Burnt mound in Leahys

A burnt mound excavated by Kate Taylor and Martin Jones (02E0900) and described as 'a shallow mound of burnt clay and heat-shattered stone measuring 9.85m by 9.25m. Despite recent disturbance, the extant mound reached a maximum height of 0.75m. The burnt stone itself was noteworthy, as the local geological deposits included a large band of shale, which had been used in the mound. At least two phases of site activity and mound construction were visible. A relatively thick deposit of mid-brown/black clay and burnt stone lay directly above the natural geological deposits, although this was visible only at the limit of the excavation, suggesting that most of this phase of activity fell outside the excavated area. There was no evidence of a hearth or trough associated with this area of the site. Slightly overlapping this layer was a stony, dark brown/grey clay deposit, presumably roughly contemporaneous. Immediately above these layers was evidence of the second phase of activity. This partially overlay the earlier phase, but its focus was farther east. A possible pit or trough was observed, cutting into the earlier layers. This was 0.94m wide and 0.17m deep. The northern edge of the cut was relatively steep, with straight sides, and boulders obscured the southern edge. The base was flat and level. The trough extended beyond the limit of excavation, and because of this the full extent could not be determined. A single, loose fill of black stony clay and burnt stone was recorded. No hearth was evident. Above the trough, the second-phase deposits took the form of a relatively thin mixed layer of grey/black clay, burnt shale and sandstone. Recent land improvement in the area was evident, including the levelling of part of the mound to fill a depression toward the south, resulting in layers of mound material overlying old sod/topsoil in places.' This description is posted on the web at the following internet address (accessed 2 August 2012): http://www.excavations.ie/ Compiled by: Denis Power Date of Upload: 2 August 2012