Archaeology of early Christianity in the North of Ireland

Abstract

This thesis gathers together the available information about pre-Norman ecclesiastical sites in the six northern counties, some well known, some known but little studied, some newly discovered. The main emphasis is on material remains, but these are viewed in the context of written sources, and some reference is also made to place- name evidence. The ways in which documents can help the archaeologist and in which the archaeologist can contribute to the study of the pre-Norman church are considered. This contribution is followed up in a discussion of numbers and distribution and topography of sites. The main classes of material are reviewedz enclosures, buildings, burials, stone-carving, bullauns, wells and evidence for monastic economy and technology. Though the difficulties of dating and of the fragmentary survival of material recur throughout this discussion, it is possible to relate much of the archaeological evidence to the main historical horizons in the development of the church. The fate of the sites is pursued briefly to recent times in an attempt to explain their present state, and some needs for further work are reviewed. The evidence is presented in a Gazeteer and Inventory (Volume Ii) and a volume of figures and plates (Volume III).

Date of Award	1976
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Queen's University Belfast
Supervisor	E Martyn Jope (Supervisor)