Fortifications were soon constructed within the conquered land, along with abbeys and churches to meet the spiritual needs of the people.
County Down is particularly rich in such sites and this one, an Anglo-Norman Motte and Bailey just south of Lisburn between Legacurry and Ravernet, is a fine example.
A lot of these impressive structures were strategically placed near water and the Ravernet one is no exception sitting as it does near the local river.
This particular fortress, originally an oval earthwork dating back to the 10th-12th centuries AD was re- modelled by the Normans in the late 12th or 13th century AD with the addition of a motte and modifications to the timber palisade defences.
1961 excavations revealed parts of wooden and stone buildings in the bailey enclosure and slighter structures outside to the east.
Also found were a collared urn with a cremation burial.
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