EMAP_Progress_Reports_2009_2.pdf - The Heritage Council

Fermanagh
‘Boho’ (Carn td.), Co. Fermanagh
Early Medieval Settlement Enclosure.
Grid Ref: H12814440 (21281/34440)
SMR No: FER 210:030
Excavation Licence: N/A
Excavation Duration/Year: October 1952.
Site Directors: V.B. Proudfoot (Queen’s University, Belfast).
The site consists of a univallate enclosure (30m by 18m) set on the lower slopes of an
escarpment (Fig. 131). Excavation was required due to quarrying encroaching on the site.
The site had earlier been disturbed by local ‘treasure hunters’.
Excavation on the bank of the enclosure suggests that it was built over two phases – with an
original gravel and turf bank, which may have been heightened by a stone-faced turf bank.
Stone scatters in the centre of the enclosure were interpreted as representing hut-bases,
presumably with turf walls which were strengthened by upright wooden posts (several
postholes were found along the lines of these wall footings). Two hearths were also
excavated which may have been used for iron smelting, since iron slag was found on site.
A round-backed tanged knife; a bone pin; and fragments of a horseshoe were recovered from
the site.
The animal bones found on site were all of domestic animals – cattle (67%), pig (20%),
sheep/goats (7.6%), horse (1.8%), domestic fowl (0.4%) – except for six bones of red deer
(2.7%). Five carbonised seeds were recovered from one of the hearths, one of which was
identified as madder (Rubia sp.).
246