Religion, Memory, and Materiality: Exploring the Origins and Legacies of Sectarianism in the North of Ireland

Abstract The early 17th-century Plantation of Ulster, in which the English Crown sought to plant loyal British colonists north Ireland, is commonly understood as overtly religious intent and action, viewed foundation for today’s divide between Protestant Catholic communities Northern Ireland. Archaeological documentary evidence complicates this straightforward narrative by demonstrating considerable cultural exchange emergence hybrid practices—suggesting that, during plantation period itself, religion may have been less influential than economic political pragmatism. By end 17th century, however, took on a more prominent role, materialized objects, settlement patterns, landscapes. nature timing transition examined through archaeological case studies considered light contemporary historical memories regarding origins sectarianism