16 August 2000
AMAZING SIX THOUSAND YEAR OLD ARCHAEOLOGICAL FINDS GO ON DISPLAY IN LONDONDERRY
Amazing discoveries have been made by the DOE's Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) at the archaeological dig at Thornhill College Londonderry. In addition to discovering the homes and tools of New Stone Age man from up to 6,000 years ago, there is also evidence of sinister activity afoot with several arrowheads discovered.
Visiting the site, Mr Sam Foster MLA, Minister for the Environment, said: "This site is a very rare and exciting discovery of national, even international importance. It gives a fascinating insight into the work and lifestyle of those tilling the soil six thousand years ago. Indeed the site may contain evidence of the very first farmers in the Londonderry area.
"I salute the hard work done by EHS archaeologists in piecing together this fascinating slice of history. I would also like to pay tribute to developers McCloskey O'Kane Construction who are carrying out redevelopment work at Thornhill College. Through their co-operation we have been able to preserve this fascinating heritage."
Paul Logue, the EHS archaeologist directing the excavation explained some of the important findings:
"The Neolithic houses, tools, arrowheads and axes found in the grounds of Thornhill College are anywhere up to six thousand years old. Many of the early settlers' flint and stone tools have been recovered, ranging from hand held scrapers to implements for piercing bone and hide.
"Several stone axes, mostly fashioned from local stone, have been discovered, but one example recovered seems to come from the Lake District of England.
"There is evidence of more sinister activities, with arrowheads discovered and the palisade surrounding the site being burnt down. This is a rare insight to the existence of conflict between peoples during the New Stone Age period in Derry's past."
One lighter note is the discovery of an axe broken in two pieces found 30 metres apart. Archaeologist Ruth Logue, a former Thornhill pupil, explained:
"We may be seeing the results of a 6000 year old temper tantrum as it seems very possible that the axe broke in two when its disgruntled owner 'launched' it across the settlement in disgust!"
Excavations will continue for some months on the site, which will remain closed to the public under Health and Safety regulations and to preserve its archaeological integrity.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- The Thornhill College archaeological site will be open to the media at 10.45am Wednesday 16 August.
- The site can be found by crossing the new Foyle Bridge and turning right at the next roundabout, along the Culmore Road. Thornhill College is three-quarters of a mile along on the right hand side of the road. The development site is easily visible on the opposite side of the road.
- For further information please contact Philip Maguire or Paddy Murphy DOE Press Office Tel 028 9054 0013 or 028 9054 0003.