Kenneth
Wiggins: The medieval town fortifications of Limerick.
This paper is based on a lecture given on February 28th 1998 to the conference: The Archaeology of the Settlements and Fortifications of Later Medieval Munster, 1100 - 1620. The conference was held at University College, Cork and was organised by the UCC Archaeological Society.
This paper appears exclusively in the IJAI.
Keywords: Anglo-Norman ringwork; urban excavations; medieval town walls; Limerick, medieval; Limerick, English Town; Limerick; Irish Town; King John's Castle; Ó Briain; Domhnall Mór; Ostman settlement; St. Mary's Cathedral; sunken featured structures.
Abstract: The paper discusses the nature of medieval Limerick, with reference to archaeological discoveries made in the city, particularly since the mid-1980s. Substantial evidence relating to the Viking town has yet to be identified, although some findings from the later Viking (Ostman) period have been made. An important fortification uncovered along the eastern side of King John's Castle is reinterpreted as an Anglo-Norman ringwork, its construction revealing collaboration between the Anglo-Normans and the Ostmen against the interests of the native Ó Briain kingship. Medieval Limerick evolved into two distinct towns on either side of the Abbey River. By the 17th century efforts were made to improve the defences, to secure the city from internal and external attack.If you wish to cite this paper, please reference the journal of origin in all work.
