Overview

Newgrange in Ireland is a world famous monument not only because of its vast scale and elaborate megalithic art, but also because of its renowned alignment to the sun on the winter solstice. Yet the origins of Newgrange remain somewhat mysterious. Across Ireland over two hundred similar passage tombs are found, some of which are considerably older than Newgrange. These less investigated monuments reveal that the origins of Newgrange may be hidden in plain sight. A progression in the scale and sophistication of construction of these passage tombs, developments in the styles of megalithic art, and an increase in the scale and craftsmanship of associated artefacts may be observed, which taken together indicate a lengthy process of development. In short, Robert Hensey uncovers an untold history at Newgrange; an island-wide story of incremental changes over hundreds of years, of a society in evolution, perhaps in extremis, who left behind such a rich, enigmatic and patterned legacy. This book not only charts the earlier history of Newgrange, but addresses why it was constructed, what was its purpose. In the Boyne Valley, through Newgrange and related sites at Brúna Bóinne, we have evidence not only of extraordinary physical accomplishments, but of tremendous acts of imagination; a testament to rich and developed inner worlds. In this book, it is proposed that the concept of an otherworld which could be embodied by and accessed through passage tombs was a central motivator in passage tomb construction from its earliest beginnings. Newgrange is at the end of a long tradition of monuments dedicated to the religious needs of Neolithic communities, from small-scale monuments built by early farming groups; to potent otherworld centres of ritual training at the edge of society; eventually to temple-like monuments standing at the very heart of the religious and political sphere in Neolithic Ireland. Challenging both orthodox archaeological opinions and popular conjecture, this will be an important book for anyone interested in Neolithic archaeology.

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9781782979517

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Newgrange is an Irish national icon much in the same way as Stonehenge is in the UK. In this book, Robert Hensey takes a fresh and exiting approach to the site, building on existing data but focusing much more comprehensively on where this exceptional monument has come from. He carefully contextualises Newgrange through the study of other Irish passage tomb cemeteries, in particular the dramatic new results of the Carrowmore dating project, which imply a much earlier date for the commencement of passage tomb construction in Ireland than was hitherto realised, and explores the implications for the ultimate construction of the mega-tomb of Newgrange. Drawing widely from anthropology, ethnography, archaeological theory, and the latest archaeological data, Hensey makes bold suggestions challenging long-held truisms. The text is open, accessible, and well illustrated throughout, and moves the discussion about Newgrange to a new level by focusing on the monument's long and involved gestation. A very welcome addition to the Newgrange corpus, this book will help to set the agenda for the discussion of the monument for the foreseeable future. Review by Dr Conor Brady -- Carly Hilts Current Archaeology This is more than a book about Newgrange. Robert Hensey argues, quite rightly, that to understand the great neolithic tomb, you need to see beyond a single site, to the island-wide context of Irish passage tombs. He achieves this elegantly, providing a good and concise synthesis of recent research melded with provocative ideas, some of which borrow from anthropology. His approach is interpretative, and includes his own experiences of visiting sites. The result is a very readable account, with some striking images of tombs, art and landscape. The book starts with an account of the development of passage tombs across Ireland, referencing notable sites from the costal zones of western Britain, and suggesting how the ideas were brought by people who knew the sea. His evidence for this includes a possible representation of a humpback whale on a stone at the adjacent site of Knowth. The sea is a recurring theme: unsurprisingly, given the westcoast location of Carrowmore, the likely connections with distant places, and the probable coastal journeys required to source some of the materials for Newgrange. The idea for the simple early tombs, along with a farming lifestyle, had to be brought from the continent. The timing and tempo of this development over centuries are concisely discussed, with the latest radiocarbon dates. Significant gaps remain, but the end of passage grave use is precisely placed at 2900bc - a notable time of cultural change in adjacent areas of Britain. What brought about this closure cannot be viewed in isolation: Hensey suggests that an improving climate could have played a part, and acknowledges distant external changes in society, not least from northern Britain. He offers an interesting discussion of Newgrange as a public place, and how people were bound up in its ambitious construction, ownership and use, with the possibility of a centralised authority, ritual and religion driving the creation of monument and community. He also outlines the complexity of Newgrange's megalithic art, the incorporation and display of recycled stones from older monuments - some deliberately hidden and others exhibited and incorporated as vintage carvings - and the newly commissioned pieces epitomised by the exquisite entrance stone that was carved in situ. Hensey touches on religion throughout the book, and towards the end on Newgrange's role in creating otherworldliness, not least how it was built around the powerful use and meaning of light as a source of life. By setting Newgrange in its wider historical and archaeological context, Hensey brings new life to this very public symbol. -- British Archaeology British Archaeology

This work provides enough insight into Ireland's ancient monuments to enable one to gain an understanding of one of the most spectacular achievements of its Neolithic peoples, the 5,000-year-old Newgrange in County Meath. Hensey ...balances academic rigour and depth of knowledge with looser, more personal passages carried off with great style. -- Fortean Times Magazine Fortean Times Magazine

Newgrange is an Irish national icon much in the same way as Stonehenge is in the UK. In this book, Robert Hensey takes a fresh and exiting approach to the site, building on existing data but focusing much more comprehensively on where this exceptional monument has come from. He carefully contextualises Newgrange through the study of other Irish passage tomb cemeteries, in particular the dramatic new results of the Carrowmore dating project, which imply a much earlier date for the commencement of passage tomb construction in Ireland than was hitherto realised, and explores the implications for the ultimate construction of the mega-tomb of Newgrange. Drawing widely from anthropology, ethnography, archaeological theory, and the latest archaeological data, Hensey makes bold suggestions challenging long-held truisms. The text is open, accessible, and well illustrated throughout, and moves the discussion about Newgrange to a new level by focusing on the monument's long and involved gestation. A very welcome addition to the Newgrange corpus, this book will help to set the agenda for the discussion of the monument for the foreseeable future. Review by Dr Conor Brady -- Carly Hilts Current Archaeology This work provides enough insight into Ireland's ancient monuments to enable one to gain an understanding of one of the most spectacular achievements of its Neolithic peoples, the 5,000-year-old Newgrange in County Meath. Hensey ...balances academic rigour and depth of knowledge with looser, more personal passages carried off with great style. -- Fortean Times Magazine Fortean Times Magazine

Author Information

Robert Hensey is an archaeologist and author who specializes in the investigation of the Neolithic period with particular reference to Irish passage tombs. He has been involved in a number of field- and laboratory-based research projects including the Dating the Carrowmore Pins Project, Finding Art at Carrowkeel, Human Population Dynamics at Carrowkeel and, most recently, the Millin Bay Art Project.

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