EMAP_Progress_Reports_2009_2.pdf - The Heritage Council

Down
Ballyfounder, Co. Down
Early Medieval Raised Enclosure.
Grid Ref: J62074954 (36207/34954)
SMR No: DOW 032:014
Excavation Licence: N/A
Excavation Duration/Year: 1950s
Site Director: D.M Waterman (for the Archaeological Survey of Northern Ireland).
The site, consisting of a 4m high mound with a summit diameter of 23m, was excavated as
part of the Archaeological Survey of Northern Ireland. Erosion by cattle prior to excavation
revealed that the site had been largely constructed through the accumulation of occupation
layers.
A number of postholes in the centre of the enclosure indicate the presence of a timber
building, possibly circular in plan, and approximately 5.4m in diameter. A hearth and cooking
pit were uncovered within this general area, as were associated finds of souterrain ware and
some burnt bone. A second building, also possibly circular in plan, was uncovered to the
south of the central structure (Figs. 87 & 88).
Animal bone, mollusc shells, a bronze pin, part of a bone comb and souterrain ware were
uncovered from these occupation layers. A fragment of E ware pottery, from a bi-conical pot,
was also discovered in the primary occupation layer, as were a fragmentary iron ploughshare,
chisel and door-hinge. Four quernstones from the site were subject to thin-sectioning and
were identified as coming from the Mourne Mountains.
The site then appears to have been abandoned for a time (indicated by exposed, weathered
soils) before being re-used as the base for an Anglo-Norman motte.
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