17th-century Belfast emerges from dig

Archaeologists have been giving details of what is said to be the most important find of 17th-century artefacts ever made in Belfast.

An excavation of what was once a medieval village and plantation town has yielded more than 20,000 artefacts. The foundations of homes and businesses dating back to the 1600s have been uncovered during the five month dig.

The site, situated between Hill Street and Waring Street, in the city centre was part of a redevelopment scheme by the pub company Life Inns. . .

Items recovered include 17th century coins, imported pottery as well as pottery made in Belfast. The archaeologist leading the dig, Ruairi O' Baoill, said the fragments found were without doubt the "most significant archaeological finds in Belfast to date".

Posted by David on January 23, 2003 3:21 PM