EMAP_Progress_Reports_2009_2.pdf - The Heritage Council

Tyrone
Mullaghbane, Co. Tyrone
Early Medieval Settlement Enclosure.
Grid Ref: H38526613 (23852/36613)
SMR No: TYR 042:004
Excavation Licence: N/A
Excavation Duration/Year: April – June 1969.
Site Directors: A.E.T. Harper (Historic Monuments and Buildings Branch, Department
of the Environment (N.I.)).
The site consisted of a univallate enclosure (47m by 36m) that was under threat of
destruction because of farm improvements.
Excavation through the bank of the enclosure identified three phases of construction,
separated by thin lenses of weathered clay. A layer of charcoal was identified on top of the
ancient interior ground surface, and this could also be traced over the top of the first phase
of bank construction, and was sealed by the second phase. Unfortunately no radiocarbon
date was produced for this layer. The nature of preservation of the charcoal layer, however,
suggests that the second phase of bank construction occurred soon after the burning
incident.
Excavations in the interior of the enclosure revealed a ‘pear-shaped’ gully (the drip-gully for a
roundhouse), which was constructed after the second bank phase (Fig. 279). This gully was
later cut into by a refuse pit which contained two large deposits of iron slag (including a
furnace bottom), and an oaken plank. Another possible gully feature was partially excavated
in the interior; and the foundations of a stone-walled feature were also identified. The
function or form of either of these structures, however, could not be identified. Similarly the
thirteen postholes discovered in the interior could not be reconciled with a structure.
A blue glass bead was discovered in the ‘pear-shaped’ gully; and another bead was found
near to it. Three fragments of jet bracelets were also found on the site.
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