KNOCKMARK 1
| Site Name/ Townland | Description | Basic Interpretation | Provisional dating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knockmark 1 | Pits, spreads & arrowhead | Occupation activity. | Prehistoric |
Archaeological excavation at Knockmark 1 was undertaken by ACS Ltd from April to May 2006. Post-excavation analysis is ongoing.
Preliminary Results of Excavation
Knockmark 1 was located in the southeast corner of a large arable field with the southwest and west of the site adjacent to a NNE to SSW oriented stream/field boundary.
The archaeological features and deposits, excavated at Knockmark 1 were divided into three adjacent areas, Area 1, Area 2 and Area 3, from south to north. The archaeological features consisted of a number of shallow features including cremation deposits, hearth and associated features, several pits, two medieval field boundaries and a considerable amount of prehistoric tree boles. The site was heavily washed with alluvial deposits until fairly recently and alluvial deposits have been a recurring factor of features on Knockmark 1.
Prehistoric Tree Clearance
A large number of tree boles were present and these were cut by each feature they encountered and were located in concentrated numbers within the eastern half of Knockmark, downslope away from the stream. Diagnostic Neolithic flint was found within secure contexts of some of these tree boles. All of the boles contained the organic remains of tree roots and the majority had clear evidence of in situ burning. The large number of tree root remains with charcoal and burnt clay within the tree boles was consistent throughout the site and probably indicates prehistoric slash and burn tree clearance. Large mammal bones were discovered in several of the tree boles and dating analysis for these has been recommended. There were few other archaeological features present on Knockmark. The lack of much other archaeological activity, coupled with the Neolithic flints found within these tree boles, suggess that Knockmark was a temporary camp for tree clearance during the Neolithic.
Cremation Deposits
A few cremation deposits were situated within the southernmost area, Area 1, to the south and adjacent to the stream, where there were three abutted cremation deposits at the western edge of the site. A hearth with associated pit of ash and firing material was located at the northern edge of Area 1. Evidence for other ash deposits were found in the centre of Area 2, although these features were heavily truncated by a modern field drain. Under the baulk between Area 1 and Area 2 were found two spreads with an earlier posthole, which was again truncated by a later field drain. Two medieval field boundaries, running NE-SW, roughly parallel to each other were located in the NW of Area 3 and possibly represent the shifting of field boundaries during the Later Medieval period.
Return to Section 1.
Final Report
Please click on the link below to access the final report (pdf) for Knockmark 1
| Knockmark 1 Final Report | 9.48MB |
