Survey Data
Reg No
15403710
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Historical, Social, Technical
Original Use
Bell tower/stand
In Use As
Bell tower/stand
Date
1810 - 1830
Coordinates
228112, 238055
Date Recorded
02/11/2004
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Freestanding wrought- iron belfry, erected c.1820. Pitched slate roof supported on metal framework with timber louvered vents to side walls at high level, surrounding cast-iron church bell. Mounted on concrete platform located in prominent position in the graveyard to rear of SS Peter and Paul's Roman Catholic chapel, Horseleap.
Appraisal
This freestanding bell tower is an interesting historical reminder of the restrictions imposed on all non-Conformist churches in Ireland prior to Emancipation in 1829. Prior to this date non-Conformists churches were not permitted to have a belltower or bellcote and, subsequently, it is common to find freestanding bell towers dating from this period. This bell tower was originally associated with an early nineteenth-century Roman Catholic cruciform chapel on this site, c.1820, which was replaced by a later church in 1865. This church was later demolished and replaced by the represent church in 1970. The metal work of the bell is of a high standard and a good example of this type of workmanship. This subtle feature is an interesting historical survival and adds incident to the rural landscape at Horseleap.