History of 'Moat Hill' highlighted thanks to efforts of local enthusiasts

The Moat Hill Working Group, a dedicated team of local volunteers, has successfully lobbied for long-overdue improvements at the historic site.

After months of advocacy, including many meetings, collaboration with the local council, and Dept for Communities their efforts led to the installation of safer, more accessible steps and a series of new informational signs highlighting the site's rich history.

The enhancements aim to improve both visitor safety and educational value, ensuring the landmark remains a treasured destination for residents and tourists alike.

To mark the progress, members of the Moat Hill Working Group and local residents, alongside Rodney Quigley, Willie Drennan and Local Historian Ed Luke, gathered at the site for celebratory photographs on the steps and beside the new signage, capturing a proud moment the first of hopefully many improvements in their campaign to preserve and promote local heritage.'

‘The Moat Hill’ or simply ‘The Moat’, as it is known locally, is a motte and bailey castle site, from the late 12th/ early 13th Century. In the year 1177 the Anglo-Norman army defeated the Ui Fhloinn at a battle near Toome.

A resulting pact meant the Ui Fhloinn sect became vassals of the Normans, and were allowed to hold on to their lands, provided they permitted safe passage for Norman troops.

The Ui Fhloinn were then permitted to build this motte and bailey castle, most likely under Anglo-Norman supervision, to exert control of the nearby ancient ford across the River Braid and defend the crossing. Soldiers would have been billeted in the bailey which had a defensive palisade, with a tower structure on the motte being used as a lookout post. The entire site was additionally protected by a deep ditch.

The Harryville Moat will be highlighted and discussed further at an upcoming event at the Braid on June 20th - Journey into the Past: Journey Back Beyond Cultural Event.

The event at 7.30pm will be part performance and partly informative. Tickets are free but need to be reserved as usual at The Braid.