Gravel Pit (Disused) — Ballymaddock

Situated on top of a gravel ridge that was partially quarried between 1838 and 1908. Moated sites (OF031-038----; OF031-036----) 560m to SE and 750m to W respectively. Depicted as a rectangular shaped earthwork on the 1838 ed. OS 6-inch. On the revised 1908 ed. OS 25-inch map a disused gravel pit is depicted in the area where the rectangular enclosure was marked. No surface remains visible of any archaeological monument in the area marked on OS 6-inch map, site may have been obscured by growth of furze bushes on top of the ridge. Known locally as 'The Moat Hill' (OHAS file 1974, 6), and described as an 'ancient fort' in the OS Field Name Books (OSFNB 1838-40, 25). Described in 1974 by the Offaly Historical and Archaeological Society as situated 'At the end of a gravel ridge, covered in furze. In the south traces of an enclosure or bailey. Remains of mound to the north-west of the bailey and an encircling bank and fosse' (OHAS file 1974; Loeber 1988 vol. 5, 34). The depiction of the monument on the 1838 ed. OS 6-inch map suggests that this was a moated site. During the second half of the 19th century the ridge and moated site were quarried into leaving behind a quarry hole and earthworks which represent upcast from the quarrying as depicted on the 1908 ed. OS 25-inch map. 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: 08 May 2014