Earthwork in Busherstown

Located on a low ridge running N-S at the base of a hill overlooking a tributary of the Brosna river. Moatquarter motte (TN016-003----) in Co. Tipperary 185m to NE with medieval church ruins (OF047-009----) 140m to SE. Hachured as a rectangular platform on all editions of the OS 6-inch maps. A rectangular platform (dims. 60m x 35m; max. H 2.2m) defined by a scarp with no evidence of an external fosse or entrance feature. Its close proximity to medieval church (OF047-009----) and motte may indicate possible medieval date for this site. Testing of this site by Brian Hodkinson in 1999 had revealed a series of undated, apparently parallel features of uncertain function (Excavations 1999, 255). Further work was carried out in the area of the proposed house to try to find the function and date of four of these. One of the features was ephemeral; two were parallel ditches; and the third curved across the top of one of the straight ones. None of the features was dated, and their function remains unclear. Two ditch-like features had previously been identified on this site (Excavations 1999, No. 732, and 2000, No. 807). Testing suggested that one might be a former watercourse, while the other was of indeterminate function. Monitoring of the stripping of the site in 2004 offered another chance to try and determine the date and function of the features; however, no further evidence was forthcoming. Brian Hodkinson, Annaholty, Birdhill, Co. Tipperary. 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. Date of upload/revision: 04 January 2012