Conor Brady

An archaeological study of the Battle of the Boyne at Oldbridge, Co. Meath.

Abstract This paper outlines the results of a pilot archaeological study carried out on the Oldbridge Estate, Co. Meath, Ireland, in advance of its development for the presentation of the events of the Battle of the Boyne which was fought by the forces of King William III and James II on 1st July 1690. Archival research including the examination of museum collections, cartographic sources, contemporary artistic depictions of the battle and recent aerial photographic coverages was followed up by the use of a range of archaeological techniques including systematic surface collection survey, soil phosphate analysis, magnetic gradiometry, metal detecting and limited test excavation. Additionally, marine geophysics equipment was used to profile the character of the River Boyne, especially in the area of the main crossings. The study revealed important new evidence including the establishment of the location of Oldbridge village, a pivotal feature in the conduct of the battle, the confirmation of the location of the first engagement on the day of the battle and the first systematically recovered artefacts from the battlefield.

Newgrange and the Bend of the Boyne

The first off-shoot of the internationally successful Atlas of the Irish Rural Landscape, Newgrange and the Bend of the Boyne is the exploration of an outstanding archaeological landscape centred on Newgrange Passage Tomb and its greater environs. In ancient times it was called the Brugh na Boinne. Today this area is designated as a World Heritage site and is Irelands first protected Archaeological Park. Its rich fertile soils and south facing slopes are set in County Meath in the most accessible, low-lying part of Ireland and close to the Irish Sea. This is where the great pre-historic tomb-building tradition of Atlantic Europe reached its zenith. It is where legend says the foundations of Irish Christianity were laid and is also the home of Irelands first medieval Cistercian monastery at Mellifont. On the banks of the Boyne in 1690 one of the most important battles in Irish history was fought. The Bend of the Boyne had a pivotal role to play in Irish history and this is evident in its abundant physical remains, which can be traced amongst its fields and riverbanks. Through the interpretation of these remains this book presents an understanding of how this landscape was organized and exploited by communities over seven thousand years of settlement. This book draws heavily on the results of an extensive programme of excavation at Knowth, Newgrange and Monknewtown and archaeological survey, which has greatly increased our knowledge of prehistoric societies. Using a wide range of maps, colour photographs and historic, as well as new drawings, it traces the gradual evolution of the landscape to the present day. This book is also concerned with the future of this protected cultural landscape and recommends actions to ensure its protection and preservation.