Kiln — corn-drying in Lurgan (roscommon By.)

Discovered through archaeological test excavation in association with the ‘N5 Ballaghaderreen-Scramoge Road Project’ (Ministerial Direction No. A077; Registration No. E5131). Four cereal-drying kilns associated with a ringfort (RO022-173----) were excavated and designated Kiln A – Kiln D. While none were datable, all were of typically medieval design and while broadly similar in size, they varied in their state of preservation. Nonetheless, all were interpreted as having been constructed, used, and then abandoned and collapsed in on top of themselves following a final-use fire that destroyed their contents. Three of the kilns (A, B and C) were adjacent to one another, c. 62m to the WSW of the ringfort (RO022-173----) while the fourth (D) lay c. 22m to the NE of the ringfort. Two of the kilns (B and C) extended SE beyond the limit of the excavation where their unexcavated portions survive in situ. One (Kiln B) also contained a burial (RO022-173002-) which was excavated. Kiln A A simple, unlined, elongated oval shaped kiln (L 3.28m NW-SE; Wth 1.42m: D 0.4m). Its linear flue with a chamber at the NW end were lined by redeposited natural subsoil concentrated on the W and E sides which narrowed to create a rudimentary flue. The construction phase was sealed by five fills consisting of a reddened sandy clay basal fill with frequent amounts of charcoal flecks, sealed by a dark greyish black charcoal followed by a series of several layers of charcoal and ash, all sealed by a layer of collapse that consisted of stony sandy clay with medium to large stones. No finds were recovered from this kiln. Kiln B Located 1.42m SE of Kiln A (and partially truncating and post-dating Kiln C). This was a large (L 5.4m NW-SE: Wth 1.45–2m; D 0.8m) keyhole-shaped, stone-lined kiln. The chamber at NW was concave in profile with a flat base and the flue was U-shaped in profile with a flat reddened base. Both elements were lined with angular stones to medium sized limestone blocks bonded with clay. The kiln contained seven fills related to the final use and ultimate destruction phase: a reddened sandy clay basal fill sealed by a layer of charcoal and ash, below a charcoal-rich soil layer containing frequent flecks of charcoal and occasional small stones. The southern end of the kiln collapse contained a localised deposit of limestone boulders sealing the area of the (RO022-173002-) that contained occasional bone. The chamber area also contained a localised area of fallen stone (L 3.1m; Wth 1.18m; D 0.38m) interpreted as the remains of the collapsed stone cupula superstructure from above. Elsewhere, the kiln was sealed by a uniform stony upper collapse layer containing abundant animal bones, animal teeth, frequent flecks of charcoal and medium-size sub-angular limestone. The upper fill also contained an early medieval glass bead and two undated iron objects, plus a small collection of disarticulated human remains which were thought likely to originate from the burial (RO022-173002-) Both adjacent stone-lined kilns (Kiln B and Kiln C) were overlain by a charcoal-rich layer, which was abundant in charcoal and animal bones. Kiln B extended SE beyond the limit of the excavation and its unexcavated portion survives in situ. Kiln C Located 1.32m SE of Kiln A. This stone-lined keyhole-shaped kiln (min. L 2.66m NE-SW; Wth 0.6m–1.56m: D0.53m) had a rounded chamber at NE. The flue was U-shaped in profile with a flat, reddened base. Both elements were lined with clay-bonded angular stones to medium sized limestone blocks, with partial heat-shatter evident on some of the western boulders. The kiln contained four fills related to the final use phase: a reddened sandy clay basal fill sealed by layers of charcoal and ash, below a charcoal-rich soil layer containing occasional small stones, and sealed by a uniform stony upper collapse layer containing occasional animal bone and snail shells. One find was recovered from the upper fill: a polished stone. Both adjacent stone-lined kilns (Kiln C and Kiln B) were overlain by a charcoal-rich layer, which was abundant in charcoal and animal bones. Like Kiln B, Kiln C also extended SE beyond the limit of excavation where its unexcavated portion survives in situ. Kiln D Located c. 22m NE of the ringfort and truncating a short linear ditch was a keyhole-shaped kiln (L 3.9m E-W; Wth1.4m; D 0.27m). The linear flue and chamber at E were lined with clay-bonded limestone blocks and contained five fills: a reddened clay basal fill containing a moderate amount of charcoal and some stones, sealed by a soft dark-brown to black clayey silt with charcoal containing stones, sealed by deposit of ash, and an upper fill of clayey silt containing a moderate amount of charcoal and sealed by a collapse of grey clayey silt containing medium-size sub-angular limestone. No finds were recovered from this kiln. Radiocarbon dating and environmental analysis of the bulk samples will inform when and what last crop was harvested, the construction materials used in the superstructure and the fuel used. Reference: Joe Nunan, Saoirse Bailey and Dr Paul Stevens, ‘Ballaghaderreen to Scramoge Road Project Stage (iii) Post-Excavation Assessment Report: Lurgan 3’ (Unpublished, 2022) See attached image: RO022-173003-_01 Snip of Plate 18 in Post-Excavation Assessment Report: looking E over excavated portions of Kiln B (to left) and Kiln C (to right). Note. The two kilns extend SE beyond the limits of the excavation (top of photo) where their unexcavated portions survive in situ. Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy based on information provided by Deirdre McCarthy. Date of upload: 11 August 2023