Description

Long before the famous city walls were built, Derry was a landscape of profound spiritual, political, and cultural significance. In Medieval And Monastic Derry, Sixth Century to 1600, renowned archaeologist and historian Brian Lacey reconstructs the vibrant millennium that shaped the region.

Centering on the historic foundation of Saint Columba (Colmcille), the text traces the growth of Derry’s powerful monastic network and its complex relationships with the Uí Néill dynasties. Lacey utilizes a masterful mix of historical annals, hagiography, and recent archaeological excavations to explore the daily lives of monks, the impact of Viking raids, and the structural transitions brought by the late medieval religious orders. It stands as a vital resource for anyone seeking an authentic, grounded understanding of Ulster’s early history.

Essential research highlights from this volume:

• Columban Heritage Focus: Provides deep historical clarity on the original 6th-century monastic foundation and its enduring legacy.

• Dynastic Politics Analysis: Maps out the high-stakes power struggles between local chieftains and religious authorities across a millennium.

• Rigorous Archival Data: Blends early Irish written chronicles seamlessly with modern landscape and architectural surveys.