E.CHRIST. · RATH

Bivallate rath

Magherafelt, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 13104
Period
E.CHRIST.
Site type
RATH
Nation
Northern Ireland
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR)

Overview

History & significance

Bivallate rath is a Early Christian enclosed settlement located in the townland of Magherafelt, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. The monument consists of two concentric defensive earthen banks and ditches characteristic of raths, the fortified domestic enclosures that served as the residences and farmsteads of the Gaelic elite during the Early Christian period, approximately the fifth to twelfth centuries. Such bivallate examples represent higher-status settlements within the Early Christian social hierarchy, with the double defensive circuit providing enhanced protection for the inhabitants and their livestock. The site survives as an earthwork monument and forms part of the important archaeological record of Early Christian settlement patterns in Ulster.

Bivallate rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 13104. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Bivallate rath?

Bivallate rath is a Early Christian enclosed settlement located in the townland of Magherafelt, County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 13104.

What period does Bivallate rath date from?

Bivallate rath dates from the e.christ. period, and is classified as a rath. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across the UK.

Who is responsible for protecting Bivallate rath?

Bivallate rath is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Ni. The official designation reference is 13104.

What other scheduled monuments are near Bivallate rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Rath (2.7 km), Rath (3.7 km), Platform rath (5.1 km).

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