Swords Castle: Digging History publication launched

(Pictured above, left to right: Fionnuala May County Architect Fingal County Council, Chief Executive AnneMarie Farrelly, Christine Baker and Fingal Mayor Seána Ó Rodaigh at the launch of Christine’s new book ‘Swords Castle – Digging History: Excavations 2015-17’ at Swords Castle. Pic: Fintan Clarke Coalesce)

The results of Fingal County Council’s community archaeology initiative, Swords Castle Digging History have been published in a comprehensive volume by Fingal Heritage Officer Christine Baker.

The ground-breaking project which involved members of the community working with professional archaeologists under the direction of Christine Baker, has become a model for community archaeological projects elsewhere in the country.

Swords Castle was once a major administrative centre, the headquarters of a vast estate belonging to the Archbishop of Dublin.

Fingal Mayor Seána Ó Rodaigh, Christine Baker and Fionnuala May County Architect Fingal County Council at the launch of Christine’s new book ‘Swords Castle – Digging History: Excavations 2015-17’ at Swords Castle.
Pic: Fintan Clarke Coalesce

Marian Kelly, Monica Lindsay and Ann Kilemade at the launch of Christine’s new book ‘Swords Castle – Digging History: Excavations 2015-17’ at Swords Castle.
Pic: Fintan ClarkeCoalesce

at the launch of Christine Baker’s new book ‘Swords Castle – Digging History: Excavations 2015-17’ at Swords Castle.
Pic: Fintan Clarke Coalesce

The results of the archaeological excavations are detailed and placed in the context of the history of Swords and its people in ‘Swords Castle Digging History: Excavations 2015-17’ launched by Mayor of Fingal at an event in the beautiful surroundings of Swords Castle chapel.

Mayor of Fingal Cllr. Seána Ó Rodaigh said: “I was particularly interested in the community aspect of this project. Bringing people together to work on this amazing site, with a common purpose, is something we need more of.”

Chief Executive of Fingal AnnMarie Farrelly said: “Fingal County Council is proud to have led the way in community archaeology projects in Ireland.

The results of the community excavations show the value of these projects and it is especially fitting that Swords Castle at the heart of the county town and the Swords Cultural Quarter.

Christine Baker, Fingal Heritage Officer said: “Swords Castle Digging History: Excavations 2015-17 demonstrates the   contribution that can be made by communities working directly with their own past. Burials were identified, walls uncovered, thousands of artefacts recovered and the stories of those who used Swords Castle over hundreds of years have been told by the people it belongs to’.

Representing the Heritage Council, who supported the project and publication, Fionnuala May said “The Heritage Officer programme is one of the most important partnerships that the Heritage Council has with Local Authorities.

The Fingal Community Archaeology project is an outstanding example of the valuable work that derives from the programme and Christine Baker is to be commended for her stewardship of the project culminating in this magnificent publication.”

Swords Castle Digging History: Excavations 2015-17 is available in Fingal Libraries or to buy from https://wordwellbooks.com/