wall, cut to N by 0823 Structure 8 / 4 0801 Inner wall inner wall pole hole cut and by C.0826
Yellow-grey sticky clay Surface within deposit within intramural 0824 Deposit 8 / 4 0822 98 intramural gallery gallery, contains lines of (C.0821) degraded charcoal Dark brown silty soil Redeposited material deposit containing bone 0825 Deposit 8 / 4 0831 0822 94, 95 or surface inside and shell within gallery intramural chamber Stone-faced cavity on Cut into inner wall 0826 Structure 8 / 4 alcove in inner wall for? Intramural chamber S 0827 Structure stop wall, tapers to 0.6m 8 / 4 0801 Part of [0821] wide at this end
Rubble from broch 0828 Structure between inner and outer 8 / 4 0801 Rubble walls
48
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Trench Fill Filled o. Type Description Over Under Finds Find o. Sample Interpretation / Quad of by
Very mixed mid-dark brown grittly soil worked containing small and 0802, 241,242,2 Mixed fill of 0829 Deposit 8 / 4 0833 0820 stone, 96 large stone, white glaze 0819 44-247 electricity pole hole antler pot, unburnt bone, charcoal
Underlies 0813, not Grey-black loose gritty antler, iron, 240, 243, similar to any other soil containing small 0810, slag, 0830 Deposit 8 / 4 0835 249, 252, 103 deposits on site; abuts sharp stones and some 0813 worked 260, 262 broch outer wall to large slabs stone NW Sandstone slabs overlying somewhat voided surface 0802, Paved surface in 0831 Structure 8 / 4 0832 in intramural gallery 0825 gallery (C.0821) Pale, yellow compacted Clay surface 0824, 0832 Deposit clay smoothed under 8 / 4 99 underlying paved 0831 slabs surface in gallery Initial fill of OHL post- dark brown/black greasy 0802 / 0833 Deposit silty loam containing 8 / 4 0858 Clay 251 Fill of OHL post hole 0829 modern glass and ceramic, bone, stone Numerous small rectangular small slabs collapsed in domino Stone setting in 0834 Structure effect around a possibly 8 / 4 0819 0839 106 courtyard-hearth or defined area; 0.5m work area interior, located SW of courtyard
49
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Trench Fill Filled o. Type Description Over Under Finds Find o. Sample Interpretation / Quad of by Layer of sharp drystone chips, abutting lowest 0835 Deposit course of outer wall face 8 / 4 0838 0830 Wall fill - demolition in W arc of broch outer wall Grey-black compacted gritty clay-soil and Backfill to wall of 0836 Deposit rubble; abuts wall C.0818 8 / 4 0810 passage and outer broch wall, merges to C.0830 Highest section of outer wall face with boulders infilled with small slabs, Rebuilding of broch 0837 Structure 5m section of walling 8 / 4 0801 outer wall? extending southward and outside of broch outer wall Black clayey charcoal- Slag, 257, 258, 0838 Deposit rich, compact soil found 8 / 4 0835 vitrified 108, 130 Surface 278-280 by level slabs to outside stone, bone Orange-brown ashy hearth-like material, 0839 Deposit 8 / 4 0819 0834 104 Hearth defined by stone setting C.0834 Natural subsoil, also 0840 Deposit Natural sand 8/4, 9/1 0801 105 seen in T9
Pale brown gritty fill around slabs 0816 & Bone, 0841 Deposit 0842 within intramural 8 / 4 0844 0801 263, 264 ceramic stair gallery; patches of charcoal and peat ash
50
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Trench Fill Filled o. Type Description Over Under Finds Find o. Sample Interpretation / Quad of by
Slabbed surface Horizontal group of slabs underling earlier 0842 Structure within intramural stair 8 / 4 0844 0816 slabbed surface in passage intramural stair gallery
Linear 'wall' of 7 boulders terminating with blank to Similar situation to east, but even larger 0843 Deposit 8 / 4 0801 C.0423 but not clearly boulders to west; central connected stone has possible peck marks on upper surface 110, Worked 111, Dark brown sticky stone, 113, organic soil with angular 0845, ceramic 267-273, 0841, 117- This fill contained the 0844 Deposit stone, shell, bone, quartz 8 / 4 0846, (IA), slag, 277, 281, 0842 120, cache of bones chips and high charcoal 0850 Cu alloy, 282 123, 125 inclusion seed pod, 132, bone 136, 137 Compacted surface of 109, Clay-lined hearth pit clay-charcoal mix within 0844, 0845 Deposit 8 / 4 0850 112, between slabbed intramural stair gallery; 0846 121, 123 surfaces 15mm thick Brown-pink loose gravelly soil with angular 0845, stone, clay lenses 0846 Deposit 8 / 4 0847, 0844 121, 123 throughout, bone, 0849 charcoal, fire-cracked cobbles
51
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Trench Fill Filled o. Type Description Over Under Finds Find o. Sample Interpretation / Quad of by
Charcoal-rich lining of Deposit of black, 0846, flue into 'feasting pit' 0847 Deposit 8 / 4 0849 0849 122 charcoal-rich silt 0848 that was sealed with clay
Compact yellow clay Clay sealing of 0848 Deposit with shell, charcoal and 8 / 4 0849 0846 0849 126 charcoal-lined pit and bone inclusions flue (C.0849)
0846, 0849 Cut Charcoal lined flue 8 / 4 0847, 0848 127 Flue, channel into pit 0848
Fill, reddish-mid brown Oxidised fill around 0850 Deposit 8 / 4 0845 soil hearth and flue
Four courses of walling, predominantly white N-facing passage wall 0853, 0851 Structure limestone, 0.5m high by 8 / 4 face at base of pole 0855 0.6m wide; S side of hole cut (C.0820) passage Four-five courses of walling with limestone, S-facing passage wall sandstone set into cut into 0852 Structure 8 / 4 0857 139 face at base of pole subsoil (C.0856); 0.8m hole cut (C.0820) high by 0.5m wide, truncated by pole hole cut Purple-black peat ash and Possible deliberate charcoal, sealed by 0853 Deposit 8 / 4 0851 0854 138, 140 redeposit of material overlying slab C.0854, associated depth 100mm 52
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Trench Fill Filled o. Type Description Over Under Finds Find o. Sample Interpretation / Quad of by
Stone slab over C.0853; 0854 Structure 100mm thick, 500mm 8 / 4 0853 0408 Passage roof? long (visible part) Dark brown loose soil and stone deposit, Intermediate deposit 0855 Deposit 200mm deep on N-facing 8 / 4 0851 0406 between lower passage side of pole hole cut and broch structure (C.0820)
Cut into subsoil, probably Cut into natural for originally faced by passage construction- 0856 Cut 8 / 4 0857 passage all (C.0852) but made visible by pole truncated by pole hole cut hole cut
Black loose soil and stone Intentional deposition deposit along length of S- over passage after 0857 Deposit facing section of pole 8 / 4 0852 0406 removal or collapse of hole cut underlying voids roof and before below broch structure construction of broch
Deliberate backfill at Yellow-brown soily silt time of passage 0858 Deposit fill of passage below 8 / 4 0833 abandonment? At base passage redeposit fill of pole hole cut, so not investigated Four large boulders south of possible paving (C.086) and abutting Early entrance to 0859 Structure outer wall; two largest 8 / 4 0838 another structure aligned at 90 deg to outer wall and two others set randomly behind
53
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Trench Fill Filled o. Type Description Over Under Finds Find o. Sample Interpretation / Quad of by Irregular slabbed surface, Paved surface to early 0860 Structure 1m x 1.75m, may extend 8 / 4 0838 entrance? to C.0859 Subbroch passage, Subbroch passage, 0861 Group 8 / 4 continuation of context 0851, 0852, 0854 souterrain? TRE CH 9 Topsoil, sandy loam in Overlying fill of trench 0901 Deposit 9/1 0902 T9 9 Dark grey-black compact Scattered, compact clayey loam containing Worked 0902 Deposit 9/1 0905 0901 248 101 redeposit over slabs bone, charcoal flecks, stone C.0905 fire-cracked cobbles Black, charcoal-rich ashy Worked 0903 Deposit 9/1 0902 250 102 Remains of hearth deposit stone Mid-brown, compact 0901, Charcoal, 114, 0904 Deposit sandy loam containing 9/1 0905 253, 274 Fill around [0446] 0902 iron 115, 133 charcoal flecks Recumbent slabs, same 0902, Worked 0905 Structure 9/1 0906 276 128, 129 as [0446] 0904 stone Sandy with with charcoal Silting after 0906 Deposit flecking; in base of 9/1 0905 abandonment of possible drain structure
54
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010 Appendix 2 Index of Features
o. Interpretation Description Contexts Samples Finds Comprised of blackened stones and 1 Fire Pit light grey ash and charcoal flecks, 0903 102 250 35cm diameter x 14cm deep Tightly packed group of lower jawbones and vertebrae (some 0841, 2 Bone collection 125, 134 articulated) abutting intramural stair 0844 passage SW face; 400x250x110 109-113, Post-broch intramural 117-124, Clay-lined hearth set inside intramural 0844- 3 passage work / cooking 126, 127, passage with a possible post setting 0850 area 132, 136, 137 Two wall faces were identified at the 0851, Sub-broch passage in 135, 138, 284. 4 base of the OHL pole hole; built in part 0852, OHL pole hole 139, 140 285 of limestone 0853
55
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010 Appendix 3 Index of Finds
Find Context umber and Details Materials Trench Description and otes Approx. Initials Date # / Quad Dating
225 0801 Fe, Stone, 8/4 Furnace / Kiln Bowl Base Iron Age - NG 06/09 Topsoil and rubble clean-back. Clay (Fired), Medieval Loam, Gravel
226 0810 Ceramic 8/4 Heavily abraded body sherd. Evidence of Iron Age MKP 08/09 Possible re-deposited dark brown loam with burning on both faces. root inclusions, outside the outer wall of the souterrain / alternative entrance passage.
227 0801 Fe Frag 8/4 Decontextualised Fe frag ?Modern CD 07/ 09
228 0815 Clay (Unfired) T1 Ext / Possible flooring / packing material. Unknown GSW 09/09 1
229 0815 Charcoal / T1 Ext / Hard fragment of charcoal or shale, possible Unknown NG 09/09 Shale 1 coke – found outside the outer, outer wall.
230 0801 Pumice 8/4 Pumice fragment found in ‘courtyard’ interior. Unknown JG 09/09
231 0801 Pebble (Pink 8/4 Tool: Polisher / Rubber Unknown TW 09/09 Granite)
232 0813 Ag and Cu 8/4 Coin: Two Shillings (1964) 1964 CD 09/09 Dark brown, silty loam, fill of rubble on NW alloys side of C.0817/C.0424 (Broch outer wall).
233 0813 Shale 8/4 Two fragments of shale, possible lignite Unknown CJM 09/09
56
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Find Context umber and Details Materials Trench Description and otes Approx. Initials Date # / Quad Dating
234 0815 Stone T1 Ext / Round, heat coloured stone Unknown NG 09/09 Dark, brown, silty, sandy loam; same as 1 C.0862.
235 0813 ?Jet 8/4 Perforated jet bead (black) with multi-facets. ?C19–C20 CD 09/09
236 0819 Antler 8/4 Antler comb end plate fragment, with dot and 7th – 9th MF 10/09 Mid brown silty loam / sand mix with small ring decorations incised on both faces and Century stone and root inclusions; inner courtyard dentations at toothed end. Two teeth fragments AD deposit layer. were broken upon recovery and are bagged with the main fragment. The spoil trowelled from the findspot was triple sieved. No further fragments were recovered.
237 0815 Slag 8/4 ?Tap slag fragment. ?Medieval NG 10/09
238 0802 Stone (cobble) 8/4 Hammerstone Unknown TW 10/09 Dark brown sticky soil (possibly humic), centre of T8.
239 0802 Antler 8/4 Cylindrical tine off-cut, sawn off; cancellous Iron Age - MF 11/09 (worked) material has been cored out creating a ‘toggle’. Medieval No decoration.
240 0830 Antler 8/4 As above, but broken into 3 fragments. Possible Iron Age - CD 11/09 Layer / deposit, underlying [0813]; not seen (worked) rough out. Medieval anywhere else.
241 0829 Stone 8/4 Composite Tool – Rubber / Hammer with Unknown JW 11/09 Spoil re-deposited by OHL post hole trench percussion marks at both ends. cutting.
242 0829 Stone 8/4 Hammerstone Unknown JW 11/09
57
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Find Context umber and Details Materials Trench Description and otes Approx. Initials Date # / Quad Dating
243 0830 Fe (slag or 8/4 Two fragments of a nodule of ?heavy Fe ore / Unknown MM 11/09 ore) slag
244 0829 Stone 8/4 Hammerstone Unknown JW 11/09
245 0829 Antler 8/4 Antler tine, sawn off from main beam. There Unknown JW 11/09 (worked) appear to be cross marks incised along one face of the tine, at intervals.
246 0829 Quartz 8/4 Hammerstone, percussion at pointed end. Unknown JW 11/09
247 0829 Stone (cobble) 8/4 Hammerstone Unknown JW 11/09
248 0902 Stone 9/1 Fragment of ?the upper wheel of a rotary quern. Iron Age - AJG 11/09 Clay / loamy deposit; somewhat scattered Onwards below slabs at outer broch wall.
249 0830 Fe (slag) and 8/4 One large nodule of slag (see 243) and a chip of Unknown CD 11/09 Stone vitrified stone. (vitrified)
250 0903 Stone 9/1 Discoid sandstone, or pot lid, recovered from Unknown SI 12/09 Dark black deposit, burning and ash possible hearth. inclusions; possible hearth remains.
251 0833 Clay 8/4 Clay fragment, possibly moulded; red Unknown JW 12/09 Dark black/brown silty loam, greasy consistency; fill of OHL pole trench.
252 0830 Quartz 8/4 Hammerstone, percussion at two points. Unknown CD 12/09 (pebble)
253 Null Null Null Null Null Null Null
58
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Find Context umber and Details Materials Trench Description and otes Approx. Initials Date # / Quad Dating
254 0805 Fe 8/4 Fe Fragment Unknown SJW 13/09 T8 Intramural Passage; part of group with 0802 – 0804.
255 0819 Ceramic 8/4 Body sherd, abraded. Iron Age JD 13/09
256 0805 Pebble 8/4 Square shaped pebble – possible pot lid. Unknown SW 13/09
257 0838 Fe (slag) 8/4 Nodule of slag Iron Age - NG / 13/09 Layer of dark black, charcoal rich soil, Medieval CD underlying C.0835, on NW side of C.0817 (Broch outer wall).
258 0838 Fe (slag) 8/4 Nodule of slag Iron Age - NG / 13/09 Medieval CD
259 0811 Flint / Chert 8/4 Flint / Chert Fragment – possibly worked. Unknown SW 14/09 Rubble remains (appearance of slabbed surface) outside C.0817 broch outer wall C.0424, SW side of the broch.
260 0830 Fe (slag) 8/4 Nodule of slag, irregular shaped 80 x 100 x Iron Age – NG 15/09 30mm Medieval
261 0813 Fe (slag) 8/4 Nodule of slag, irregular shape Iron Age - AJG 15/09 Medieval
262 0830 Fe, ?Bone, 8/4 Fe, /Bone, Stone concretion Unknown AJG 15/09 Stone
59
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Find Context umber and Details Materials Trench Description and otes Approx. Initials Date # / Quad Dating
263 0841 Bone 8/4 Possible fish vertebrae, 5mm x 7mm in section; Unknown CD 16/09 Pale brown soil with gritty gravel inclusions, length = 12mm. Groove incisions on front and lenses of darker, possibly charcoal rich reverse face with possible perforations material. Under C.0801 and overlying alongside; ? bead C.0844; matrix of slabs C.0816 and C.0842; possible hearth, with peat ash – didn’t develop.
264 0841 Ceramic 8/4 Dark Orange body sherd, with black inner Iron Age CD 16/09 fabric, evidence of burning; 35mm x 35mm x 7mm
265 0812 Quartz 8/4 ? Scraper; flaked, possible signs of re-working, Unknown CD 16/09 Dark brown / black sandy loam, outside of 50mm x 35mm. broch outer wall, W side of Broch, close to possible re-used orthostat.
266 0801 Fe 8/4 Nodule of Fe with concretions 110mm x 80mm Unknown CD 17/09 x 50mm
267 0844 Ceramic 8/4 Smooth, fine body sherd, one visible quartz Iron Age NG 17/09 Dark brown / black humic material; a surface, inclusion, 20mm x 24mm x 4mm. with shell, bone, root, charcoal and quartz chip inclusions, underlying C.0841 and C.0842, overlying C.0845; this is the fill of the intramural passage, SW broch; eventually interpreted as a fireplace / cooking pit.
268 0844 Stone 8/4 Hammer or Anvil Stone Unknown AJG 17/09
60
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Find Context umber and Details Materials Trench Description and otes Approx. Initials Date # / Quad Dating
269 0844 Ceramic 8/4 Pot body sherd Iron age AJG 17/09
270 0844 Ceramic 8/4 Pot body sherd (very abraded). Iron Age NG 17/09
271 0844 Fe (Slag) 8/4 Slag fragment Unknown AMW 17/09
272 Null Null Null Null Null Null Null
273 0844 ?Seed pod / 8/4 Not clearly identified Unknown AMW 18/09 Oyster shell remains
274 0904 Fe 9/1 Fe Fragment. Unknown SG 18/09 Mid-brown, silty loam with charcoal flecking and quartz, angular stone and land snail inclusions; matrix of C.0905
275 99 Stone Unstrat Hammerstone – percussion on both ends and Unknown SE 18/09 Spoil along the side
276 0905 Stone 9/1 ?Anvil and hammerstone – central percussion Unknown SB 18/09 Lintel slabs (one in situ, two collapsed and (sandstone) depression with percussion marks around the slanting); continuation of C.0446. circumference.
277 0844 Cu Alloy 8/4 Very degraded ?Cu pin – almost all corrosion Unknown AMW 18/09 product (verdigris), length = 4.5cm. Box- excavated to maintain maximum integrity. The corroded metal is fragile and easily fragmented. The find spot spoil was triple sieved, but no further fragments were recovered.
61
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Find Context umber and Details Materials Trench Description and otes Approx. Initials Date # / Quad Dating
278 0838 Fe and Stone 8/4 Two fragments of Fe stone with signs of Unknown CJM 18/09 Surface; layer of dark brown / black (vitrified) vitrification. compacted soil, the matrix of boulders with intense charcoal inclusions, 500m NNW of the outer wall face, underlying C.0835
279 0836 Fe, Stone 8/4 Fe slag and stone; clinker Unknown CD 17/09
280 0838 Bone 8/4 Modified bone fragment Unknown SW 19/09
281 0844 Stone 8/4 Polishing / smoothing stone , poss. ritual deposit Unknown NG 18/09
282 0844 Stone 8/4 Smooth (polished) pebble - possible charm, Unknown NG 18/09 possible evidence of manganese staining
283 99 Stone Unstrat Vitrified stone fragment Unknown NG 18/09 (vitrified)
284 Feature 4 Ceramic Unstrat Greyware body sherd, surface very crazed (poor Iron Age NG 19/09 firing); evident micaceous inclusions (Middle)
285 Feature 4 Stone Unstrat Whetstone fragment – broken in section Unknown NG 19/09
Unreg Nil Stone Unstrat Micaceous Schist Rotary Quern Fragment, upper ?Iron Age NG ? wheel. Broken at the central perforation.
62
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Appendix 4 Index of Samples
Sample Volume Sample Taken Context Feature Trench Date # (L/g) Justification By Control - Rich Trench 8 charcoal 90 0806 Grab (T8)/Quad deposit, CJMcC 07/09/2009 4 (Q4) redeposited midden Control - Rich charcoal 91 0810 Grab T8/Q4 CJMcC 09/09/2009 deposit, pot frags Rich dark black loamy 92 0819 Grab T8/Q4 CJMcC 10/09/2009 deposit, bone comb Rich dark black loamy CD & 93 0822 Grab T8/Q4 10/09/2009 deposit, AW charcoal-rich CD & 94 0825 T8/Q4 Large charcoal 10/09/2009 AW Rich charcoal 95 0825 Grab T8/Q4 AMW 11/09/2009 inclusions Rich shell and 96 0829 Grab T8/Q4 charcoal CJMcC 11/09/2009 inclusions 97 0802 Charcoal T8/Q4 Charcoal MF 11/09/2009 98 0824 Charcoal T8/Q4 Charcoal AW 11/09/2009 Clay surface 99 0832 Clay T8/Q4 under paved AW 11/09/2009 surface 100 0813 Charcoal T8/Q4 Charcoal x 2 JD 11/09/2009 Charcoal rich 101 0902 Grab T9/Q1 AMW 12/09/2009 soil Charcoal rich 102 0903 1 Grab T9/Q1 AMW 12/09/2009 soil Charcoal rich 103 0830 Grab T8/Q4 soil and SW 12/09/2009 charcoal Ashy possible 104 0839 Grab T8/Q4 hearth in stone JD 13/09/2009 setting [0834] 105 0840 Grab T8/Q4 Control CD 14/09/2009 Charcoal 106 0834 Charcoal T8/Q4 associated with NG 14/09/2009 cracked cobble Charcoal taken 107 0830 Charcoal T8/Q4 NG 15/09/2009 from clean soil
63
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Sample Volume Sample Taken Context Feature Trench Date # (L/g) Justification By Large intact segment 108 0838 Charcoal T8/Q4 NG 16/09/2009 tucked against wall face Surface' trampled, 109 0845 3 Lumps T8/Q4 adhering to CD 16/09/2009 slabs-clay- lined 'pit' Fill-surface overlying 110 0844 3 Charcoal T8/Q4 CD 16/09/2009 0845, very charcoal rich Inclusions in fill, in 111 0844 3 Quartz T8/Q4 significant CD 16/09/2009 quantity not seen elsewhere Clay-possible 112 0845 3 Grab T8/Q4 surface CJMcC 17/09/2009 beneath 0844 Clay-possible 113 0844 3 Grab T8/Q4 CJMcC 17/09/2009 surface 114 0905 Charcoal T9/Q1 Charcoal frags SG 18/09/2009 Low snail 115 0905 Grab T9/Q1 SG 18/09/2009 cache 116 0844 Charcoal T8/Q4 Charcoal frags AMW 18/09/2009 Clay 117 0844 3 T8/Q4 Clay frags AM 18/09/2009 grab Charcoal 118 0844 3 T8/Q4 Charcoal frags AM 18/09/2009 grab Charcoal 119 0844 3 T8/Q4 Charcoal frags AM 18/09/2009 grab 120 0844 3 Grab T8/Q4 Clay frags AM 18/09/2009 Clay, brown silty, angular 121 0845/0846 3 Bulk T8/Q4 GK 18/09/2009 stone, charcoal flecking Charcoal- 122 0847 3 Grab T8/Q4 lining of pt, fill GK 18/09/2009 of this is 0846 Clay and silty 123 0844/0845/0846 3 Grab T8/Q4 NG 17/09/2009 loam - surface
124 0844/0845/0846 3 Grab T8/Q4 Ashy charcoal NG 17/09/2009
Cache of bones 125 0844 2 5 bags T8/Q4 closing of NG 17/09/2009 feasting pit
64
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Sample Volume Sample Taken Context Feature Trench Date # (L/g) Justification By Baked clay 126 0848 3 Grab T8/Q4 SW 19/09/2009 (&bone) Fill of 0848, 127 0849 3 Grab T8/Q4 charcoal and SW 19/09/2009 bone rich Cracked 128 0905 - T9/Q1 cobbles a, - 18/09/2009 b,c,d,e,f 129 0905 Bulk T9/Q1 Bone - 18/09/2009 52 pieces of 130 0838 Bulk T8/Q4 SW 19/09/2009 bone 130 0838 Bulk T8/Q4 Teeth SW 19/09/2009 130 0838 Bulk T8/Q4 Vertebrae SW 19/09/2009 Carbonized 131 0802 Grab T8/Q4 JW 18/09/2009 hazelnut shell Clay & 132 0844 3 Grab T8/Q4 AMW 18/09/2009 conglomerate 133 0904 Charcoal T9/Q1 Charcoal AMW 18/09/2009 Bone, jaws, 134 0844 2 Bulk T8/Q4 SW 19/09/2009 vertebrae 135 F.4 4 Charcoal non-strat Charcoal frags NG 19/09/2009 Clay 6 West slab clay 136 0844 3 T8/Q4 NG 19/09/2009 frags hearth Baked 137 0844 3 clay 3 T8/Q4 - 09/10/2009 frags Charcoal rich 138 0853 4 Grab T8/Q4 silty grab (pole CD 09/10/2009 hole) Charcoal & sandy-ash? Fill 139 0852 4 Grab T8/Q4 of souterrain CD 09/10/2009 wall (pole hole) 140 0853 4 Charcoal T8/Q4 CD 09/10/2009
65
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Appendix 5 Index of Plan and Section Drawings
Trench Drawn o. Scale Description Context Feature Date / Quad By
0824, Intramural chamber NW, 0825, MM/ 11- 1 1:20 8/4 paving slabs overlay 0831, AW 12/09/2009 0832
0803, 2 1:20 Courtyard, SE passage 8/4 0804, GS 14/09/2009 0820 SE quarter of T8, w/ TT JD/GS/ 3 1:20 8/4 0809 14/09/2009 trench; intramural stairs CD 4 1:20 Trench 9 9/1 0446 1 AW 14/09/2009 0817, 5 1:20 Trench 9 T1 1 CD 15/09/2009 0423 Slabs in SE intramural 6 1:20 8/4 0842 3 GS 16/09/2009 chamber, overlay 0820, Intramural gallery and 7 1:20 8/4 0821, CD 17/09/2009 courtyard 0827 0422, 8 1:20 Outer wall 8/4 AG/GS 17/09/2009 0817 9 1:20 SW boundary, outer wall 8/4 SE 17/09/2009 10 1:20 Outer wall 8/4 0422 JW 17/09/2009 11 1:40 W corner of site 8/4 0830 AJ 17/09/2009 12 1:20 W corner, outer wall 8/4 AW 18/09/2009 MW/ 18- 13 1:20 W corner, outer wall 8/4 0817 MP 19/09/2009
0805, Intramural chamber & 0809, 14 1:20 8/4 3 JW 19/09/2009 stairs 0841- 0850 15 1:20 Cut (0820) - OHL pole 8/4 4 JW/NG 19/09/2009 16 1:100 Overall site plan Overall - MP 19/09/2009 17 1:20 F.4, base of OHL pole 8/4 4 CD 10/10/2009 Section F.3 profile of deposits, W- 0846, 1 1:10 facing section in SE 8/4 3 NG 18/09/2009 0847 intramural chamber Sub-broch passage S side of 0905, 2 1:10 broch in T9, E & W 9/1 T9 10/10/2009 0906 profiles
66
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Trench Drawn o. Scale Description Context Feature Date / Quad By
South wall face profile of 0851, 3 1:10 sub-broch passage, base of 9/1 0853, 4 CD 10/10/2009 OHL pole hole 0855
North wall face profile of 0852, 4 1:10 sub-broch passage, base of 9/1 0857, 4 CD 10/10/2009 OHL pole hole 0858
67
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Appendix 6 Index of 2009 Site Photographs
Photo Trench Location / Date Taken Description Viewpoint # # Context (2009) by Last quadrant before de-turfing, and that CD1 8 - From SW 5.9 CD darned pole CD2 8 - Day 1 deturfing From S 5.9 CD CD3 8 - Day 1 deturfing From S 5.9 CD
CD4 8 - Nick, Brian, Mary removing topsoil From S 6.9 CD
CD5 8 - Smile for the camera Mary From S 6.9 CD
Outer wall beginning to emerge; Time CD6 8 Outer wall From SE 6.9 CD Team trench uncovered CD7 8 Outer wall Worra lorra laffs From SW 6.9 CD
Time Team trench uncovered; outer wall in From CD8 8 - 6.9 CD foreground, first step behind WSW
CD9 8 - Paul and Liz at work - 6.9 CD CD10 8 Outer wall Paul at work From SW 6.9 CD CD11 8 Outer wall Outer wall emerges From E 6.9 CD CD12 8 - Time Team trench uncovered From NE 6.9 CD
CD13 8 Outer wall We are not wall chasing but.. From NE 6.9 CD
CD14 8 General Extent of outer wall begins to emerge From NW 6.9 CD
Outer outer Wall emerges at west end near CD15 8 From W 7.9 CD wall, 0817 convergence with outer wall
Outer outer Wall emerges at west end near From CD16 8 7.9 CD wall, 0817 convergence with outer wall WSW Outer wall, in situ wall-facing stones and CD17 8 Outer wall collapsed wall-fill. To left, rubble fill of From NE 7.9 CD intramural passage Outer face of outer wall, white limestone CD18 8 Outer wall block is last stone in place before collapse From NW 7.9 CD over passage to left.
CD19 8 Outer wall Exposed top of outer wall in N of trench 7.9 CD
Entrance to Time Team trench, entrance to passage and CD20 8 intramural beginning on left of paving which rises to From SE 7.9 CD passage, 0805 higher level (not yet exposed)
Entrance to Time Team trench, entrance to passage and intramural CD21 8 beginning on left of paving which rises to From NE 7.9 CD passage, higher level (not yet exposed) 0805/0807
68
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Photo Trench Location / Date Taken Description Viewpoint # # Context (2009) by
Time Team trench, entrance to passage and beginning on left of paving which rises to Entrance to higher level (not yet exposed) Are these CD22 8 intramural the corner stones?, original or later From N 7.9 CD passage, 0805 adaptation. Rim of trough is just visible under ranging pole. Right end of pole rests on paving Entrance to Time Team trench, entrance to passage and CD23 8 intramural beginning on left of paving which rises to From SW 7.9 CD passage, 0805 higher level (not yet exposed) Time Team trench. Behind red end of pole From CD24 8 0809/0804 are two steps. Pole rests on remaining 7.9 CD WSW inner facing stones of outer wall Time Team trench. Pole follows line of CD25 8 0804/0809 inner face of outer wall. Intramural steps to From N 7.9 CD left Time Team trench. Upper of two exposed steps. In front of this is post setting, CD26 8 0808/0809 From N 7.9 CD presumed later insertion after closure of stair Time Team trench upper of exposed steps CD27 8 0808/0809 From ENE 7.9 CD and, to right, later post setting Time Team trench upper of exposed steps CD28 8 0808/0809 From S 7.9 CD and, behind, later post setting Outer wall, Outer wall outer face and, on left, CD29 8 From S 7.9 CD 0817 converging outer outer wall Outer wall outer face and converging outer Outer wall, CD30 8 outer wall, indicated by large boulder From SW 7.9 CD 0817 between bucket and finds tray
CD31 - Finds supervisor 7.9 CD
Paved surface, Intramural passage: upper layer of rough CD32 8 From N 7.9 CD 0807 over 0805 paving over fill over stairs Intramural passage: upper layer of rough Paved surface, CD33 8 paving over fill of passage. And paved From ENE 7.9 CD 0807 over 0805 ramp up within entrance from courtyard Intramural passage: upper layer of rough Paved surface, CD34 8 paving over lower layer, visible on left and From ENE 7.9 CD 0805, 0807 accessed by ramp within entrance passage Intramural passage: upper layer of rough Paved surface, CD35 8 paving over lower layer, under pole, and From ESE 7.9 CD 0805, 0807 ramp to right within entrance passage Outer wall, Top of outer wall west of pole, wall fill, CD36 8 From W 7.9 CD 0812 intramural passage behind
69
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Photo Trench Location / Date Taken Description Viewpoint # # Context (2009) by
In foreground, compacted rubble and earth of possible later ramp corresponding to CD37 8 812 From N 7.9 CD linear bank exposed in 2008. In background, outer wall and outer outer
On left, compacted rubble-earth of CD38 8 0812/0817 conjectured ramp. Behind, point of From W 7.9 CD convergence of OW and OOW Behind, compacted rubble-earth of CD39 8 0812/0817 conjectured ramp. On right, point of From SW 7.9 CD convergence of OW and OOW Conjectural later ramp to surviving top of From CD40 8 0812 7.9 CD OW WNW Beginning of day 5 general view of work CD41 8 General From SW 8.9 CD so far CD42 8 Outer wall The outer wall of the broch on day 5 From S 8.9 CD CD43 8 Outer wall The outer wall of the broch on day 5 From SW 8.9 CD CD44 8 - Alan at work 8.9 CD Removing the earth from the conjectural CD45 8 0812/0817 From S 8.9 CD ramp up to outer wall head CD46 8 General General view of work in progress From N 8.9 CD From CD47 8 General General view of work in progress 8.9 CD NNE Top of conjectural ramp, OW wallhead CD48 8 Ramp, 0812 From W 8.9 CD behind CD49 8 General Outside north part of outer wall, rubble From N 8.9 CD Outside north part of outer wall, rubble, CD50 8 General outer face of OW in foreground, looking From E 8.9 CD down from above Tree stump in disturbed deposits and CD51 8 0814 From W CD rubble outside N part of OW CD52 8 buckets Tea break, empty your buckets 8.9 CD
CD53 8 - Tea break, Andy Heather Alan Mary 8.9 CD
Trench 1 extended, emergence of outer, CD54 1 Outer walling From SE 9.9 CD outer walls
Trench 1 extended, showing emerging CD55 1 Outer walling From SE 9.9 CD continuation of line of outer, outer walls
Intramural CD56 8 passage north, Passage emerges, rubble fill From NE 10.9 CD 0821 Intramural passage, loose rubble and From CD57 8 0821/0831 cavities evidence for collapse into lower 10.9 CD WNW passage 70
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Photo Trench Location / Date Taken Description Viewpoint # # Context (2009) by
Intramural passage, loose rubble and voids CD58 8 0821/0831 From SSE 10.9 CD at north end
CD59 8 - Cait getting midge bites around her midriff 10.9 CD
North intramural passage partially cleared From CD60 8 0821/0831 10.9 CD to possible rough paving NNE North intramural passage partially cleared CD61 8 0821/0831 From NE 10.9 CD to possible rough paving North intramural passage partially cleared From CD62 8 0821/0831 10.9 CD to possible rough paving SSW North intramural passage partially cleared CD63 8 0821/0831 From W 10.9 CD to possible rough paving North intramural passage , detail of inner CD64 8 0821 From W 10.9 CD wall outer face North intramural passage narrowing and CD65 8 0821/0827 10.9 CD blocked south end of passage CD66 8 - Meryl and Anna 10.9 CD Neuk created by removal of facing stones CD67 8 0823/0826 of inner wall inner face and re-setting of From NW 10.9 CD stones into arc Neuk created by removal of facing stones CD68 8 0823/0826 From SE 10.9 CD of inner wall inner face
Slot trench investigating nature and depth CD69 8 0810/0813 From N 11.9 CD of deposits outside north part of outer wall
North facing section of slot trench outside CD70 8 0810/0813 From N 11.9 CD north part of outer wall Trough lying in entrance passage to south CD71 8 Trough, 0805 From ENE 13.9 CD intramural Trough lying in entrance passage to south CD72 8 0805 From N 13.9 CD intramural Trough lying in entrance passage to south CD73 8 0805/0807 From SW 13.9 CD intramural. Paving ramp to right Trough lying in entrance passage to south From CD74 8 0805/0807 13.9 CD intramural. Paving ramp to right WSW Excavation of re-deposited fill around CD75 8 Pole, 0820 From W 13.9 CD electricity pole Lower slot trench outside north part of outer wall. South-facing section. Note From CD76 8 0835 13.9 CD deposit of loose small stone chippings SSW against wall face Lower slot trench exposing probable entire CD77 8 0835 From W 13.9 CD depth of wall face
71
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Photo Trench Location / Date Taken Description Viewpoint # # Context (2009) by
South Animal bones crammed into gap between From CD78 8 intramural 13.9 CD step and outer wall inner face WSW passage, 0805 Animal bones crammed into gap between From CD79 8 0805 13.9 CD step and outer wall inner face above Animal bones crammed into gap between From CD80 8 0805 13.9 CD step and outer wall inner face above Trench 9, exposed tops of ?lintel stones of CD81 9 0905 From NE 13.9 CD ? souterrain Possible lintel stone and, above, rubble fill CD82 9 0905 From SE 13.9 CD of collapse into passage Possible lintel stones of souterrain and CD83 9 0905 From SE 13.9 CD rubble fill of collapsed stone Possible lintel stones of souterrain side ‘support’ slabs and rubble fill of collapsed CD84 9 0905 From NE 13.9 CD stone. At top of photo, tag indicates area of burning CD85 9 0905 Lintels emerging from broch OW From N 13.9 CD From CD86 8 Outer wall North outer face, detail of stonework 13.9 CD WNW CD87 8 Outer wall North outer face, detail of stonework From NW 13.9 CD From CD88 8 Outer wall North outer face, detail of stonework 13.9 CD NNW CD89 8 - Ella Sam, Nick 13.9 CD From CD90 8 Outer wall Wall face fully exposed 13.9 CD WSW T1 extension showing line of converging CD91 1 Outer walling From NW 13.9 CD outer, outer walls Outermost wall, in front, outer outer wall CD92 1 Outer walling behind and broch outer wall face just From SW 13.9 CD visible at back Outermost wall, in front, outer outer wall From CD93 1 Outer walling behind and broch outer wall face just 13.9 CD WSW visible at back CD94 1 Outer walling Face of outermost wall From SE 13.9 CD Stone setting in courtyard, dark matrix rich CD95 8 ? Hearth, 0845 From E 14.9 CD in shell fragments Stone setting in courtyard, dark matrix rich CD96 8 ? Hearth, 0845 From SW 14.9 CD in shell fragments Stone setting in courtyard, dark matrix rich CD97 8 ? Hearth, 0845 From NW 14.9 CD in shell fragments Stone setting in courtyard, dark matrix rich CD98 8 ? Hearth, 0845 From N 14.9 CD in shell fragments
72
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Photo Trench Location / Date Taken Description Viewpoint # # Context (2009) by Stone setting in courtyard, dark matrix rich CD99 8 Courtyard, 0845 - 14.9 CD in shell fragments
CD100 8 - Graham 14.9 CD
CD101 8 - Alistair Nick Sam 14.9 CD
CD102 8 - Gordon 14.9 CD
South intramural CD103 8 Paving overlying passage fill From S 15.9 CD passage, 0805/0842
Paving overlying passage fill. Ranging CD104 8 0804/0805/0842 From N 15.9 CD pole on right indicates wall face
Entrance to south intramural passage, CD105 8 0805 From NE 15.9 CD trough in situ Paving overlying passage fill, far ranging CD106 8 0805/0842 From NE 15.9 CD pole indicates wall face Entrance to south intramural passage, From CD107 8 005/0842 15.9 CD paving ramp WSW
Entrance to south intramural passage, paving. On left is upper layer of paving, CD108 8 0805/0807/0842 From SW 15.9 CD lower on right. Note straight line of walling on right
Entrance to south intramural passage and CD109 8 0805/0842 From NE 15.9 CD paving overlying passage fill
CD110 8 People Men at work: Alistair and Gordon 15.9 CD
Marked stone, Outermost wall, pitted marks on top of set CD111 8 From S 16.9 CD 0843 stone
CD112 8 0843 Outermost, pitted marks on top of set stone From S 16.9 CD
Outermost wall, pitted marks on top of set From CD113 8 0843 16.9 CD stone above Outermost wall, pitted marks on top of set CD114 8 0843 From N 16.9 CD stone Outermost wall, CD115 8 Row of large set boulders, base of OOOW From N 16.9 CD 0843 Outermost wall in foreground, with outer CD116 8 0817/0843 outer wall behind, notably large boulder on From W 16.9 CD left, and broch outer wall at back
73
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Photo Trench Location / Date Taken Description Viewpoint # # Context (2009) by
Outermost wall in foreground, with outer CD117 8 0817/0843 outer wall behind, notably large boulder on From W 16.9 CD left, and broch outer wall at back South intramural passage, upper layer of CD118 8 0805/0842 paving slabs removed to reveal lower From ESE 16.9 CD layer, overlying passage fill Lower layer of paving slabs overlying CD119 8 0805/0842 From NW 16.9 CD passage fill Lower layer of paving slabs overlying From CD120 8 0805/0842 16.9 CD passage fill NNW Lower layer of paving slabs overlying CD121 8 0805/0842 From ENE 16.9 CD passage fill Paving slabs removed to reveal black ash- Intramural rich fill of passage. Two obliquely placed CD122 8 passage, From NW 16.9 CD slabs, one propped on middle of lowest 0805/0845 step, one left of vertical ranging pole Fill of passage under paving, two set slabs, one leaning against lowest step on left, one CD123 8 0805/0845 From SW 16.9 CD against wall between two red sections of ranging pole Slab set against wall face, black material CD124 8 0805/0845 From SW 16.9 CD on face of stone is adhesions
CD125 8 0805/0845 Fill of passage and two set slabs From SE 16.9 CD
Slab set to lean against lowest step, with CD126 8 0845 lump of adhesions at base. Note deposit of From SW 16.9 CD bones below stone in foreground
CD127 8 0843 Outermost wall of broch in W corner From S 16.9 CD
CD128 8 0843 Outermost wall of broch in W corner From NW 16.9 CD
Paving Possible paved area bounded by large From CD129 8 ?entrance, boulders on west side of broch, may be 16.9 CD NNW 0859/0860 earlier entrance
Paving Possible paved area bounded by large CD120 8 ?entrance, boulders on west side of broch, may be From ESE 16.9 CD 0859/0860 earlier entrance
Paving Possible paved area bounded by large CD131 8 ?entrance, boulders on west side of broch, may be From E 16.9 CD 0859/0860 earlier entrance Bone deposit, Removal of stone reveals deposit of mixed From CD132 8 17.9 CD 0809 bones in NW end of passage above Bone deposit, Removal of stone reveals deposit of mixed From CD133 8 17.9 CD 0809 bones in NW end of passage above 74
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Photo Trench Location / Date Taken Description Viewpoint # # Context (2009) by
Bone deposit, Removal of stone reveals deposit of mixed From CD134 8 17.9 CD 0809 bones in NW end of passage above
CD135 8 People, 0809 Ann photographs bone deposit 17.9 CD
CD136 8 People, 0809 Nick photographs the bone deposit 17.9 CD
CD137 8 People, 0805 Excavating the fill of the passage 17.9 CD
Liz Curtis excavating the fill of the CD138 8 People, 0805 17.9 CD passage Hearth, Adhesion on slab leaning on step: possible CD139 8 From SSE 17.9 CD 0805/0845 clay hearth lining Hearth, Adhesion on slab leaning on step: possible CD140 8 From SSE 17.9 CD 0805/0845 clay hearth lining Hearth, Adhesion on slab leaning on step: possible CD141 8 From SSE 17.9 CD 0805/0845 clay hearth lining Hearth, Adhesion on slab leaning on step: possible CD142 8 From SSE 17.9 CD 0805/0845 clay hearth lining Hearth, Adhesion on slab leaning against wall face, From CD143 8 17.9 CD 0805/0845 possible clay hearth lining WSW
CD144 8 People, 0806 Nick uncovers another step 17.9 CD
CD145 8 People, 0806 James on the naughty step 17.9 CD
CD146 8 Buckets Do we have enough buckets? 17.9 CD
Souterrain, Fallen slab: overburden removed to reveal CD147 9 From N 18.9 CD 0905 cut of passage Souterrain, Fallen slab: overburden removed to reveal CD148 9 From NE 18.9 CD 0905 cut of passage Souterrain, Fallen slab: overburden removed to reveal CD149 9 From SW 18.9 CD 0905 cut of passage Souterrain, Fallen slab: overburden removed to reveal CD150 9 From SE 18.9 CD 0905 cut of passage Souterrain, Fallen slab: overburden removed to reveal CD151 9 From W 18.9 CD 0905 cut of passage Souterrain, Fallen slab: overburden removed to reveal From CD152 9 18.9 CD 0905 cut of passage above Souterrain, Fallen slab: overburden removed to reveal CD153 9 From E 18.9 CD 0905 cut of passage Area north of time team trench which appears to be an intramural fill, CD154 8 Paving, 0842 From S 19.9 CD continuation of paving noted overlying passage fill and stair 75
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Photo Trench Location / Date Taken Description Viewpoint # # Context (2009) by
Area north of time team trench which appears to be an intramural fill, CD155 8 Paving, 0842 From ENE 19.9 CD continuation of paving noted overlying passage fill and stair Possible wall face but not the inner wall, CD156 8 Paving, 0842 edging to later paving over intramural From E 19.9 CD space, north of time team trench Overlying inner wall and intramural area, north of the time team trench. Under Paving, From 8 ranging poles is possible paving at high 19.9 CD CD157 deposits, 0842 NNE level. In foreground is beginning of area of stone chippings Edge of paving, West edge of possible paving at high level, CD158 8 From W 19.9 CD 0842 north of time team trench Deposits over fill of inner wall in north part of Trench, notably small sharp stone Inner wall, From CD159 8 chips. Intramural passage to left, electricity 19.9 CD 0842 SSW pole hole to right. Adhesion to large slab is concrete, modern Large slab over fill of inner wall, CD160 8 Concrete, 0842 undisturbed but with adhesion of modern From W 19.9 CD concrete Inner wall, CD161 8 Inner wall face, courtyard to left From N 19.9 CD 0823
CD162 8 0823/0826 Inner wall inner face with neuk to left From E 19.9 CD
CD163 8 0823/0826 Inner wall face and neuk in foreground From SSE 19.9 CD
Intramural W face (outer wall inner face) of CD164 8 passage, intramural passage. Lowest excavated step From E 19.9 CD 0804/0805/0809 visible on right. Deposits black, hearthy Passage and stair as left at end of 2009 CD165 8 0805/0809 From SE 19.9 CD season Stair, passage, Passage and stair as left at end of 2009 CD166 8 From W 19.9 CD 0805/0809 season, E face (Inner wall outer face) Stair, passage, Deposits within passage as left at end of CD167 8 From NW 19.9 CD 0805/0809 2009 season
CD168 8 General Broch outer walls at end of 2009 season From W 19.9 CD
Entrance, Set large boulders and possible paving of From CD169 8 19.9 CD 0859/0860 possible early entrance WNW
CD170 8 Outer wall Detail of outer wall face stonework From NW 19.9 CD
From CD171 8 Outer wall Detail of outer wall face stonework 19.9 CD NNW
76
APL09 Data Structure Report May 2010
Photo Trench Location / Date Taken Description Viewpoint # # Context (2009) by
CD172 8 Outer wall Detail of outer wall face stonework From NW 19.9 CD
Detail of outer wall face stonework, best CD173 8 Outer wall From NW 19.9 CD example of filling stones
CD174 8 Outer wall Detail of outer wall face stonework From N 19.9 CD
Detail of outer wall face stonework, From CD175 8 Outer wall 19.9 CD example of laid small slabs NNW The team: Alan Mary Ann Cait Cathy CD176 People 19.9 CD Susan Nick Allan John
CD177 People The team, last day 19.9 CD NE wall face, backed by orange natural Passage, CD178 8 subsoil cut. On far left is loose backfill From S 9.1 CD 0852/0861 mixed deposits NE wall face, backed by orange natural CD179 8 0852/0861 subsoil cut. On left is loose backfill mixed From SE 9.1 CD deposits and rubble NE wall face, backed to right by orange CD180 8 0852/0861 natural subsoil cut. On left is loose From SE 9.1 CD backfill mixed deposits and rubble NE wall face, backed to right by orange CD181 8 0852/0861 natural subsoil cut. On left is loose From S 9.1 CD backfill mixed deposits SW wall face, with loose backfill mixed CD182 8 0851/0853 deposits to left. Above wall is orange ash From NE 9.1 CD deposit then rubble of broch outer wall SW wall face and overlying ash-charcoal CD183 8 0851/0853 From NE 9.1 CD deposit
CD184 8 0851 SW wall face From NE 9.1 CD
SW wall face and on left mixed re-deposit From CD185 8 0851 9.1 CD backfill of pole hole NNE SW wall face and on left mixed re-deposit From CD186 8 0851 9.1 CD backfill of pole hole NNE From CD187 8 0851 SW wall face, looking down from above 9.1 CD above
77