EMAP_Progress_Reports_2009_2.pdf - The Heritage Council

Tipperary
‘Killederdadrum’ (Lackenavorna td.), Co. Tipperary
Early Medieval Settlement Enclosure or Ecclesiastical Enclosure
Grid Ref: R94807211 (194800/172110)
SMR No: TN027-100
Excavation Licence: E00184
Excavation Duration/year: September - October 1979
Site Director: C. Manning (Office of Public Works)
A large univallate oval enclosure known as Killederdadrum in the townland of Lackenavorna
revealed an early medieval enclosure with associated circular houses, corn-drying kiln,
possible souterrain and western annex as well as a mainly post-medieval cemetery. The
enclosure was partially excavated in September and October 1979 as it was threatened by a
farm improvement scheme. One tenth of the enclosure was excavated and comprised
cuttings across the enclosing features, the interior and external earthworks to the west (Fig.
267). The site is situated on a slight east-west ridge of ground in a valley between three hills
at an altitude of 168m OD.
The oval enclosure measured 72m east-west and 52m north-south from the estimated inner
edges of the enclosing ditches. The enclosing ditch was V-shaped in profile and averaged
2.8m wide at the top and between 1.40-1.80m deep. A riveted iron mounting, iron shears,
knife and awl as well as quantities of charcoal, carbonized grain and animal bone were
recovered in the fill of the ditches. The enclosing banks were barely identifiable though
survived best along the northern perimeter where it was 0.7m high (maximum) and about 3m
wide.
The entrance was situated along the southern enclosing perimeter (Cutting 9) and consisted
of an un-dug causeway (3m-3.5m wide) across the ditch. Two pairs of large postholes were
found inside the causeway flanking the entrance and may have held either successive gateposts
(2.5m apart) or formed part of a single entrance structure. Two smaller pits along the
eastern face of the entrance bank suggest that this side may have been supported by a fence
or revetment.
A wooden house defined by a circular trench, 8.8m in diameter with an eastern doorway and
a possible northern annex, was excavated at the western end of the enclosure (Cuttings 5, 10
and 11). A complex of pits, post- and stakeholes were found inside the house though the lack
of stratigraphy made it difficult to interpret them. Internal features of House 1 included two
hearths, four postholes for roof supports and a pit containing a bronze pin.
One hearth, probably contemporary with the house, was cut by a recent pit (See below).
Other finds associated with House 1 included two iron knives a perforated stone disc, honestone,
rotary grinding stone and a sliver of sawn antler. An iron axe-head, a polished stone
axe, hone-stone and quern-stone were recovered in the ploughsoil above House 1.
Two smaller houses defined by shallow circular trenches and with little evidence for internal
features were identified on the north side of the enclosure (Cuttings 7 and 15). House 3
replaced House 2 with apparently little time lapse. Both measured 6m in diameter and
contained south-eastern entrances. A slightly curving slot trench pre-dated the two houses
and may have formed part of an earlier structure/fence. Two iron knives were revealed in
ploughsoil above the houses.
A charcoal sample from the wall trench of House 2 produced a calibrated 2Σ date of A.D.
1157-1325 (see below) though this does not appear to be compatible with the archaeological
evidence from the site and the consensus about the early medieval dates of these round
houses.
A deep oblong pit (3m max. width) containing two small fragments of iron and the lower
stone of a quern cut the south-western side of the circular trench of House 1. A line of
573