Field system in Stephenstown

Sub-rectangular field system associated with bivallate ringfort (DU005-115----). A 67.5m section of the ditch to the western limit of the field system was excavated (07E0836 Ext.) in advance of road construction. As were two associated internal ditches and pit activity. Section of ditch excavated was U-shaped average width 3.9m at upper tapering to 0.6m at base, max. depth 2.4m –fills of silt, sand and clay with considerable quantities of animal bone. Radiocarbon dates from wood recovered near ditch base were 673-858 AD while the upper portion dated to 779-960 AD. the uppermost fill of the ditch produced a copper stick pin dated late 12th-early 13th century. Internal to the ditch was a key-hole shaped cereal drying containing carbonised oat, barley and wheat. the majority of the site has been preserved in situ. Compiled by: Christine Baker Date of upload: 16 November 2014