Derry archaeological dig hailed a great success

Now that the dust, or in this case, the dirt has settled after the recent archaeological dig beside our famous historic Walls, there is much anticipation in relation to what has been found. The dig, conceived by The Friends of the Derry Walls, and executed by the Community Archaeological Programme N.Ireland, Queen's University, was kindly funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Niall McCaughan, Chair of The Friends of the Derry Walls stated: “We are delighted with the success of our recent big dig, which has added much to the wider story of our historic city. 

"When my late colleague and friend Mark Lusby first suggested the dig, never in our wildest dreams did we expect the interest that has been received locally, national and internationally. Mark had been very excited about it and it was  a bittersweet moment that we recently lost him as the dig was about to start, but this dig is very much part of Mark’s huge legacy.

"The dig really captured the interest particularly of the local population, and the dig team said to me that they were delighted with the interest shown by the local public to the dig; they stated that they always receive a huge welcome when they come to Northwest. We were fortunate to have a great turnout of local schools who took part in the dig as well as members of the public.

"In fact we were inundated and could not have facilitated all those who wanted to take part.  There were many exciting finds and I am delighted that Ruairi will come back to Derry next May, and will give a lecture about his findings, as part of our Lecture Programme.

"We would like to thank Ruairi and the team for coming to our city, and hope that they will return again in the future to continue their work. We would also like to thank Derry City Council for assisting in setting up the dig, The Verbal arts Centre for providing the space for our tour and exhibition, and finally to the various schools and members of the public who assisted over the dig.

"We have invited Ruairi to come back next Spring as part of our 2025 Programme to give a talk on his findings, once everything has been catalogued, reports written up, etc., which we are looking forward to.”

Ruairí Ó Baoill, Centre for Community Archaeology site Director for the dig stated: “During September 2024, a very successful two-week community excavation took place in Derry City. The dig was part of the Centre for Community Archaeology (CCA), Queen’s University Belfast’s CAPNI programme of community engagement with archaeology and heritage. The programme is funded by a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The Derry excavation was directed by myself.

"The CCA excavation was of a reconnaissance nature and took place just outside the historic 17th century city walls at Nailor’s Row, between Double Bastion and Royal Bastion, to assess the condition of the archaeological resource in this part of the city. Over the two weeks of the excavation, more than one hundred adult volunteers and nearly two hundred school children from local schools participated in the dig under the supervision of the CCA archaeologists.

"The excavation uncovered interesting social history and material culture relating to life in this important Irish urban settlement over the last few centuries, with masonry remains and road surfaces dating back to the late-18th century being revealed. Artefacts retrieved include much post-medieval pottery (especially earthenware’s), coins, clay tobacco pipes, metal work and personal effects such as buttons, styli, marbles and a holy medal.

Aerial shot of the Derry Walls Dig in progress

"Although the excavation finished before reaching the level of the extra-mural ditch that once surrounded the 17th century city walls, artefacts from the period- 17th century English pottery from North Devon and Staffordshire and a lead musket ball- suggest that this important feature remains preserved safely under the ground for future archaeologists to investigate.

"The CCA’s community-based partners in the city were the Friends of the Derry Wall and its Chair, Niall McCaughan. Its founder, the late Mark Lusby, has been instrumental in promoting the heritage of the walled city.”