Enclosure in Ushnagh Hill

Two previously unrecorded enclosures (WM024-059002-) were revealed by geophysical prospection around St Patrick’s Bed (WM024-059----) (Schot 2005; 2011). The larger of the two enclosures can be traced as a shallow curving depression to the S of St Patrick’s Bed, and was shown by geophysical survey to encircle the monument. It is evidenced as a narrow, circular band of enhanced magnetic values, 0.5-1m in width and 35m in diameter, with suggestions of a second, concentric arc running 3-4m inside it. The enclosure was also mapped by resistance survey as a discontinuous ring of low resistance values. Its geophysical signature and relatively narrow width suggest it is likely to comprise the palisade trench of a timber enclosure. There are hints of a gap on the E side of the enclosure, as well as a more clearly-defined gap (1-2m wide) at the S. Two parallel (low resistance) lineations, spaced 3-4m apart, extend southwards from the latter gap, suggesting this to be a formal entrance feature. St Patrick’s Bed is located just N of the centre of the enclosure, which also overlaps with a smaller – and possibly earlier – enclosure (WM024-059002-) of similar form (Schot 2016). Compiled by: Dr. Roseanne Schot Date of upload: 08 May 2019