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

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Antrim<br />

Rathbeg, Co. Antrim<br />

Early Medieval Settlement Enclosure.<br />

Grid Ref: J18288805 (31828/38805)<br />

SMR No. ANT 050:018<br />

Excavation Licence: N/A<br />

Excavation Duration/Year: March – May 1967.<br />

Site Director: C.Warhurst (Ancient Monuments Branch, Ministry <strong>of</strong> Finance).<br />

<strong>The</strong> site was a univallate enclosure which was levelled during motorway construction. It had<br />

been identified with Rathbeg <strong>of</strong> Moy-Linne in Dal nAraidi, a site mentioned in various early<br />

annals.<br />

<strong>The</strong> V-shaped ditch was found to be approximately 5.7m wide and 2.7m deep. Two turf<br />

layers in the ditch indicated occupation phases <strong>of</strong> the enclosure. <strong>The</strong> only finds from the ditch<br />

were fragments <strong>of</strong> one cordoned souterrain ware pot and preserved plant macr<strong>of</strong>ossils<br />

(mainly hazel).<br />

A circular timber-posted building was excavated near the centre <strong>of</strong> the enclosure, but<br />

produced no associated finds. To the east <strong>of</strong> the interior three aligned post-holes were<br />

interpreted as the supports for a later lean-to structure which utilised the inner face <strong>of</strong> the<br />

bank (Fig. 36). A bowl-shaped kiln was also built into the inner face <strong>of</strong> the bank in the south<br />

<strong>of</strong> the interior.<br />

A rectangular stone-walled building and a rectilinear clay-walled building were located in the<br />

west <strong>of</strong> the interior. Both appear to have been contemporary with a primary occupation<br />

phase.<br />

A large number <strong>of</strong> souterrain ware sherds were uncovered on site, as well as fragments <strong>of</strong><br />

three iron knives, and a solitary blue glass bead.<br />

62

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