Good Land Makes Good Stories

Archaeological discoveries from the N80 Maidenhead Road Realignment Scheme, Co. Laois

Between November 2015 and September 2018,  Irish Archaeological Consultancy (IAC) Ltd . identified and excavated two archaeological sites in advance of the N80 Maidenhead Road Realignment Scheme. Work was carried out on behalf of  Laois County Council  and overseen by Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII), under licences issued by the Department of Arts, Heritage, Regional, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs in consultation with the National Museum of Ireland. 

N80 Scheme location

Project

The N80 Maidenhead Realignment Scheme involved the upgrade of the N80 National Secondary Road at Maidenhead Bend, Co. Laois, traversing the lowlands of Ballynagall, Maidenhead, Coolanowle, Kilcruise and Castletown. This bend is situated approximately 12.5km northwest of Carlow and approximately 16km southeast of Stradbally.

Map showing the N80 road realignment, designed to avoid the two dangerous bends (labelled 1 & 2)

Archaeological and Environmental Investigations

Two archaeological excavations and a palaeoenvironmental investigation were carried out in three locations in townlands of Maidenhead and Ballynagall, located c. 1km–2.5 km northwest of the villages of Arles, c. 3km south of Ballylynan. The area is characterised by well-drained fertile plains, interspersed with drumlins, overlying glacial boulder clays and limestone bedrock.

The two excavations consisted of a single-feature late medieval site at Ballynagall 1, and a multi-period complex site at Maidenhead 1; giving evidence of human activity and settlement spanning 3000 years. The discovery of these two previously-undocumented archaeological sites, and the resulting discoveries, scientific analyses and research, followed a rigorous phase of archaeological and built-heritage assessment of the road scheme, in advance of construction.

The palaeoenvironmental (pollen) investigation at a third location in a small pond known as ‘Black Oran’, between Ballynagall and Maidenhead, revealed a vegetation history of the local area over an 800 year-time span dating from 2000 years ago. 

    • Maidenhead 1 - Excavation
    • Black Oran - Pollen Study
    • Ballynagall 1 - Excavation

Location map showing the three sites investigated

Landscape Setting

The N80 road realignment scheme is located on flat, fertile agricultural land, currently under pasture and previously used for mixed farming and tillage. The local landscape is dominated by a prominent drumlin located to the southwest, resulting in prolific seasonal water supply in the form of streams, ponds and springs. In addition, the general area is sheltered by higher ground to the west but possesses extensive views to the east. The scheme crosses a pond known as Black Oran and two small streams. one north of Maidenhead and one between Ballynagall and Maidenhead.

Maidenhead: Excavation at the northern extent of Maidenhead recorded several meandering small streamlets, caused by ancient flood events which resulted in the formation of gravel deposits throughout antiquity. One stream channel was dated c. 752–413 BC, although these natural events were a feature of the site that continued into the early medieval period and possibly later.

Maidenhead from the north, showing IAC test trenches (left, middle-ground) and prominent hill (drumlin) to the west (background)

Black Oran Pollen Core: Located at the southern section of the scheme, a small pond known as 'Black Oran' occupied a small wooded hollow on the eastern side of the prominent drumlin in Ballynagall and Maidenhead townlands. A pollen core was taken of the pond sediments. Analysis of the pollen from the core allowed us to reconstruct the vegetation in the locality.

Aerial view of Black Oran pond from the north


Archaeological Discovery

Geophysical Survey

In April 2017,  Earthsound Geophysics Ltd . undertook an extensive programme of Geophysical Survey (using magnetometer and resistivity) of the greenfield areas of the N80 scheme. This identified a number of potential archaeological features and possible sites, including the main enclosure ditches and channels subsequently excavated at Maidenhead and several features at Ballynagall (see Location Map above) 

Yellow - Geophysical Anomalies, Red - Excavation Limit at Maidenhead (Above)

Test Trench Excavation

In March and April 2018, the route of the N80 was tested by excavating a comprehensive series of machine-dug strip or linear test trenches, supervised by IAC. This archaeological technique is commonly used to identify and quantify archaeological remains, and on the N80 resulted in the confirmation of previously-identified geophysical anomalies as archaeological sites at both Ballynagall and Maidenhead. 

Test Trenches at Ballynagall

The original bend in the road at Ballynagall, showing multiple strip trenches either side of the road.

Fine day for the ducks

Supervised mechanical test trenching, in progress. 

Test trench excavation showing multiple strip trenches.

Test trench excavation showing multiple strip trenches at Maidenhead.

Archaeological features uncovered in Maidenhead (dark and orange soils). Features are recorded, surveyed and backfilled in advance of full excavation

Test trenching at Maidenhead, looking south showing multiple strip trenches, and showing the original bend in the road

Supervising Test Trenches being pulled

Test pitting at Black Oran Pond

Excavation Results

Archaeological excavations at Maidenhead and Ballynagall were confined to the land required for road construction. Whilst archaeological features at Ballynagall were completely excavated, the full extent of the remains uncovered at Maidenhead were not uncovered and remain preserved for future generations.

Aerial view of Maidenhead mid excavation (North is to the left) (Image credit: IAC)

Excavation Results

Aerial view of Maidenhead mid excavation (North is to the left facing East)

South Facing view of Maidenhead mid-excavation

North facing view of Maidenhead excavation, September 2018

Close up of Maidenhead excavation, mid excavation June 2018 (North is left)

Close up of Maidenhead mid excavation, May 2018 (left is North)

Close up of Maidenhead mid excavation, September 2018 (left is North)

Archaeological recording at the Maidenhead excavation

On Site sieving at the Maidenhead excavation

Excavation at Maidenhead

Busy day at the office

Maidenhead excavation

Stage ii, excavation at Ballynagall, looking South, showing refilled test trenches, May 2018

Birds eye view of Ballynagall excavation, Stage ii, May 2018 (Right is north)

Stage iii excavation at Ballynagall, August 2018, Looking South East

Birds eye view of Ballynagall excavation, Stage iii, August 2018 (Top is north)

Maidenhead: Multi-period complex site

Maidenhead was the most complicated and varied archaeological site on the scheme, with three separate time periods of human activity represented. This included evidence ranging from temporary prehistoric sites to a large ringfort settlement with a large enclosing ditch and associated radiating field system. 

Excavation at the northern extend of Maidenhead recorded several meandering small streamlets, caused by ancient flood events creating low mounds of gravel throughout antiquity. One stream channel was dated c. 752–413 BC, although these natural events were a feature of the site that possibly continued into the early medieval period.

Aerial oblique image of Maidenhead, under excavation, facing northeast

Phased site plan of Maidenhead excavation

Late Bronze Age / Early Iron Age (c. 800 - 400 BC)

Maidenhead Burnt Mound / Fulacht Fia

Maidenhead Burnt Mound / Fulacht Fia

The earliest dated archaeological activity at Maidenhead was radiocarbon dated to between c. 771–544 BC, and is interpreted as a pyrolithic or hot stone site, consisting of a small burnt spread, associated trough and an adjacent gully—possibly a natural channel that was used as an adjacent water source. Charcoal, from hazel wood, from this gully was radiocarbon dated to c. 752–413 BC, suggesting these were contemporary. Other evidence of prehistoric activity included several struck flint and chert artefacts scattered throughout the site, likely to be residual finds.

Detailed Plans of Late Bronze Age / Early Iron Age features at Maidenhead excavation (Right)

Aerial Image of Late Bronze Age / Early Bronze Age features at Maidenhead (Below)

Burnt Mound showing trough and burnt spread, facing southwest

Late Iron Age / Early Medieval (c. AD 200 - 550)

Maidenhead Possible Occupation

Maidenhead Possible Occupation

Excavations at Maidenhead also revealed heavily-truncated but tantalising evidence for occupation in the period dated c. AD 265–529. This possibly indicates the former location of a circular house that would have extended beyond the limits of the excavation (up to c. 23 m in diameter), or may represent a simple semi-circular wind break.

No artefactual evidence was recovered directly from this feature, although a contemporary jet object was recovered from a nearby later ditch truncating the gully.

Detailed Plans of Iron Age / Early Medieval features at Maidenhead excavation (Right)

Aerial image of Iron Age / Early Medieval features at Maidenhead (Right)

Early Medieval (c. AD 650 - 780)

Maidenhead Ringfort and Associated Field System / Rath

Maidenhead Ringfort and Associated Field System / Rath

An extensive, if short-lived, period of settlement took place around the late 7/8th century AD at Maidenhead 1, with the construction, use, and abandonment of a rath or ringfort (i.e. a medieval farmstead) and associated field system.

This comprised a C-shaped inner enclosure, c. 30m in diameter with internal structures, waste pits and industrial activity; a southern annex with radiating field system, and an outer curving field boundary, 62m south from the rath. The full size and extent of the field system are unknown, as it extends beyond the area used for the road and so remains preserved. However, the marshy area and intercutting streams immediately to the north, may have acted as a natural boundary to the settlement.

The rath entrance faced to the west, and the enclosed area had an occupation surface interspersed with a confusing linear pattern of intercutting pits, two cereal-drying kilns and drainage gullies that are tightly radiocarbon dated to c. AD 708–774, contemporary with the enclosing ditches. Activity within these features demonstrated oat and some wheat were the main crop harvested and processed on site. Domestic livestock (cows, sheep and pigs) were bred for meat, traction, dairy and wool; complemented occasionally by horseflesh and perhaps, venison.

Artefactual and environmental evidence was indicative of an early medieval domestic settlement and arable (oat and some wheat) production, small-scale craft, including metalworking and possibly-antler working. Some finds recovered were most likely from disturbance to the earlier Iron Age activity below the rath.

The archaeological evidence is confirmed by an adjacent paleoenvironmental study that shows a significant period of forest clearance in the 7th century AD as the landscape was opened up for arable and pastoral farming. 

Detailed Plans of Maidenhead Ringfort and Associated Field System / Rath at Maidenhead excavation (Right)

Aerial image of Maidenhead Ringfort and associated Field System / Rath features at Maidenhead (Below)

Selection of early medieval finds at Maidenhead

Copper alloy Buckle

Blue glass bead

Bone Spindle Whorl

Post-medieval (c. AD 1650 - 1800)

Maidenhead Field Boundary

Maidenhead Field Boundary

This feature was dated by a 18/19th century clay pipe fragment fused with a piece of mortar. It was parallel to the earlier early medieval field boundary to the south, which it replaced.

Detailed plan of post-medieval field boundary at Maidenhead excavation (Right)

Aerial overview of post-medieval field System September 2018 (Below).

Ballynagall Cereal-drying kiln

Ballynagall Cereal-drying kiln

Ballynagall 1 was discovered during advance archaeological testing. Two archaeological features were excavated by David Bayley, IAC director – a late medieval cereal-drying kiln and an isolated post-hole (date and function unknown).

Charcoal (from cherry or blackthorn wood) from within the kiln was radiocarbon dated to c. AD 1658–1950, but most likely used in the 17th–19th century.

The function of this kiln was to slowly dry crops for thrashing. Unfortunately, no charred seeds were recovered from the excavation, although the charcoal recovered was almost-exclusively elm wood with only fragments of willow, alder and hazel—suitable for wattling–and probably used in the wattle and daub cupola or dome superstructure. Elm may also have been used as fuel. 

Ballynagall Kiln, mid-excavation, facing south

The remains of the feature comprised two chambers, separated by a ridge. One chamber would have been used to contain the fire (the fire pit), while the other chamber was used for drying (e.g. grain). Parts of the drying chamber revealed a reddened clay soil containing fragments of burnt clay and charcoal – this was remains of dome after it collapsed.

Similar cereal-drying kilns are found throughout Ireland on many archaeological sites, and date from late prehistory to the post-medieval / early modern period.

Aerial Survey and Photogrammetry

Aerial view of Maidenhead, facing north

Drone flights were flown during the course of the projects of the whole scheme. The images from some of the surveys were combined using specialist software to produce a 3D model, Digital Elevation Model (DEM) and an orthorectified plan image (Orthomosaic) of Maidenhead 1.

3D Model of Maidenhead (Image credit: IAC)

DEM / ORTHORECTIFIED IMAGE


Specialist Analyses

Artefacts and samples recovered from the excavations at Maidenhead, Black Oran and Ballynagall were submitted for specialist analysis to experts across the island of Ireland. The results of the expert analyses provided a much deeper understanding of the nature of the archaeological and environmental findings and helped placed the findings in a wider contemporary context.

Knives Out!

Knives Out!

Twenty-one fragments of knives were found during excavations at Maidenhead. Only the iron blades, or fragments of the blades, have survived as they would have had organic handles such as wood or bone which do not always survive when buried in the ground. During the early medieval and medieval periods people would have carried their knives on them for use when needed, for example, when eating a meal but they were also used for various crafts including woodworking and leather-working. Two of the knives from Maidenhead appear to be particular types which were used as ‘trencher knives’ for smoothing the edges of loaves of bread.

Knife fragments found during the Maidenhead excavations (Right)

Stone hones or whetstones were used during the initial manufacture of knives and bladed tools but they were also used to keep blades sharp on a day-to-day basis. The most common hones were a simple, rectangular shape but they were produced in all shapes and sizes which probably reflected the different uses to which they were put. Seven were found at Maidenhead which included one small hone which has a hole for a cord so the owner could have carried it with them to sharpen their blade when required.

Whetstones found during the Maidenhead excavations (Right)

Imperial Roman Jet Jewellery in Maidenhead!

Jet Jewellery in Maidenhead

A partial fragment of Imperial Roman jet or jet-like arm bracelet was uncovered, close to the contemporary Late Iron Age gully (above). The object was part of a three-part hinged composite bracelet— many of which were decorated with gold-hinged termini. These were common throughout the Imperial Rome Empire in the 3rd century AD.

Internal view of the jet bracelet fragment (right)

However, such finds are rare outside the Roman Empire, and this is only the second of its type discovered on the Island of Ireland, the other came from a jet-workshop recovered during the 1968 excavations at- Cathedral Hill, Armagh City.

Site view of jet bracelet fragment (right)

Reconstruction drawing of jet bracelet found at Maidenhead

3D photogrammetry model of jet bracelet fragment

(Model Credit: IAC Archaeology)

Charcoal: analysis and insights

Charcoal: analysis and insights

In the past, gathering firewood was a time consuming and constant task. People probably gathered firewood from any local woodlands or forests, as close to their home as possible in order to save carrying wood. Therefore, it is likely that the remains of past fires in hearths, or maybe dumped in pits, are fairly representative of local woodlands. Analysis of the charcoal recovered from Maidenhead has shown that a variety of trees were burnt at the site. Hazel, oak and ash were mainly used. Other trees, including wetland trees such as willow and alder and smaller scrub trees such as blackthorn, cherry and apple were used occasionally or specifically in one activity. So people were exploiting different types of woodlands – oak with hazel under-storey and wet alder and willow woods. 

Hazel charcoal under a microscope (Right)

Another aspect that archaeological charcoal can shed light on is the wood used for structures in the past, if a house was maybe burnt to the ground and pieces of the carbonised wood survived. At Maidenhead, it is likely that at least one post was made from oak, a strong and dense wood which has been used for building in Ireland from the prehistoric period. The majority of the charcoal samples were from pits at Maidenhead, where people could have cleaned out their hearths and dumped the ashy, charcoal remains, providing us with evidence of all their local woods.

Ash charcoal under a microscope (right)

The Plant Remains: arable production

The Plant Remains: arable production

Charred seeds and cereal grains were found in some of the early medieval deposits excavated at Maidenhead, with most coming from samples that were dated to the late 7th or the 8th centuries. They included grains of oat and wheat and some hazelnut shell fragments. There were also a few seeds from plants that were probably weeds, accidentally harvested with the arable crop.

Cobnuts (right)

Oat was the most common item found and this is typical in the early medieval period. We know that it was one of the easiest crops to grow because it is more tolerant of the cool, damp Irish climate than wheat or barley. It was probably used as an ingredient in a variety of recipes; for porridges and gruels, for flat oatcakes and, in times of plenty, for animal fodder.

Charred grain (right)

Pollen Analysis: reconstructing ancient landscapes

Pollen Analysis: reconstructing ancient landscapes

As part of the N80 Scheme, a pond known as ‘Black Oran’ was cored by a team from the Palaeoenvironmental Research Unit, National University of Ireland, Galway in 2018. Using specialised equipment, a core (tube of sediment) measuring 97cm was extracted from the pond.

Aerial Oblique view of Black Oran Pond (Right)

Fossil pollen was chemically extracted from the sediment. This pollen is exceptionally useful in providing insights into human activity, in particular farming, as there are several key pollen types that originate from plants strongly associated with people. The different pollen present can be used to reconstruct environmental change and land-use history in the area over time.

Coring at Black Oran, Maidenhead, N80, beneath a canopy of willow and alder. The core recovered consisted of organic-rich sediments overlying water deposited clays (Right)

The resulting pollen diagram from Black Oran covers a time period of c. 800 years spanning the Late Iron Age into the early medieval. During this time period, the surrounding vegetation changed from a relatively open fern-rich hazel scrub with evidence for cereal cultivation to a woodland dominated landscape with minimal evidence for human impact. The main tree present during this period of c. 500 years was hazel but tall canopy trees, elm and ash, were also present. Willow probably grew in the wet soils around the pond much as it does today. The evergreen tree yew also played a role in the woodland shortly after c. AD 200. Extensive woodland clearance in the context of renewed farming, both pastoral and arable, is recorded from c. AD 600 when pollen of plants such as grass, ribwort plantain, dandelions, buttercups and cereals become more prevalent in the record.

Grass in flower and its pollen (left); hazel leaves and pollen (right)

Percentage Pollen Diagram for Black Oran (Right)

The Animal Bones: early medieval farming

The Animal Bones: early medieval farming

Animal husbandry was an important part of early medieval farming and the faunal evidence from Maidenhead comprises a mixture of material from domestic activities together with primary slaughter waste. Butchery marks show food production and consumption was the main activity.

Dog mandible recovered from Maidenhead excavation (right) possibly from the remains of a hunting dog

Beef formed the bulk of the animal protein consumed by the occupants of the enclosure followed by almost equal amounts of mutton and pork. Animals were slaughtered and butchered in the settlement. Cattle were used for traction, meat and dairy production, sheep were providers of meat and wool, and pigs were bred for meat alone. A small number of horses were also eaten. 

Cut antler tine recovered from Maidenhead excavation (right) may also indicate limited craft production at the sites (e.g. knife handles or antler combs).

Radiocarbon Dates

Calibrated Radiocarbon dates

c. 800 - 400 BC Maidenhead

Burnt Mound Spread/Fulacht Fia

c. AD 200 Black Oran Pond (pollen)

Extensive Woodland Clearance 

c. AD 200 – 550 Maidenhead

Curving Gully – Possible Settlement 

c. AD 600 Black Oran Pond (pollen)

Pastoral and Arable Farming 

c. AD 650 – 880 Maidenhead

Ringfort/Rath & Field System

c. AD 1650 – 1800 Maidenhead

Field Boundary

c. AD 1658 – 1900 Ballynagall

Cereal-drying Kiln 

It takes a village

It takes a village. Click to expand.

Where our specialists are

IAC Archaeology

IAC Archaeology. Click to expand.

IAC is an award winning archaeological and built heritage consultancy with offices in Kilcoole and Belfast. Which provides a comprehensive range of heritage services to private and public sector clients both North and South of the Border.

14CHRONO Centre

14CHRONO Centre. Click to expand.

Radiocarbon Dating

Dr Penny Johnston

Dr Penny Johnston. Click to expand.

Plant Macro Analysis

Dr Lorna O'Donnell

Dr Lorna O'Donnell. Click to expand.

Charcoal Specialist

Margaret McCarthy

Margaret McCarthy. Click to expand.

Animal Bone Analysis

Dr Karen Molloy, NUIG

Dr Karen Molloy, NUIG. Click to expand.

Pollen Analysis

Siobhan Scully

Siobhan Scully. Click to expand.

Finds Analysis

Dr Paul Stevens

Dr Paul Stevens. Click to expand.

Jet/Lignite Jewellery Specialist

Shane Delaney

Shane Delaney. Click to expand.

Lithic Specialist

It takes a village

Where our specialists are

IAC Archaeology

IAC is an award winning archaeological and built heritage consultancy with offices in Kilcoole and Belfast. Which provides a comprehensive range of heritage services to private and public sector clients both North and South of the Border.

14CHRONO Centre

Radiocarbon Dating

Dr Penny Johnston

Plant Macro Analysis

Dr Lorna O'Donnell

Charcoal Specialist

Margaret McCarthy

Animal Bone Analysis

Dr Karen Molloy, NUIG

Pollen Analysis

Siobhan Scully

Finds Analysis

Dr Paul Stevens

Jet/Lignite Jewellery Specialist

Shane Delaney

Lithic Specialist


Architectural Surveys

Victorian / early modern (AD 1800–1900)

In March 2016, IAC undertook architectural and built heritage surveys for the scheme. This included a full record and survey of built heritage features or structures ranging from the post-medieval period to the recent past.

Castletown House

The original cast iron gates and recessed entranceway to the demesne associated with Castletown House (c. 1830), were recorded as a rare feature of the estate and was retained in situ. A section of 17m of derelict contemporary demesne wall was also recorded and removed for this scheme. 

Dunlop’s map of the Plantation of Leix, showing Castleto[w]n, AD 1563.

The estate house previously functioned as a rectory associated with a nearby church, but possibly replaced an earlier structure, depicted as ‘Castleton’ on Robert Dunlop's map, 1563. A motte is recorded northwest of the house and Castletown is recorded as the manorial centre of Ui Buidhe (Oboy)—the pre-Norman territory given to Robert de Bigarz by Strongbow before 1176. 

Castletown Demesne (1838), Ordnance Survey (Image credit: OSI, reproduced with permission under TII National Mapping Agreement)

Formal entrance to Castletown House, facing southwest

Castletown Demesne, original cast iron gates, facing south

Castletown Demesne, recessed gateway, facing south 

Maidenhead House

The original gated entrance way to the landed estate or ‘demesne’ associated with early-mid. 19th century Maidenhead House, associated with the Bambrick family, is a rare feature of the estate and was moved back away from the roadway and retained.

Maidenhead Demesne, Google Maps (2016) 

Maidenhead Demesne, Ordnance Survey (1838) (Image credit: OSI, reproduced with permission under TII National Mapping Agreement)

View southwest through the entranceway

Close-up of the two gate piers, facing west

Victorian Post Box

This is a rare early example that was wall-mounted within the Castletown House demesne wall. It was retained in situ, and is still in use today

The Victorian post box in its setting


Summary

A brief summary of the results of the archaeological, architectural and palaeoenvironmental investigations, undertaken in advance of the N80 Maidenhead Road Realignment scheme, are presented here in this StoryMap. These findings have resulted in a greater understanding of the later prehistoric and early medieval settlement and farming activity of the county. It has revealed evidence for three previously-undiscovered archaeological monuments in the area; added to the growing evidence for the short life spans of some early medieval ringforts, and also produced an unexpected and rare imported Roman artefact.

Four archaeological phases of activity were excavated: a Late Bronze Age/early Iron Age Burnt Mound; a late Iron Age/early medieval structure; a large early medieval rath/ringfort with radiating fields and a post-medieval cereal-drying kiln. In addition, architectural/built heritage surveys identified rare ornate fixtures from the two large demesne estates in the area, including a rare Victorian post-box.

Further reading: watch out for more news and journal articles on the N80 Maidenhead.

Post-excavation work is still ongoing however, on completion the final archaeological reports on the M80 Maidenhead realignment scheme excavations will be available to downloand at the  Irish Digital Repository  in due course

Acknowledgements

Specials thanks to everyone involved in the project, especially the fieldwork and survey teams, site supervisors, office and support staff, post-excavation team and specialists. All works were funded by Laois County Council and works were overseen by Kildare NRO and TII Project Archaeologists. All images are owned by IAC Archaeology, unless otherwise specified. Ordnance Survey maps are reproduced with permission, under the TII National Mapping Agreement.

Key personnel are as follows:

Adrian Barrett, LCC; Sandra Southern, LCC

Áine Tynan, Éanna Fallon & Bryan Kennedy (Executive Engineer)

 Transport Infrastructure Ireland  (TII) Project Archaeologist

Noel Dunne & James Eogan, TII

Archaeological Consultants

IAC Senior Archaeologist

Tim Coughlan, IAC

IAC Post-Excavation Manager

Dr Paul Stevens, IAC

IAC Site Director

David Bayley, IAC

Project Environmental Specialist

Palaeo-environmental Specialist

Finds Specialist

Siobhán Scully, IAC

Jet/Jet-like Jewellery

Dr Paul Stevens, IAC 

Lithic Artefacts

Shane Delaney, IAC

Finds Conservation

Susannah Kelly

Charcoal Specialist

Archaeobotanical Specialist

Dr Penny Johnston

Radiocarbon Dating

Dr Stephen Hopper & Dr Paula Reimer,  14-CHRONO Lab, QUB 

Animal Bone Specialist

Margaret McCarthy

Built Heritage Assessment

Faith Bailey, IAC

Illustrations / StoryMap Production

Dave Moore, Sophie Sanders, Robert Burns, Katie O'Mahony, Siobhán Scully, Paul Stevens, IAC

Maidenhead from the north, showing IAC test trenches (left, middle-ground) and prominent hill (drumlin) to the west (background)

Aerial view of Black Oran pond from the north

Yellow - Geophysical Anomalies, Red - Excavation Limit at Maidenhead (Above)

Aerial view of Maidenhead mid excavation (North is to the left) (Image credit: IAC)

Aerial oblique image of Maidenhead, under excavation, facing northeast

Phased site plan of Maidenhead excavation

Aerial view of Maidenhead, facing north

DEM / ORTHORECTIFIED IMAGE

Calibrated Radiocarbon dates

Ballynagall Kiln, mid-excavation, facing south