Mar Hall Palisaded Enclosure
Following two phases of fieldwork conducted towards the end of 2007, a data structure report has recently been submitted on the sample excavation of a major multi-palisaded ditched enclosure in the grounds of Mar Hall, Erskine. This excavation, which was undertaken by staff from AOC Archaeology Group, was carried out in advance of construction of a golf course in the grounds of the former Erskine Hospital. The work was required as a condition of planning consent issued by Renfrewshire Council on the recommendation of the West of Scotland Archaeology Service.
The initial phase of work on site took place in June and July 2007, and comprised an evaluation of areas of ground that would be disurbed during the construction of the proposed golf course. Through the excavation of trial trenches and the monitoring of topsoil removal, this evaluation served to identify three areas of potential archaeological sensitivity, all located on a ridge of land overlooking the flood plain of the River Clyde, on the eastern side of the Erskine Bridge. While trenches dug in this area served to identify a number of pits, postholes and linear features, it was apparent even at this early stage that one of these areas of sensitivity contained a substantial concentration of cut features.
As significant archaeology had been identified, a further phase of fieldwork was required on the site, and this took place in November and December 2007 in what were frequently very difficult weather conditions. The aims of this second phase of fieldwork were to expose the extent of the archaeology present, to undertake sample excavations of the various features to allow the site to be characterised, and to prepare a management plan for the reburial of the monument to allow its long-term preservation in situ. As a first stage, therefore, topsoil was removed from the areas of archaeological sensitivity identified during the evaluation phase.
In the largest of these areas, this revealed a highly significant enclosure measuring some 70m in diameter. This consisted of an outer palisade around a ditch, with two further palisades within this ditch. Within these palisades there were at least four concentric circular features, parts of which were integral to a complex west-facing entranceway. As well as the enclosure, a number of pits and a burnt mound were also identified from the area to the east of the enclosure. The plan below is reproduced from the AOC Archaeology Group data structure report.
No artefacts were found during the course of the excavation, meaning that the date and phasing of the site will be dependent on the forthcoming programme of radiocarbon dating. There is some suggestion that the enclosure may not have been constructed and used in a single phase, as the excavation evidence demonstrates that the entrance-way truncates two of the concentric palisade slots. Of course, it is not possible to say whether this represents a gap of a day or a century between the construction of these features. The entranceway in general has a width of 3m, but narrows to 1.5m at one of the palisades and to 1m at another, something that could be interpreted as representing a processional or ritual function, though it could also represent a means of controlling the number of people who could enter the enclosure abreast. The lack of finds need not be a significant factor in any assessment of the function of the enclosure, as a general paucity of finds is not uncommon from later prehistoric sites in Scotland.
Following the second phase of fieldwork, the enclosure site was covered in geotextile and a protective buffer of gravel and topsoil to a depth of at least 0.7m. This was intended to allow for the long-term preservation in situ of the unexcavated sections of the site.