Historic Building Details

HB Ref No:
HB16/13/029

Address :
Belvedere Fathom Park Fathom Line Newry Co Armagh

Townland:
Fathom Lower

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Survey 2:
B2

Date of Listing:
03/12/1992 00:00:00

Date of De-listing:

Current Use:
Garden Features

Former Use
Garden Features

Conservation Area:
No

Industrial Archaeology:
No

Vernacular:
No

Thatched:
No

Monument:
Yes

Derelict:
Yes

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OS Map No:
266/15

IG Ref:
J0950 2287

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Owner Category

Private

Exterior Description And Setting

A three stage octagonal belvedere with bowed stairwell at SW situated in Benson’s Glen at the E side of Fathom Park. Tower is now roofless with the remains of a crenellated parapet. Walls are of random rubble and cut stone. Octagonal section has openings to six sides at first stage; two doors and four windows. The door opening to right of stairwell has remains of a windbreak wall to right. All openings have granite lintels. Second stage has eight window openings. Third stage has nine window openings. Stairwell has two narrow window openings set between each floor. Irregular granite stones form a partial arched opening to right side of stairwell, through which underside of granite stairs is visible. At ground level within this arch is a tiny lintelled opening (function unknown).

Architects

Not Known

Historical Information

Cited as 'tower' on the 1835 map and as 'tower in ruins' in the 1861 map. Undoubtedly related to Fathom House, a short distance NE. Precise date uncertain, but possible late 18th century. Primary sources: 1. First edition OS 6" map, Co Armagh sheet 29, 1835 (PRONI - OS 6/2/29/1). 2. Second edition OS 6" map, Co Armagh sheet 29, 1861 (PRONI - OS 6/2/29/2). Secondary sources: 1. C.E.B. Brett, 1999, Buildings of County Armagh, p.273 (Belfast: UAHS).

Criteria for Listing

Architectural Interest

A. Style B. Proportion D. Plan Form J. Setting K. Group value

Historic Interest

X. Local Interest

Evaluation

A large and impressive belvedere looking N over the Clanrye valley situated on the hillside of Fathom Park. See also Fathom House (HB16/13/005).

General Comments

Date of Survey

16 June 2000