“More than we bargained for” The excavation of a lost medieval cemetery at Carrickfergus, speakers Simon Kane and Bethany Johnston
An excavation was carried out by Gahan & Long Ltd. in advance of proposed development of a Home Bargains store at Belfast Road, Carrickfergus. Initial testing determined that the majority of the site was archaeologically sterile; but human skeletal remains and graves were identified within part of the proposed development area. The area was heavily disturbed by activity relating to a 1950s textile factory, and the excavation was subsequently complicated by the presence of asbestos material throughout the site.
The excavation confirmed the existence of 107 grave cuts containing 119 individuals, with the remains of 68 disarticulated individuals also identified. Artefactual evidence and radiocarbon dating indicate that the burials date to the high medieval period. It is thought that these burials likely relate to the Premonstratensian Woodburn Abbey, which is known to have previously existed in close vicinity to the development site, but with its exact location not yet been identified.
Simon Kane
Simon graduated from QUB in 2016 with an MSci in Archaeology & Palaeocology with GIS & Cultural Heritage. He has worked on and directed sites across Ireland since joining Gahan & Long Ltd. as a field archaeologist in 2017, becoming a licensed director in 2022.
Bethany Johnston
Bethany Johnston graduated with a BA in Archaeology from the University of Chester in 2015 and a MSc in Osteoarchaeology from the University of Sheffield in 2016. Since graduating she has worked in commercial archaeology on projects throughout Ireland. At present she is an excavation director and osteoarchaeologist with Gahan and Long Ltd.
Date and Time: Wednesday 15th October, 1pm-2pm
Location: Lecture Theatre, 2 Titanic Boulevard, Titanic Quarter
Booking is Essential at Eventbrite