Structure — peatland in Agharrow

Within a peat layer exposed on a beach, on a NW-facing bay. A church (SL005-022001-), known as Staad Abbey, is located c. 25m NE. In May 2017 several upright timber stakes and other pieces of timber were noted in a peat layer exposed when a covering layer of loose beach cobbles had been swept away by storm/wave action. A rescue excavation (17E0317) was carried out on behalf of the National Monument Service between 27 June and 3 July 2017 to investigate and record the timber features as they were vulnerable to further erosion and possible destruction (Beglane 2018). The excavation was limited to the exposed portion (c. 30m E−W; c. 4.6m N−S; max. D 1.59m) of the peat layer. The full extent of the layer along the shoreline is concealed by beach cobbles, and it is likely that it also extends to SE−S beneath the field of damp, rush-grown pasture which borders the beach. Specialist analysis of a peat core taken during the excavation showed that the peat layer accumulated between the late Mesolithic and the late Iron Age periods in a local environment quite different from that of the present day. The seashore during that period was some distance to NW of its current position, and the peat layer formed in fen-like conditions in what had been a freshwater lake. The excavation revealed activity within the peat layer in the Bronze Age. This record refers to Middle Bronze Age activity which was represented by a total of 20 upright, in-situ wooden stakes which had been driven into the peat to form a number of lines and groupings. Several stakes had worked ends, with axe marks evident. Willow was the most common wood type used, but hazel and alder were also used. The alignment of the rows of stakes varied, some were oriented NW-SE, others NE-SW. The radiocarbon dates suggest a number of different episodes of activity. The majority of the rows were constructed within the time frame indicated by three radiocarbon dates: 1737–1531calBC; 1621–1465 calBC; 1637–1444 calBC. Two stakes had noticeably wider diameters than those in other rows, and one of these produced a radiocarbon date of 1410-1232 calBC, indicated activity later in the Middle Bronze Age. There are a number of suggested functions for the stakes. They may have 'formed hides for hunting activities, supports for wildfowling nets or maybe windbreaks or screens behind which particular activities may have taken place.' (Beglane 2018, 41). None of the lines of stakes were connected by any wattling, and for this reason the excavator concluded ‘that if they were parts of structures then the stakes are likely to have been connected and covered using fabric, netting or leather that was removed after use, suggesting that they were either temporary, or maybe used on a seasonal basis…The possibility of at least some of these stakes being used for wildfowling seems feasible. The juxtaposition of a freshwater lake near the seashore would have made this an ideal location to trap migrating birds.’ (Beglane 2018, 41). Attached mages: SL005-193----_01.JPEG General location viewed from NE, with church (SL005-022001-) in background. A ranging rod lies on the dark brown peat layer which is visible where beach cobbles have been removed by wave action. SL005-193----_02.JPEG detail of timber stakes in peat layer (pre-excavation) Compiled by: Jane O’Shaughnessy Date of revised upload: 19 December 2018