be the remains of crudely formed fireboxes and chimney bases attributed to two different hut

features. The topmost stratum encountered in these excavations consisted of a concentration of

loose rubble set in a clay matrix containing large amounts of burnt clay. This initial deposit was

likely formed from the clay daub of the collapsed stick and mud chimney and stone base for the

firebox. Once the overburden of clay daub and loose rocks was excavated the fireboxes for the

hut sites were very evident (overall excavation sequence). (explain location of fireboxes and

position of hut walls).

Figure 4. Detail of hearth showing location of fireback.

In terms of the details of the fireboxes, the fireboxes for these huts consisted of rock set

into scorched clay. This burnt clay and rock was roughly U-shaped with the interior containing a

dense ash deposit. Excavation of this ash revealed the interior of the firebox with a distinct area

of bright red clay at the base. This burned clay is the subsoil scorched by the hut occupant’s

fires. The ash within this firebox contained numerous small burnt nails and chunks of burned

clay. The nails are possibly the remains of boxes (such as cracker boxes) used by the soldiers for

kindling and the burnt clay is likely from the clay lining of the flue that periodically flaked into

the hearth. No evidence for the hut walls were encountered—either in the form of post holes or

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