Survey Data
Reg No
40824014
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Technical
Original Use
Building misc
Date
1880 - 1885
Coordinates
229965, 416858
Date Recorded
12/09/2008
Date Updated
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Description
Freestanding single-bay two-storey former railway water tower associated with Newtowncunningham Railway Station (see 40824014), built c. 1883, having rendered platform over surmounted by timber-clad metal water tank. Now disused (railway line closed in 1953). Water piper and metal ladder to the east elevation. Randomly coursed rubble stone walls with red brick block-and-start quoins to the corners. Red brick plinth to base. Square-headed window opening to the east elevation having red brick block-and-start surrounds and voussoirs, stone sill, and remains of three-over-three pane timber sliding sash window. Square-headed door opening with red brick block-and-start surround and voussoirs; door now missing. Built on the edge of the former railway line running north to south with grass covered platform to south. Located to the north-west of the former Newtowncunningham Railway Station (see 40824013), and to the north-west of Newtowncunningham.
Appraisal
This former water tower was originally built to serve the former Newtowncunningham Railway Station (see 40824013) to the south-east. It retains its early form and character despite being out of use for a considerable period of time following the closure of the railway line in 1953. It represents an interesting historical reminder of the great age of stream railways from the mid-nineteenth century to the mid-twentieth century, and it would have been used to replenish the water tanks of stream engines. It is robustly constructed using local rubble stone masonry while the red brick block-and-start surrounds to the corners and to the openings contrasts attractively with the grey dimension stone, and helps give this building a robust presence for such a small-scale and unassuming building. This water tower and associated railway station was originally built as part of the Londonderry\Derry (Middle Quay) to Burtonport line, which was originally contrived by the Londonderry & Lough Swilly Railway Company. This section, Burt Junction to Letterkenny, was opened in June 1883 by the Letterkenny Railway Company; the Letterkenny to Burtonport section was opened later in March 1903 by the Letterkenny & Burtonport Extension Railway Company. This section of line (Burt Junction to Letterkenny) closed completely in 1953. This line was built to the 3ft narrow gauge. It forms a pair of related structures with the associated with the railway station, and a wider group associated with this former narrow gauge railway line in Inishowen. This former railway water tower is an integral element of the built heritage and transport history of the Newtowncunningham area, adding historic appeal to the north-west of the village.