Metalworking site in Cappydonnell Big

Site-specific test-trenching was carried out by Tim Coughlan of Irish Archaeological Consultancy Ltd., under licence No. E2653 as part of an archaeological mitigation programme associated with the N6 Kilbeggan to Athlone dual carriageway in addition to the main centre-line testing programme. This site was identified during site-specific testing undertaken by the writer in August 2005 (A016/025). The site was excavated between October 2005 and April 2006. The area of excavation measured c. 60m north–south by 80m. The main feature of the site was a probable medieval enclosure (OF002-021----), previously documented as a ringfort; it measured c. 50m east–west by c. 50m. Excavation results suggest that activity took place here during a number of periods and that the medieval enclosure is actually located on the site of an earlier monument. Within the internal flat platform of the large medieval enclosure were: the remains of a possible Bronze Age ring-barrow (OF002-021001-), possible associated post-holes and a stone-lined cist (OF021-021003-); possible medieval industrial pits with an associated rectangular structure; and numerous post-medieval cultivation furrows and isolated pits. The barrow was subsequently partially recut during medieval times to accommodate a large industrial furnace (OF002-021002-) with an associated area of stone metalling. Part of a human skull was found with the lower fills of the barrow. This bone may have been disturbed by the later activity in the vicinity, therefore its association with the barrow is unclear. To the north of these features was a stone-lined cist (OF002-021003-) that appeared to contain a disturbed cremation. A number of post-holes were identified between the cist and the possible barrow, although no definitive pattern has been determined. Medieval It is felt that the main enclosure (OF002-021----) – which is best described as subrectangular – was probably of medieval date. There appears to have been a subsequent phase of possible medieval industrial activity, particularly in the east of the enclosure. This includes the previously mentioned furnace and stone metalled surface. The material excavated from here was charcoal-rich and contained a considerable amount of burnt human and animal bone, nineteen amber beads and small amounts of metal and slag. A number of pits that appeared to have functioned as furnaces were identified to the east and north of the barrow recut, although only trace amounts of slag were recovered. Further analysis of samples from these features will be required to determine the precise nature of the activity. The pits were subsequently backfilled with stone/rubble, suggesting that there may have been some contemporary clearance on the site. A collection of post-holes and three hearths in the south of the site may have formed 1 or 2 possible structures, cutting the bank material, and are also thought to be broadly contemporary with the industrial pits. However, these structures nor the pits did not appear to be of a large enough scale to be contemporary with the original enclosure. An abundance of charred seed remains were recovered from these hearths, as well as from other features on the site, which will provide a more definitive chronology of activity at the site. Post-medieval The north-west area of the enclosure contained a number of probable plough furrows. These curved slightly following the line of a slightly deeper probable boundary that extended from the entrance in the north of the enclosure to the south-east/east. Other isolated features of possible post-medieval date were identified across the site. It seems unlikely that the site would ever have been cultivated as it is quite stony, but it is possible that this activity may be associated with the enclosure being set aside as a plot. It may have been subdivided into a garden/cultivation area and an area for grazing, etc. Other predominantly linear agricultural features were identified in the area to the west of the main enclosure. The area to the south-west of the main site revealed a corn-drying kiln (OF002-021004-), which was probably later used as a soak pit, as it was filled with large stones. This feature was 1.35m deep. Some human remains were identified on the site just below the sod. There was no obvious grave-cut and the remains had been badly disturbed. It is probable that they represent an individual who was not afforded a formal burial (OF002-021005-). Analysis and dating has yet to indicate if these remains are contemporary with the previously mentioned human skull from the barrow. Their location within the stratigraphy, however, could suggest that they are considerably later in date. Conclusion The results of the excavations at Cappydonnell Big have been something of an enigma. The excavation uncovered very few artefacts directly associated with the main feature on the site. Due to the shortage of significant finds, conclusive dating and understanding of the site will largely depend on environmental analysis. While it is hoped that dating evidence will resolve some of the issues and confirm the prehistoric elements of the site, the main enclosure in particular continues to ask more questions than it answers. It contains some of the elements of a number of site types – platform ringfort and moated site are just two potential classifications – but fails to fit comfortably into any specific category. The dearth of artefacts and datable material from the substantially sterile ditch fills adds to this problem. Hopefully the conclusion of all specialist analysis and dating will supply sufficient information to resolve the research agenda. This work was funded by Westmeath County Council and the National Roads Authority (Bennett 2010, 397-9). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Offaly' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by Caimin O'Brien Date of upload/revision: 08 November 2011