Field system in Knockhouse Lower

Situated in tillage on a gentle N-facing slope. A field system associated with a ringfort (WA009-003001-) was identified on an aerial photograph (OSAP, 9859-95, 24). The ringfort and the immediate surrounding area were fully excavated in 2015 in advance of a development following the re-zoning of the land for industrial use (Walsh and Ficner 2015). This excavation revealed a linear field ditch extending S from the outermost fosse of the ringfort, with another extending N from the northern portion of the same fosse. This northern field ditch had a couple of gaps (Wth c. 1.5m) and extends N for a length of c. 45m before turning SW for a further c. 60m, including a gap of c. 1.5m, continuing to the limit of the excavated area. Another field ditch (L c. 60m) runs roughly E-W within the excavated area, appearing to start c. 3m NE of the point where the northern field ditch turns. These ditches appear to be the remnants of an early medieval field system contemporary with the ringfort (Walsh and Ficner 2015, 13). Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of revised upload: 13 January 2016