The archaeology of political prisons: the case of Long Kesh/Maze, Northern Ireland

Abstract

Long Kesh/Maze prison first came to public attention as a short-term solution to prison overcrowding, resulting from the introduction of internment at the start of the Troubles in Northern Ireland in 1971 Despite such inauspicious beginnings, the site developed from a collection of pre-existing Nissen huts to encompass the infamous H Blocks and was soon inextricably entwined with the course of the conflict. Since closing in 2000, the prison has retained its rating as a high security zone and remains largely inaccessible whilst high-profile disputes rage in the public arena regarding its future.

Date of Award	2008
Original language	English