E.CHRIST. · RATH

Bivallate rath

Lisburn, Northern Ireland
NISMR MonID 4869
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 ringfort situated in the Lisburn area of County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The monument is defined by its two concentric earthen banks, which give it its bivallate designation, a defensive arrangement characteristic of high-status settlement enclosures from the early medieval period. Raths of this type typically date from the early Christian period, roughly the fifth to twelfth centuries, and functioned as defended homesteads for aristocratic families. The survival of both defensive banks at this site indicates a well-preserved example of early medieval Irish settlement archaeology.

Bivallate rath is a scheduled monument protected by Department for Communities NI under reference 4869. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Bivallate rath?

Bivallate rath is a ringfort situated in the Lisburn area of County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by DfC Northern Ireland (NISMR) under reference 4869.

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 4869.

What other scheduled monuments are near Bivallate rath?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Spence's fort. rath (2.4 km), Lagan canal. lagan canal (3 km), Achcli. medieval church (in ruins) & graveyard with bullaun & ?holy well (3.6 km).

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