NHER 51006 (Monument record) - Iron Age roundhouse and postholes

July - October 2006. Excavation.
The most significant feature thought to date to the Iron Age was the roundhouse which was excavated in Area B. Despite a lack of dating evidence, this relatively large structure was very similar to many Iron Age examples. It is possible however that the structure was perhaps earlier in date, as Early Bronze Age roundhouses can look very similar. Two lines of postholes were also recorded, which may have formed associated structures or perhaps part of a fence line. A pair of ditches and refuse pits are also likely to be associated with this period of occupation. One of the refuse pits contained charcoal which was C14 dated to 350-290BC. There was no evidence of in situ burning so it is likely that this material was dumped from a kiln, oven or furnace nearby. Another refuse pit appears to contain burnt waste indicative of hearth sweepings and burnt bone, perhaps suggesting that this material represents the remains of food preparation. Another refuse pit contained burnt material which was C14 dated to 200-10BC, indicating Late Iron Age use.
The dating evidence from these features implies that activity on the site was concentrated in the Middle Iron Age, with use of the area continuing, but lessening, into the later period. All Iron Age activity on the site was restricted to Area B.
See (S1) for further details.
A. Cattermole (NLA), 26 September 2006.