Field system in Raystown

Two major NW-SE field boundaries marked by drains S of the burial ground were established in Phase 2. They are placed c. 20-25m apart and both were frequently re-cut. With some N-S gullies feeding into them they created an area (dim. 20m N-S) N of the outer enclosure of the burial ground where numerous hearths testify to habitation (ME045-036002-), although no houses are recognised. Other NW-SE drains S of the burial ground are similarly spaced and undoubtedly related. Further drains on the same alignment and with similar spacing and cross-drains were being added up to Phase 4 (700-900 AD) but the burial ground was never traversed by these features. In Phases 3-4 the major drains are truncated by the mill-races of the southern mills. The drains are filled generally with deposits containing a high proportion of redeposited natural, which suggests that it derived from accompanying earthen banks. (Seaver 2009, vol. 1, 51-3, 64-5, 96) See the attached pan from Seaver (2009, vol. 2) _1 Geophysical evidence (fig. 9) Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 20 December 2021