During the construction of the new school building at Thornhill College in May, 2000, a neolithic site believed to have contained the homes of Derry's first settlers was discovered. Archaeologists called in to investigate the site unearthed evidence of a New Stone age settlement which was described as of "incredible significance" - possibly the site of Ireland's first farming community.

The site is unique in that it is the remains of a complete settlement, including the remains of several buildings surrounded by a wooden palisade. Many artefacts have also been found during the excavations so far. The evidence unearthed is allowing archaeologists to build up a very detailed picture of the dwellers' ritual habits, their beliefs and of their day-to day activities. As Paul Logue, a Department of Environment archaeologist stated, "The importance of the site is simply incredible in terms of understanding how people lived in Ireland 6000 years ago".

Excavations at Thornhill College

Among the items found are the remains of timber-built houses as well as a large number of flint and stone tools and pottery. The size of the settlement suggests that up to 50 people could have lived within it.

There is also evidence of possible conflict between the dwellers of the settlement and outsiders. There are strong indications that the surrounding palisade was burnt down at one time and several flint arrowheads have been discovered nearby. A stone axe was also discovered, broken into two pieces - possibly the result of 6,000-year-old temper tantrum, according to Mr Logue. Another implement is thought to have originated in the Lake District in England, possibly indicating that long-distance trading existed at that time.

By a stroke of luck, it was possible to arrange for the archaeological excavations to continue alongside work on the new school building.

Eventually, many artefacts were unearthed, some of which can be seen in the Tower Museum in Derry. A sculpture which was unveiled in September, 2008 includes a display of some of the unearthed treasures.

One of the most significant sites in Europe

When news of the first find broke, Richard Warner, Keeper of Archaeology at the Ulster Museum in Belfast said that it was an extremely exciting find, and that it would provide significant new information about early settlements in the Foyle Valley.

Mr Warner told the Derry Journal, our local newspaper, that the archaeology of the Foyle Basin isn't quite as well known as other areas of Northern Ireland. He also explained that the  Neolithic era is the second technical period in Irish history.

The first people came to Ireland around 8000 BC. These were the Mesolithic, Middle Stone Age, people who were hunter-gatherers. They were replaced by the first farmers in Europe, the Neolithic, who first reached Ireland in about 4500 BC. At this time stone implements were used but the people also made pottery. They built houses, usually rectangular and were farmers, whereas the people before them were hunter-gatherers.
These sedentary farmers lived in the region until about 2500 BC.