25 October, 2022
Ulster Scots Archaeological Project
Project overview
The Discovering the Ulster Scots Archaeological Research Project was undertaken by IAC in partnership with AECOM and Northlight Heritage. The aim of the project was to raise awareness of Ulster Scots history, heritage and culture and to provide a clearer understanding of the impact that the Plantation had on the landscape, peoples and architecture of Ulster. IAC’s role involved archaeological fieldwork and surveying across the six counties over a three-year period. The project had a strong community element and school visits, open days and local volunteers were all integral to IAC’s excavation. Three Plantation-period sites were targeted for archaeological investigation – Servants Hill, Bangor, Co. Down; Derrywoone Castle, Co. Tyrone and Monea Castle, Co. Fermanagh.
During Year One we investigated the possible site of tenant houses shown on Raven’s 17th century map for the Hamilton estate in Bangor. No evidence for these structures were revealed however the remains of Bronze Age occupation was recorded. In Year Two we investigated the grounds of Derrywoone Castle (TYR 017:034) and accurately surveyed the built remains. The layout and extent of the bawn wall and the presence of a cobbled surface were confirmed however no evidence for tenants houses was identified as suggested in 17th century references. During Year Three the grounds of Monea Castle (FER 191:061) were investigated. Ten schools visited the excavation where the children and teachers were given site tours, shown the finds and engaged in practical activities such as sieving, excavating, surveying and drawing. Our volunteers included members of the Clogher Historical Society and Cavanaleck Community Group.
As part of the project an Education Pack aimed at Key Stages 2 & 3 of the Northern Irish curriculum was developed. The Education Pack is designed to be used by teachers as a resource to explore themes of active learning, independent thought and questioning and thinking about learning, and collaborative learning. The information and exercises contained within the pack are based on the research and excavations carried out by IAC. A General Reader was also prepared at this time for a wider audience providing a summary of the results of the three excavation seasons and community outreach elements. The Education Pack and General Reader were written and developed by Fintan Walsh & Christina O’Regan of IAC with assistance from Dr Heather James (Northlight Heritage), Nick Brannon, Maeve Tobin (IAC), Neil Macnab (AECOM) and Gerry Kelly.
