Neolithic Site | Thornhill College

- About Us

Neolithic Site

Paul Logue (Department of Environment Archaeologist) -

"The importance of the site is simply incredible in terms of understanding how people lived in Ireland 6000 years ago"

During the construction of our new school building at Thornhill College in May 2000, a neolithic site believed to have contained the homes of Derry's first settlers was discovered. Archaeologists investigated the site and unearthed evidence of a New Stone Age settlement which was described as of "incredible significance" - possibly the site of Ireland's first farming community.

The site is unique in that it is the remains of a complete settlement, including the remains of several buildings surrounded by a wooden palisade. Many artefacts have also been found during the excavations.

The evidence unearthed is allowing archaeologists to build up a very detailed picture of the dwellers' ritual habits, their beliefs and of their day-to day activities. As Paul Logue, a Department of Environment archaeologist stated, "The importance of the site is simply incredible in terms of understanding how people lived in Ireland 6000 years ago"

There is also evidence of possible conflict between the dwellers of the settlement and outsiders. There are strong indications that the surrounding palisade was burnt down at one time and several flint arrowheads have been discovered nearby. A stone axe was also discovered, broken into two pieces - possibly the result of 6,000-year-old temper tantrum, according to Mr Logue. Another implement is thought to have originated in the Lake District in England, possibly indicating that long-distance trading existed at that time.

Thankfully, it was possible to arrange for the archaeological excavations to continue alongside work on our new school building.

Eventually, many artefacts were unearthed, some of which can be seen in the Tower Museum in Derry. A sculpture which was unveiled in September 2008 includes a display of some of the unearthed treasures.

Among the items found are the remains of the timber-built houses as well as a large number of flint and stone tools and pottery. The size of the settlement suggests that up to 50 people could have lived within it.

Thornhill College Excavation Project

In 2000, the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (then the Environment and Heritage Service) undertook archaeological excavations at the site of the new Thornhill College Grammar School.

These excavations uncovered the remains of a series of wooden palisades enclosing an area that contained evidence of houses and associated activities dating to the Neolithic period.

The Thornhill site is very important for the study of our Neolithic ancestors and today represents the earliest known such settlement along the Foyle.

View of the site from above

During the Neolithic period Northern Ireland’s rivers were the main highways and an important focus for trade and movement. Located close to the mouth of the River Foyle, the Thornhill settlements would have been an important site and therefore easily located.

Visitors may have come to Thornhill to trade items such as the stone axes, pottery and flint tools seen below. Neolithic visitors to Thornhill would have seen a busy settlement with houses, such as are shown in the excavation plan and the reconstruction drawing.

Reconstruction drawing of a Neolithic pot and pot fragments

Illustration of finds

Neolithic house foundations found at Thornhill

The archaeological excavations at Thornhill; took several months and the remains found were of such importance that plans were made to move the school car park so as to preserve them.

Here you can see various stages of the dig and finds of pottery, flint, arrowheads, knives and some beads.

Palisade under excavation

Pits under excavation