In conclusion, the evidence suggests this structure is a small timber-framed building in which there were two 'rooms'. To the west, the larger one was probably used as a workshop and store. Hand and seine nets may have been hung, unpicked and repaired, along with other items of piscatorial tackle. Processed fish may also have been stored here, as pottery sherds of jugs, jars and storage vessels indicate. In any case the specialised pottery assemblage suggests it was unlikely that the structure was used as a general dwelling. The eastern 'room' appears to be an annexe and contains the remains of a hearth which, at 2.5m long, would have filled the room completely.
From this evidence it may be inferred that, rather than to provide heat for the building in general, the annexe had a more specialised function such as a fish-curing installation or smoke-house (McDonnell 1981, 30). From the number of waste lead scraps it is also apparent that lead was being melted down on or near the hearth to produce net weights.
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Last updated: Thu Dec 16 1999