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

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

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Down<br />

Gransha, Co. Down<br />

Early Medieval Raised Enclosure.<br />

Grid Ref: J53147694 (35314/37694)<br />

SMR No: DOW 006:002<br />

Excavation Licence: N/A<br />

Excavation Duration/Year: 1972; 1982.<br />

Site Directors: C. J. Lynn (Historic Monuments and Buildings Branch, Department <strong>of</strong> the<br />

Environment (N.I.))<br />

Excavation was undertaken in 1972, and again in 1982, on top <strong>of</strong> an artificial mound, 6.7m high and<br />

22m in diameter, which was set on the edge <strong>of</strong> a former bog.<br />

Earliest activity on the site was indicated by a small ditch (1.8m wide and 0.8m deep) which ran<br />

around the mound. <strong>The</strong>re were also traces <strong>of</strong> a low (possibly timber-revetted) bank, and the burnt<br />

remains <strong>of</strong> a possible associated palisade (Fig. 100). A bronze penannular brooch and a number <strong>of</strong><br />

sherds <strong>of</strong> E-ware were recovered from the ditch <strong>of</strong> this phase.<br />

<strong>The</strong> second phase was indicated by a 0.3m thick occupation layer and there was some evidence for a<br />

low external bank and shallow ditch. A number <strong>of</strong> stone-lined hearths were found from this phase, as<br />

well as an arc <strong>of</strong> stake-holes which may represent part <strong>of</strong> a circular wattle-built structure. Possible<br />

seed drills were uncovered in the upper part <strong>of</strong> the occupation layer during the 1982 excavation.<br />

Finds from this occupation phase included pottery (E ware and souterrain ware) and metal objects<br />

(iron knives, a stylus and some scraps <strong>of</strong> bronze). Stone spindle-whorls and hones were found, along<br />

with pieces <strong>of</strong> clay moulds (including one for a decorated brooch-pin terminal). Over 40 fragments <strong>of</strong><br />

flat stones with geometric designs were also found and were interpreted as trial pieces.<br />

In the final phase the domed second phase occupation layers were deliberately re-modelled into a<br />

steep-sided, flat-topped mound. Thirty large rubbish pits (1m wide by 1m deep) were dug into the<br />

top <strong>of</strong> the mound, but the only structural remains found were in the form <strong>of</strong> two stone-kerbed<br />

hearths and the possible foundation for a dry-stone built rectilinear building. <strong>The</strong>re was some<br />

evidence for a wooden perimeter fence around the top <strong>of</strong> the mound. Finds from this phase included<br />

souterrain ware, lignite armlets, a green-and-white glass bead, and a bronze spiral-ringed pin.<br />

202

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