N7 Naas Road Widening and Interchanges Scheme
Site Name: Bustyhill 1
Licence Number: 04E0857
Possible Enclosure
Final Report
On behalf of Kildare County Council
Licensee: Carmel Duffy
25 August 2010
N7 Naas Road Widening and Interchanges Scheme Bustyhill 1 04E0857, Final Report
PROJECT DETAILS
N7 Naas Road Widening and Interchanges Project Scheme
Excavation Registration Number 04E0857
Excavation Director Carmel Duffy Senior Archaeologist Jon Harrison Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd, 120b Greenpark Road, Consultant Bray, Co. Wicklow Client Kildare County Council
Site Name Bustyhill1 Site Type Possible enclosure Townland(s) Bustyhill Parish Newcastle County Dublin NGR (easting) 29910 NGR (northing) 22590 Height OD (m) 145.00
RMP No. N/A
Excavation Dates 16–23 June 2004 Project Duration October 2003 – June 2004
Report Type Final Report Report Date 25 August 2010 Report By Carmel Duffy and Tim Coughlan Duffy, C. and Coughlan, T. Bustyhill 1, Report Reference 04E0857, Final Report. Unpublished Report for IAC Ltd. Bray 2010.
Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd i N7 Naas Road Widening and Interchanges Scheme Bustyhill 1 04E0857, Final Report
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This final report has been prepared by Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd in compliance with the excavation Licence 04E0857 issued to Carmel Duffy by the National Monuments Service of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government and the terms of the Contract between Kildare County Council and Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd.
CONSULTING ENGINEERS Sylvia Desmond and Noel Dunne, Project Archaeologists, Kildare NRDO Declan Bowles Resident Engineer, Kildare County Council
NATIONAL MONUMENTS, DOEHLG Archaeologist – Martin Reid
IRISH ANTIQUITIES DIVISION, NATIONAL MUSEUM OF IRELAND Assistant Keeper – Nessa O’Connor
ii Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd N7 Naas Road Widening and Interchanges Scheme Bustyhill 1 04E0857, Final Report
ABSTRACT
Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd (IAC), funded by the National Roads Authority (NRA) through Kildare County Council, undertook an excavation at the site of Site 5, Bustyhill 1 along the proposed N7 Naas Road Widening and Interchanges Scheme (Figure 1). The following report describes the results of archaeological excavation at that site. The area was fully excavated by Carmel Duffy under Excavation Licence Number 04E0857 issued by the DOEHLG in consultation with the National Museum of Ireland for IAC. The fieldwork took place between the 16 and 23 June 2004.
An area c. 30m by 25m was stripped of topsoil to reveal pits and linear ditch-like features in an area of tillage with a gentle hillside rising up to the east and south. The ditch like features formed a small possible enclosure. Two possible entrances were identified and further linear ditches were identified extending away from the enclosure – one at each entrance location. These may have been field boundaries, and it is possible that the main enclosure was also part of a field system. The ditches were not particularly deep, and this suggests that they were not associated with a ringfort or earthwork. Two pits were also identified, both of which were truncated by one of the linear boundary ditches. Radiocarbon dating of a charcoal sample from one of the pits indicates an early medieval date. The site is in close proximity to a souterrain DU020-010 so it is possible that the site is associated with a wider complex of early medieval archaeology that may survive outside the roadtake.
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CONTENTS
PROJECT DETAILS...... i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS...... ii ABSTRACT ...... iii 1 INTRODUCTION...... 1 1.1 Site location...... 1 1.2 The scope of the project...... 1 1.3 Circumstances and dates of fieldwork...... 1 1.4 Methodology...... 2 2 EXCAVATION RESULTS...... 4 2.1 Phase 1 Natural Drift Geology...... 4 2.2 Phase 2 Early Medieval Pits...... 4 2.2.1 Pit C19...... 4 2.2.2 Pit C25...... 4 2.3 Phase 3 Linear Features ...... 4 2.3.1 Linear ditch/gully C11 ...... 5 2.3.2 Curvilinear ditch/gully C3...... 5 2.3.3 Linear ditch/gully C7 ...... 6 2.3.4 Linear gully C5...... 6 2.4 Topsoil...... 6 3 SYNTHESIS...... 7 3.1 The Archaeological Landscape ...... 7 3.1.1 Preliminary Historical and Archaeological Background ...... 7 3.1.1 The Site Specific Archaeological Landscape of site Bustyhill 1 ...... 12 3.2 Typological Background of Raths/Ringforts ...... 12 3.3 Summary of the Excavation Results ...... 13 3.4 Summary of the Specialist Analysis ...... 13 4 DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS...... 14 4.1 Discussion ...... 14 4.2 Conclusions...... 14 5 BIBLIOGRAPHY...... 15 APPENDIX 1 CATALOGUE OF PRIMARY DATA ...... i Appendix 1.1 Context Register...... i Appendix 1.2 Archive Index...... ii APPENDIX 2 SPECIALIST REPORTS ...... iii Appendix 2.1 Animal Bone Analysis – Margaret McCarthy ...... iv Appendix 2.2 Radiocarbon Dating Results – QUB Laboratory ...... v APPENDIX 3 LIST OF RMP IN AREA ...... vii
FIGURES
PLATES
iv Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd N7 Naas Road Widening and Interchanges Scheme Bustyhill 1 04E0857, Final Report
List of Figures Figure 1 Bustyhill 1 Location of project Figure 2 Bustyhill 1 Site location Figure 3 Bustyhill 1 Area of Excavation Figure 4 Bustyhill 1 Plan of Site Figure 5 Bustyhill 1 Sections
List of Plates Plate 1 General view of Site, pre-excavation, facing south-east Plate 2 C19 post-excavation, facing north Plate 3 C5 section, south facing Plate 4 C3 section, facing north Plate 5 C3 post-excavation, facing north-west Plate 6 C3, C5 and C7 post-excavation facing north-west Plate 7 C3 post-excavation facing east Plate 8 C5 post-excavation facing south-east
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1 INTRODUCTION This final report presents the results of the excavation carried out in the townland of Bustyhill, Co. Dublin. It is based on the direct stratigraphic relationships recorded on site and the results of specialist analysis of artefacts and samples from the site. The works formed part of an archaeological mitigation program associated with the N7 Naas Road Widening and Interchanges Scheme, Contract 2; Kill Village to Rathcoole, south Co. Dublin. Archaeological fieldwork was directed by Carmel Duffy of Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd. (IAC Ltd.) and was funded by Kildare County Council and the National Roads Authority.
1.1 Site location Site 5, Bustyhill, Co. Dublin was identified during Geophysical testing. Linear and Offset Testing was carried out by Elizabeth Connolly for IAC Ltd (licence 03E1731). It consisted of potential archaeological features as follows: - a curvilinear feature roughly forming a circle, - two linear tangential features, one running westwards, the other eastwards, from the circle.
• Site 5, Bustyhill, Excavation Licence 04E0857 • NGR 29910/22590
The site was located north of the N7 in a large undulating cornfield, with a general rise to a ridge of high ground to the north.
1.2 The scope of the project General The development consisted of The Naas Road Widening and Interchanges Scheme and was essentially an improvement of the existing N7 between Maudlins Interchange and Rathcoole, in south Co. Dublin. The purpose of the scheme was to remove the existing traffic signals at Kill and Johnstown and all existing median crossing with reassigned traffic accommodated through a series of interchanges and local link roads.
The scheme for Contracts 1 and 2 was approximately 14.4km in length. Contract 1 extended from the south end of the proposed scheme between the Townlands of Maudlins and Kill. Contract 2 was concerned with the north end of the scheme between the townlands of Kill and Hutton Read/Castlewarden. Contract 2 extended from Kill Village to the Kildare/Rathcoole, Co. Dublin, with the site located c. 450m north-east of Kill village.
Specific Site 5, Bustyhill is situated at NGR 29910/22590. An area measuring 30m x 25m was opened over the archaeological features at Site 5 in Bustyhill.
The site was not previously identified and was not classed as a Recorded Monument.
1.3 Circumstances and dates of fieldwork The excavations were undertaken in June 2004, to offset the adverse impact of road construction on known and potential subsoil archaeological remains in order to preserve these sites by record.
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Topsoil stripping was carried out by machine prior to the commencement of the excavation. Cleaning back and pre-excavation planning commenced on 16th June, this was followed by hand recording and resolution of the site. The excavation was finished on the 24th June 2004.
The work was carried out by a team of Director, 1 Supervisor and 5 Assistants.
1.4 Methodology The methodology adopted was in accordance with the approved Method Statement. The topsoil was removed to the interface between natural and topsoil using a 20 tonne mechanical excavator equipped with a flat toothless bucket under strict archaeological supervision. The remaining topsoil was removed by the archaeological team with the use of shovels, hoes and trowels in order to expose and identify the archaeological remains. A site grid was set up at 10m intervals and was subsequently calibrated to the national grid using GPS survey equipment.
All archaeological features were fully excavated by hand and recorded on pro forma record sheets using a single context recording system best suited to rural environment, with multi context plans and sections being recorded at a scale of 1:50, 1:20 or 1:10 as appropriate.
A complete photographic record was maintained throughout the excavation. Digital photographs were taken of all features and of work in progress. An environmental strategy was devised at the beginning of the excavation based on IAC in-house post- excavation and site methodologies and guidelines. Features exhibiting large amounts of carbonised material were the primary targets.
All artefacts uncovered on site were dealt with in accordance with the guidelines as issued by the NMI and where warranted in consultation with the relevant specialists. All archive is currently stored in IAC’s facility in Lismore, Co Waterford and will ultimately be deposited with the National Museum of Ireland.
All dating of samples from the site was carried out by means of AMS (Accelerator Mass Spectrometry) Radiocarbon Dating of identified and recommended bone samples. All calibrated radiocarbon dates in this report are quoted to two Sigma.
All excavation and post excavation works were carried out in accordance with the relevant approvals and in consultation and agreement with the National Roads Authority (NRA) Project Archaeologist, the National Monuments Section of the DoEHLG and the National Museum of Ireland. Where necessary licences to alter and export archaeological objects were sought from the National Museum of Ireland.
Final Report Date Ranges The following date ranges for Irish prehistory and medieval periods have been used as a base reference for this report.
Mesolithic: 7000–4000 BC Neolithic: 4000–2500 BC Early Bronze Age: 2500–1700 BC Middle Bronze Age: 1700–1200 BC Late Bronze Age: 1200–800 BC
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Iron Age: 800 BC–AD 500 Early medieval period: AD 500–1100 Medieval period: AD 1100–1600 Post-medieval: AD 1600–1800
Source: Carlin, N., Clarke, L. & Walsh, F. 2008 The M4 Kinnegad-Enfield-Kilcock Motorway: The Archaeology of Life and Death on the Boyne Floodplain. NRA Monograph Series No. 2, Wordwell, Bray.
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2 EXCAVATION RESULTS The site was located on low lying tillage with gentle hillside rising up to the east and north.
2.1 Phase 1 Natural Drift Geology
Context Fill of L(m) W(m) D(m) Basic Description Interpretation C2 N/A Creamy, yellow, silty clay Subsoil
The natural subsoil, red-brown silty clay, was relatively homogenous across the site, and cut by all archaeological features.
2.2 Phase 2 Early Medieval Pits The earliest Phase of activity on the site consisted of 2 pits
2.2.1 Pit C19
Context Fill of L(m) W(m) D(m) Basic Description Interpretation C19 N/a 0.7 0.5 0.3 Oval, U-shaped profile Pit cut C20 C19 0.6 0.5 0.14 Loose grey-brown sandy clay, Pit Fill C21 C19 0.7 0.5 0.09 Loose blue-grey clay Pit Fill
Finds: None
C19 (Plate 2) consisted of an oval shaped pit that contained two fills. The lower of these C21 contained inclusions of animal bone and charcoal, the upper fill C20 contained burnt bone, animal bone and charcoal. Pit C19 was heavily truncated by a later linear Ditch C11.
A sample of ash charcoal from pit fill C20 was radiocarbon dated. The 2 sigma calibrated result was AD 689–881 (UB 13552) dating this feature to the early medieval period.
Six bones were recovered from the upper fill (C20) of this pit with the three main livestock animals (cattle, sheep/goat and pig) all being represented.
2.2.2 Pit C25
Context Fill of L(m) W(m) D(m) Basic Description Interpretation C25 N/a 0.75 0.15 0.27 Linear, truncated, V shaped profile Pit Cut C26 C25 0.75 0.15 0.27 Loose grey clay, occasional charcoal flecks Pit Fill
Finds: None
C25 consisted of a sub-rectangular pit that contained a single fill. The pit was truncated by a stratigraphically later ditch cut C11.
2.3 Phase 3 Linear Features A series of Linear and curvilinear shallow ditches/gullies were identified on the site. One of these C11 had truncated the pits in Phase 2 (above) and as such are stratigraphically later.
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2.3.1 Linear ditch/gully C11
Context Fill of L(m) W(m) D(m) Basic Description Interpretation C11 6.5m 0.8m 0.14 Linear, U profile Linear trench C12 C11 6.5m 0.8 0.1 Compact yellow clay, charcoal and bone Upper fill inclusions. C27 C11 6.5m 0.8m 0.12 Loose red clay, frequent charcoal, burnt bone Lower fill C28 C11 6.5m 0.6 – 0.04 Green-grey clay Silting fill, 0.8
Finds: None
This 6.5m long shallow ditch/gully extended northeast-southwest and truncated the earlier pits in Phase 2. The southern extent of the feature was cut by a curvilinear ditch/gully C3, although there was no further evidence of C11 to the south of the intersection with C3. This would suggest that C3 was deliberately located at the end of the C11 ditch/gully.
The function of the ditch/gully is unclear although the fact that it has an almost identical width to the underlying pit C19 would suggest that the two features are related in some way.
A small amount of animal bones were recovered from two fills of one of these features (C11). Eight fragments were recovered from the upper fill (C12) of the trench and identified species from here included cattle, sheep/goat and pig. Some of the bone was totally calcined from being in contact with intense heat for a period of time. Three small burnt pieces of animal bone were recovered from the lower fill (C27) of the trench. These could not be taken to species level.
2.3.2 Curvilinear ditch/gully C3
Context Fill of L(m) W(m) D(m) Basic Description Interpretation 21.5 0.22 - 0.1 – steep sides, uneven base, U-shaped profile Ditch/gully C3 N/a 0.55 0.27 21.5 0.22 - Firm grey-brown silty sand, very rare charcoal Main fill of trench C4 C3 0.16 0.55 fleck C18 C3 1.5 0.31 0.16 Firm yellow-brown clayey sand Upper fill, localised
Finds: None
The ditch/gully C3 (Plates 4-7) was in separate segments and formed an incomplete oval enclosure, orientated northeast-southwest, which had a diameter of 7m (northwest- southeast) and 9.5m (northeast-southwest). The ditch/gully had one main fill (C4) but there was a localised 2nd fill in the southwest area. It is unclear if the two gaps in the ditch in the west and northeast represented entrances
The fills of the ditch were relatively sterile and there was no diagnostic evidence to indicate its function or period of construction and use.
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2.3.3 Linear ditch/gully C7
Context Fill of L(m) W(m) D(m) Basic Description Interpretation C7 N/a >8m 0.90 0.35 Curvilinear, U shaped Linear trench C8 C7 >8m 0.90 0.35 Compact yellow-grey silty clay Trench fill
Finds: None
Linear Ditch gully C7 (Plate 6) was orientated roughly northwest-southeast. It extended from the western edge of C3 which it partially truncated. It was located on the south side of the possible entrance to the C3 enclosure and it is unlikely that this location was coincidental.
A single piece of flint was identified from C8 however it was determined that the piece was not of archaeological significance.
2.3.4 Linear gully C5
Context Fill of L(m) W(m) D(m) Basic Description Interpretation C15 C5 >27m 0.34 0.08 Compact grey-brown sandy clay Upper fill C16 3m 0.70 0.15 Compact light grey clay PossiblE truncated C5 feature C6 C5 >27m 0.32 0.13 Friable mid-brown sandy clay Lower fill C5 >27m 0.70 0.27 Linear cut Linear cut
Finds: None
Linear Gully C5 (Plate 6 and 8) extended across the full width of the roadtake and was orientated slightly off north-south. It truncated the enclosure gully/ditch C3. It probably represents a relatively modern drainage feature. At one point along its length it widens from an average of 0.35m to 0.70m for a distance of 3.00m. It is interpreted that this may represent the location of an earlier feature that has been truncated by the linear gully
2.4 Topsoil
Context Fill of L(m) W(m) D(m) Basic Description Interpretation C1 N/A 0.4 Dark-brown sandy clay Topsoil
Finds: None
The topsoil consisted of a mid-brown sandy clay, and was generally 0.4m in depth. It sealed all features across the site.
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3 SYNTHESIS
3.1 The Archaeological Landscape
3.1.1 Preliminary Historical and Archaeological Background General The new administrative area of Kildare County Council was created in 1994 and lies to the south of the River Liffey, covering much of the south-western suburbs of the city as far as the borders with Counties Wicklow and Kildare. A large part of the area coincides with the lands of the old baronies of Newcastle and Uppercross. The section of the present N7 which is under consideration in this study falls within the Barony of Newcastle and is located immediately east of the Kildare border.
As with Kildare, this area of South Dublin acts as an important link between Dublin and the south and west of Ireland, and has done since the prehistoric period. The Slighe Dhála Meic Umhóir, one of the five ancient highways traversing the country, made its way from the Hill of Tara in County Meath to the mouth of the River Shannon, passing through Rathcoole, Naas and the Curragh.
The present Naas dual carriageway was the first roadway of its type in the region and runs along the route of the prehistoric Slighe Dhála Meic Umhóir and the later turnpike road of the 18th and 19th century. Taylor and Skinner’s Maps of the Roads of Ireland shows the turnpike road between Dublin and Naas in the late 18th century, with all sixteen milestones marked and numbered (Taylor and Skinner 1778, 95). The 13th milestone at Palmerstown Demesne is one of only four extant milestones along the route of the original turnpike road running from Dublin to Naas (Mc Cabe 1998, 119) and another (Milestone 8, located at Newcastle) is recorded within the study area of the present architectural survey in South Dublin.
Prehistory The Bronze Age (c. 2500-500 BC) produced the earliest datable structures in Kildare. The long stone rath with circular bank and fosse at Furness near Naas, approximately 5km west of Kill, dates to this period. Stray finds from the area also indicate Bronze Age activity, including an axe head from Raheen near Naas (NMI 1891:12) and a bronze dagger in a bog in the vicinity of Clane (NMI Record only). A fulacht fiadh is recorded immediately south of Kill village, on the banks of the River Kill. These sites are regarded as ancient cooking places and consist of a horse-shoe or kidney shaped mound of fire cracked stone, surrounding a slight hollow in which either a clay-lined pit or wood-lined trough is occasionally found (Gibbons 2001, 14). They are usually located in low-lying areas near a water source, often in clusters. Radiocarbon dates from these sites has indicated that they are Bronze Age in date. .A fulacht fiadh may also be located in waterlogged fields to the northwest of the castle at Colmanstown.
A number of mound and earthwork sites (KD019-018, KD019-044, KD019-045), including a barrow site (KD020-002) provide evidence of probable settlement in the area during the Bronze Age. Tumuli are simple earthen mounds used in the Neolithic and Bronze Age to cover burials, while barrows are earthen burial monuments of the Bronze Age and Iron Age (600-400 AD) and generally consist of a circular area surrounded by a fosse, often with an external bank (Grogan and Kilfeather 1997, 15). Possible Bronze
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Age burials were discovered at Greenoge (DU021-028), during ploughing in the early- mid 20th century and at Rathcreedan, a tumulus site (DU021-027).
Kill Hill (KD020-001) is a very large hillfort/enclosure measuring approximately 600 m in diameter, located 120m south of the proposed area of land take. The walkover survey by ACS Ltd found it to be made up of the two possible enclosures, one running around the base of the hill and the other located to the south-east of the summit of the hill. A possible standing stone was located within the enclosure. It was a tall thin granite post similar to the other possible standing stones located in the area. The ceremonial sites at Lyons Hill, Athgoe and Lugg (Saggart Hill), are significant enclosures, with possible origins in the Neolithic. The site at Lyons Hill has been identified with Dun Liamhna, one of the royal sites of the King of Leinster. Other sites in the area include several isolated burrows and groups of burrows and mounds on Athgoe Hill, Mountseskin and Lugg, standing stones and stone circles.
Early Medieval Period The early medieval period (400-1160 AD) is portrayed in the surviving literary sources as entirely rural, characterised by the basic territorial unit known as a túath. It is estimated that there were probably at least 150 kings in Ireland at any given time during this period, each ruling over his own túath. During this turbulent period, defensive enclosures known as ringforts, regarded as defended family homesteads, were constructed to protect farmsteads. The extant dating evidence suggests they were primarily built between the 7th and 9th centuries AD. These are the most frequently recorded archaeological site type and c.50,000 examples are recorded in the Irish landscape. The ringfort or rath is considered to be the most common indicator of settlement during the early medieval period. Enclosure sites (probable ringforts) (KD019-010, KD019-057, KD020-001) and ringforts (KD020-003, KD019-007, DU021-033, DU021-029, DU021- 021) are recorded in the surrounding townlands
Early church sites in the vicinity can be found at Colmanstown (DU020-009), where local tradition holds of the existence of a possible souterrain, Saggart (DU021-034, Coolmine (DU021-034 and DU021-041) and in Rathcoole (DU021-030)
The site at Bustyhill lay c. 300m SE of RMP Site DU020-010, which is classified as a Possible Souterrain Site in the Record of Monuments and Places. The possible souterrain site is shown on the first and second edition OS maps as a ‘cave site, now filled up’.
Medieval Period By the end of the 12th century, Norman settlement within this area was effective, as marked by the beginning of the rule of the Fitzgerald family as earls of Kildare. During this period, the Anglo-Normans built castles of stone construction or large flat-topped mounds or mottes with timber structures atop (Harbison 1997, 62) in order to defend their recently acquired lands. Their presence is noted in the area through two motte-and- bailey sites, one recorded in Kill (KD0019-008/04) and the other in Castlewarden North (KD015-009). The site of a tower house at Colmanstown (DU020-011), the borough of Rathcoole (DU021-030) and possible field systems at Colmanstown and Collegeland (DU021-032) also represent the medieval period.
There are two medieval church and graveyard sites recorded in the surrounding area, providing further indication of a settled landscape during the medieval period. Although
Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd 8 N7 Naas Road Widening and Interchanges Scheme Bustyhill 1 04E0857, Final Report the present structures are post-medieval in date, both the church and graveyard site in Johnstown (KD019:014) and that in Kerdiffstown (KD019-006) may date to as early as AD 1300.
Kill Kill is a small village located approximately 8.5km north-east of Naas in County Kildare. The village is situated on the Kill River in relatively low-lying ground along the west fringes of the Wicklow Mountains. The village itself takes its name from the Irish word cell meaning a church and probably started life as a small monastic site in the Early Christian period. The original dedication of the church is said to have been to St. Brigid. It is also suggested that Kill was the burial place of Cearbhall, an early 10th century king of Leinster (ACS).
Kill formed part of the cantred of Offelan and was granted to Adam de Hereford by Strongbow after the Anglo-Norman conquest of 1169-70. Adam, in turn, granted Kill to his brother John who was succeeded by his son Thomas de Hereford. The motte-and- bailey to the south of the village (KD019-008/04) was probably built by the de Herefords in the late 12th or early 13th century (Bradley et al. 1994; Sherlock 1896, 99). In 1540, the motte-and-bailey was referred to as a small mountain surrounded by a dry ditch on which the capital messuage (stone house) of the manor was situated.
A commandery for the Knights Hospitallers was located at Killhill in the 13th century, c. 1 km east of the village, and that chapters of the Order were held there on four occasions between 1326 and 1334 (Lewis 1837). Charters of Thomas de Hereford from the early 13th century provide details about the village of Kill at that time, recording that the village was granted to St Thomas’ Abbey in Dublin. The abbey is recorded as holding a court and grange (monastic farm) in Kill, while Thomas de Hereford had a demesne there between 1215 and 1223. The earliest definitive reference to a borough at Kill occurs in 1608 when it was included in a list of boroughs and towns in Co. Kildare. By 1659, the population of Kill was estimated at 92 and by the 1830’s, there were 113 houses and the village was described as having a ‘neat appearance’ (Bradley et al. 1994).
Rathcoole Rathcoole, Rath Chumhaill, probably takes its name from the presence of a site of a rath, allegedly constructed by Fionn MacCumhaill’s father. The village became part of the see of Dublin following the Anglo-Norman conquest and, during the 13th century, formed a small manor belonged to the archbishop of Dublin. Following the Bruce invasion, the village suffered attacks from the native Irish and in 1326 was said to be worth nothing due to this constant threat. Over the next few centuries, it gained importance, with fortified house being built in the area and it was maintained in defence as an outpost of the Pale.
A garrison was established in the village in 1648 and under its protection the village prospered and is stated to have had ‘many good habitable houses and cabins’. However, it is said to have deteriorated in the 18th century, with mud and thatched huts in an irregular pattern. It is said to have had a good inn in 1789. A large house was built in the mid 18th century to accommodate one of the schools founded by the Mercer family.
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Previous archaeological excavations There has been a large body of archaeological work in the vicinity of Bustyhill in recent years, due to the intensive development of the area for housing, industry and infrastructure. Archaeological monitoring of ground disturbance, pre-development testing and excavation and recording of archaeological material have all contributed to the enlargement of the record. Human activity in all periods of the past has been attested to.
Collegeland, 2000:0229, site adjacent to ringfort Archaeological testing was undertaken on behalf of E.G. Petitt Consulting Engineers for Kildare County Council in advance of construction of the Saggart/Rathcoole and Newcastle Drainage Scheme.
Excavation of the trenches showed there to be no archaeological features or deposits extending southward from the ringfort. No artefacts were recovered during the excavation of these test-trenches. Archaeological investigation was carried out by, Stephen Reed, Judith Carroll & Co. Ltd (Excavations.ie).
2000:0339, Saggart, Rathcoole and Newcastle, Monitoring Archaeological monitoring was conducted along the pipeline of the Saggart, Rathcoole and Newcastle Drainage Scheme between 24 November 2000 and 16 February 2001. The pipeline is almost 8km long and passes through a number of townlands in the parishes of Clondalkin, Saggart, Rathcoole and Newcastle.
Monitoring uncovered three archaeological sites. The first of these was a ditch in Fairview, Clondalkin (Chainage 410) (see above No. 222). This may have enclosed lands adjoining the Fairview oil mills (SMR DU021-008), which were active in the 17th century. The second site revealed was a pit furnace in Corkagh Demesne, Clondalkin (Chainage 1249) (00E0935, to be published in Excavations 2001). The third site uncovered was a burnt spread in Moneenalion Commons Upper (Chainage 3354). This is currently being excavated. No further archaeological features or deposits were uncovered during monitoring along the pipeline. Archaeological investigation was carried out by Ruth Elliott, Judith Carroll & Co. Ltd (Excavations.ie).
1993:134, Kill, Possible monastic enclosure The pre-development testing took place over a two-day period, 22nd and 23rd April l993. 19th-century building is built on the site of the medieval parish church and may in turn be located on an earlier pre-Norman ecclesiastical site and enclosure.
Evidence for activity in the area dating to the medieval period was uncovered in the form of a small number of pottery fragments, but these came from top soil contexts, the soil of which is known to have been imported onto the site from elsewhere.
No evidence survives for the graveyard associated with the parish church ever extending beyond the line of the present boundary wall. However, agricultural activity to the west and land fill to the south may have either scarped away or covered up any such evidence. Archaeological investigation was carried out by Eoin Halpin, A.D.S. Ltd
1996:184,Kill,Ecclesiastical? The first phase of a site assessment at a development site at Kill, Co. Kildare was conducted in April 1993 (Excavations 1993, 47—8). Phase 2 of this assessment took place in April 1996 to further investigate and determine the line of a ditch found in
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Trench 5 of the initial assessment. The site is situated immediately to the west and south-west of the parish church of St Mary and St Brigid.
It is reasonable to interpret this feature as a continuation of the ditch noted in Phase 1 of the testing, and the suggestion is that it may form part of an enclosure associated with the pre-Norman ecclesiastical foundation located to the north of the site.
Archaeological monitoring of groundworks was carried out in June and October 1996 but nothing of archaeological significance was noted. Archaeological investigation was carried out by Eoin Halpin, ADS Ltd,
1998:319, Killhill, Kill, Environs of archaeological complex Archaeological monitoring was carried out at the site of a housing development at Killhill, Kill, Co. Kildare, on various dates from February to August 1998. The development site lies just outside the zone of archaeological potential for Kill and is surrounded by several other archaeological sites. A large enclosure, DU020-001, encompasses the base of Killhill, which is situated a short distance to the east of the development site. Monitoring was conducted of topsoil-stripping within the housing area and of trench digging for the laying of service pipes from the housing development into the centre of Kill village.
No features of archaeological significance were noted within the trench. Another test- trench, inserted through an apparently disturbed area, also failed to reveal evidence of archaeological material. Several fragments of flint were also found during the course of soil-stripping. These mainly comprised unworked pieces, but two represented struck flakes and one appeared to represent a core from which flakes had been struck. A single sherd of medieval pottery was also recovered. Archaeological investigation was carried out by Clare Mullins
1998:320, Kill, Urban On behalf of Bord Gáis Éireann, and within the zone of archaeological potential recognised in the Urban Archaeological Survey for Kill, archaeological monitoring was carried out on the gas pipeline trench mechanically excavated along Main Street and the Glendara Estate. The Glendara Estate lies in the vicinity of a motte and bailey. The trench, on average 1000mm deep and 400mm wide, was laid along the southern side of Main Street, with the exception of the site of the bridge over the Kill River, where the pipe trench was diverted to the northern side of the street. Throughout the course of monitoring, both in the Main Street and in the Glendara Estate, no archaeological features or artefacts came to light. However, it should be noted that in the Urban Archaeology Survey it is recorded that two sherds of 13th/14th-century pottery were picked up by Survey staff in a cutting opposite the Parochial House, i.e. on the south side of the street adjacent to the bridge over the Kill River. Archaeological investigation was carried out by Breandán Ó Ríordáin, Burgage More, for Valerie J. Keeley Ltd,
1999:395, Main Street, Kill, Environs of medieval church An archaeological evaluation was undertaken at a proposed development site at Main Street, Kill, Co. Kildare, on 31 July 1999. The site is within the boundaries of the urban area of archaeological potential for Kill and to the immediate east of the site of the medieval parish church.
Two sherds of probable medieval pottery were recovered from the disturbed topsoil. Archaeological investigation was carried out by Martin E. Byrne.
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3.1.1 The Site Specific Archaeological Landscape of site Bustyhill 1 There are two recorded monuments in the wider vicinity of Bustyhill 1. Approximately 300m to the northwest, also in Bustyhill, there is a possible souterrain (DU 020-010) and to the southeast of the site there is windmill in Windmill Hill (DU021-038). There are no previously recorded prehistoric sites in the vicinity. Excavations associated with the N7 Naas Road Widening and Interchanges Scheme were carried out to the south of the site in Steelstown townland (04E0858). A series of pits and postholes, some possibly forming a small structure were identified. Some of the pits contained Grooved Ware pottery which is typologically dated to the late Neolithic. Radiocarbon dating from another pit confirmed this date for activity on the site which also produced a large number of lithics (mostly flakes) and a portion of a polished stone axe. Later activity in the form of a metal working furnace was radiocarbon dated to the late Iron Age/Early Medieval period.
3.2 Typological Background of Raths/Ringforts The excavation at Bustyhill 1 revealed a possible small enclosure. As this may have formed part of a small farmstead, the following background text is felt to be of some relevance.
Raths or ringforts are enclosed farmsteads dating to the early medieval period. The majority are univallate, surrounded by one ditch and bank, but some are surrounded by two and, to a lesser extent, three enclosing ditches and banks and are known as bivallate and trivallate raths respectively (for example Garranes, Co. Cork, Ó Ríordáin 1942). Another morphological variation consists of the platform or raised rath – the former resulting from the construction of the rath on a naturally raised area (for example Big Glebe, Co. Derry, Lynn 1988) while the latter’s height resulting from prolonged occupation over many centuries (for example Rathmullan, Co. Down, Lynn 1981/82). Many raths are circular or oval in shape but they also occur plentifully as D-, pear- and sub-rectangular-shaped enclosures (Kinsella 2007).
Many raths are situated on valley sides and on the brow of drumlins whilst avoiding low- lying terrain and the uplands (Stout 1991, 206; 1997, 106-7). Various local and regional studies have shown that the majority of raths occur between 30m and 200m OD and are rarely found above or below these altitudes. In Skibbereen, Co. Cork, 80% of surviving raths are located below 120m and are most densely distributed between 60m and 120m (Fahy 1969). In the Lisleagh area, in the same county, and Munster generally raths are sited in elevated positions between 60m and 120m (Monk 1998, 40). They avoid areas below 30m in the Dingle area and in south Donegal and are most densely occupied in the former between 30m and 60m and in Dingle between 60m and 90m (Bartlett and Graham 1975, 38-9). Finally, the most recent study of rath locations in North-West Ulster has revealed similar findings (Kerr 2007).
While raths, for the most part, avoid the extreme low and uplands, they also show a preference for the most productive soils (Stout 1997, 107). Evidence from the above local and regional studies further supports this view as raths generally avoid unproductive highland and peaty lowland soils (Bartlett and Graham 1975, 39; Fahy 1969; Kerr 2007, 76-9). Stout (1997, 107) argues that raths were deliberately located to avail of soils best suited to pasture while Kerr (2007) has developed this idea to suggest that platform and raised raths were positioned in areas more suited to tillage unlike typical univallate raths.
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The dating of raths has been a cause of contention (see Limbert 1996 for his argument that they have their origins in the Iron Age) but Stout (1997, 24) has shown that the majority were occupied from the beginning of the seventh until the end of the ninth centuries, covering a 300-year period. Kerr’s (2007, 99) recent research has revealed that raised and platform raths are slightly later in date and were constructed between approximately the mid-eighth and mid-tenth centuries AD.
Raths were essentially early medieval enclosed farmsteads. The majority were simple univallate enclosures, surrounded by a bank and ditch, which enclosed a number of domestic and agricultural structures. Excavations (for general overviews see Comber 2008; Edwards 1990, 6-33; Mallory and McNeill 1991, 181-248; Mytum 1992; Proudfoot 1961, 94-122; Stout 1997) and historical research (Kelly 1997) has revealed houses, out-buildings and artefacts that typically illustrate a range of activities associated with self-sufficient farmers, their families and retainers. A smaller number of raths were high- status sites and are archaeologically differentiated from the majority by an increased quantity and quality of artefacts – noticeably items of adornment – evidence for non- ferrous metalworking and, in some cases, by their larger size and scale of defenses (Kinsella 2007). Recent excavations, in advance of major developments, is challenging accepted traditional discourse on the function and role of raths throughout the early middle ages and it is now becoming evident that they were constructed in a variety of shapes and sizes, were situated in many differing landscape settings and they were occupied by a range of people from the lowest to the highest social grades (Kinsella 2007; 2008, 98-103). 3.3 Summary of the Excavation Results The excavation at Bustyhill 1 revealed two pits and several linear and curvilinear features. The curvilinear may have formed a roughly oval enclosure that may have had two possible entrances. Two of the linear features respect the location of the possible enclosure and it is possible that these form part of a field system. A third linear ditch probably represented a later field drain or boundary. Radiocarbon dating of a sample of bone from the fill of one of the pits indicates an early medieval date for activity on site.
3.4 Summary of the Specialist Analysis A number of specialists provided analysis of samples and artefacts recovered from the site as part of the post-excavation works. This work in part formed the basis for the dating evidence for the site. The detailed reports on the results of all analysis are in Appendix 2.
Analysis of Animal Bone A small amount of animal bone was retrieved from three contexts C20, C12 and C27. The assemblage represented all three of the main livestock animals – cattle, pig and sheep/goats. Little else of economic or dietary merit could be gleaned from this small collection of bones.
Radiocarbon Dating A total of 1 sample was sent for AMS radiocarbon dating.
A sample of ash charcoal from pit fill C20 was radiocarbon dated. The 2 sigma calibrated result was AD 689 – 881 (UBA13552).
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4 DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS
4.1 Discussion The site at Bustyhill revealed two pits, a curvilinear enclosing ditch/gully and two further linear features. None of the ditches/gullies appear substantial enough to be interpreted as forming part of a ringfort or earthwork. However, the curvilinear ditch encloses a roughly oval area and it was clearly deliberately constructed to fulfil this function. The depth of the ditch/gully, even with an upstanding bank from the excavated material would have provided little defence, but would have effectively demarcated an area.
The enclosure has two possible entrances or openings, in the NE and SW corners. No formal entrance features were identified – postholes, metalled surfaces etc – but a linear gully ditch extended from the enclosure from each entrance. It seems unlikely that the location of these features was coincidental and it is likely that these features acted as further boundary markers – possibly field boundaries.
The two pits identified on the site were recorded as being stratigraphically earlier than the linear gullies/ditches, however it is probable that all activity on the site was broadly contemporary. The dating of one of the pits to the early medieval period gives support to the theory that the enclosing gully may have acted as a small ringfort, a monument type that was very common in this period. The location of a possible souterrain (DU 020-010) within 300m of the site also suggests that this landscape was being utilised in the early medieval period, and may indicate that these form part of a larger complex that may survive outside the roadtake.
No diagnostic artefacts were found that could assist in the interpretation of the nature and function of the site.
4.2 Conclusions Bustyhill 1 represents a small possible farmstead, or a field system/boundaries associated with a farmstead. Radiocarbon dating has indicated that it dates to the early medieval period and as such may be broadly contemporary with a possible souterrain less than 300m to the NW. The site is important locally as it confirms that the immediate area was settled in the early medieval period.
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5 BIBLIOGRAPHY
5.1 References Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd. November 2000. Architectural, Heritage and Cultural Report. Environmental Impact Statement.
Bartlett, G. F. and Graham, B. J. 1975 ‘Some considerations concerning the dating and distribution of ringforts in Ireland’, Ulster Journal of Archaeology. 38, 33–47
Bradley, J, Halpin, A, and King, K. 1994. Archaeological Urban Survey for Co Kildare Vol 2 and 3.Dublin: Office of Public Works.
Comber, M 2008 The Economy of the Ringfort and Contemporary Settlement in Early Medieval Ireland. BAR International Series 1773. Oxford. Archaeopress
Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht & the Islands (DAHGI). 1999a. Policy and Guidelines on Archaeological Excavation. Dublin.
DAHGI. 1999b. Framework and Principles for the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage. Dublin.
Edwards, N 1990 The Archaeology of Early Medieval Ireland. Batsford. London.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 1995a. Draft Guidelines on the Information to be Contained in Environmental Impact Statements. Dublin.
EPA. 1995b. Advice Notes on Current Practice (in the preparation of Environmental Impact Statements). Dublin.
Fahy, E 1969 ‘Early settlement in the Skibbereen area’, Journal of the Cork Historical and Archaeological Society. 75, 147–56.
Gibbons, M. 2001 The archaeology of early settlement in county Kilkenny. In W. Nolan and K. Whelan (Eds.), Kilkenny: History and Society, Dublin: Geography Publications.
Gowen, M. & Co., 2001 Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Section of N7 Rathcoole to Kildare County Boundary Environmental Impact Statement prepared by Halcrow Barry & Partners.
Grogan, E. & Kilfeather, A. 1997 Archaeological Inventory of County Wicklow. Dublin.
Harbison, P. 1992. Guide to the National and Historic Monuments of Ireland. Dublin.
Harbison, P. 1997. Ancient Irish Monuments. Dublin: Gill and Macmillan.
Institute of Field Archaeologists (IFA). 1994a. Standards and Guidance for Archaeological Desk-based Assessments. Manchester.
IFA. 1994b. Standards and guidance for archaeological monitoring. Manchester.
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IFA. 1994c. Standards and Guidance for Archaeological Test Trenching. Manchester.
Kelly, F 1997 Early Irish Farming. Dublin. Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies.
Kerr, T 2007 Early Christian Settlement in North-West Ulster. BAR British Series 430. Oxford. Archaeopress.
Kinsella, J 2007 Fact or Fiction: A New Irish Early Medieval Site Type? Exploring the ‘Recent?’ Archaeological Evidence for Non-Circular Enclosed Settlement and Burial Sites. Unpublished report prepared for Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd.
Kinsella, J 2008 ‘New discoveries and fresh insights: researching the early medieval archaeology of the M3, Co. Meath’, J O’Sullivan and M Stanley (eds) Roads, Rediscovery and Research, 95–107, Dublin, National Roads Authority, Wordwell.
Lewis, S. 1847 A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland. (modern reprint).
Limbert, D 1996 ‘Irish ringforts: a review of their origin’, Archaeological Journal, Vol. 153, 243–89.
Lynn, C. J. 1981/82 ‘The excavation of Rathmullan, a raised rath and motte in County Down’, Ulster Journal of Archaeology. Vol 44 & 45, 65–171.
Lynn, C. J. 1988 Civil engineering in the early Christian period: Big Glebe, Co. Derry’, A Hamlin and C Lynn (eds) Pieces of the Past: Archaeological Excavations by the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland 1970-1986, 41–4. Belfast. Her Majesty’s Stationery Office.
Macalister, R. 1996. The Archaeology of Ireland. London.
Mallory, J. P. and McNeill, T. E. 1991 The Archaeology of Ulster: From Colonisation to Plantation, 181–248, Belfast, The Institute of Irish Studies, Queen'’s University of Belfast.
Mc Cabe, B. 1998. ‘Rediscovery of the Dublin to Naas 13th Milestone’. In Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland. 128, 119.
Mitchell, F. & Ryan, M. 1997. Reading the Irish Landscape. Dublin.
Mitchell, F. 1990. Reading the Irish Landscape. Dublin.
Monk, M 1998 ‘Early medieval secular and ecclesiastical settlement in Munster’, M Monk and J Sheehan (eds) Early Medieval Munster: Archaeology, History and Society, 33–52, Cork, Cork University Press.
Mytum, H 1992 The Origins of Early Christian Ireland. London, Routledge.
N7 Naas Road Castlewarden to Maudlins Interchange Scheme, Co Kildare. 2002. Field Survey, Archaeology and Cultural Heritage.
O’Conor, K.D. 1998. The Archaeology of Medieval Rural Settlement in Ireland. Dublin.
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Ó Ríordáin, S. P. 1942 ‘The excavation of a large earthen ringfort at Garranes, Co. Cork’, Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy 47C, 77–150.
Ó Ríordáin, S.P. 1995. Antiquities of the Irish Countryside. London.
Proudfoot, V. B. 1961 The Economy of the Irish Rath. Medieval Archaeology 5C, 94-122
Sherlock, W. 1896 Early Landowners in Kill, County Kildare. Journal of the Kildare Archaeological Society. Volume: II.
Stout M 1991 ‘Ringforts in the South-West Midlands of Ireland’, Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy. 91C, 200–43.
Stout, M 1997 The Irish Ringfort. Dublin, Four Courts Press.
Valerie J. Keeley Ltd. Archaeological Assessment. March 2001. Preferred Route N7 Naas Road Interchange Scheme, Co Kildare.
Veldhuijzen, X. 1998-2005. http://www.ironsmelting.net/www/smelting/index.html
5.2 Other Sources Record of Monuments and Places (RMP), The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, 7 Ely Place Upper, Dublin 2.
Topographical Files of the National Museum of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin 2.
Taylor, G. and Skinner, A. 1778. Maps of the Roads of Ireland Surveyed 1777.
5.3 Electronic references ENVision; Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Soil maps of Ireland http://www.epa.ie/InternetMapViewer/mapviewer.aspx
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APPENDIX 1 CATALOGUE OF PRIMARY DATA
Appendix 1.1 Context Register
C Type Fill of Filled by D W L Description Interpretation 1 Deposit n/a n/a Subsoil 2 Deposit n/a n/a Topsoil 3 Cut 4, 18 0.1 – 0.27 0.22 -0.55 21.5 Curvilinear, steep sides, uneven base, U-shaped profile Linear Trench 4 Deposit 3 0.16 0.22 8.8 Firm grey-brown silty sand, very rare charcoal flecks Main fill of trench 5 Cut 6,16,15 0.27 0.7 20m Linear cut Linear cut 6 Deposit 5 0.13 0.32 13.5m Friable mid-brown sandy clay Lower fill 7 Cut 8 0.35 0.9 >8m Curvilinear, U shaped Linear trench 8 Deposit 7 0.35 0.9 >8m Compact yellow-grey silty clay, inclusions of slag and bone Trench fill 11 Cut 28,27,12 0.14 0.8 8.9m Linear, U-shaped profile Linear trench 12 Deposit 11 0.1 0.8m 8.9m Compact yellow clay, charcoal and bone inc. Upper fill of linear trench 15 Deposit 5 0.08 0.34 13.5 Compact grey-brown sandy clay Upper fill of linear cut 16 Deposit 5 0.15 0.7m 3m Compact light grey clay Possibly remains of earlier truncated feature 18 Deposit 3 0.16 0.31 1.5 Firm yellow-brown clayey sand Upper fill, localised 19 Cut 20,21 0.3 0.5 0.7 Oval, U-shaped profile Pit 20 Deposit 19 0.14 0.5 0.7 Loose grey-brown sandy clay, inclusions bone, burnt bone, Upper fill of pit charcoal 21 Deposit 19 0.09 0.5 0.6 Loose blue-grey clay, animal bone, charcoal Lower fill of pit 25 Cut 25 0.27 0.15 0.75 Linear, truncated, V shaped profile Pit 26 Deposit 25 0.27 0.15 0.75 Loose grey clay, occasional charcoal flecks Fill of pit 27 Deposit 11 0.12 0.8m 8.9m Loose red clay, frequent charcoal, burnt bone Lower fill of linear trench 28 Deposit 11 0.04 0.6 – 0.8 8.9m Green-grey clay Silt fill of linear trench
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Appendix 1.2 Archive Index
Field Records Items (quantity) Site Plans 3 Sections 19 Site Registers/Indexes 6 Site Diary/Notes 1 Context matrix 1 Context Sheets 27 Images Colour 31 Finds and Environmental Archive Finds 1 Bone samples 5 Burnt bone 5 Slag 1 Charcoal samples 5
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APPENDIX 2 SPECIALIST REPORTS
Appendix 2.1 Animal Bone Analysis – Margaret McCarthy
Appendix 2.2 Radiocarbon Dating Results – QUB Laboratory
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Appendix 2.1 Animal Bone Analysis – Margaret McCarthy
The excavated features and deposits at Bustyhill produced such a small amount of animal bone that the remains do little except indicate the species of animals present at the site.
The stratigraphically earliest features identified were two pits one of which (C19) produced a handful of animal bone. Six bones were recovered from the upper fill (C20) of this pit with the three main livestock animals all being represented. Cattle were identified from the proximal portion of a metacarpus and the two identified sheep/goat bones included the fused distal end of a humerus and a small piece of the iliac region of a pelvis. An adult pig was attested from a maxilla with the three molars being fully erupted and in wear. The remainder of the bones consisted of two burnt midshaft fragments of a medium-sized animal, probably sheep/goat. The two early pits were truncated by a group of linear trenches which appeared to be broadly contemporary with each other.
A small amount of animal bones were recovered from two fills of one of these features (C11). Eight fragments were recovered from the upper fill (C12) of the trench and identified species from here included cattle, sheep/goat and pig. The three cattle bones were identified as portions of a metatarsus and a pelvis and a complete first phalanx. The phalanx was unfused proximally indicating that it belonged to an individual that was slaughtered at around 1.5 years of age. Two molars from an adult sheep were present and pig was attested from a complete molar, also from an adult individual. The two remaining bones from the upper fill consisted of a fragment of a rib and a long bone from a medium-sized mammal such as sheep/goat or pig. The longbone fragment was totally calcined from being in contact with intense heat for a period of time.
Three small burnt pieces of bone were recovered from the lower fill (C27) of the trench. These could not be taken to species level but two were sufficiently large to indicate that they represented portions of a rib and a long bone fragment from a medium-sized individual. The other bone derived from a large-sized animal such as cattle or horse.
Little else of economic or dietary merit can be gleaned from this small collection of bones.
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Appendix 2.2 Radiocarbon Dating Results – QUB Laboratory
The “Measured radiocarbon age” is quoted in conventional years BP (before AD 1950). The error is expressed at the one-sigma level of confidence.
The “Calibrated date range” is equivalent to the probable calendrical age of the sample material and is expressed at the two-sigma (95.4% probability) level of confidence
Measured Sample Species id/ Lab Date 13C/12C Context Material Lab Calibrated date ranges radiocarbon No Weight Code Type Ratio ‰ age (BP) C20, fill of a Animal Possible pig AMS AD 713−862 (1 sigma), 11 QUB UB13552 1231±28 -25.4 pit bone rib 2.1g (Std) AD 689−881 (2 sigma)
References for calibration datasets: PJ Reimer, MGL Baillie, E Bard, A Bayliss, JW Beck, PG Blackwell, C Bronk Ramsey, CE Buck, GS Burr, RL Edwards, M Friedrich, PM Grootes, TP Guilderson, I Hajdas, TJ Heaton, AG Hogg, KA Hughen, KF Kaiser, B Kromer, FG McCormac, SW Manning, RW Reimer, DA Richards, JR Southon, S Talamo, CSM Turney, J van der Plicht, CE Weyhenmeyer (2009) Radiocarbon 51:1111-1150.
Comments: * This standard deviation (error) includes a lab error multiplier. ** 1 sigma = square root of (sample std. dev.^2 + curve std. dev.^2) ** 2 sigma = 2 x square root of (sample std. dev.^2 + curve std. dev.^2) where ^2 = quantity squared. [ ] = calibrated range impinges on end of calibration data set 0* represents a "negative" age BP 1955* or 1960* denote influence of nuclear testing C-14 NOTE: Cal ages and ranges are rounded to the nearest year which may be too precise in many instances. Users are advised to round results to the nearest 10 yr for samples with standard deviation in the radiocarbon age greater than 50 yr.
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APPENDIX 3 LIST OF RMP IN AREA
SMR No.: KD015:008
NGR: 29712/22488
Townland: Castlewarden North
Parish: Oughterard
Barony: South Salt
Classification: House site
Description: Marked on the Down Survey Map of 1650 and on later OS maps as Castlewarden House. An Foras Forbartha in Buildings of Architectural Interest in County Kildare describes it as ‘an early 19th century house on the site of an important 17th century house’.
Reference: SMR file
SMR No.: KD015:009
NGR: 29682/22506
Townland: Castlewarden North
Parish: Oughterard
Barony: South Salt
Classification: Motte and Bailey
Description: Killanin and Duignan state that this was built by Adam de Hereford. The remains comprise a central oval mound (27 m x 45 m) enclosed by two fosses with an intervening bank. The monument is at the centre of a complex of low earthworks including a possible bailey represented by a rectangular area enclosed by a bank with side fosses immediately E of the motte. Radiating from this is a field system enclosed by fosse. The monument is located in a low-lying situation on a slight rise with commanding views of the local area. It has been largely disturbed.
Reference: SMR file
SMR No.: KD019:006
NGR: 29150/22223
Townland: Kerdiffstown
Parish: Kill
Barony: South Salt
Classification: Church and Graveyard
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Description: Unusually located on the floor of a river valley close to a small river and at the foot of an esker ridge. Adjoining the completely overgrown nave and chancel church is an unenclosed graveyard. The graveyard contains memorials dating mainly to after 1700, but a 13th or 14th century grave slab was discovered here in September 1990.
Reference: SMR file
SMR No.: KD019:007
NGR: 29291/22274
Townland: Greenhills
Parish: Kill
Barony: South Salt
Classification: Ringfort
Description: Circular ringfort (diameter 52 m) outlined by a bank surrounding a flat interior. There is no visible trace of a fosse but as the site is very overgrown, it is possible that one exists but that it is currently obscured. Entrance gap is at NE. Situated in reasonably well drained low-lying land.
Reference: SMR file
SMR No.: KD019:008
NGR: 29408/22285
Townland: Kill East, Kill West, Killhill
Parish: Kill
Barony: South Salt
Classification: Town
Description: See historical background for details regarding Kill Village.
Reference: SMR file
SMR No.: KD019:010
NGR: 29456/22266
Townland: Killhill
Parish: Kill
Barony: South Salt
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Classification: Enclosure Site
Description: Irregularly shaped earthwork enclosure in the adjacent field to the E of Kill Motte. Marked on OS maps but there is no visible trace today.
Reference: SMR file
SMR No.: KD019:014
NGR: 29211/22158
Townland: Palmerstown
Parish: Johnstown
Barony: Naas North
Classification: Johnstown Church and Graveyard
Description: The church is a simple rectangular structure aligned E-W, which has been well maintained and repaired on a number of occasions. The large E gothic window has recently been conserved and restored. A large pointed archway in the western gable is thought to have replaced a round-headed arch in the last 100 years or so. There is no visible evidence for an original entrance. The N and S walls stand approximately 1 m high and there is evidence for a second entrance in the northern wall. The church contains the grave of Richard Bourke, a 19th century Viceroy of India. The church is surrounded by a small graveyard more or less rectangular in shape but with slight irregularities. There is no indication of a circular enclosure. The date of the church is not recorded but a small mural tablet in the ruins bears the date 1878. The tablet also displayed the Alymer arms and an inscription indicating that Alymers had been buried here from AD 1300 until the end of the 18th century. The graves were disturbed and levelled in 1799 and in 1901, the tablet was reported missing.
Reference: SMR file
SMR No.: KD019:015
NGR: 27437/22142
Townland: Hartwell Upper
Parish: Kill
Barony: South Salt
Classification: Castle site
Description: Farmyards incorporate large walls and enclose two large rectangles originally with arched entrances now gone. To the W there are foundations of large walls enclosing a third rectangle. At the NW corner this is the remains of a tower according to the owner. There is no visible trace of a tower now. Inside the complex, there is a long building known
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as ‘The Kitchen’ attached to which is a small chamber known as ‘The Potato House’. Both have barrel-vaulted ceilings and could be part of a late 15th or 16th century house. The OS Letters record that ‘in Upper Hartwell townland, there was an old castle, the remains of which were converted into a farmhouse’.
Reference: SMR file
SMR No.: KD019:018
NGR: 29117/22221
Townland: Kerdiffstown
Parish: Kerdiffstown
Barony: Naas North
Classification: Mound site
Description: /
Reference: No SMR file
SMR No.: KD019:021
NGR: 29043/22045
Townland: Maudlins
Parish: Naas
Barony: Naas North
Classification: Graveyard site
Description: Marked on Taylor’s Map of 1783 and on subsequent OS maps.
Reference: SMR file
SMR No.: KD019:044
NGR: 29329/22340
Townland: Kill West
Parish: Kill
Barony: South Salt
Classification: Mound site possible
Description: Located in a very shallow ‘valley’ between two very low eminences. This ‘valley’ is shown on OS 6-inch map (sheet 19) as a narrow NW-SE field with a drain running through it. Surrounding land is well-drained pasture
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and tillage. The ‘mound’ is barely visible now. It was probed to a depth of 0.35 m and no stones were encountered.
Reference: SMR file
SMR No.: KD019:045
NGR: 29386/22316
Townland: Kill West
Parish: Kill
Barony: South Salt
Classification: Earthwork
Description: A very low circular platform / enclosure (diameter 19 m; height c. 0.2 m) located in flat wettish pasture.
Reference: SMR file
SMR No.: KD019:057
NGR: 29462/22248
Townland: Killhill
Parish: Kill
Barony: South Salt
Classification: Earthwork
Description: Shown on OS maps as a semi-circular embankment and can be traced with difficulty on the ground as a slight rise. This could be one half of a destroyed ringfort (original diameter c. 70 m). Located on SW slope of a hill in well-drained pasture.
Reference: SMR file
SMR No.: KD020:001
NGR: 29506/22283
Townland: Killhill
Parish: Kill
Barony: South Salt
Classification: Enclosure
Description: /
Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd xi N7 Naas Road Widening and Interchanges Scheme Bustyhill 1 04E0857, Final Report
Reference: No SMR file
SMR No.: KD020:002
NGR: 29528/22275
Townland: Killhill
Parish: Kill
Barony: South Salt
Classification: Enclosure Site
Description: Barrow site.
Reference: SMR file
SMR No.: KD020:003
NGR: 29597/22255
Townland: Rathgorrah
Parish: Kill
Barony: South Salt
Classification: Ringfort
Description: Located in open slightly undulating but generally flat ground with Kill Hill rising to the NW. Comprises a raised circular platform 42.5 m in diameter and 3 m high except at the SW where it meets a natural undulation. A fosse is visible from W-N-ESE and measures c. 4 m wide and 1 m deep at the N. Very overgrown and used as a dump for old cars and machinery. From W to N, traces of a possible bank are visible outside the fosse, though this may simply be part of an old field boundary. Marked as a ‘moat’ on the OS maps but is a possible platform rath.
Reference: SMR file
SMR No.: KD020:018
NGR: 29586/22287
Townland: Kilwarden
Parish: Kilteel
Barony: South Salt
Classification: Rock Scribing / Art
xii Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd N7 Naas Road Widening and Interchanges Scheme Bustyhill 1 04E0857, Final Report
Description: A fine example of rock art on a large boulder was discovered in August 1990 during field clearance works. It was located in an otherwise stone- free field on level ground and had formed part of a rough circle or arc of stones before removal. Although the possibility that the stones had formed the remains of a cairn was considered, it was concluded that the stones were unlikely to have been in their original position.
Reference: SMR file
Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd xiii
N7 Naas Road Widening and Interchanges Scheme, Bustyhill 1, 04E0857, Final Report
Plate 1 - General view of Site, pre-excavation, facing south-east.
Plate 2 - C19 post-excavation, facing north.
Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd Plates N7 Naas Road Widening and Interchanges Scheme, Bustyhill 1, 04E0857, Final Report
Plate 3 – C5 section, south facing.
Plate 4 – C3 section, facing north.
Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd Plates N7 Naas Road Widening and Interchanges Scheme, Bustyhill 1, 04E0857, Final Report
Plate 5 - C3 post-excavation, facing north-west.
Plate 6 - C3, C5 and C7 post-excavation facing north-west.
Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd Plates N7 Naas Road Widening and Interchanges Scheme, Bustyhill 1, 04E0857, Final Report
Plate 7 - C3 post-excavation facing east.
Plate 8 - C5 post-excavation facing south-east.
Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd Plates