Title: |
Bellfield, North Kessock Area 1 Excavation |
Series: |
Headland Archaeology (UK) Ltd unpublished report series
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Downloads: |
headland1-55958_1.pdf (17 MB)
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Download
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Licence Type: |
ADS Terms of Use and Access
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DOI |
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Publication Type: |
Report (in Series)
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Abstract: |
Previous evaluation of the site had recorded a group of features in the excavated area. The location of a circular cropmark to the north of these features that had not been evaluated because of overhead power-lines was also excavated. The group of features were established as Neolithic while the circular cropmark was found to overlie a substantial roundhouse and associated features of Iron Age date. The Neolithic features were concentrated on the western part of the site and comprised a small circular structure and a group of pits. Little anthropogenic material was recovered from the possible structure but the pits contained a shell midden and evidence for small hearths or nut roasting. A number of fragments of possible Impressed Ware pottery were recovered along with worked flint, including a scale-flaked knife. The Iron Age roundhouse was of two phases and built on top of earlier probable Bronze Age pits. The earlier phase of the roundhouse appeared to have burnt down and was replaced with a larger house, with a substantial porch and a rear wall. Daub fragments were recovered from the latter structure, which comprised large postholes containing substantial in situ stone packing. Environmental evidence suggested the post timbers were of oak and that reeds or turf may have been used in the walls or roof. This second roundhouse also appeared to have burnt down. Rough stone paving and a fragmentary cobbled surface were laid over its remains and were associated with a number of stakeholes, suggesting continued use as a working area. This phase may be associated with a group of features to the east of the roundhouse, thought to be associated with metalworking. The structures occupied a generally flat area with a slope running down to the north and the shores of the Beauly Firth. A large midden spread associated with the occupation extended downslope. |
Author: |
E Jones
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Publisher: |
Headland Archaeology
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Other Person/Org: |
Historic Scotland (OASIS Reviewer)
Highland Archaeology Service (OASIS Reviewer)
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Year of Publication: |
2009
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Locations: |
Site: |
Bellfield North Kessock Area 1 |
Parish: |
KNOCKBAIN |
County: |
Ross and Cromarty |
Country: |
Scotland |
Grid Reference: 264400, 848530 (Easting, Northing)
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Subjects / Periods: |
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Identifiers: |
OASIS Id: |
headland1-55958 |
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Note: |
Soft bound report
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Source: |
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Relations: |
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Created Date: |
23 Nov 2016 |