Trim dig 'can change your child's life' says National Geographic
The Black Friary Community Archaeology Project and the heritage of Trim has been included in the National Geographic book ‘100 Places That Can Change Your Child’s Life’. Author Keith Bellow, in an interview with CNN Travel, listed his Top 10 experiences from the book, with Trim, and the archaeological project at the Black Friary, among them.
Bellows, vice president of the National Geographic Society, and editor-in-chief of the National Geographic Traveller Magazine, visited the excavations in 2011 while researching the book, and was impressed with the ethos of the community archaeology project.
The list showcases ‘slice-of-life, age appropriate ideas for special places that offer life experiences and peeks into different cultures’. The Blackfriary Community Archaeology Project is an initiative of the Irish Archaeology Field School, Cultural Tourism Ireland and Meath Local Authorities (Trim Town Council and Meath County Council).
The project aims to carry out archaeological investigation of the Blackfriary, and engage with the local community and stakeholders, to conserve the site for use as a heritage resource and amenity by the immediate and greater community, and to communicate the results of archaeological excavations through community events, school visits and publication.
The archaeological excavations at Black Friary Trim are the subject of the next lecture of the Meath Archaeological and Historical Society to be given by Finola O'Carroll in Trim Library on Wednesday 17th April. The Black Friary is the site of a 13th century Dominican Friary in Trim and the excavations are part of a unique community archaeology project established in 2010 under the auspices of the Irish Archaeology Field School and with the support of Trim Town Council and Meath County Council which combines archaeological research, international students and the local community.
Director of excavations Finola O'Carroll is a senior archaeological partner in CRDS Ltd and is also a co-founder of the Irish Archaeological Field School. So far, the various elements of the Friary have been tentatively identified through survey, parts of the nave and chancel are under excavation and three of the four corners of the cloister have been uncovered. Some burials which took place within the church have been excavated and it is hoped to determine the extent and scale of burial within the church and in the associated graveyard in the coming seasons. According to Finola, 'ultimately the aim is to excavate as much as is practicable of the buildings, de-limit the graveyard, and define the spaces within the precinct. In tandem with that work and in co-operation with the local community and the relevant authorities we want to devise a plan for the long-term presentation and use of the site, including the large area (about 2 acres) outside the precinct which will incorporate both heritage and community uses'. The lecture will take place at 8pm, immediately following the Society's AGM at 7.30pm. Non-members are welcome to attend the lecture.
Director of excavations Finola O'Carroll is a senior archaeological partner in CRDS Ltd and is also a co-founder of the Irish Archaeological Field School. So far, the various elements of the Friary have been tentatively identified through survey, parts of the nave and chancel are under excavation and three of the four corners of the cloister have been uncovered. Some burials which took place within the church have been excavated and it is hoped to determine the extent and scale of burial within the church and in the associated graveyard in the coming seasons. According to Finola, 'ultimately the aim is to excavate as much as is practicable of the buildings, de-limit the graveyard, and define the spaces within the precinct. In tandem with that work and in co-operation with the local community and the relevant authorities we want to devise a plan for the long-term presentation and use of the site, including the large area (about 2 acres) outside the precinct which will incorporate both heritage and community uses'. The lecture will take place at 8pm, immediately following the Society's AGM at 7.30pm. Non-members are welcome to attend the lecture.