Thanks .
The site is defined by a massive bank and ditch that encircles what was once a drumlin island
Much of the mound was overgrown
Posted on 02/02/2012 6:29:48 PM PST by SunkenCiv
There are plenty of drumlins in County Down - but have you heard of the Mound of Down?
If not, that is probably because it has been hidden from public view by trees and gorse for decades.
But work is now under way to expose this fortification which could be about 1,000 years old.
Tim Campbell, director of the St Patrick Centre in Downpatrick, said it was one of the largest megalithic hill forts in western Europe.
"We have forgotten about it as it been overgrown with trees," he said.
"It was the seat of the high kings when they moved from the Navan area of Armagh eastwards."
The enclosure is defined by a massive bank and ditch that encircles what was once a drumlin island in the Quoile Marshes.
Although the site has yet to undergo archaeological excavation, it is thought that the large earthwork on the mound is a pre-Norman fortification.
It is most likely to be a royal stronghold of the Dál Fiatach, the ruling dynasty of this part of County Down in the first millennium AD.
Ken Neill, an archaeologist for the Environment Agency which is working to control the vegetation at the site, said it dated back to the Iron Age, or the early Christian period.
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.co.uk ...
The site is defined by a massive bank and ditch that encircles what was once a drumlin island
Much of the mound was overgrown
|
|
|
| GGG managers are SunkenCiv, StayAt HomeMother & Ernest_at_the_Beach | |
|
|
To all -- please ping me to other topics which are appropriate for the GGG list. |
|
|
|
|
Very interesting. My Irish relatives said that in Ireland, people use to believe the mounds were where Leprechauns lived. (Of course, those stories were told to me after vast amounts of Guinness and Irish Mist was consumed).
I haven’t forgotten it...
The Mound of DownThe Mound of Down is an Iron Age hill fort which had a Norman motte built within the ring earthwork. An aerial photo from helicopter.
motte? is that the same as a moat?
Motte - mound, hill; especially: a hill serving as a site for a Norman castle in Britain (Mirriam Webster)
Good picture, thanks.
:’)
That’s “motte’”, a strong medieval beverage that was served hot.
In very, very large containers.
Two Irishmen were sitting on the ground.
One fell off.
Sometimes you feel like a nut, sometimes you down.
Oh. I thought it would be pillow talk.
what’s up with that?
Up Down!
The mound of Down was hidden from pubic view?
I’m so vain... I thought this sub was about me.
Wiston must rank as one of the best-preserved motte and bailey castles in Wales.
So of the 'motte' is the fort and the 'bailey' is the compound in which the animals were kept, why the need to raise the level of the bailey?
PS. I'll have mine in a bucket, thank you.
Van Morrison & The Chieftains do a magnificent version of that tune :^)
They do, indeed!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
