Early Medieval Round Tower Discovered
Thanks to Carbon Dating
Amazing Find Rewrites Local History
The find is significant in bringing
new light to Derry’s ancient past
A group of Derry historians say they can now prove that the remains of an ancient windmill standing in the grounds of Lumen Christi College, is an early medieval monastic round tower which provided the inspiration for the name of St Columba’s Church, affectionately known as the Long Tower.
Standing on the horizon that separates Bishop Street from the Bogside, the Long Tower Church is one of Derry’s most famous landmarks. But the age-old question of where this iconic church got its historic name has for many years remained unexplained.
The Derry Tower Heritage group (DHTG) have long believed that the remains of an historic Windmill at the Bishop Street school, is in fact the original Long Tower, and probable site of Columba’s Monastery.
And now, with the help of a team of archaeologists from Queen’s University of Belfast, and carbon dating analysis, the DTHG believe they have scientific evidence to back up their claims.
The discovery of the round tower is clear evidence of Derry’s standing as a leading monastic centre in the early and middle ages and raises new questions about the city’s historic past.
“We are certain we have found the monastic Long Tower, sitting in still silence surrounded by school life for almost one hundred and fifty years. It is a colossus of a structure, impressive in every detail; a huge piece of medieval Derry standing above the ground.” (DTHG, 2018)
Thanks to Carbon Dating
Amazing Find Rewrites Local History
The find is significant in bringing
new light to Derry’s ancient past
A group of Derry historians say they can now prove that the remains of an ancient windmill standing in the grounds of Lumen Christi College, is an early medieval monastic round tower which provided the inspiration for the name of St Columba’s Church, affectionately known as the Long Tower.
Standing on the horizon that separates Bishop Street from the Bogside, the Long Tower Church is one of Derry’s most famous landmarks. But the age-old question of where this iconic church got its historic name has for many years remained unexplained.
The Derry Tower Heritage group (DHTG) have long believed that the remains of an historic Windmill at the Bishop Street school, is in fact the original Long Tower, and probable site of Columba’s Monastery.
And now, with the help of a team of archaeologists from Queen’s University of Belfast, and carbon dating analysis, the DTHG believe they have scientific evidence to back up their claims.
The discovery of the round tower is clear evidence of Derry’s standing as a leading monastic centre in the early and middle ages and raises new questions about the city’s historic past.
“We are certain we have found the monastic Long Tower, sitting in still silence surrounded by school life for almost one hundred and fifty years. It is a colossus of a structure, impressive in every detail; a huge piece of medieval Derry standing above the ground.” (DTHG, 2018)