Dun Knock Excavations 2015 Data Structure Report. SERF Report

Poller, T. and Campbell, E. (2015) Dun Knock Excavations 2015 Data Structure Report. SERF Report. Project Report. University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.

Abstract

As part of the SERF hillfort programme, Dun Knock was investigated in June and July 2015. Three trenches were excavated and extended the investigations which had been conducted by SERF in 2008 and by GUARD in 2009. The results highlighted the complex construction of the multi‐ditched enclosure noted first as a cropmark on aerial photographs. Trench E extended across the projected line of the five cropmark ditches. Of the five ditches noted on the aerial photograph, only four were possibly identified within the trench and of these only two have produced datable material. One ditch contained sherds of Late Neolithic pottery and a complete upturned bowl at its terminal. Within another ditch, which showed signs of recutting, metalworking debris, including a crucible, had been dumped along its inner edge. Below this ditch a broad terrace was cut into the slope. The terrace may have removed the traces of an earlier ditch. A series of pebble and cobble surfaces had been laid on the terrace before, in a later phase, a low rough curvilinear wall was constructed. Two trenches were excavated across the S slopes of Dun Knock, within a wooded area, to explore possible lines of ramparts. Trench G did not produce any conclusive evidence for a rampart. Trench F did reveal the remains of a rampart characterised by a narrow palisade slot defining its back end with a rough stone facing along the front. The earthen material dumped behind the stone facing included fragments of vitrified stone and pottery sherds, suggesting the incorporated of material from a previous occupation on the site.

• Item Type: Research Reports or Papers (Project Report)
• Status: Published
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Campbell, Dr Ewan and Poller, Dr Tessa
• Authors: Poller, T., and Campbell, E.
• College/School: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Archaeology
• Publisher: University of Glasgow