VOLUME 6 ISSUE 2

Environmental Fact Sheet

March 2008 Northern Ireland’s Historic Environment NORTHERN IRELAND ENVIRONMENT LINK ENVIRONMENTAL FACT SHEET Introduction

Northern Ireland has a long and fascinating history of human occupation. For nearly 10,000 years people have been making their homes on the island and leaving their marks on the landscape and environment. There is hardly a place here that does not bear the imprint of human use and habitation, and much of the landscape and environment which we see today has been influenced, if not determined, by our forbearers.

This Fact Sheet presents the views of some of the foremost authorities on our archaeological heritage on many aspects of that heritage. It spans academic research, commercial excavations and government protection, with a final section looking at various ways which the heritage can promoted to a wider audience.

Although Northern Ireland is often seen as a divided society, our common heritage goes back much farther than the divisions. By promoting this rich common heritage we can move forward into a united future through community development, promoting heritage tourism and encouraging local pride.

The Northern Ireland Archaeology Forum was launched in October of last year by Tony Robinson and the Time Team. The Forum aims to raise archaeology up the public and political agendas and to ensure that we learn from the past about how to live today in harmony with our environment and respecting our heritage.

A future Fact Sheet will concentrate on the built heritage.

Northern Ireland Environment Link

Northern Ireland Environment Link is the forum and networking body for organisations interested in the environment of Northern Ireland. It assists members to develop views on issues affecting the environment and to influence policy and practice impacting on the natural and built environment of Northern Ireland. Full Members

Mo nk st own Co mmunit y For u m Greencastle A rea Residents Group International Tree Foundation

NI Cycling Initiative

U ls t er Archaeological S oc i e ty

Ulster Society for the P rotection of the Countryside

Northern Ireland’s Historic Environment 2 March 2008 NORTHERN IRELAND ENVIRONMENT LINK ENVIRONMENTAL FACT SHEET Contents Section One: Setting the Scene 4 Valuing heritage, understanding where we come from Gabriel Cooney, School of Archaeology, University College Dublin

5 A short history of people in Northern Ireland Paul Logue, Built Heritage, Environment and Heritage Service, DoE

7 Written on the landscape Thomas McErlean, Centre for Maritime Archaeology (CMA), University of Ulster

9 The value and extent of the historic environment in Northern Ireland Claire Foley, Built Heritage, Environment and Heritage Service, DoE

Section Two: Learning from the Past 11 Lessons from the past Colm J. Donnelly; School of Geography, Archaeology & Palaeoecology; Queen’s University Belfast

12 Climate change - adaptation and archaeology Mike Heyworth and Gill Chitty, Council for British Archaeology

14 The Nendrum tide mills - tidal energy in the 7th and 8th centuries AD Thomas McErlean, Centre for Maritime Archaeology, University of Ulster

16 Excavations at Dunnyneill Island, Strangford Lough Philip Macdonald, Centre for Archaeological Fieldwork, Queen’s University Belfast

19 Conserving the cultural landscape Nicki Whitehouse; Palaeoecology Centre; School of Geography, Archaeology & Palaeoecology; QUB Section Three: Techniques and Protection

21 Tools to protect the heritage Claire Foley, Built Heritage, Environment and Heritage Service, DoE

24 Cross-border heritage co-operation: an archaeological perspective Ian Doyle, The Heritage Council for Ireland

25 Archaeological fieldwork - a thing of the past? Tim Howard and Peter Hinton, Institute of Field Archaeologists

27 Developer funded archaeology Stephen Gilmore, Northern Archaeological Consultancy Ltd Section Four: Raising Archaeology up the Agenda 29 To have and to hold: archaeology and the Ulster Museum Cormac Bourke, Ulster Museum

30 Engaging with Archaeology Days Malachy Conway, The National Trust Northern Ireland

32 Young Archaeologists’ Club: An opportunity for 6-16 year olds to learn about their past Naomi Carver; Centre for Archaeological Fieldwork; School of Geography, Archaeology & Palaeoecology; QUB

35 Downpatrick Young Archaeologists’ Club Mike King, Down County Museum

36 The Ulster Archaeological Society William Dunlop, Ulster Archaeological Society

37 Northern Ireland Archaeology Forum Sue Christie, Northern Ireland Environment Link

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Valuing heritage, understanding where we come from Gabriel Cooney, School of Archaeology, University College Dublin

When most people think of What makes Northern Ireland, archaeology what comes to mind is indeed the whole island of Ireland, what archaeologists do – excavate, special is that it has such a rich and not what they are setting out tapestry of archaeological evidence to achieve – to understand the past from the past. This of course has using a wide variety of approaches, an economic value as a tourist including excavation. But that attraction, from megalithic tombs concept of archaeological excavation like Newgrange to castles such as is very useful as a way of thinking Dunluce Castle. But even more about archaeology as a form of fundamentally it is the physical heritage. When archaeologists expression of who we are, and excavate an urban or rural site where we have come from. Of they are encountering and dealing course the history of Ireland is with the material remains of past also one that has seen conflict human lives. That in essence is Dunluce Castle, County Antrim and contestation and part of the

Setting the Scene what archaeology consists of; the challenge of understanding the past physical expression of life and archaeology; looking at the course and presenting it today is putting societies in the past. This can be of human history as it was created the past in context, relating it to the seen at a large scale in terms of by human actions and decisions. present, understanding how history how people shaped the landscape What makes archaeology special can been seen in very different and environment, at the medium is that it is the only discipline ways. Today, of course, there is also scale of how they organised their and approach that allows us to the exciting challenge of presenting lives and spaces in the places they explore right back to the first the past to an increasingly culturally built, where they lived, played and human settlement of Ireland diverse society, where a significant prayed and at the small, human about 8000 BC. That exploration number of people have come to live scale it can be observed in the is complemented by written on the island who have little or no things they made, used and lost. records, from the middle of the first link with or knowledge of the Irish millennium AD as we move into the past. It is in the nature of things that the historic period. This focus on the landscape, buildings and technology material world created by people We are living in a time of great change over time. This of course brings archaeology right up into change, when our material is the other fascinating aspect of contemporary times. surroundings can alter very quickly. ‘That you don’t know what you have got ‘til it is gone’, a snippet from a Joni Mitchell song, encapsulates why it is important to record, document and disseminate information about the archaeological heritage. We need to understand that heritage to understand where we have come from and we need to take that knowledge into account in planning and changing for the future, to ensure that we have the best evidence-based policies and strategies to make decisions about how we sustain that heritage and Corrstown, Bronze Age Village, County Derry live today.

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A short history of settlement in Northern Ireland Paul Logue, Built Heritage, Environment and Heritage Service, DoE

In Northern Ireland archaeologists brought with it a need to enclose can trace human habitation back the landscape. Examples of Setting the Scene to around 9,000 years ago, in what prehistoric field walls have been we term the Mesolithic or Middle found in Northern Ireland, often in Stone Age. Our first settlers were bog or upland where they survive hunter gatherers who used flint below the peat. Indeed, the growth and stone tools and survived by of the peat itself was somewhat hunting, fishing and the gathering initiated by our Neolithic ancestors of wild plant foods. Their landscape in their clearing and farming of the would have initially consisted of landscape. The settlement pattern hazel scrub along with gradually would have been a dispersed establishing woods of larger trees one, with increasing clearings such as oak, ash, elm and pine. In in the virgin forest occupied by time much of the landscape would groups of clustered houses with have come to resemble the wooded their associated enclosures, crops slopes of Belfast’s Cave Hill today, and livestock. To this picture we Craigs Court Tomb, County interspersed with rivers and lakes. can add the megalithic tombs of Antrim Northern Ireland in which we have The largest wild game animal Europe and by 6,000 years ago the our first evidence for religious available to our earliest ancestors effects of this were beginning to be beliefs. Various tomb types were was the wild pig. Birds such as seen in Northern Ireland. Dating to constructed during the Neolithic the wood pigeon and woodcock around 4,000 BC, archaeologists period and their morphology and also provided food, but most of have identified the remains of contents have led archaeologists to the ‘meat’ element involved in a cereals and domestic animal bones see this period of our past as one Mesolithic meal would have come in that mark the introduction of of ancestor worship with a focus the form of fish. One of our earliest agriculture into our landscape. As on community rather than the settlements was at Mountsandel, with the rainforests today, in order individual in society. on the River Bann just outside to grow crops people began to Coleraine. There, around 9,000 clear the landscape and we see a As the Neolithic period drew to a years ago, a group of people, reduction in tree cover throughout close, instead of the construction of probably representing an extended Northern Ireland during this period megalithic tombs people begin to family, had a camp consisting of of our history, which is termed erect larger monuments of timber beehive huts around 5 metres the Neolithic, or New Stone Age. and earth. One such example is the across with hearths, storage pits The period is also marked by the large circular henge enclosure at the and other infrastructure. During widespread adoption of pottery, Giants Ring outside Belfast, which this hunter gatherer phase of early which seems to be absent from the is believed to be a location at which settlement people moved around Mesolithic. House types also change large communities gathered to mark Northern Ireland during the different and the earliest farmers in Northern specific events or times of the year. seasons taking advantage of Ireland lived in rectangular houses different locations in the landscape made with walls of wooden posts With the dawn of the Bronze Age at various times of the year. For and planks. In ground plan, these in Northern Ireland, around 4,500 example, the Mountsandel people houses were comparable in size to, years ago, we see the gradual may have located their camp on the if not usually bigger than, modern introduction of metal into the Bann in order to exploit the autumn terraced housing. every day experience of people salmon runs there. here. Existing tool types, such as In order to keep hungry livestock stone axes and flint knives, were As the centuries wore on advances from devouring crops the transformed into new forms made were made in agriculture throughout introduction of agriculture also in copper and bronze. Alongside

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this the predominant house type in such as the Dorsey and Danes Another marker in Northern Ire- Northern Ireland had become round Cast, which probably mark tribal land’s past came in 1177 AD when in shape rather than rectangular. boundaries. Later writers harked John De Courcy and a group of During the Bronze Age people back to this time in the stories of Anglo Norman adventurers decided settled the landscape in ever the Táin and Cuchulainn, the Hound to carve out by force a territory in increasing numbers and much of of Ulster. eastern Ulster. Initially successful, the previously avoided lowlands, the small territory they won from with their heavier soils, became the native rulers expanded to cover During the fifth century AD occupied. Settlements got larger much of modern counties Antrim Christianity was introduced to too, with a Bronze Age village and Down along with parts of Ar- Northern Ireland on an increasingly containing many houses recently magh and Londonderry. It became wider scale. The raths and cashels discovered at Portrush, Co Antrim. an earldom and is marked in the (ringforts) of our landscape were Burial practices in the Bronze landscape today by defensive sites Age focused on the individual built from this time on until the such as Carrickfergus and Dun- with many people buried in below 1000s. These sites consisted of drum castles along with the many ground stone-lined graves termed earthen or stone banks and outer mottes - earthen mounds for timber cists. Society had become more ditches enclosing a roughly circular castles - such as those at Antrim or hierarchical with chiefs, perhaps area within which our ancestors Dromore. The Anglo-Normans also even royalty, and along with this we built round wooden houses. Society brought their brand of Christian- see the rise of defensive sites such was still a farming one with much ity to Northern Ireland, introducing as hill forts and increasing personal emphasis on the ownership of orders such as the Dominicans and cattle. Status was visible in the Setting the Scene wealth, evidenced by the many Cistercians to sites like Inch Ab- gold pieces of jewelry that Ireland landscape with ringforts displaying bey, near Downpatrick. They also as a whole is renowned for at this a message to passersby in the founded what could be described time. As the Bronze Age progressed, number of banks surrounding the as Northern Ireland’s first proper climate deterioration, increased houses within. An ordinary ringfort, towns, some of which, like Cole- settlement and clearance of the probably the dwelling of a successful raine, Antrim and Carrickfergus, are landscape led to bog formation. farmer, had one bank around it, still with us today. New agricultural The deposition of much metalwork nobility would mark their status with practices and wider trading links in open water and wetland at this two banks and a royal site occupied were also introduced during the time may be one response from by a king, such as Lisnagade Co medieval period. A native, or Gaelic, society to this environmental Down or Dunglady Co Londonderry, revival in the later medieval period change, in that they may have would usually have three or saw the Anglo-Norman dynasties been asking their gods to intercede. sometimes more banks surrounding in Northern Ireland supplanted or it. Not everyone lived in a ringfort, become hibernised. Both the agri- with the bulk of the population cultural and town building programs residing in unenclosed sites gradually subsided until the period throughout the ever increasingly of plantations in the later 1500s and farmed landscape; during these early 1600s when Northern Ireland centuries the final ‘wild’ areas of again witnessed agricultural reform our landscape were being cleared and a renewal of town building. for farming. By now the remaining stands of woods were managed It is important to remember that the Beaghmore Stone Circle, County Tyrone for sustainability. The great environment and landscape which ecclesiastical centre of Armagh we inhabit has been inherited from Around 2,500 years ago iron was emerged during this period, along our ancestors, not just those from introduced into Northern Ireland with many of our other church sites. and archaeologists term the period the recent past but from a long line The bulk of these early churches from then until 400 AD as the Iron of peoples going back thousands of and their enclosures are now buried years. Whether present generations Age. During that period of our past beneath more modern examples. realise it or not, these peoples we have little evidence for the However, at places like Nendrum on ordinary person and those centuries Strangford Lough and Devenish on have helped to shape the Northern seem to be marked by a rise in Lough Erne visitors can still see and Ireland that we see and experience large defensive earthwork systems, experience such early sites. today.

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Written on the landscape Thomas McErlean, Centre for Maritime Archaeology, University of Ulster

The landscape can be read as a Among the key roles of archaeology from forest to grow crops and vast canvas on which our ancestors is helping society to make a pasture and created an agricultural Setting the Scene have painted a detailed picture of meaningful contact with the past. landscape. They have left abundant their existence. From the initial Only by reading and interpreting traces in their stone built burial colonisation of the island some 9000 the historic landscape can we monuments, court tombs and years ago to the present day, man appreciate what we have and passage graves and in some upland has modified the natural landscape what it is vital to preserve. It is areas some remnants of their field to produce the splendid legacy of essential that we develop ways of systems survive. Increasingly we the cultural landscape we possess co-existing harmoniously with the are discovering by excavation their today. However the landscape is cultural landscape and to protect houses and settlements. not static and each generation adds and celebrate it. Our landscape its imprint to the composition and is complex and multilayered and During the next few thousands therein lies the problem and the contains many fossilised features years society grew more complex challenge for us. from previous eras. and the landscape became more extensively used. Some 1500 How do we keep a balance between The human impact on the landscape years ago the country at the start our demands on landscape with begins some 9000 years ago when of the Early Medieval period (c. what has survived an earlier stage? the island was first colonised. These AD500-1200) became Christianised It can be stated that today through early inhabitants followed a hunting, and a large number of important a mixture of cultural ignorance, fishing and gathering life style. Their monasteries were founded and grew indifference, greed for short term lasting impact on the landscape was in importance and wealth. The gain over long term loss, or through small but there is some evidence population rose and the wealthier downright bad planning, much that they cleared some forest. Their landholding class in society built of the cultural achievements of main legacy is the abundant flint impressive ringforts (raths), the past visible in the landscape tools found. DNA evidence suggests which still constitute prominent are rapidly being eradicated. If that a significant section of the landscape features today. Many the current rate of thoughtless current population descends from of the elements of the landscape development continues there will these early settlers. By some 4500 which have endured until the soon be little of meaning left for years ago society in Ireland adopted present were established, such as future generations. This is not only agriculture as their main method of our church sites, social units, basic tragic but is also wilful vandalism for obtaining food. The emergence of road systems, bridging points and which future generations will judge farming resulted in massive changes embryonic villages and towns and us harshly. to the landscape by clearing lands cleared fields. With the arrival of the Anglo-Normans stone castles and earthwork castles (mottes) were built. During the later medieval period the Gaelic lordships presided over a social landscape from their tower houses and crannogs and organised the landscape through large estates of which our townlands with their evocative place names are reminders. There was great emphasises on cattle and grazing, with a system of upland grazing during the summer and lowland grazing during the winter was in The Cornashee Mound, County Fermanagh use.

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It is convenient to look at our cultural landscape through three main components, the rural landscape, the urban landscape and the maritime landscape.

The Rural Landscape The outstanding in-your face feature of the region’s countryside is our fields as defined by hedgerows or stonewalls. As our ancestors here had relatively small farms this led to proportionately small fields. represent a much earlier element in excavation in Belfast, Carrickfergus, This gives intimacy to the local the landscape, most dating back to Armagh, Londonderry and others th landscape missing from other areas the medieval period prior to the 17 has shown that deep and rich layers where field systems are large. Our century. The environmental history of archaeological deposits exist field systems are largely a result of the landscape is recorded in the providing a vivid picture of life in of the 17th century, reaching their pollen preserved in the bogs and in the past. the layers of sediment at the bottom final form as we see them today of our lakes. by the middle of the 18th century. The Maritime Landscape Forming an important component The coast has always been a prime The Urban Landscape Setting the Scene of the rural landscape is the location for, man to live. The quality Many of the towns of the region- settlement of clustered farmhouses of the regions cultural landscape in Armagh, Downpatrick, Coleraine, forming a unit called a clachan. Londonderry- date back to the early international terms is outstanding A large portion of our ancestors medieval period, some as early and matches it natural beauty. lived their lives out in these vibrant as the 6th century, and developed There still exists to a large extent little settlements. Today many are around early monasteries. Others a natural balance between the two still occupied by farmhouses while owe their existence to the Anglo- with human settlement embellishing others stand out as evocative lonely Normans, like Carrickfergus, while the natural environment rather than ruined buildings in the landscape. many more grew up as settlements detracting from it. Development Most were abandoned in the mid around the castles of the Gaelic th is increasingly putting this balance 19 century. Often associated with lords like Dungannon. Most were under threat, both in its visual them are surrounding abandoned given their modern recognisable field systems and cultivation ridges layout during the plantation of dimension and its underground- made by the spade, known by the Ulster at the beginning of the 17th buried component. How much term ‘lazy beds’, a misnomer given century. This includes Belfast. Much longer this can be sustained is open the laborious effort involved in their of this rich past is visible in the to question. creation. Among the field systems street layout and more preciously the boundary of the townlands in extant buildings. Below ground The urban and rural populations in Northern Ireland have an almost passionate sense of place, which forms a potent part of their identity. The future of the past is a burning issue. In terms of the public they are pressing at an open door but in terms of influence in government there is much to be done to save vital elements from needless destruction. Sustainable development and landscape preservation are not incompatible but capable of being incorporated into one integrated concept.

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The value and extent of the historic environment in Northern Ireland Claire Foley, Built Heritage, Environment and Heritage Service, DoE

The use of the Historic value even if our understanding is complex archaeological sites Setting the Scene Environment concept, embracing different. There is also emotional almost anywhere. This is why we all aspects of the human-modified value - which can include family agree strategies of evaluation environment (and potentially related tradition and superstition. Public and/or excavation in advance natural heritage features), has appreciation and educational of development. The presently provided a more holistic approach value can be experiential as with ‘known’ archaeological resource is to the very great task facing us as the small number of state care sites documented to varying degrees and archaeologists. This comes with its to which people have access. is continually added to in the NI own challenges – shifting us out Sites and Monuments Record under of the constraints that previous Existence value is the most benign a number of categories; models provided. The management value being a belief that heritage should be preserved for its own sake of the archaeological resource now Sites and Monuments- Pre 1700 AD 17,000 even if it is never visited. We have automatically necessitates having Industrial Heritage 15,000 a very high rate of preservation a voice in defending the setting Parks, Gardens and Demesnes 800 of field monuments in Ireland due and related features of a site in the (registered and supplementary) largely to the existence of these context of all kinds of developments Maritime Record 3000 and agricultural improvements. various values. Our challenge is Defence Heritage 500 to nurture these in the face of As we are called upon to explain our changing economic values and Battlefields 100 convictions at public inquiries we rapidly changing ownerships of Currently known total 36,400 have to move away from well-worn farmland. phrases such as ‘archaeological The scale of each of these features We refer to the resource we importance’ – and referring to varies from very large (Finnebrogue document as ‘known’ archaeological Demesne, Titanic Quarter) to very places as ‘unique’ – a much abused material. Large scale excavations small (single standing stones or term. We now have to be prepared in the past ten years show that small burial mounds). However to place our views in the balance there is the potential to find their significance is not measured with other factors which have the ability to outshine us – public health and safety, economic development and so on.

This brings me to the issue of value in assessing places of archaeological significance. Robert Hewison in his 1987 book The Heritage Industry opened the debate on values and uses of heritage and was extremely critical of the situation in Britain which he saw as exploiting heritage without much understanding or purpose.

Those of us who work in the field will know that the public who we meet as owners have a variety of very strongly held beliefs about the importance of heritage. Our ideas probably converge on the intrinsic Audley’s Castle, County Down, source: www.ni-photos

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Dromore motte and bailey, County Down Setting the Scene in terms of size but in terms of the of management agreements are As we compete for resources known or potential archaeological or established each year. with other government activities scientific information they contain. priorities have to be established. The significance of such places is The vast majority of known sites Below is a list of those management also in their contribution to the are protected by Planning or areas which we must attend to because of existing legislation and public imagination and their place Agriculture policy and their owners policy. in regional or local tradition and receive management advice from EHS when formally consulted. The folklore. Statutory functions (all requiring public is generally supportive of the research, field recording and Some (181) of the above sites protection of ‘ancient monuments’ archiving) are in State Care – some since and is appreciative of our input. the late 19th or early 20th century, Indeed, we have found that our • State Care – conservation, when they were originally managed failure to adequately protect places access and interpretation by the Dublin Board of Works. in the past has attracted public Conserving these is a curatorial role criticism through the various media. • Scheduling – selection by using the skills of the Environment criteria, Scheduled Monument and Heritage Service (EHS) It is important that we underpin Consent (SMC), conservation Direct Labour Organisation. EHS everything we do with sound • Listing and LBC advice promotes the most prominent knowledge and understanding of the resource we manage. We cannot examples (Dundrum, Carrickfergus • MBR – record management, judge the relative importance of a and Dunluce Castles) for seasonal public access entertainment events attracting site without comparative knowledge much public interest and enjoyment. of others. This knowledge needs to • Excavation licensing – be formally recorded and archived monitoring, enforcement, Many of the recognised sites of so that it can be seen to underpin archaeological interest (1700+) decisions now and into the future. Policy functions (requiring are Scheduled for protection Hence the NISMR (NI Sites and research, recording, and archiving) and have targeted management Monuments Record, and associated • Development Planning input including regular condition database) and the wider MBR inspections by Field Monument (Monuments and Building Record, • Development Control Wardens. Owners/agents carry out which includes buildings, industrial works under Scheduled Monument heritage, stained glass and other • Agri-environment Consent (SMC) and a number drawn records). management advice

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Lessons from the past Colm J. Donnelly; School of Geography, Archaeology & Palaeoecology; Queen’s University Belfast

Traditional history is based on the study of information contained in written sources, yet the entire story of human existence on this planet is at least 3 millions years old. For 99.9% of this time-span there are no written sources to tell us about our ancestors. Faced with this, we must look to other sources of information to increase our knowledge of the past, and some of these can be supplied through Nendrum Tide Mill, Strangford Lough, County Down Learning from archaeological research. However, landfill sites. The true culprit is To bring the story closer to home, although archaeology is considered paper – especially newspaper, which at Beaghmore in the Sperrin the Past by many people to be the study doesn’t biodegrade any better than Mountains of County Tyrone we of all things ancient, in truth there plastic and takes up some 40% of have an upland landscape that are no real constraints on the time landfill volume. 5,000 years ago was being used for periods which can be investigated farming by our Neolithic ancestors. by archaeological techniques, The project has also identified However, over-exploitation of the and archaeology is the study of that we in the Western World soil for agriculture, allied to a period all aspects of the story of human are discarding huge amounts of climatic deterioration around existence on this planet. of valuable resources on a daily 2000 BC, led to its abandonment by the ancient farmers. Lack of The results obtained by the Tucson basis. Such a conclusion might trees and excessive rainfall had Garbage Project emphasise this not appear to be very radical; we led to the formation of iron pan point. This project originated in all know that there is tremendous 1973 in Arizona in the USA when waste of resources in our society. in the subsoil which led in turn archaeologists began to examine For example, it has been estimated to waterlogging. The soil became the contents of modern dustbins; that up to 1 billion Christmas cards acidic, the earthworms died by 1987 the project had developed end up in bins across the UK each and blanket peat bog grew over to the point where landfill sites January, accompanied by 83 square what had once been agricultural were being studied. The fieldwork kilometres of wrapping paper – land, eventually swallowing up was carried out by trained field enough to cover an area the size of all traces of settlements, ritual archaeologists and the project Guernsey. What the archaeologists monuments and field systems. Both used a typical archaeological in Tucson did identify, however, was of these examples emphasise that methodology – similar to that used significant similarities with events archaeology can provide lessons on any archaeological excavation. which had happened to another for our own society. It can highlight However, the results obtained have great American civilisation. The periods of disaster in the past – been of wider application to society Classic period in the ancient Mayan both natural and human induced – and the project has provided often civilisation – from AD 300 to 900 – and can indicate to us how we might startling new information on issues was noted for its terrible waste of avoid repeating the same mistakes such as diet and nutrition, food materials, and it was followed by again. waste, consumerism, socioeconomic a period of decline when resources stratification, resource were in short supply. The Mayan management, and recycling. For solution to this shortage was to Further reading: example, the project has exploded recycle. Unfortunately, they were William Rathje and Cullen Murphy the myth that plastics, fast-food too late and – added to climatic (2001), Rubbish! The Archaeology of wrappers and disposable nappies deterioration – they never recovered Garbage, The University of Arizona are the main elements filling up from their decline. press, Tucson, Arizona.

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Climate change - adaptation and archaeology Mike Heyworth and Gill Chitty, Council for British Archaeology

Later in 2008 the UK Climate Although heavy rainfall has recently inherent sustainability of traditional Impacts Programme will be dominated weather in the UK, with building materials and methods. publishing its UK 21st century many areas experiencing severe New development will be required climate scenarios. Soon we will have flooding, changing seasonal patterns in sensitive landscapes to provide a more balanced, better informed will also bring drought at times. renewable energy from wind power, and finer-grain picture of possible This increases the risk of drying on land and offshore, from hydro- future change in our climate. out for many vulnerable wetlands electricity and biofuel production. Replacing the 2002 scenarios, and archaeological sites. Cycles of The debate about the latter is these will have more detail about wetting and drying in particular can still in full swing, with binding EU expected future climate changes, exacerbate decay and deformation targets agreed before the benefits with improved spatial and temporal of organic deposits, buried artefacts and possible adverse consequences resolution. There will be more and historic building fabric, above of global investment in bioenergy quantification of the uncertainties, and below ground. Heavy rainfall crops have been fully understood. indicating a range of outcomes, and following on from drought, when At a UK scale, incentives have been historical climate information based the vegetation cover is already introduced for growing bioenergy on observation will be incorporated weakened, can in turn result in crops at the same time as set-aside in the analysis of trends. severe erosion and in landslip where has been lost as a mechanism for steep slopes become unstable. protecting archaeological sites Storms and unusual seasonal under pasture, and there may be

the Past fluctuations are taking their toll on unintended consequences of the historic buildings but also on historic agri-industry impacts.

Learning from landscape and designed parks and gardens where one or two degrees difference in temperature at a particular time of year can be critical for some species. Extended growing seasons can have other effects too: woody growth and White Park Bay, looking across bracken can encroach faster, and at the village of Portbradden. The higher altitudes, on earthworks in sand dunes on the edge of the bay are host to an early Bronze Age upland landscapes. barrow, and settlement evidence The Antrim coastline looking east of late Neolithic or Bronze Age In addition to these direct effects from Carrick- A- Rede, a site of date.Many coastal areas were there are also the indirect impacts Special Scientific Interest. With choice prehistoric hunting and climate change, more violent fishing places and preserve fragile from adaptation and mitigation storms and weather conditions will remains which a single inundation measures that society is introducing make even these rockey coastlines or storm can erode irreversibly. vulnerable. to deal with climate change and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, it is already clear On coasts and estuaries, flood Some clear directions for future that there are actual effects in and coastal defence construction research and policy in archaeology changing weather patterns, not represent major interventions; are beginning to emerge. First, just probable future effects, managed realignment, where we need to understand better the impacting on archaeology and the defence is no longer considered mechanisms of change. Systematic historic environment. The direct sustainable, will result in landscape monitoring, data collection and impacts come from rising sea levels scale changes. Energy efficiency research in this area are all in and coastal erosion; from more requirements are likely to impact short supply though this is well- frequent storms and heavy rainfall significantly on historic buildings; recognised and the issues are episodes; and from the resulting simplistic measures of assessment beginning to be addressed. The flooding, landslips and erosion. fail to take into account the EC-funded Noah’s Ark research,

Northern Ireland’s Historic Environment 12 March 2008 NORTHERN IRELAND ENVIRONMENT LINK ENVIRONMENTAL FACT SHEET for example, has led an innovative increasing pressure for change. acting as voluntary wardens can be approach in a project mapping the The indications are that new skills an important and positive part of vulnerability of cultural heritage and capacity will also be needed the process of coming to terms with to climate change in Europe. Clearly many archaeological the pace of climate change and the Its reports are now published operations will take place in the need to reorient perceptions of ‘loss’ and bring together detailed case context of disaster recovery, salvage into a more dynamic relationship studies and scientific evidence and emergency recording following with the environment. for impacts on built heritage and flooding, landslip and building cultural landscapes in particular subsidence. We can expect the built (see http://noahsark.isac.cnr. heritage to receive the impacts of it/). Deliverables from the project extreme weather and of mitigation include a ‘vulnerability atlas’, with measures far more severely than near and far future scenarios and buried archaeological sites. The a commentary on probable effects, demand for above ground recording which together provide a good may increase substantially, in European overview of the possible advance of demolition or imminent scale and spatial range of changes. collapse, or to aid relocation and Alterations in temperature, reconstruction of buildings that precipitation, extreme climatic are being moved to a safer new Learning from events, soil conditions, groundwater location. The scale of coastal

Ballycastle Beach, looking across to the Past and sea level will all affect the erosion will be one of the most Fair Head behind. The beach contains conditions of in situ preservation in challenging effects. A study much eroded evidence for industrial salt pans, being exposed by changing buried deposits and fabric of historic commissioned for the National Trust tidal patterns. structures. This has been a subject indicated that by 2100, up to 60% of research for two decades and of the coastline that it manages Archaeology has an important more but clearly mechanisms for would have been eroded by up to contribution to make to the national remote and local monitoring will 200 metres. The National Trust debate about climate change by become increasingly important now owns about 10% of the coasts of involving people and revealing in order to observe systematically England Wales and Northern Ireland the ways in which we have always the changes that may be taking and the study predicted that some adapted and transformed our place. Having good quality 500 archaeological sites and historic relationship with the environment. information is essential to underpin buildings would be at risk on its Can archaeology as a discipline tell well-informed choices about action, estate alone. a new and richer ‘story’ of climate based on better understanding of change, and involve people in it, in the level of risk. There are also opportunities here ways that make a genuine social for creativity, to shape new historic contribution to coming to terms with This is not to suggest that the landscapes and new understanding. the changes that are happening? heritage sector has been slow to The huge scale of coastal erosion Scientific research into ice cores, react. Initiatives already underway in Scotland, for example, has dendrochronology and ‘deep’ in response to climate change demanded an exceptional scale of palaeo-environmental contexts is range from major coastal zone response and the development of showing the complexity of patterns and wetland survey programmes new partnerships between local of climatic change in the past. to individual projects to mitigate community and archaeology groups Society has come to regard the damaging effects (re-locating and professional archaeologists. environment as generally favourable historic buildings, constructing flood Local groups are not only best for humans and predictably stable. defences, introducing groundwater placed to monitor and record It may help us all to adjust our monitoring), to undertaking detailed changes but have a passionate ideas and adapt more successfully recording in advance of loss, interest in what is happening in if we can share an archaeological accepting that on balance change their locality (see http://www. perspective on the long-term view. should take its natural course. shorewatch.co.uk/). Inland sites are These are not simple unilateral also in need of closer monitoring The Council for British Archaeology’s decisions, however, and society than has been necessary in the past climate change pages are at will need to be well-informed and and higher levels of maintenance to involved in difficult choices about control vegetation growth. Practical http://www.britarch.ac.uk/conserve/ the future of historic places under projects involving local people climatehome.html

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The Nendrum tide mills - tidal energy in the 7th and 8th centuries AD Thomas McErlean, Centre for Maritime Archaeology, University of Ulster

One of the most fascinating archaeological discoveries of recent years has been the Nendrum tide mills of the 7th and 8th century AD. With their use of tidal energy in the Early Medieval period they demonstrate well the capacity of archaeology to provide major surprises. Their discovery was the result of an EHS –funded excavation on the foreshore at Nendrum Monastery on Mahee Island in Strangford Lough between 1999- 2001. A book entitled Harnessing the Tides by Thomas McErlean and Sited on the foreshore below the the tide rose, water entered a tidal island monastery, the tidal powered Norman Crothers has recently been millpond through a sluice gate in the mill was constructed to service published for EHS by TSO and tells dam, which closed at high water. At the monastery of Nendrum, which the story of their discovery. low tide the impounded water was was at its height as a monastic released to turned the waterwheel the Past establishment in the 7th and 8th The first mill on the site is, at the and milling could commence. centuries AD. The monastery,

Learning from time of writing, not only the earliest situated on a tidal island devoid mill in Ireland but has the further On most tides, the mill could have of fresh water streams, forced the distinction of being the earliest worked for about four hours; two monks to turn to the latent power example of a tide mill anywhere hours before and two hours after of the twice-daily rise and fall of the low water, giving approximately in the world. It was singularly tides, which washed the shore at the eight hours each day for milling. fortunate that the excavation bottom of the monastic enclosure. Harnessing the power of the tides yielded a wealth of oak timbers, While freshwater streams were used was not a simple matter. It involved which allowed precise dating of to power the vast majority of known great technological difficulties and the first mill by tree-ring dating to early watermills, tide mills worked represented a major investment in by impounding water at high tide construction in the years AD 619- material and labour. However, once behind a dam on the foreshore. As 621. the problem of creating an effective dam was overcome, the tide mill had the great advantage over the freshwater mill of having a totally reliable water source unaffected by summer droughts, and its waterwheel could turn throughout the year. Drawbacks included considerable effort in keeping the dam in good order as it was exposed to damage by storms, tidal surges and occasional abnormally high tides.

Tide mills are normally located on coastlines with a tidal range greater than 2m. The number around the

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Irish coastline in the past appears to have been relatively small and provisional research has identified approximately 20 sites of which 18 are Post-Medieval, but it is highly probable that further field survey and documentary research will add significantly to this number. Examples are found along the coastlines of counties Down, Dublin, Wexford, Waterford, Cork and Galway. Within this distribution they were solved, and detecting world and its adaptation to the are three areas of concentration — the technological advances of the maritime landscape. Their discovery Strangford Lough Co. Down, the period. It is probable that, at the also graphically demonstrates that coastline between Balbriggan and time of construction, both mills were many aspects of our rich maritime Portmarnock in northern Co. Dublin at the cutting edge of contemporary heritage wait to be uncovered by technology and that the builders and around Waterford Harbour in coastal archaeology. Co. Wexford and Co. Waterford. incorporated the latest innovations In Late- and Post-Medieval times, in water-powered milling. Learning from Though designed in the 7th and the main concentration of the tide 8th centuries, the Nendrum tide mill was on the Atlantic coastline of The second mill survived in an the Past mills have a particularly modern Western Europe from southwestern excellent condition and provides appeal. Today, as our society is Spain to southern England. a relatively accurate picture of its driven by the need for renewable original appearance. Much of its and sustainable energy sources, The first mill appears to have been stone-built wheelhouse, dam, and it is possible to take inspiration a great success and served for millpond were virtually intact. A pair from the eco-friendly power source over 150 years. However, during of millstones made from Mourne used by the monks at Nendrum its working life it is likely to have granite and parts of its expertly to grind their daily bread. In 2007 become run down and defects in crafted horizontal waterwheel were with the construction of what has its design may have emerged. recovered. been described as the world’s first This, combined with advances in commercial tidal power station on mill technology, may have made The discovery and excavation of the Narrows at the entrance to it seem increasingly out of date, the tide mills with the evidence Strangford Lough, the wheel can with the result that the old work they provide on the organisation be said to have come full circle. was decommissioned and a grand of an early Irish monastery and The source of green energy latent new mill was built about AD 789. on hydraulic engineering, mill Among the many interesting aspects technology and the social and in the tides is once again seen as of the excavation was attempting ecological environment in the 7th a viable alternative power source to work out what these design and 8th centuries have given great and constitutes an invaluable problems might have been and how insight into the Irish Early Medieval environmental asset.

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Excavations at Dunnyneill Island, Strangford Lough Philip Macdonald, Centre for Archaeological Fieldwork, Queen’s University Belfast

Since 1999’s Planning Policy Statement No. 6: Planning, Archaeology and the Built Heritage, the principle that the developer should pay for the recording and publication of archaeological remains which will be destroyed as a result of their actions has been enshrined within the planning process of Northern Ireland. This ‘polluter pays’ concept supports a vibrant, developer-led archaeology in Northern Ireland. Every year a wide range of threatened sites, which provide exciting and new insights into our past, are excavated in advance of commercial development and at no direct cost to the public. There still

the Past remains, however, an important role for State-funded excavation; The actively eroding cliff which formed the southern edge of

Learning from for example, where the integrity Dunnyneill Island and threatens the integrity of the enclosed of an important site is put at site on the island’s summit risk by a factor not attributable to a specific polluter. One such drumlin that rises to a height trenches located both within the site is the enclosure located on of some 16 metres above the interior of the enclosure and across the summit of Dunnyneill Island surrounding waters. While it may its banks and ditch. in Strangford Lough. Survey of not be higher than other islands in the lough’s coastal archaeology, Strangord Lough, it is one of the undertaken between between 1995 most striking because it rises so and 1999 with funding from the steeply from the water. Its profile is Environment and Heritage Service: further exaggerated by the on-going Built Heritage, had identified that erosion on the island’s southern face the enclosure was being denuded which has led to the formation of by coastal erosion. Consequently, a steep cliff. The island overlooks in 2002 and 2003, the Environment both the mouth of the Quoile and Heritage Service: Built Heritage Estuary and the entrance of the narrows into Strangford Lough. This funded a team of students and Slab lined feature and earlier wall location forms an optimal position archaeologists from the Centre for footings of a hut Archaeological Fieldwork at Queen’s to observe, and intercept, any University Belfast to undertake maritime traffic entering the lough. Although analysis of the evidence excavations on Dunnyneill Island in Unusually for a drumlin, the summit recovered is still on-going, it is order to ascertain the character and of the island is flat. This flat plateau possible to present a provisional date of the site. is surrounded by an irregular and account of the findings of the incomplete enclosure defined by a excavations. A wide range of finds, Dunnyneill Island is located ditch and an inner and outer bank. dating from the prehistoric period about 2.5 kilometres northeast The 2002 and 2003 excavations to the modern day, were recovered, of Killyleagh. It is a tree covered consisted of several conjoined and evidence for four main phases

March 2008 16 Northern Ireland’s Historic Environment NORTHERN IRELAND ENVIRONMENT LINK ENVIRONMENTAL FACT SHEET of activity was also identified. Interpreting activity on the island poses a challenge. Given the small size of Dunnyneill Island and its apparent lack of a permanent water supply, it is not obvious that a settlement could be either self-supporting or sustainable in the long-term. This suggests that occupation would always have had a specialised and temporary or episodic character. Unfortunately, the long duration of this episodic activity on Dunnyneill Island has led to many of the finds dating from earlier periods of time being disturbed and incorporated into later deposits – a process known Learning from to archaeologists as ‘residual deposition’. This phenomenon complicates dating of the excavated the Past The enclosure’s ditch following excavation. sequence because initially it gives the impression that deposits but also includes two sherds of is probable that Dunnyneill Island are significantly older than they Mediterranean origin and 5th or 6th was an emporium during the early actually are. However, following century AD date. Finds of imported medieval period. a comprehensive programme pottery and glass are rare in Ireland of radiocarbon dating, it is now and sites on which they occur At some point after the end of the possible to accurately date the site’s are usually interpreted as either seventh century, construction of stratigraphic sequence. high status settlements or trading the enclosure’s earthworks took centres known as emporia. E-ware place. Excavation demonstrated The earliest phase of activity was has previously been recovered from that the enclosure’s defining banks associated with the remains of several sites in Strangford Lough and ditch consisted of a heavily a small hut (external diameter and its coastal hinterland. This denuded inner bank made up of approximately 8.0 metres) area has the densest distribution of stone rubble, a ditch cut into the represented by a curved wall E-ware sites in Ireland, suggesting footing made up of a single course natural boulder clay, and an outer that it was probably an entry point of stone slabs. Radiocarbon bank made from the boulder clay for imported material into northeast dating suggests this hut was built displaced during the cutting of the Ireland. Both Downpatrick and some time after the middle of the ditch. This second phase of activity Kilclief have previously been 7th century. Artefacts recovered was associated with the construction identified as possible points of during the course of the excavation of a long, sub-rectangular structure entry for this material, however, which are of this date include rare within the enclosure’s interior which the possibility that Dunnyneill examples of imported pottery and was represented archaeologically Island may have formed the vessel glass. The pottery is of by a slab-lined feature - possibly primary centre for the distribution a type (known as E-ware) which the remains of a palisade or was imported into Ireland from of imported goods into the territory building. An animal bone from the northern or western France during of the Dál Fiatach, with its principal fill of this feature had a radiocarbon the late 6th and 7th centuries AD royal centre located conveniently date range from the 8th to 10th as part of a long-distance trade close by at Downpatrick, cannot be centuries, and dates derived from associated with luxury goods. The easily dismissed. Although there the primary fills of the enclosure’s assemblage of vessel glass is large are no well defined landing places ditches suggest that they had not and mostly contains fragments of on the island, it is possible to land begun to silt up until at least the vessels of probable Anglo-Saxon on the northern shore with relative 8th or 9th centuries. This evidence origin and 7th or 8th century AD date, ease. Given its strategic location it suggests that the site’s second

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phase might be contemporary with the beginning of the Viking period in the 9th century, although whether the site’s occupants were Vikings or native Irish is impossible to assess. Artefacts recovered from this second phase of activity demonstrated a wide range of craft activities were being undertaken on the island, including metalworking and the assaying of silver. Copper alloy buckle and attached plate: an example of a type common in western and northern Europe during the late 12th to late 14th century The features and deposits associated with the early medieval only recorded features associated This is around the time of the phases of occupation were sealed with this phase of activity were establishment of the Earldom of by a soil horizon which contained no two spreads of flag stones laid Ulster by John de Courcy following features. A spread of articulated, out over the levelling deposits, his invasion of the kingdom of Dál and therefore not redeposited, which may either be the remains Fiatach in 1177. Given the strategic position of Dunnyneill Island, it animal bone recovered from this of a floor or footings for the walls may have been reoccupied during soil provided a radiocarbon date of of a building. No other structural this period of political change and 8th or 9th century AD date. Datable evidence dating to this final phase instability, although it is not possible finds from the soil included a copper was identified, probably because to confidently identify the single alloy stud-headed stick pin dated subsequent grazing of animals on historical episode which prompted from the mid 11th to early 13th the island resulted in the truncation the island’s reoccupation. century AD and sherds of a locally of any such evidence. Ironically, the Past produced type of pottery known as it was this episode of destruction Although the threat posed to Souterrain Ware, several of which which led to the preservation of the the site by coastal erosion is Learning from are decorated with cordons. Close archaeological remains associated considerable, the excavations dating of this type of pottery is with the earlier phases of activity. demonstrated that the best difficult, however, it is unlikely that The overlying spread of rubble from preserved part of the site’s the cordoned forms pre-date the 9th the slighted inner bank protected stratigraphy is located under the century AD. It is probable that this the deposits and features from slighted bank material immediately third phase of activity represents a being destroyed by the trampling of adjacent to the northern edge of sustained period of non-intensive cattle that were grazed on the island the main enclosure. This is the exploitation of Dunnyneill Island in the 19th century. part of the site located furthest which lasted for an uncertain, but away from the actively eroding potentially extended, duration. A precise date for this final phase cliff edge. Consequently, the of activity is uncertain, however, necessity of additional excavation in advance of the site’s destruction The archaeological evidence the stick pin noted above, which is not urgent. Furthermore, relating to the final phase is was recovered from the soil sealed the excavation programme has restricted to deposits associated by the slighted deposits, indicates recovered enough evidence so that, with the deliberate slighting of that the levelling could not have following completion of the current the inner bank into the interior of th occurred before the mid 11 programme of post-excavation the enclosure and the deposition century. Given the lack of evidence analyses, the full character and of levelling deposits. Little of the for structures relating to this last chronology of the site can be bank material was incorporated phase of occupation it is difficult established. Regardless of any into the ditch suggesting that the to assess either its character or future findings, the excavations principal motivation in slighting duration, however, a copper alloy at Dunnyneill Island have already the bank was not to remove the buckle of late 12th to late 14th demonstrated that the site is of enclosure’s boundary, but to create century date, was recovered from considerable importance to our a flat plateau at the top of the the topsoil suggesting occupation understanding of the archaeology island in order to facilitate a new extended into the Anglo-Norman of the Early Medieval and Medieval phase of activity on the island. The period. periods in County Down.

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Conserving the cultural landscape Nicki Whitehouse; Palaeoecology Centre; School of Geography, Archaeology & Palaeoecology; Queen’s University Belfast

The term “cultural landscape” (also referred to as the “historic” landscape), is commonly used by archaeologists, palaeoecologists and cultural geographers to describe the landscape and environment which surrounds us. It attempts to draw attention to a landscape which has been physically transformed by human action and its associations, that people can see, understand and feel in the present. It is the Learning from product of human interaction with nature and is all around us as part of everyday experience and life, the Past dynamic and continually subject to Templenaffrin, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh change. Cultural landscapes contain relicts of past human ecological evidence deserves greater emphasis communities, these localities relationships and their effective in debates over land use and frequently contain environments of conservation demands a detailed conservation management. deposition which preserve palaeo knowledge of that habitat’s history. sequences. Just as people are Human impact on the landscape Many of the most important starting to appreciate the value of has increased through time, with contexts for investigation of the these relict landscapes, so economic periods of abrupt, dramatic change past people and their relationship to pressure for the destruction of many punctuated by episodes of relative their environment are areas of relict of them has mounted. In Britain, for equilibrium. As understanding of landscapes; marginal environments example, half the area of ancient these relationships has increased, such as heathland, moorland, woodland which existed in 1930 conservation has become more ancient woodland and pasture which had been grubbed up or replanted important, and the role of have escaped major disturbance. by 1983. Effective conservation archaeological and palaeoecological In addition to rare plant and animal requires both a detailed knowledge of the ecology of the biota concerned and, what is less appreciated, the development of the habitat through time, including the history of human use. Many biologically important habitats are very much cultural artefacts, on a par with prehistoric settlements, pots and metal-work in the degree of human agency on their making, but unlike them they are living and continually subject to change and evolution.

Early attempts at conservation of areas containing rare and interesting species within remnants Coring, Ballynahatty Bog, County Down of natural ecosystems involved

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Topped Mountain, County Fermanagh St. Elizabeth’s Church, Dundonald, County Down

putting a fence around them to landscapes? What do we decide is a destructive process. Excavation prevent disturbance. However, an appropriate benchmark - are we is now seen as a last resort, with since many characters of such reconstructing how the area looked preservation as the favoured option. reserves had evolved from patterns 10-20 years ago or how it looked An emphasis on preservation is of human land use, the reduction of several hundred years ago? encapsulated in the term “Cultural grazing or reduction of forest fires Resource Management”. The led to major vegetational changes Palaeoecology has an important cultural resource is defined as which caused many changes in contribution to make to these physical features both natural character which meant they no questions and provides an important and man-made associated with the Past longer exhibited the characters temporal perspective on changing human activity and recognises which were attractive in the first environments. It provides a clear the importance of the cultural Learning from place! It is now understood that understanding of why a particular landscape. There is a large many areas of the world (certainly species or site is being protected variation in the degree to which including Northern Ireland) have which helps to answer the questions cultural resources are protected very few “natural” surviving above and determine an effective across the world, partially habitats, i.e. habitats totally management strategy for both influenced by the way people unaffected by human activities. habitats and individual species. use the past (e.g. tourism sites, protection, reconstruction). There In order to conserve these Palaeoecology can also provide are also significant differences in landscapes it is necessary to long-term perspective of behaviours the relationships between people of particular species over a time practise positive management. This and their environment; while some frame not usually possible in may involve grazing, coppicing cultures see their environment and of trees, cutting of reeds, fire, biological/ecological studies. Both past purely in utilitarian terms, in etc. Occasionally there will be archaeological sites and recent others the landscape is charged with a difference in opinion as to sediment sequences are valuable awe, and every rock, spring and what constitutes appropriate repositories of information about water hole represents a concrete management. E.g. keeping areas of past people and their environmental trace of a sacred past. woodland open rather than allowing relationships, and can therefore help woodland regeneration. This then us to understand current trends. The World Archaeological Congress raises questions about the status has tried to emphasise the concept and origins of what we are trying Of critical importance is the of a global heritage as opposed to to conserve. Do we accept that relationship between evidence ecosystems are constantly evolving (artefacts, sediments, biological national and regional heritages, and ensure that sites are clearly remains) and the context in which whilst UNESCO has also been managed, but with an acceptance this occurs. Disturbance by building, involved in galvanising international that this will mean change? drainage or agricultural activity pressure to conserve the Do we halt succession so that areas means this contextual relationship is archaeological heritage through its are managed as cultural lost. Even excavation is effectively designation of World Heritage sites.

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Tools to protect the heritage Claire Foley, Built Heritage, Environment and Heritage Service, DoE

The profession has matured from providing us with the concepts and the quiet backwater of antiquarian vocabulary to evaluate places of investigation of the early 20th cultural interest. It defines concepts century and has now taken its including ‘conservation’ (not just for place with other societal interests. architects!) and cultural significance Wood Quay, Dublin was an early and sets out principles to guide our example where the public voice actions which can be summarised spoke out – Tara, Co Meath is as minimum intervention, maximum our most recent. The outcomes retention of historic fabric, of such debates depend largely reversibility and clarity. It builds on on the quality of archaeological the earlier Venice Charter (1964) representation and its timing. We and can be used to direct thinking must rise to this challenge, and at the planning and negotiation can derive much strength and stages of a project. assistance from the international This is a best practice guide with charters and conventions which international applicability. It the UK and Ireland are party to. provides defensibile definitions and The most important principle for provides some emphasis on the less practising archaeologists as defined tangible aspects of sites such as by Professor John Coles (for wetland uses, associations and meanings. sites) is to BE THERE. We must work to have a place at every table From Article 26 of this Charter the Nendrum, County Down d n a s e u q i n h c e T where landscapes and sites may be practice of Conservation Planning

affected by change proposals. Protection has developed in the past ten years One of the earliest such plans was or so. It is now a well-practised, in- These texts are not law but they done by Kate Clark for Robbin Island depth method of agreeing with all are agreed conventions and the after the release of Nelson Mandela parties the significance of a place embodiment of the best collective and resulted in this concrete- and its components, understanding thinking on many heritage/ block built set of buildings being its vulnerabilities and deriving archaeological management presented as a World Heritage site. policies to mitigate them. Its issues. They provide concepts and strength is in involving all relevant The Heritage Council in Ireland vocabulary to equip us with a sound parties to participate. has championed some excellent basis for crafting our arguments and Conservation Planning work on proposals. for example medieval town walls at Kilkenny and Drogheda and The FARO Convention (2005) is a the deserted medieval village at framework Convention on the value Jerpoint Church, Ardfert Cathedral, of cultural heritage for society and Russborough House, Kildare and the is a most valuable steer in terms Bishop’s Palace Kilkenny have also of definition of cultural heritage, been analysed and planned in this its uses and people’s rights of way. access to it. It paves the way for the creation of national policies and In Northern Ireland we have done activities on heritage and provides a few Conservation plans to date. for the multicultural needs of our Bagnal’s Castle, Newry Enniskillen rapidly changing society within each Castle, the Walls of Londonderry country of Europe. and EHS is currently preparing a The Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter Conservation Statement for the Boa Janus Statue, Boa Island, County (1999) has been very influential in Fermanagh Island figures.

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Perhaps the most challenging not). This has been successfully nature. In England and Wales the situation to date for us involving used by the master planners the excavation-licensing issue in what I would call ‘investment forces’ in submitting a major planning the Valetta Convention has posed has been the preparation work for application and illustrates the difficulties for the large amateur the development of the harbour importance of having the heritage archaeology sector and this is area in Belfast – now called Titanic considerations well researched and being addressed through a code of Quarter. Over the past ten years introduced at the earliest possible conduct written by the Council for we have had to become champions stage. British Archaeology. for the shipyard heritage in Belfast- The Landscape Convention (Florence scheduling the very fine graving The group of Conventions drawn docks, the slipways on which the up by the Council of Europe (not 2000) is particularly important in Titanic and Olympic ships were the European Union) relating to underpinning the town and country constructed and the relatively archaeology (1969 and 1992), planning work in Northern Ireland. recent iconic yellow cranes which architecture (1975) and landscape Since the 1980s we have been now dominate the Belfast skyline. (2000) are all ratified by the partners with Planning Service The administration building with UK and Ireland and so we have in assessing landscapes near the historic drawing offices is a good common ground in them. and within development limits to listed building. Recognising the By and large we are all compliant create Local landscape Policy areas difficulty of influencing a very wide- with the overarching principles in embracing both built and natural ranging group of people engaged in their articles. However, there is heritage considerations. These, the master planning process EHS a tendency for us to forget these when successfully defended at prepared a Conservation Statement highly polished principles and for public inquiry, provide a policy- to place on record our views about colleagues in other disciplines such based protection for landscapes of the significance of the various parts as natural heritage and architecture archaeological interest for a twenty of the site (whether protected or to not understand their joined-up year period or so.

International charters and conventions and national legislative and policy frameworks within which built heritage is managed in Northern Ireland. 1. International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) (www.international.icomos.org) The ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and Sites (Venice) 1964 The ICOMOS Charter on Historic Gardens (Florence) 1981 The ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Historic Towns and Urban Areas (Washington) 1987

Protection The ICOMOS Charter for the Protection and Management of the Archaeological Heritage (Lausanne) 1990 The New Zealand ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Heritage Value 1992 T e c h n i q u e s a n d The ICOMOS Guidelines on Education and Training in the Conservation and Training in the Conservation of Monuments, Ensembles and Sites (Colombo) 1993 The ICOMOS Document (Nara, Jap) on Authenticity 1994 The ICOMOS Principles for Recording of Monuments, Groups of Buildings and Sites (Sofia) 1996 The ICOMOS Charter on the Protection and management of the Underwater Cultural Heritage (Sofia) 1996 The Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter 1999 (The Burra Charter) for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance The ICOMOS Charter on Cultural Tourism (Mexico) 1999 The ICOMOS Charter on the Built Vernacular Heritage (Mexico) 1999 The ICOMOS Charter on Principles for Analysis, Conservation

and Structural Restoration of Architectural Heritage (Victoria Falls) 2003

The ICOMOS Declaration Marking the 50th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Stockholm) 1998

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2.Council of Europe ([email protected]) European Cultural Convention (Paris) 1954 European Convention on the Protection of the Architectural Heritage (London) 1969 Convention for the Protection of the Architectural Heritage of Europe (Granada 1985) European Convention on the Protection of the Archaeological Heritage (revised) (Valetta 1992) European Landscape Convention (Florence) 2000 European Framework Convention on the Value of Cultural Heritage for Society (Faro) 2005 Select list of Council of Europe Recommendations; Recommendation No R(95)9 on the Integrated Conservation of cultural landscape areas as part of landscape policies 11 Sept 1995 Recommendation No R (95)3 on co-ordinating documentation methods and systems related to historic buildings and monuments of the architectural heritage 1995 Recommendation No R (91) 6 on measures likely to promote the funding of the conservation of the architectural heritage 1991 Recommendation No R (90) 20 on the protection and conservation of the industrial technical and civil engineering heritage in Europe 1990 Recommendation No R (89) 6 on the protection and enhancement of the rural architectural heritage Recommendation No R (89) 5 concerning the protection and enhancement of the architectural heritage in the context of town and country planning operations 3. European Union Regulations EU Regulations enter into force in all countries simultaneously as distinct from Directives which require the drafting of local legislation. Council Regulation (EC) No 1782/2003

Establishing common rules for direct support schemes under the Common Agricultural Policy and establishing d n a s e u q i n h c e T certain support schemes for farmers. Protection Commission Regulation (EC) No 796/2004 Detailed rules for the implementation of cross-compliance, modulation and the integrated administration and control system for Reg 1782/2003 (above). Council Regulation (EC) 1698/2005 (Rural Development Regulation) On support for Rural Development by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). Replaces 1257/99 from 1st Jan 2007. Directives European Strategic Environmental Directive 2001/42/EC 4. Northern Ireland Legislation and Policy The Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 The Historic Monuments and Archaeological Objects (NI) Order 1995 Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999 The Strategic Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 Planning Policy Statements 1 to 15 with particular ref to Planning Policy Statement 6 (PPS6) 1999 The Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations (NI) 2004 legislation (implementation of EU Directive) Shaping our Future – The Regional Development Strategy for Northern Ireland 2025 Service Level Agreement between EHS and Planning Service EHS Strategic Plan, Corporate Plan and Built Heritage Operational Plans Compiled by Claire Foley, Environment and Heritage Service (Last updated February 2008)

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Cross-border heritage co-operation: an archaeological perspective Ian Doyle, The Heritage Council of Ireland

In today’s rapidly globalising world, from the Republic of Ireland and in where changes in technology 2005 the Heritage Council hosted and communications have truly a visit to Kilkenny. More recently, revolutionised how we stay in touch, Derry and Carrickfergus joined the and with increased co-operation Irish Walled Towns Network, which between countries within the EU, is a Heritage Council initiative to it seems that national borders are co-ordinate the strategic efforts likely to become more and more of local authorities involved in the permeable. management and conservation of historic walled towns in Ireland, In the context of the Republic Carrickfergus Castle, County Antrim both North and South. of Ireland and Northern Ireland

a border has existed for almost as the successor to IAPA. The In the world of academia, strong 80 years but such a legal limit Institute represents archaeologists informal links exist between the can potentially be seen against working throughout Ireland, with various university archaeology the longer backdrop of human membership including all sectors of departments, as represented by the occupation and mobility on this the profession in both jurisdictions. contents of journals such Emania, island for circa 10,000 years. or the Journal of Irish Archaeology. Heritage initiatives and policies In the area of archaeological Similarly, in relation to learned today obviously respect and observe excavation, while two separate societies, the Royal Irish Academy such administrative boundaries, but operational systems are in place, and the Royal Society of Antiquaries there is a growing willingness to it is worth pointing out that there of Ireland both look towards a accept that there are economies of is a single point of publication for larger island-wide picture. Research scale to be achieved, that there is summary accounts of excavations projects looking at stone axes, a future in a partnership approach on the island of Ireland. This prehistoric gold artefacts and inter- with heritage benefiting from joined annual publication, appearing tidal archaeology have all benefited up thinking. Internationally, there is since 1970 (see www.excavations. from north-south mobility and a growing trend of trans-boundary ie for the online version), is the knowledge exchange. co-operation in knowledge transfer result of collaboration between and funding schemes such as the Environment and Heritage As stronger economic and political Protection INTERREG and the EU Commission Service of Northern Ireland and linkages develop between the Framework Programme 7 (FP7). the Department of Environment, Republic of Ireland and Northern T e c h n i q u e s a n d Heritage and Local Government Ireland it will be worth reflecting In the archaeological discipline there in the Republic. Several private on how we can improve our is an established tradition of co- sector archaeological consultancies understanding of our shared operation between archaeologists operate on both sides of the border heritage and how knowledge and in Ireland and Northern Ireland. and there is good mobility between resources can best be pooled to At student level the formation graduates and professionals in achieve an improved understanding of the Association of Young Irish the world of developer-funded of past lives and environment in Archaeologists (AYIA) in Belfast archaeological excavation. Ireland. To some extent many of the during 1968 was on an all island measures and levels of co-operation basis. The Irish Association of The Heritage Council’s Standing outlined above are a feature of the Professional Archaeologists (IAPA) Committee on Archaeology and the past 20 or 30 years, but perhaps in was formed shortly afterwards. Royal Irish Academy’s Committee the new prevailing spirit of dialogue This spirit of collaboration has been on Archaeology have representation and co-operation it is time to look at maintained into the new millennium from Northern Ireland. Similarly, greater linkages and liaison to take with the Institute of Archaeologists the Northern Ireland Historic account of new cross-border bodies of Ireland (IAI), founded in 2001 Monuments Council has members and funding opportunities.

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Archaeological fieldwork – a thing of the past? Tim Howard and Peter Hinton, Institute of Field Archeologists

Today archaeology covers a wide preservation by record. Without spectrum of activity and the such fieldwork irreplaceable traditional lines of demarcation evidence of the past is lost, leaving with other disciplines in the historic nothing for those whose role is environment are becoming blurred. subsequently to analyse, evaluate or disseminate information on the The old-fashioned stereotype historic environment. of the ‘digger’ no longer gives a wholly accurate picture of the Nor are humans the only threat to modern profession. It neither the archaeological resource. The reflects the wide variety of intrusive forces of nature can be equally and non-intrusive fieldwork now damaging. In Northern Ireland2 undertaken (both in relation to estimates of sea level change by buried and submerged remains the 2050s range between 130mm and to landscapes, buildings and and 740mm and such increases other standing remains), nor Dual Court Tomb, Ballyreagh, will exacerbate coastal erosion County Fermanagh does it reflect the work of many putting many archaeological sites archaeologists who spend little archaeological profession. along Northern Ireland’s 650km or no time specifically engaged in Planning and heritage law now of coastline at risk. In most cases fieldwork. Indeed, the latest survey provides a measure of protection excavation will be the only realistic of the archaeological profession, for archaeological remains, yet they way to preserve the archaeological Profiling the Profession, published remain a highly vulnerable store record. d n a s e u q i n h c e T in 2003, estimated that fewer of human history. Preservation However, archaeological fieldwork is than half (49%) of archaeologists in situ may be feasible in many Protection working in the United Kingdom cases, but, in the face of increasing not simply a practical necessity. In a work for ‘organisations that provide development pressure, it is discipline concerned with the study field investigation and research inevitable that sites will continue of people through material remains services’1. There have also been to require evaluation and, where it provides an important link both calls for the Institute of Field necessary, excavation or other materially and intellectually with the Archaeologists, the professional recording in order to achieve past. body representing archaeologists and related disciplines in the UK, to drop the word ‘field’ from its title so as more accurately to convey the breadth of its membership (which includes many curators, consultants, academics, specialists and others whose roles are essentially office- based).

It would be a mistake, however, to conclude that the importance of archaeological fieldwork has diminished in any way. It may no longer be the sole focus of attention, but fieldwork remains Nendrum Early Christian Tide Mill, County Down central to the activities of the

1 Aitchison and Edwards (2003) Archaeology Labour Market Intelligence: Profiling the Profession 2002/03, CHNTO, p.xii 2 DoENI, (2006) An Integrated Coastal Zone Management Strategy for Northern Ireland 2006 – 2026, p.33

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Archaeologists excavating and recording features at Corrstown, County Derry, 2003

Indeed, practical and fieldwork life, but it should not be forgotten cultural perspective. One of the techniques continue to be central that the increasingly impressive attractions of fieldwork is that it to the teaching and research illustrations, reconstructions provides a practical means actively undertaken by centres of learning and simulations (often computer to engage members of the public in such as Queen’s University Belfast generated) rely upon data produced the study and understanding of the and the Centre for Maritime by fieldwork. Virtual reality has historic environment through the Archaeology at the University of much to offer, but we have to keep work in the field of local societies Ulster. Indeed, many would argue our feet on the ground. and community archaeologists. that the skills and awareness acquired through fieldwork should The legacy of the past (and Nowadays an archaeologist is as provide a valuable grounding for all particularly the recent past) can be likely to be found in an office, a historic environment practitioners. painful and controversial. In recent council chamber or a community Sadly, such emphasis on fieldwork years archaeological consultants hall as in the field. Nonetheless, in higher and further education is have undertaken an assessment such diversity in no way undermines not mirrored throughout the United of built heritage at the former Kingdom and many Universities Maze Prison and Long Kesh Army the importance of archaeological and Colleges are under budgetary Base near Lisburn to provide an fieldwork or of those who undertake pressure to reduce the fieldwork assessment and detailed it. Such work underpins that content of courses. record of the site in advance of of most historic environment practitioners and ensuring that it

Protection re-development. Such fieldwork is So far as the wider public is sensitive but cannot be ignored. is properly funded and carried out

T e c h n iconcerned, q u e s a n d artefacts, buildings and There is, nevertheless, much in in accordance with professional landscapes uncovered or recorded the 10,000 years of human history standards should be of concern to through fieldwork bring history to in Ireland to provide a common each and every one of us.

Middle Bronze Age Spearheads Late Bronze Age gold dress fastener and Sleeve Fastener from Killymoon, County Tyrone

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Developer funded archaeology Stephen Gilmore, Northern Archaeological Consultancy Ltd

Until recently, commercial developers paid little or no attention to the historical remains under their feet. Most countries today require by law some form of survey work to be performed in advance of development and may even ask that an archaeologist be present to observe the ground as topsoil or modern material is removed with heavy plant. In Northern Ireland Barrows Millreagh Dundonald Annadale Hoffmann kiln this legislation is PPS6 (Planning Policy Statement). All developers the developer and agreed by the are now required to take account planning authority on the advice of the impacts of their proposals of their own archaeologists. This on the historic environment. As work and the archaeological field a result of this the majority of work it generates is usually carried archaeological fieldwork in Northern out in advance of development, and often goes unnoticed by the public Ireland takes place in advance of who mistake it for another phase of planned developments - from road construction activity. construction to wind farm turbines

to housing. In response to the d n a s e u q i n h c e T Developer funded archaeology is Liscolman Antrim cist burial need for developers to satisfy the often seen as the other side of Protection requirements of this legislation, the coin to research archaeology, archaeology has evolved from small commercial archaeological where archaeologists excavate beginnings in the early 1990s to consultancies have been formed with brushes and dental picks the position today with upwards of that offer archaeological services and excavations can stretch over 1000 archaeologists employed and to the construction industry. Their multiple seasons. In developer somewhere in the vicinity of 2500 function is similar to the role carried funded archaeology time is often at excavation licences being issued out by other specialist contractors. a premium and the archaeological annually across Ireland as a whole. The nature of the investigations material has been uncovered as part Professional archaeologists involved to be undertaken is agreed during of a construction or development with developer funded archaeology the planning process, with project process, often as a result of adhere to the same standards designs and methodology prepared archaeologically specific planning of excavation and recording as by archaeologists on behalf of conditions. Developer funded other archaeologists and to the same health and safety standards as others in the construction industry. Excavations on sites where construction is also underway have their own special hazards, are often noisy and potentially dangerous, and thus are generally not suitable for public access. (Furthermore, many construction sites require all site visitors to undertake a safety induction before setting foot on site, Rath with house and annex Brokerstown, Lisburn however briefly.)

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Barbed and tanged arrowhead, County Down

thought to be likely to put off cost money and a developer must potential customers for housing. consider there to be a benefit – In some cases developers may be that to the immediate project fear that publicity will paint them in terms of public relations and as destroyers of heritage or the understanding or to their place Lignite Pendant- Steeple Rd, Antrim presence of archaeological remains in the larger community – before on a site may provide ammunition funding any of the above. Though the material uncovered on to those opposed to a project for these excavations is often extremely other reasons. Developer funded archaeology has important and contributes greatly vastly increased the volume of to archaeological research – There are several possible evidence available for how people commercial archaeology is providing a plethora of new sites, artifacts and solutions to the problem of limited lived in the past. For example, information – there can be issues presentation of information. With known examples of Neolithic with the wide dissemination of this the co-operation of the client, open houses have increased from fewer information. Excavation reports are days can be held to allow those than half a dozen in the 1980s to submitted to the Environment and interested to view the site in safety, over 50, and previously unknown Heritage Service who will hold them talks can be given at local venues types of monument have been as part of the Sites and Monument (and advice given at both of these uncovered, such as the plectrum Record, but they are generally not regarding opportunities for further shaped enclosures found at Antrim presented in an accessible form research), monographs and books and in Limerick. This increase in to the public (though they are can be published detailing the the volume and type of evidence publicly available from the EHS) excavation results at one or more available has influenced not only and media coverage is usually levels of complexity, and display current interpretations of the past little more than an “and finally” boards can be added to the street but also allowed the reinterpretation on the six o’clock news. In some furniture after the development of previous research in the light of cases the archaeologists involved is complete. In special cases, new discoveries. A new emphasis in a project may be contractually viewing platforms such as those on sharing this new information

Protection prohibited from publicizing their used at urban excavations in York with the wider public would give findings during field work and post- and Temple Bar in Dublin can be people an insight into the exciting T e c h n i q u e s a n d excavation phases, as the presence erected, with regularly updated state of current archaeology and of certain types of archaeological display boards and guided talks. an enhanced appreciation of our sites such as cemeteries are However, all of these approaches communal past(s).

Magheramenagh Portrush Souterrain

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To have and to hold: archaeology and the Ulster Museum Cormac Bourke, Ulster Museum

The Ulster Museum is a constituent part of National Museums Northern Ireland. Its origin can be traced to the museum of the Belfast Natural History Society which was founded in the 1820s and installed in what we now call the Old Museum building in College Square North in 1831. A separate museum, known as Belfast Art Gallery and Museum, was established by Belfast Corporation in the late 19th century and housed in the Central Library in Royal Avenue. The collection of the (renamed) Belfast Natural History and Philosophical Society was amalgamated with that of the Art Gallery and Museum in 1909. Clonmore Shrine, late 7th century The combined collection continued to grow and was rehoused in symbols of wealth and power. The named in the legislation (The the new, purpose-built Belfast Bann disc – a saucer-sized bronze Historic Monuments and Municipal Museum and Art Gallery disc with curvilinear decoration – is Archaeological Object (Northern in the Botanic Gardens in 1929. a masterpiece of Iron Age date. Ireland) Order 1995) as one of This institution was maintained by It was found during dredging of the two authorities (the other Belfast Corporation until 1961 when the Bann in the 1930s and is just being the DoE) to which all finds it achieved national status and was one of thousands of artefacts in of archaeological material must renamed the Ulster Museum. the Museum which came to light be reported. This is something in that campaign. A much later which the Museum values highly, The Ulster Museum holds dredging campaign on the River as it guarantees sight of stray hundreds of thousands of pieces of th Blackwater brought the 7 -century finds as well as direct contact archaeological material, ranging in Clonmore shrine from its watery with the finders. The role of the date between the Mesolithic and the resting place. The shrine was found finder is crucial, not alone in Raising Archaeology th 17 century. This figure includes – in separate pieces – during the making available whatever is

the myriad products of prehistoric 1990s and can now be substantially discovered for record purposes, but up the Agenda flint industries and a vast array of reconstructed. Just 8cm long and also in transmitting the primary potsherds of all ages. It includes 8cm high, this is a tour de force of account of its provenance and find representative ranges of almost the native curvilinear style and is circumstances. Such reports from all the recognized artefacts types the oldest example of Irish Christian finders are the stuff of history from prehistoric and medieval metalwork. (and archaeology) and the Ulster Ireland. It also includes exceptional Museum is ever eager for more. pieces which are either downright The Ulster Museum holds the unique or else among the finest finds from excavations conducted The Ulster Museum is currently of their kind. A hoard of nineteen in Northern Ireland between the closed for redevelopment but will porcellanite axe-heads found near 1920s and the 1960s; it also holds reopen in mid-2009 with new Belfast’s Malone Road in the early finds from later excavations by archaeological displays and much 20th century comes to mind; the members of its staff – notably else besides. The eclipse has been axes are unusually big and probably those conducted at Carrickfergus temporary and we look forward to non-utilitarian and were presumably by Tom Delaney. The Museum is offering illumination.

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Engaging with Archaeology Days

Malachy Conway, The National Trust Northern Ireland

The historic environment is all around us. It contains evidence of our ancestors’ efforts to settle in, farm, mine, travel, defend and generally adapt the landscape to their use over millennia. It contains thousands of archaeological sites, monuments, buildings, landscapes and historic gardens, many of which are unknown to the thousands of people who pass them each day, but all share a common element: they Castleward ‘artefacts’ display are the features of the landscape which give a place its character, The professionals and amateurs Since 2004, when The National Trust shape our perceptions and give who contribute their time and first appointed an archaeologist people a sense of place in our ever expertise to these events do so to record and advise on the changing environment. The historic with the aim of transmitting the management of its properties environment is also an important importance and even fragility of our in Northern Ireland, it has fully educational resource for both historic environment and increasing supported this annual event, seeing children and adults, can generate public awareness about our special it as a further mechanism by which income and employment through places. In doing this we can help the public can enjoy heritage sites tourism and marketing, and can to enhance the visitor experience and be provided with a means and contribute to our quality of life. by being on hand to communicate forum through which to question Each year in June archaeologists what is significant about our rich and comment upon what it is that in Northern Ireland take part in a and shared archaeological heritage. archaeology does and provides to national event called Archaeology Generally such Archaeology Day society. The new discoveries made Days. This runs over a weekend, events consist of simple guided through archaeology, whether by usually around the solstice period, tours, site visits and talks on many commercial activity or targeted but presents a programme of events different monuments and historic research design, help redefine and for the whole month. Archaeology sites, many of which are not ultimately inform what is significant Days are designed to allow people normally ‘guided’ or even regularly in the historic environment. Where to discover something new about open to public access. It prompts necessary this can change our views the historic landscape around them, heritage providers to tailor a visitor and perceptions about how our even if it is a landmark site, much experience to a property or site with ancestors have used and changed visited but little understood. Most archaeology as a key theme. the landscape around us over importantly for the professionals who engage in these events is that it gives archaeologists, museum staff, local authority Heritage Officers and local groups and societies an opportunity to meet with and engage ‘one to one’ with the general public who visit and are interested in our archaeological and

up the Agenda historical heritage. It also allows the public the chance to see first hand

Raising Archaeology Raising the fruits of current research which is being carried out on monuments Castleward geophysics meets public and landscapes across the province.

March 2008 30 Northern Ireland’s Historic Environment NORTHERN IRELAND ENVIRONMENT LINK ENVIRONMENTAL FACT SHEET millennia. Archaeology Days are one means by which these messages can be transmitted.

On National Trust properties Archaeology Days events have been varied in their nature and scope, from providing guided tours of historic properties such as at Mount Stewart, Co. Down, Divis and The Black Mountain, and Cushendun in Co. Antrim, to allowing public Castleward interactive ‘bones’ display access to archaeological recording work such as at Patterson’s Spade geophysical survey was used to within the castle along with a bone Mill, Co. Antrim in 2005, where locate the buried foundations of the box for children to identify animals 3D laser scanning of ruined mill building, once the centrepiece for from skulls and an exhibition buildings and workers cottages one of Ulster’s most important 18th of archaeological artefacts for was demonstrated to illustrate how century formal landscape gardens, people to handle and experts to archaeologists record and interpret of which many attributes still discuss. Over 400 people visited ruined structures. survive including the Temple Water the property over the weekend, Canal. In tandem with this ‘seeing even though the weather had been Perhaps the most ambitious event beneath the soil’ survey, members very bad and expectations were the Trust has participated in was of the Ulster Archaeological Society low. The engagement aspects in 2007 when, with support from undertook detailed topographic were tremendous, with some of and partnership of the Environment mapping of the Yew Terraces, the people turning up with their and Heritage Service, the Centre another of the important surviving own finds from back gardens etc. for Archaeological Fieldwork 18th century landscape features. to have them identified by the (Queen’s University Belfast) and The team was able to use the Old archaeologists. the Ulster Archaeological Society Tower House, the first residence of ran an event which sought to meld the Ward family who established Planning for the 2008 follow-up to this event is currently underway, current archaeological research Castle Ward which dates from th with the plan to undertake an and fieldwork recording with the late 16 century, as a base of archaeological excavation to verify public access and engagement at operations. The tower house is not and record the features that were an historic site, Castle Ward. The usually open to the public and this discovered from the geophysical was an opportunity for people to focus of the research was to locate survey, including the foundations see within and get a guided tour of the buried site of a former Queen of the Queen Anne house itself. the castle. Interpretation boards Anne period house built 1710- Most importantly, this excavation Raising Archaeology 14 and destroyed in 1846-59. A on the archaeology were set up will see professional archaeologists work with amateurs, Young up the Agenda Archaeologists Clubs and the general public in undertaking the excavation and will be the first time that non-professionals will have worked on a dig here. It will be a tremendous experience for those who have always wished to take part in an excavation and they will have the experts on hand to train them, guide them in the process and, we hope, instil a greater appreciation not just of archaeology but of our historic past and the Castleward Ulster Archaeological Society display riches it contains. in Tower House

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Young Archaeologists’ Club: An opportunity for 6-16 year olds to learn about their past Naomi Carver; Centre for Archaeological Fieldwork; School of Geography, Archaeology & Palaeoecology; Queen’s University Belfast

The past has long been a source its humble beginnings and was of fascination for the human soon passed to the Council for race. Centuries of archaeological British Archaeology (CBA) for discoveries have told the story safekeeping. The aim of the CBA of life on Earth and have helped is to promote participation in people to discover both who they archaeological research, education are and where they came from. The and the conservation of the built, dissemination of knowledge has buried, landscape and townscape become an integral part of modern- heritage. The Young Archaeologists’ day archaeology. The media are Club provides an opportunity for full of reports of new and exciting children to share in this experience discoveries, and television series and discover just how much fun it

such as The Time Team, The History Prof. Mike Baillie (QUB) demonstrating can be to learn about the past. The Detectives and Meet the Ancestors flint knapping to the Belfast YACs club now has over 3000 members have only increased the thirst and more than 60 regional branches for knowledge, especially among throughout the United Kingdom. children and young adults. At present there are three branches In Northern Ireland at present of the club in Northern Ireland - opportunities for the study of based at Bangor and Downpatrick, archaeology at school are limited. At Co. Down and Belfast, Co. Antrim. primary level, usually in Years Four The venue for the Belfast branch to Seven (Key Stage 2), children is the newly built Archaeology and are able to learn about the major Palaeoecology Building of Queen’s time periods and how they relate University Belfast, where resources to their local environment. Most and varied expertise can be drawn schools offer trips to museums upon. The branch has flourished since it was set up in June 2006 and archaeological sites, but such Deanna Montgomery has a close look at by archaeologists from Queen’s. occasions are often restricted by some pottery during the launch day of With over 50 members on the time and money. At secondary the Belfast YAC branch in June 2006 level the opportunity to study books the club meets monthly and archaeology relies on the choice can normally accommodate up to by an individual school to include 30 children per meeting. Children it on its curriculum. As a result, between the ages of 6 and 16 there is great potential for the years regularly attend and many Young Archaeologists’ Club interested parents also choose to (YAC) to provide more hands-on stay for the sessions. There is also opportunities for young people to the opportunity for those over the become involved in the study of age of 16 years to become official their shared heritage. club helpers.

The Young Archaeologists’ Club The Belfast branch is currently run

up the Agenda has its roots in 1972 when Kate by Naomi Carver, Brian Sloan and Pretty and Mike Corbishley set up Dr Eileen Murphy from the School Assistant Leader Brian Sloan showing Raising Archaeology Raising an archaeology club in England of Geography, Archaeology and Kelan McEwen (left) and Alan Ferguson known as the ‘Young Rescue’. The Palaeoecology, Queen’s University some flint artefacts at the launch day club became so popular it outgrew Belfast. A wide range of activities (June 2006)

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Young Archaeologists’ Club dig have been enjoyed in the first 18 schedule lined up for 2008 which that people are prepared to travel months of the club’s existence. The includes a day-long fieldtrip to long distances to attend further hands-on sessions have covered the fascinating prehistoric tomb highlights the strong desire for subjects such as pottery making, at Newgrange, Co. Meath. In young people to learn about their flint knapping, comets and myths, forthcoming months the avid Young past. We are very proud of the and the study of animal bones Archaeologists will also be given the fact that two of the Belfast Branch from real archaeological sites. opportunity to learn about topics members have won prizes in recent We have also been out and about such as castles and human remains months for their archaeological the country, with fieldtrips to the and to find out how trees can be endeavours. Alan Ferguson was Giant’s Ring, Co. Antrim, Friar’s used to date archaeological sites Highly Commended for the Blair Bush Graveyard in Belfast, Navan (dendrochronology). Mayne Trail that he devised Fort, Co. Armagh, and Carrickfergus as part of the 2007 UK-wide and Dunluce Castles, Co. Antrim. The growing interest in the Young Young Archaeologist of the Year The club has an action-packed Archaeologists’ Club and the fact competition. Jack Kelly won a prize for his drawing of Carrickfergus Castle as part of the European

Heritage Open Days Initiative y g o l o e a h c r A g n i s i a R coordinated by the Environment and

Heritage Service. These successes up the Agenda are a real testament to the genuine interest that many young people in Northern Ireland have for archaeology and their heritage. It would be fantastic if others working in the heritage sector, or simply with an enthusiasm for the past, within the province were willing to step forward as new YAC leaders and to create new branches so that a regional network could be created, similar to that which Some members of Belfast and Downpatrick Clubs at the Family Fieldwalking Day exists in Scotland. The creation of in Comber, County Down (June 2006) such a network would provide a

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Assistant Leader Brian Sloan examining the finds collected by Alan Aoife Waide learning how to make flour Ferguson and his dad at the Family Fieldwalking Day in Comber, the hard way (launch June 2006) County Down (June 2006) real opportunity to bring together children (and adults) from all communities throughout Northern Ireland. It is an opportunity for archaeologists, historians and others with an interest in the past to share their knowledge and to help local communities discover their heritage. We would be interested to hear from other groups throughout Ireland carrying out similar activities for children and young people.

Further Information The Belfast branch meets on the second Saturday of each month (excluding July). For Owen Waide (left) and Jamie Carton study human remains with a more information please contact helping hand from a friend (launch June 2006) the club at belfastyac@qub. ac.uk or Naomi Carver on +4428 90973728. Naomi Carver (Centre for Archaeological Fieldwork, School of Geography, Archaeology and Palaeoecology, Queen’s University Belfast); Eileen Murphy (School of Geography, Archaeology and Palaeoecology, Queen’s University Belfast); Brian Sloan (Centre for Archaeological Fieldwork, School of Geography, Archaeology and Palaeoecology, Queen’s University Belfast) http://www.qub.ac.uk/ up the Agenda home/QueensintheCommunity/ OutreachDirectory/ Raising Archaeology Raising ProjectDetails/?proj_cd=111 http:// Assistant Leader Brian Sloan helping Abigail, Murphy-Donnelly to find artefacts in the mini-excavation (launch June 2006) www.britarch.ac.uk/yac/

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Downpatrick Young Archaeologists’ Club Mike King, Down County Museum

On March 9th 2002, Down County Museum launched the Downpatrick Young Archaeologists’ Club for youngsters aged between 8 and 16. As a result of sending flyers to local schools, a total of 51 children joined the Club in its first year as part of a wider network of clubs based in York. The President of the Young Archaeologists’ Club network is Tony Robinson, so we hoped to attract some Time Team fans to join in our activities.

The Club’s first event was an archaeological fieldwalk in a ploughed field near Ballynoe Stone Circle, when we got the opportunity The President of the Young Archaeologists’ Club Network Tony Robinson trying on to search for ancient artefacts the Viking helmet turned up by the plough. With 47 children and some dedicated helpers has plenty of replica artefacts Ring. Members even been involved and parents we were able to search for handling purposes. With the in a dig at a rath site near Newry in the entire field, using a grid system help of the local ‘Magnus Vikings’ April 2007. to collect artefacts such as worked group, children are able to dress flints, clay pipes and pottery. up as Vikings and find out how The Club has now been active for they fought in battle. They can also over five years and is still going form into teams to challenge each strong. Club members recently met other to a game of `hnefatafl’ (Irish Tony Robinson at the re-opening of ‘Ard Ri’), a Viking game known to the Governor’s Residence building, have been played in Downpatrick containing all kinds of archaeological in the 12th century. A small stone treasures, at Down County Museum. gaming board with a hnefatafl game For budding archaeologists the new Raising Archaeology scratched on one side was found in exhibitions include items ranging excavations near Down Cathedral from the Mesolithic to the Early up the Agenda in 1986, and a large-size version Modern period, including flints and stone axes to touch, games to play, of the game has been made by Jim Viking costumes to try on, postcards Parrish, a Friend of the Museum. of archaeological sites to take away, Other events have been on an and a touchscreen database of sites Egyptian theme, with a visit from to visit in the area. the Curator of Ethnography at the If anyone is interested in finding out Ulster Museum and mask-painting more about the Club, please contact and mummy wrapping days as Mike King at the Museum (028 Young Archaeologists make a pot well. The group has looked at 44615218 or [email protected]. uk). There is a small annual charge for Our Viking-themed events based at animal bones, flints and drawing membership of £10, in order to cover the Museum have been particularly techniques, and has visited over 30 costs. The Club generally meets once a popular. This is a great subject for archaeological sites in the province, month on a Saturday, with the exception our school visits and the Museum including Navan Fort and the Giant’s of July and August.

Northern Ireland’s Historic Environment 35 March 2008 NORTHERN IRELAND ENVIRONMENT LINK ENVIRONMENTAL FACT SHEET

The Ulster Archaeological Society

William Dunlop, Ulster Archaeological Society

The Ulster Archaeological Society developed from the subscribers’ general and committee meetings, including that of an excavation committee, of the Ulster Journal of Archaeology (Series III, founded 1937). At the annual general meeting of subscribers in November 1946 it was unanimously resolved that the committee form itself into a society to be known as the Ulster Ulster Archaeological Society field survey of burial cairn Archaeological Society and co-opt at Black Mountain, County Antrim every subscriber to the journal into both, archaeology was their hobby, amateurs and professionals. The the society. The draft rules stated: furthered in their own time, with society’s programme consists of The objects of the society shall be: no assistance from the university eight lectures once a month on a (a) the publication of the Ulster authorities and occasionally with a Monday evening from September Journal of Archaeology; little hassle. to December and February to May. Field trips are also an important (b) the management of an In 1948 the department of part of the society’s programme. excavation fund and ancient history and archaeology at the carrying out of The standard pattern is two all-day Queen’s was split and a lecturer archaeological excavations Saturday outings, two evening trips and other field-work by in archaeology with special and a weekend excursion. Week- means of its members and reference to the archaeology of end field trips are from Friday to other individuals to whom it Ireland appointed. A couple of Saturday. Week-long “study tours” shall make grants from the years later the Ministry of Finance were undertaken in 2005 and 2007, excavation fund; inaugurated the Archaeological the first being to St Petersburg and Survey of Northern Ireland and two (c) the furtherance of all forms of the second to Brittany. A second knowledge and research into experienced field archaeologists innovation was the survey group the archaeology, history, from across the water were which meets on the last Saturday folklore and geography of employed. Thus archaeology in of each month (except December). Ireland and in particular of Northern Ireland experienced its New members are given training. Ulster. first professional input. All three Outdoor survey work is carried out professionals were very helpful to from April to September with writing Certain legal niceties had to be the Ulster Archaeological Society, up of the reports to publication observed but the constitutional particularly in the production of standard taking place at Rowallane, changeover went fairly smoothly. the Ulster Journal of Archaeology Co Down, courtesy of the National It took some years, however, for but also in the development of the Trust during the winter months. a programme of lectures and field society’s programme. Although trips to develop. At that time all there continued to be amateur Ulster Archaeological Society annual excavations in Northern Ireland involvement in excavation, including membership subscriptions are: individual were undertaken by interested the direction of digs, a tendency £15, family £15, retired £5. Individual and family membership includes a copy amateurs who, highly professional developed of leaving it to the of the Ulster Journal of Archaeology. in other spheres, observed the professionals.

up the Agenda Enquiries, bookings, subscriptions, etc: professional standards of the day Honorary Secretary Ulster Archaeological in their excavations. Two of the Today the society is in a very Society, c/o Ulster Museum, Botanic Raising Archaeology Raising most active were the lecturers in healthy position, providing a Gardens, BELFAST BT9 5AB. The geography and archaeology/ancient suitable range of activities and society’s website is: www.uarsoc.org. history at Queen’s University; for with excellent rapport between New members are always welcome.

March 2008 36 Northern Ireland’s Historic Environment NORTHERN IRELAND ENVIRONMENT LINK ENVIRONMENTAL FACT SHEET

Northern Ireland Archaeology Forum Sue Christie, Northern Ireland Environment Link

Background to the Forum all excavations, including post- The Forum is now ready to move on In late 2006 a series of meetings excavation and publication, to a more active programme and began which has culminated in in order to do this more resources • To encourage a coordinated and the launch of the Northern Ireland are required. If it is to reach its proactive approach to research th Archaeology Forum on the 18 and its dissemination. potential and accomplish its goals October 2007. A group of people, the Forum will require a dedicated which has been increasing in The Forum will engage in a variety position and funding for delivery of number and the range of interests of activities to fulfil these aims, such specific activities and work. We are represented, felt the need for a as: therefore applying to Built Heritage coordinated approach to promote Directorate of the Environment • Holding events, conferences and the archaeological heritage to the meetings, and Heritage Service DoE and the public and politicians of Northern Heritage Lottery Fund to jointly fund Ireland. Members from throughout • Producing publications and the delivery of a programme for a the island of Ireland and GB newsletters, period of three years. Members have met to discuss the most of the Forum (Council for British • Providing networking pressing issues facing the field and Archaeology, National Trust, Queen’s opportunities, determined what should be done to University Belfast, The Heritage help raise its profile. • Developing contacts and Council and Ulster Archaeological outreach to communities and Society) have pledged to support What is the Forum? other bodies, the Forum, in cash or in kind, and The NI Archaeology Forum other Forum members are also keen facilitates individuals and • Contacting decision makers to see the project a success and will organisations to protect, study and to increase their knowledge donate their time and expertise to promote the historic environment. of and concern for the historic its work. It is a network of individuals and environment, organisations interested in its aims, Launch of the Forum with a very open and inclusive • Providing a focus for campaign The Forum was fortunate to be able membership ethos. The Forum’s activities which pertain to to coordinate its launch with the remit is Archaeology, but it is the historic environment and visit of the Time Team to excavate enthusiastic to work with others to especially the archaeological a site in Dungannon. At the launch promote all aspects of the historic record in Northern Ireland. in October 2007, Tony Robinson environment. Raising Archaeology Forum Aims:

• To encourage cooperative action up the Agenda to raise archaeology up the political and public agendas,

• To advance understanding through education and awareness activities,

• To promote the economic, cultural, social and environmental value of the historic environment and its links to sustainable development,

• To protect the resource through Nicki Whitehouse (NIAF Chair), Mick Aston and Tony Robinson at the encouraging good practice at launch of the Northern Ireland Archaeology Forum

March 2008 37 Northern Ireland’s Historic Environment NORTHERN IRELAND ENVIRONMENT LINK ENVIRONMENTAL FACT SHEET

Castle Hill, Dungannon, County Tyrone Members of the Centre for Archaeological Fieldwork working with the Time Team at Dungannon

(the presenter of the Channel 4 archaeology on local, regional and Coulter, Director of Built Heritage television programme) commented global scales. He then commented at EHS. Nicki Whitehouse of QUB, on how archaeological features on how archaeological research chairman of the Forum, chaired the are under increasing pressure on individual finds, structures event. from a variety of sources. Top of and landforms has continued to this list are: climate change (e.g. enhance our understanding of Activities to Date increasing erosion rates affecting past cultures, which illustrates the So far the Forum has produced coastal areas and changing the need to protect the archaeological a document on archaeology in physical state of soils and land landscape (in its widest context) Northern Ireland called Archaeology Enriches Us All and has distributed areas); the construction of new for future generations to study. He it to Assembly members, met with roads and housing developments; ended by stating that archaeological forums (such as NIAF) have a key the Minister for the Environment changes to agricultural and forestry role to play in advising governments Arlene Foster and set up a Web Site. practices; the rising number of Future activities and work depend people interested in the natural on the protection, conservation and exploration of archaeological upon the outcome of a bid to the environment (which is good but features, as well as enhancing Heritage Lottery Fund designed is increasing erosion rates and educational outreach activities. to carry out a number of events introducing new land pressures); Promoting general interest in and activities throughout Northern and the rising antiquities trade in archaeology would maximise the Ireland and produce a variety of archaeological artefacts. He went potential to protect, enjoy and publications over the next three on to describe how good heritage manage our archaeological heritage years. The work of the Forum to management was paramount for future generations. Other date has been supported by the and that this needed to be speakers at the launch included Built Heritage Directorate of the coupled with the promotion of Gabriel Cooney of UCD and Michael Environment and Heritage Service. up the Agenda Raising Archaeology Raising

Time Team excavations of Castle Hill, Members of the Centre for Archaeological Fieldwork and the the Time Team Dungannon, County Tyrone carrying out a dig at Dungannon

March 2008 38 Northern Ireland’s Historic Environment Ulster Institute of Field ArchaeologicUlster al Archaeologists ArchaeologicalSociety Society Northern Ireland’s Historic Environment

Produced by

Supported by

Northern Ireland Environment Link is the forum and The Northern Ireland Archaeology Forum is facilitated by networking body for organisations interested in the environment Northern Ireland Environment Link and can be contacted at of Northern Ireland. It assists members to develop views on the address below. Further information is available on the issues affecting the environment and to influence policy and NIAF Website: www.NIAF.co.uk. practice impacting on the natural and built environment of Northern Ireland. Northern Ireland Environment Link This report is a compilation of articles representing the views 89 Loopland Drive of the authors and the opinions expressed do not necessarily Belfast reflect the views of NIEL or any of its members organisations. BT6 9DW

This report was compiled and edited by Sue Christie with lay- Tel: 028 9045 5770 out and design by Dominic McLaughlin. If you have any com- Email: [email protected] ments on this issue or would like to contribute to future issues, Website: www.nienvironmentlink.org please contact us.

Photographs have been supplied by the authors or by courtesy of Northern Ireland Archaeology Forum members.

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