Search records

Braust Andreas

Date(s): 1984

Creator(s): Centre for Manx Studies

Scope & Content: 8-page typed excavation report (copy only, original is not present)
Figures 1-5
Manuscript notes on a number of sites including this one.

Administration / Biographical History: Rescue excavation at Braust Farm, Andreas (111/9 Plot 1227 NX 425006, 100ft/o.d). During the course of fieldwalking on Braust Farm A. Skillan noticed a quantity of water worn stones and white quartz brought to the surface after ploughing. The field also contained two areas in which around a dozen sporadic patches of charcoal were present.

Plot 1227 contained a number of sub-terrain features including a sub circular bank and ditched enclosure/platform near but not immediately associated with two smaller ‘enclosures’, along with smaller circular features were noticed. Arial photographs were also examined.

The rescue excavation started on 28th Dec 1984 and Sites A to F were trial trenched, as it was feared that they would be lost:

Site A uncovered 1/5th of very fragile pot belonging to a Bronze Age cremation burial. There was no recognisable indication of any associated structure but a quantity of stone about 9-10m in diameter suggested the former existence of a mound. The collared urn contained a considerable quantity of cremated bone including some quite large pieces and an identifiable cranium. On 1st January 1985 a trial trench confirmed that there was no peripheral ditch and no further associated finds were recovered.

Site B consisted of three trial trenches. No structural remains or finds were uncovered, but 30m away a small axe-head was found and worked flints were generally abundant in the field. It was decided that this area required no further urgent work.

Sites C to F consisted of a line of 1x1m trial trenches on the various exposures of charcoal within this area. C to D contained patchy charcoal and dark soil with burnt stone; E contained burnt subsoil and a 10cm deep hollow 45cm in diameter (max); F, which was subsequently enlarged to 2m north to south, disclosed a gully with firmly bedded stones which suggested a wall slot, but no associated artefacts were found. A further trial in this area uncovered 4 clear glass dumb-bell beads. It was therefore decided that further investigation was needed as the whole site was so shallow that it was rapidly being destroyed.

Excavations continued on 1st January 1985 in area H where a 2.5m diameter x 60cm deep pit, filled with reduced and split ‘pot boiler’ stones, was exposed; no dateable artefacts were uncovered.

On 1st, 4th and 6th January 1985 further trial pits were opened in area C in the immediate vicinity of the location where the glass beads had been recovered. The trenches exposed short lengths of slots or post pits. Pit 1 contained in situ packing stones and three or four pairs of post-holes. No definite floor was obvious but the structure was thought to have been roofed.

Although the whole area was not examined in the time available, the excavator considered the structure to have been a double-post ring hut with an entrance porch. Two additional pits were present; one was a ‘fire pit’ with evidence for spits/wattle screen supports and was considered to have been industrial rather than domestic. A crucible was also uncovered from this area.

Other small finds included: utilised stones of varying shapes and sizes, a completely carbonised piece of shaped wood - possibly a ladle handle, a small piece of copper/bronze tool blade and scraps of burnt clay. In conclusion the evidence obtained from excavation and the lack of domestic artefacts is suggestive of a small-scale metal working site. The glass beads found gave a positive indication that the occupiers were not poverty-stricken.

No radiocarbon dates were obtained from this site.

People:
L.S. Garrad and volunteer team: M. Davidson, C. Longworth, B. Quayle, W. Walsh, A. Skillan, and others. Mrs. Murray (owner) and A. O’Benson (farmer)

Language: English

Collection: Manuscript Archive

Level: FILE

ID number: MS 14146/8

Access conditions: No regulations or restrictions are implemented on this material. Advance notification of a research visit is advisable by emailing library@mnh.gov.im

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