Ecclesiastical enclosure in Relick (longworth)

The quadrantal form of the graveyard (WM017-005003-) possibly indicates the presence of an Early Christian ecclesiastical enclosure (Swan 1988, 23). Depicted on the 1837 ed. OS 6-inch map as a rectangular church (WM017-005----) standing in the centre of a rectangular shaped graveyard (WM017-005003-). The rectangular-shaped graveyard is enclosed by a post-1700 wall with remains of a relatively modern church standing in the centre of the graveyard. Immediately inside the graveyard wall there are the remains of a curving earthen bank which forms a circular enclosure (approx. diam. 54m E-W) around the church and may be the remains of an Early Christian ecclesiastical enclosure. This curving feature is depicted as a pathway on the 1911 ed. OS 25-inch map. The only other possibly early feature is a cross-slab (WM017-005002-). Compiled by: Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 12 October 2015

An ecclesiastical enclosure in Relick, likely dating to the Early Christian period, is suggested by the quadrantal form of the graveyard and a rectangular church depicted on the 1837 Ordnance Survey map. Local tradition and historical references hint at its possible connection to early monastic activity, though specific folklore or named figures are not recorded.