EMAP_Progress_Reports_2009_2.pdf - The Heritage Council

Meath
Augherskea, Knockmark, Co. Meath
Early Medieval Settlement/Cemetery
Grid reference: N91675166 (291678/251668)
SMR No: ME043-049
Excavation License No: 02E1229
Excavation duration: August - November 2002
Site director: C. Baker (Margaret Gowen and Co. Ltd.)
Excavation in advance of the gas pipeline to the west at Augherskea, Knockmark, revealed a
cemetery that was bounded by settlement evidence to the west and agricultural features to
the east (Fig. 228). The extent of excavation included an area measuring 100m east-west by
20m which formed the pipeline corridor.
The burial ground was enclosed by a U-shaped ditch, which was 2.3m wide and 0.9m deep,
on its eastern side and intersecting ditches to the west that resulted in a maximum east-west
dimension of approximately 63m. The northern and southern enclosure ditches were
identified through geophysical survey and indicated an enclosure measuring approximately
65m north-south.
A total of 187 burials were revealed in two excavated areas. Eighty six burials were identified
in Area 1 and 101 in Area 2. Many of the graves were cut and truncated by other internments
which resulted in significant deposits of disarticulated bone. The majority of burials were
extended and aligned west-east. The only finds associated with the burials included a shroud
pin and an iron nail.
Two separate areas, that were indicative of settlement, were located immediately west of the
cemetery. The northern area consisted of a series of inter-cutting drains and gullies. Artefacts
from this area included a ringed pin, a decorated bone comb fragment and a blue glass bead.
The southern area included a series of inter-cutting pits and gullies. Agricultural activity was
apparent to the east of the burial ground and consisted of a series of drainage ditches and
gullies which were cut by cultivation furrows. A fragment of a lignite bracelet was the only
find recovered from the furrows.
A total of 80 artefacts were recovered at Augherskea although half were un-stratified due to
the truncated nature of the site.
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