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

Antrim
represent a pendant or personal object belonging to one of the clerics (Nelis et. al 2007,
112). These artefacts and finds from phases 5-8 therefore suggest a date range from the 8-
11 th centuries. Radiocarbon dating of the abundant burnt remains from hearths in phase 6
and 8 should refine this chronology. It is towards the end or shortly after this period (c.
11/12 th century) that the round tower was built but it is not clear yet if any of the excavated
features were contemporary with its construction.
The next phase of archaeological evidence dates from around the thirteenth century in the
late medieval period (Phase 9). This consisted of more limited and localised medieval activity
and related to a number of occupation episodes which post-date Phase 8 and pre-date Phase
10, yet are spatially distinct from each other (9a; 9b; 9c). While the dating of the Phase 9a-c
activity may be varied, it is thought that these are Medieval in date. Phase 9ai involved the
partial construction of an apparently unfinished building, which may be associated with
abandoned foundation cuts, and wall-robbing (or building demolition). The built element of
the wall consisted of a small corner area, substantially built with inner and outer wall faces
and filled with a rubble core. The abandoned foundation cut would appear to have extended
the north-south section of the wall a considerable distance to the south, resulting in a
substantial building, if it had been completed (Nelis et. al 2007, 118-19).
Subsequently, the completed section of wall was assimilated into a later rectangular mortared
foundation or plinth, possibly a leacht (Phase 9aii). This feature was constructed using a
loose rubble and mortar mix, unlike the stronger construction methods used during the first
phase. It is unclear if a long period separated the construction of the phase 9ai foundation
and the subsequent re-use of this feature as a basis for the Phase 9aii rectangular structure.
This rectangular structure post-dates Phase 8 activity and it can be suggested that Phase 9a
relates to a post-11th century period of activity. A small number of pits post-dated Phase 8
features and appear to belong to this Phase 9a activity on the site. These were located 2-3m
west of the rectangular structure and were stratigraphically contemporary (as well as possibly
chronologically contemporary) with the rectangular structure. These pits yielded sherds of
Medieval Glazed Ware, dating to the 13-14 th centuries which might suggest that it is during
this period that the Phase 9ai or 9aii construction phases of the rectangular structure were
undertaken. It is possible that the rectangular structure underwent further phases of use
after its second phase of construction (Phase 9aii); the possible re-use of this rectangular
structure is hinted at by a shallow clearance deposit which overlay its second phase, but
contained elements of building materials not evident in its Phase 2 construction (such as
occasional fragment of bricks) (Nelis et. al 2007, 119).
Phase 9b focused on activity within the souterrain, which involved the partial collapse of the
structure as it fell into disuse (Phase 9bi), before it’s central area was re-used and remodelled
as a substantial and extensively-used furnace (Phase 9bii). Furnace deposits, slag, sherds of
Everted Rim Ware and a large quantity of charcoal were recovered from Phase 9bii. The
Everted Rim Ware would indicate a late 12-13 th century date for the advent of this activity but
it is hoped that radiocarbon dating of the charcoal remains can refine these dates. Phase 9c
also post-dated the Phase 8 activity and related to partially surviving occupation activity in
the northwest area of the excavation, comprising of the remains of wall footings, paving and
cobbling. The date for this occupation activity is not yet clear but it is hoped that its
chronology can be refined from radiocarbon dating.
Phase 10 related to burial activity along the southern perimeter of the excavated area, to the
north of the 19th century churchyard wall. These burials were poorly preserved but the
grave-cuts commonly truncated the underlying early medieval deposits. Some of these burials
were probably within the church boundary during the medieval period (although evidence for
such a boundary was not found), but it is also probable that others are early modern in date
and relate to the interment of individuals outside the 19 th century church boundary and its
consecrated ground. The concentration of burials close to the existing 19 th century church
boundary, and the limited extent of the burials to no further than 2-3m within the excavated
area indicates that the current graveyard boundary is roughly similar to that of the medieval
graveyard. The apparent disturbance of burials by the construction of the round tower and
9