EMAP_Progress_Reports_2009_2.pdf - The Heritage Council

Antrim
Shane’s Castle Park, Co. Antrim
Early Medieval Settlement Enclosure.
Grid Ref: J10398781 (31039/38781)
SMR No. ANT 049:031
Excavation Licence: N/A
Excavation Duration/Year: May – October 1967.
Site Director: C.Warhurst (Ancient Monuments Branch, Ministry of Finance).
A trench was opened through the ditch and entrance into the centre of the enclosure. This
showed that a cobbled causeway, approximately 3m wide, had been left across the ditch.
Excavation of the ditch uncovered two stout oaken stakes set in postholes against the outer
edge of the bank. These were interpreted as having formed part of a revetment to prevent
slippage of the bank into the ditch. A few sherds of souterrain ware were also found in the
ditch.
Fragmentary remains of at least six structures were identified within the enclosure (Fig. 36).
One of these consisted of two longitudinal trench slots, presumably to hold the sill of a
wooden structure, and has been identified by the excavator as being contemporary with the
primary occupation of the enclosure. Along with sherds of souterrain ware, three small pieces
of cinder slag, and a blue glass bead were also recovered from the site.
A souterrain, built into the north bank of the enclosure, was also excavated. The entrance of
this was located outside the enclosure, and two body sherds of souterrain ware were
recovered from the floor of the souterrain.
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