Graveyard

The National Monuments Service's description

A walled graveyard (max. L 40m, Wth 30m) located in the NE quadrant of an ecclesiastical enclosure (DU005-024003-). Contains the foundations of a medieval parish church (DU005-024001-). It is artificially raised above the surrounding ground level and is defined by a stone masonry wall that encompasses a coffin sill. Entrance steps were added in 2009. There are many low grave markers in the graveyard, some with no memorials. The oldest are in the W including one that commemorates John Thornton 1707. The wall enclosing the church and graveyard was built in 1840s as part of landlord improvements. Local folklore has it that during a plague or famine St Movee’s burial ground was full to overflowing, and the people were forced to bury their dead in the adjoining field, now known as the Church Field. Test excavation in that adjacent field appears to refute this, however (Frazer, 2007). A quernstone is located along the eastern wall at the base of the stile.

Compiled by: Geraldine Stout

Updated by: Christine Baker

Date of upload: 14 November 2014

References

Frazer, W. 2007, Archaeological Assessment & Impact Statement, Phase I, Milverton demesne, Grange,Balcunnin, Ardla & Milverton Demesne townlands, Skerries. Licence 06E0799. Unpublished report submitted to the National Monuments Service, Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.