Historic Building Details

HB Ref No:
HB02/06/011 D

Address :
Ballaun/Font Graveyard Priory Lane Dungiven Co Londonderry BT47 4PF

Townland:
Dungiven

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Survey 2:
Record Only

Date of Listing:

Date of De-listing:

Current Use:
Archaeological Site

Former Use
Archaeological Site

Conservation Area:
No

Industrial Archaeology:
No

Vernacular:
No

Thatched:
No

Monument:
Yes

Derelict:
No

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OS Map No:
51/10

IG Ref:
C6925 0830

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Owner Category

Central Govt

Exterior Description And Setting

A large stone about ½ a cubic metre in size with a large circular hole cut in the top of it. The hole is about 300mm diam and the same depth. Water is deposited in the hole. It is difficult to identify the stone but probably sandstone. O.S. Memoirs states granite. It is situated in the boundary hedge of the graveyard bordering the entrance path and not far from the entrance gates. It is partially hidden by vegetation from which hangs scraps of rags and other bits of clothing.

Architects

Not Known

Historical Information

This stone is probably a ballaun formerly used for grinding corn. It is now a place resorted to by those wishing to get “cures” for various ailments and on departure leaving a part of an article of clothing. The cure of warts is one sought. The O.S. Memoirs refers to it as “a granite font of rude workmanship”. It is within the ground of the Schedule Monument in State Care No Ldy 31.15. References Primary Sources O.S. Memoirs of Ireland – Parishes of Co Londonderry IV 1824, 1833-5 p. 58, 107 Ed. by Angelique Day & Patrick McWilliam – QUB Secondary Sources McCloskey (1788-1876) Statistical Reports of Six Derry Parishes 1821 p. 85 Rowan Buildings of Ireland North West Ulster p. 266

Criteria for Listing

Architectural Interest

Not listed

Historic Interest

Not listed

Evaluation

An interesting stone, not of any visual significance, but a visual reminder of the customs of the people of the Parish of Dungiven in the past and present. It is most likely a ballaun but could have served other purposes in and around the Priory.

General Comments

Date of Survey

24 May 2000