What is recorded here

Beckfield holds a forgotten square rath with double ramparts and buried street foundations, proving that a busy medieval settlement vanished before modern memory. John Fitzpatrick still paid hearth-money for two rooms there in 1665, but the place has since lost its exact shape and identity. It is not a dramatic ruin; it is a absent town, preserving the danger of forgetting ordinary life.

Unlocated settlement within townland as described by Carrigan in the History and Antiquities of the Diocese of Ossory. Described by Carrigan as a 'Large square rath (LA028-012001-) in Beckfield 20 or 30 perches west of this bridge. It is partly square, and has a double rampart on the north and west sides, the outer one being high and very wide and massive. A low irregular enclosure within the rath marks the site of some ancient building (LA028-012002-). Outside is 'the Old Street', where there are extensive foundations of buildings beneath the surface of the field. A castle (LA028-074001-) or large residence is entered here on the Down Survey Map of 1657.' (Carrigan 1905, vol. 2, 354) Townland originally called Ballyawley and was changed to Beckfield after a spinster lady named Beck or Rebeccca Flood who built Beckfield House more than a century ago. In 1665 John Fitzpatrick paid hearth-money for two hearths in Ballyawly. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 17 December 2007

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