Survey Data

Reg No

30408713


Rating

Regional


Categories of Special Interest

Architectural, Artistic, Historical


Original Use

Obelisk


In Use As

Obelisk


Date

1810 - 1815


Coordinates

183321, 230304


Date Recorded

26/08/2009


Date Updated

--/--/--


Description

Freestanding hollow limestone obelisk, erected 1811. Octagonal-profile carved stone structure having ribs to angles and graduated elliptical piercings to faces. Scrolled bottoms to ribs, over concave-profile base. Set on heavy stone square-profile plinth having moulded cornice, recessed panels to two side and slightly projecting centrepieces to other sides, with moulded string courses over plinths, all atop stepped base having canted corner piers. Located to south-west of Garbally House, in demesne.

Appraisal

This is a highly unusual and picturesque monument. The elliptical piercings through the shaft are most unusual, puncturing the conceit that it is monolithic. Obelisks were a popular feature of many large demesne landscapes. They were often built to commemorate events, or like this one, as 'eye-catchers' to create an interesting and romantic vista from the house. It is said locally that this was the spire of a nearby Church of Ireland church, removed to the demesne some years after its construction. However, the detailed inscription to the base makes no reference to this, stating 'This spire finished in December 1811 was erected from a design presented gratuitously by J. T. Grove Esq. Architect of the British Post Office and Board of Works to Richard Earl of Clancarty'.