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AR01055_EMAP_Gazetteer_of_Sites_4-2_10.pdf - The Heritage ...

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Cork<br />

Raheens II, Co. Cork<br />

Early Medieval Settlement Enclosure<br />

Grid Ref: W76366348 (176361/063481)<br />

SMR No: CO087-046<br />

Excavation Licence: N/A<br />

Excavation Duration/Year: June-November 1989<br />

Site Director: A.M. Lennon (University College Cork)<br />

Raheens II was situated 400m southwest <strong>of</strong> Raheens II and was excavated in advance <strong>of</strong> an<br />

industrial development. <strong>The</strong> excavation revealed a univallate enclosure containing at least<br />

eleven structures and three souterrains. <strong>The</strong> site was visible prior to excavation but appears<br />

to have been levelled and extensively ploughed out more recently.<br />

<strong>The</strong> enclosure had a diameter <strong>of</strong> 28m and was enclosed by a much denuded bank. This bank<br />

averaged less than 0.6m in height and as a result <strong>of</strong> the levelling <strong>of</strong> the site did not survive<br />

on the northern and western sides <strong>of</strong> the enclosure. <strong>The</strong> ditch was U-shaped with a relatively<br />

flat base and measured 2.1m deep and 4.3m wide at the surface. <strong>The</strong> main ditch fill<br />

constituted a single phase <strong>of</strong> backfilling. <strong>The</strong> entrance was located along the southwest<br />

perimeter and was defined by two re-cut post positions, set 1.0m apart which may have<br />

functioned as upright supports for a gate. A metalled surface extended northwards from the<br />

post positions towards the interior <strong>of</strong> the site.<br />

A total <strong>of</strong> eleven structures, some almost complete and others with sections surviving, were<br />

uncovered in the interior <strong>of</strong> the site (Fig. 82). In all cases, a trench (0.2m-0.3m in width, and<br />

0.1m-0.2m in depth) was excavated which would have supported the posts/stakes <strong>of</strong> the<br />

structures walls. Seven <strong>of</strong> the eleven structures had evidence for post and stakeholes within<br />

the trenches though they were for the most part irregularly spaced out and not consistent<br />

throughout the entire length <strong>of</strong> the construction trenches. All the structures were circular<br />

except for one sub-rectangular example. <strong>The</strong> sub-rectangular structure (4.6m by 6.5m), as<br />

well as six other circular structures (4.5m-5.6m), was suitably large in diameter to have<br />

functioned as domestic dwellings. Four other structures were smaller in diameter (2.4m-<br />

3.5m) and may have been used as outhouses or storage buildings.<br />

A burnt layer containing charred hazel twigs, oak charcoal fragments and burnt hazel nut<br />

shells as well as several fragments <strong>of</strong> a shale bracelet partially covered one <strong>of</strong> the structures<br />

and may have resulted from the destruction <strong>of</strong> its ro<strong>of</strong> or side walls. No evidence <strong>of</strong> hearths<br />

or fire settings was found in association with the structures. <strong>The</strong> structures were not all<br />

contemporary with each other, and appeared to pre-date the souterrains which belonged to<br />

the later activity on the site.<br />

Two <strong>of</strong> these souterrains were excavated and a further one surveyed. Souterrain 1 was<br />

situated towards the southern area <strong>of</strong> the interior and consisted <strong>of</strong> a single chamber built<br />

using vertically and horizontally-laid limestone slabs. A substantial posthole, circular in outline<br />

was identified at the base <strong>of</strong> the souterrain and may have been used as a structural support<br />

during the erection <strong>of</strong> the structure. <strong>The</strong> ro<strong>of</strong> <strong>of</strong> the souterrain appears to have been<br />

subsequently removed and the structure backfilled with occupation debris containing rubble,<br />

animal bone and charcoal.<br />

Souterrain 2 was situated on the northern side <strong>of</strong> the enclosure and contained a long narrow<br />

entrance running from a single chamber into the eastern side <strong>of</strong> the interior. <strong>The</strong> possible<br />

remains <strong>of</strong> an uncompleted souterrain (3) were identified in the north-west area <strong>of</strong> the<br />

interior. A large construction trench was excavated but appears to have been subsequently<br />

backfilled. <strong>The</strong>re was no evidence to suggest that the souterrain was earth-cut and that the<br />

ro<strong>of</strong> had collapsed. <strong>The</strong> backfill <strong>of</strong> the feature consisted <strong>of</strong> occupation debris, animal bone<br />

(sheep and cattle), shellfish (oyster, whelk and periwinkle), fish bone and charcoal. A<br />

polished stone bead was recovered from the up-cast material <strong>of</strong> one <strong>of</strong> the souterrains on<br />

site.<br />

176

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