Metalworking site in Raystown

While the bulk of the material from a complex excavation (03E1229) relates to a burial ground and industrial activity of the early medieval period, some later prehistoric features were recorded, particularly on the lower E-facing slope where a narrow NW-SE gully (L 15.6m; Wth 1.05m; D 0.6m) turned sharply SW (L 35.4m; Wth 2.1m; D 0.68m) at its S end. Two bowl furnaces (diam. 1.05m x 0.96m; D 0.29m: diam. 1.1m x 1.04m; D0.35m) are at its edge, one cutting into its fill. The furnaces have flues extending to the NW, are associated with a metaled surface, and provide C14 dates of 400-220 cal. BC and 356-54 cal. BC. The gullies are cut through colluvial hillwash deposits and at one point the NE-SW gully cuts a metaled surface. The gullies are filled with waterlogged marls and were sealed by hillwash. Further W some metaled surfaces (dims 5.5m x 2.5m; 2.5m x 1.3m) are probably associated. (Seaver 2009, vol. 1, 22-5) Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload; 20 December 2021