Shewalton Moor
Barbed Point (Mesolithic), Lithic Implement(S) (Period Unassigned)
Site Name Shewalton Moor
Classification Barbed Point (Mesolithic), Lithic Implement(S) (Period Unassigned)
Alternative Name(s) Shewalton Sands; Shewalton Moss
Canmore ID 41920
Site Number NS33NW 16
NGR NS 3322 3662
NGR Description NS 3322 3662 to NS 3238 3726
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/41920
- Council North Ayrshire
- Parish Dundonald (Cunninghame)
- Former Region Strathclyde
- Former District Cunninghame
- Former County Ayrshire
NS33NW 16 3322 3662 to 3238 3726
Mesolithic implements found on Shewalton Moor by A D Lacaille, c.1925-28. The windblown sands on both sides of the road connecting Drybridge Station with the Ayr-Irvine turnpike have previously revealed prehistoric implements (J Smith 1895).
A D Lacaille 1939.
These flint implements are regarded as surface finds, thought to belong to one homogeneous culture and seemingly represent an isolated group. Among the flints were small slug-like flints and an imitation barbed and tanged arrowhead executed in the mesolithic technique. There is a complete absence of Burins or micro-Burins (although the latter is thought by Lacaille (1942) unlikely to by really absent and methods normally associated with Neolithic and Bronze Age flintwork are evident. A late date is suggested for this microlithic industry for it probably represents one of the final developments of our Tardenoisian, extending in time into the Bronze Age (J G D Clark 1932).
V G Childe 1935.
(NS 3322 3662 at A) "This is the nucleus of the site at the trig point".
(NS 3238 3726 at B) "This is the classic Mesolithic to Bronze Age site by the side of the River Irvine".
(A D Lacaille has given Lacaille 1937 as authority for site A and Lacaille 1939 as authority for site B. These two book references give exactly the same information as if describing the same site. I can only assume that A and B represent two concentrations of implements possibly found at different dates).
Information from C W Phillips, OS, after A C Lacaille visit to OS office, 30 September 1954.
(NS 3323 3662) Mesolithic Flint Implements found AD 1925-28 (NAT)
(NS 3236 3726) Mesolithic Implements found AD 1928 (NAT)
OS 6" map (1968)
Biserial antler barbed point (NMS HLA 1) dated by radiocarbon to 3890+/- 80bc (OxA-1947), 4050-3730 cal BC.
NMRS, MS/735/1.
Field Visit (5 October 2015)
Addyman Archaeology was contracted by JBA Consulting on behalf of the North Ayrshire Council to undertake an archaeological survey and Desk-Based Assessment (DBA) of a former landfill site known as Shewalton in Irvine, North Ayrshire.
Through the analysis of the available historical records, historic and current aerial images, and a thorough and detailed cartographic regression, the DBA identified a total of two possible cultural heritage sites within the boundaries of the development. No sites were identified during the course of the walk-over survey, as the overlying modern landfill site extends to the edges of the site boundary throughout the proposed development area.
The limekiln identified during the DBA was not recorded during the walk-over survey as its probable location was inaccessible behind a locked gate with guard dog. If construction is expected in this area, further survey will be required to determine the extent to which it survives.
Funder: North Ayrshire Council
Addyman archaeology
