Archaeological excavation (02E0462) of the enclosure (ME048-031001-) also recorded seven areas associated with iron production, including three outside the enclosure. The largest area with the earliest date was c. 12m SE of the enclosure and produced a number of furnaces and hearths, one of which has a radiocarbon date of Cal. AD 240-540. Three principal deposits were over the sealing of the Phase 1 and 2 ditches of the enclosure and produced dates of Cal. AD 670-960, Cal AD 680-980, and Cal. AD 650-890. A cobbled work-surface sealed one of the iron-working deposits. The ditches themselves produced iron slag, and a ring-pin with scrolling terminals dated to the seventh to tenth centuries came from the Phase 2 ditch. The smithing activity within the enclosure could have pre-dated or post-dated its use as a burial ground. The last iron-working was a smithing hearth over the fill of the Phase 3 ditch with a date of Cal. AD 1420-1650. (Clarke and Carlin 2008, 73-5; Clarke 2008) Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 14 August 2019

Description Source: Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage