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

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Meath<br />

Augherskea, Knockmark, Co. Meath<br />

Early Medieval Settlement/Cemetery<br />

Grid reference: N91675166 (291678/251668)<br />

SMR No: ME043-049<br />

Excavation License No: 02E1229<br />

Excavation duration: August - November 2002<br />

Site director: C. Baker (Margaret Gowen and Co. Ltd.)<br />

Excavation in advance <strong>of</strong> the gas pipeline to the west at Augherskea, Knockmark, revealed a<br />

cemetery that was bounded by settlement evidence to the west and agricultural features to<br />

the east (Fig. 243). <strong>The</strong> extent <strong>of</strong> excavation included an area measuring 100m east-west by<br />

20m which formed the pipeline corridor.<br />

<strong>The</strong> burial ground was enclosed by a U-shaped ditch, which was 2.3m wide and 0.9m deep,<br />

on its eastern side and intersecting ditches to the west that resulted in a maximum east-west<br />

dimension <strong>of</strong> approximately 63m. <strong>The</strong> northern and southern enclosure ditches were<br />

identified through geophysical survey and indicated an enclosure measuring approximately<br />

65m north-south.<br />

A total <strong>of</strong> 187 burials were revealed in two excavated areas. Eighty six burials were identified<br />

in Area 1 and 101 in Area 2. Many <strong>of</strong> the graves were cut and truncated by other internments<br />

which resulted in significant deposits <strong>of</strong> disarticulated bone. <strong>The</strong> majority <strong>of</strong> burials were<br />

extended and aligned west-east. <strong>The</strong> only finds associated with the burials included a shroud<br />

pin and an iron nail.<br />

Two separate areas, that were indicative <strong>of</strong> settlement, were located immediately west <strong>of</strong> the<br />

cemetery. <strong>The</strong> northern area consisted <strong>of</strong> a series <strong>of</strong> inter-cutting drains and gullies. Artefacts<br />

from this area included a ringed pin, a decorated bone comb fragment and a blue glass bead.<br />

<strong>The</strong> southern area included a series <strong>of</strong> inter-cutting pits and gullies. Agricultural activity was<br />

apparent to the east <strong>of</strong> the burial ground and consisted <strong>of</strong> a series <strong>of</strong> drainage ditches and<br />

gullies which were cut by cultivation furrows. A fragment <strong>of</strong> a lignite bracelet was the only<br />

find recovered from the furrows.<br />

A total <strong>of</strong> 80 artefacts were recovered at Augherskea although half were un-stratified due to<br />

the truncated nature <strong>of</strong> the site.<br />

508

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