Survey Data
Reg No
20820125
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Artistic, Social, Technical
Original Use
Shrine/oratory/grotto
In Use As
Shrine/oratory/grotto
Date
1880 - 1920
Coordinates
181173, 98154
Date Recorded
20/09/2006
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Freestanding rectangular-plan oratory, built c. 1900. Hipped petal tiled roof with decorative cast-iron cross finial and cast-iron bracketed cornice with decorative cast-iron crestings and with finials to corners. Rendered plinth walls with arcaded front and sides, pseudo-three-centred except for round-headed central entrance. Arcades comprise cast-iron colonettes with decorative capitals and having decorative cast-iron spandrels with scroll and floral motifs. Timber battened ceiling and tiled floor within, with timber grotto having plaster statue of Blessed Virgin Mary. Nuns' graveyard to east side, surrounded by snecked cut sandstone walls with cut limestone copings, surmounted by cast-iron supports and metal chains and having snecked stone piers and cast-iron gate.
Appraisal
This oratory is a very unusual and interesting feature within the convent complex. Its intricate detailing contrasts with the plainer and imposing convent buildings with which it shares a site. It is largely intact and fine crafting as well as a decorative emphasis is in evidence in the ridge crestings, colonettes and decorative spandrels. The decorative elements draw the eye and accentuate the symmetrical design of the structure. The petal tiles and decorative finial to the roof are unusual features and add interest to the composition.