Survey Data
Reg No
20855015
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic, Social
Original Use
Church/chapel
In Use As
Church/chapel
Date
1800 - 1840
Coordinates
128777, 36993
Date Recorded
22/07/2009
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Freestanding cruciform-plan gable-fronted double-height Roman Catholic church, built c.1820, having three-bay entrance front (south), two-bay nave, three-bay transepts to sides (west, east) and single-bay chancel to rear (north). Recent flat-roofed extensions to rear. Hipped and pitched slate roofs having wrought-iron ridge cresting, dressed limestone eaves course and cast-iron rainwater goods. Tooled limestone bellcote surmounted by wrought-iron cruciform finial to front gable, set on tooled limestone corbels. Dressed rubble stone walls. Pointed niches with stone sills and rubble stone voussoirs to entrance front and transepts. Statues set on rendered plinths to upper level niches, front elevation, and carved limestone fonts to lower level niches, front and transepts elevations. Dressed limestone string course and quatrefoil to front elevation gable. Rendered walls to chancel. Pointed arch window opening with carved stone hood moulding, chamfered sill and block-and-start surround to front elevation, having tripartite reticulated tracery with lead-lined stained glass windows. Pointed arch window openings with stone sills and tooled limestone voussoirs to nave and transepts, having tripartite multiple-pane timber sliding sash windows within intersecting and reticulated timber tracery. Pointed arch window opening with rendered sill and block-and-start render surround to rear elevation of chancel, having multiple pointed arch lights with lead-lined stained glass windows. Pointed arch door openings with dressed limestone voussoirs and stone steps throughout, having replacement double-leaf timber panelled doors. Moulded Tudor arch set on engaged colonettes to chancel interior, having ornate marble altar, reredos, lectern, and altar railings. Extensive mosaics to chancel walls. Panelled plaster ceiling with heavy cornices. Carved marble memorials. Carved timber stations of the cross. Timber galleries set on columns with carved timber arches between columns and having decorative panelling above, to transepts and nave, retaining fitted timber pews. Organ to east transept. Set within own grounds having rubble and rendered enclosing walls with capped square-profile gate piers.
Appraisal
St. Faughna’s is a focal point in Rosscarbery due to its large scale and prominent siting. The interior contrasts with the relatively plain exterior, and retains a veritable treasure trove of nineteenth century detailing and fittings. The excellent mosaics, fine plasterwork, stained glass and intact galleries are among the many high quality interiors features.