Burial ground

The National Monuments Service's description

In 2003 pre-development investigation uncovered a cemetery which was in use from 550 AD to 1150 AD. Located on a low hillock overlooking Swords. The burial rite varied from crouched, flexed or extended inhumations. The range of grave types comprised simple unlined, stone-lined and lintel graves and body position changed throughout the use of the site. A total of 281 inhumed burials were revealed. The cemetery was unenclosed. No evidence for a stone or timber church or other building was discovered. Artefacts associated with the burials include aiglets or lace chapes used to protect the end of lace cords to tie a shirt or vest. A single female inhumation had a ring on her finger. The earliest dated burial between 549-610AD was a high status male 40-50 years old and buried within a lintel grave. Adults dominated the population (61%) juveniles represented about a third (29%) and only a small proportion of the population were infants (10%). Analysis of the human remains revealed evidence for disease, childbirth mortality and weapon-related injuries (O'Donovan, E. & Geber, J.2009, 64-74).

Compiled by: Geraldine Stout

Date of upload: 26 August 2011