Historic Building Details

HB Ref No:
HB16/02/029

Address :
Tower Summit of Slieve Commedagh Mourne Mountains Newcastle Co Down

Townland:
Mourne Mountains East

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Survey 2:
B1

Date of Listing:
15/03/1996 00:00:00

Date of De-listing:

Current Use:
Water Works Structures

Former Use
Water Works Structures

Conservation Area:
No

Industrial Archaeology:
Yes

Vernacular:
No

Thatched:
No

Monument:
No

Derelict:
No

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OS Map No:
269/2

IG Ref:
J3438 2848

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Owner Category

Central Govt

Exterior Description And Setting

Granite tower erected by Belfast Water Commissioners c.250m south-west of summit of Slieve Commedagh; one of three such towers on the Mourne Wall which marks the boundary of the catchment to the Silent Valley reservoir (the others are on Meelmore, HB18/13/095, and Donard, HB16/01/031). A tapered granite tower, the outside face of which is of squared rubble brought to courses, and inside face of random rubble. Quoins have tooled edges and raised quarry-dressed faces. External joints are strap pointed. Measures 3.05m square at base and rises 3.50m from projecting foundation course to top of projecting coping of finely dressed granite blocks. Surmounted by a two-step pyramidal cap, also of finely dressed granite. Abutted at east and west by the Mourne Wall. On east wall, two granite steps rise to 0.60m wide by 1.55m high opening to internal chamber. Jambs are of finely dressed granite blocks with tooled edges. Head of similar material with stop-end chamfer to outside bottom edge, outside face inscribed '1913'. At top right of north and east walls are cast-iron plaques reading 'Belfast Water Works Trespassers Prosecuted'. Immediately south is a small quarry from which tower's construction material undoubtedly procured.

Architects

Not Known

Historical Information

Erected in 1921 as a shelter on the Mourne Wall. This wall delineates the catchment of the Belfast City & District Water Commissioners' Silent Valley Reservoir and was built between 1904 and 1922.

Criteria for Listing

Architectural Interest

A. Style B. Proportion C. Ornamentation J. Setting K. Group value

Historic Interest

V. Authorship X. Local Interest Y. Social, Cultural or Economic Importance

Evaluation

Tapered granite tower, the outside face of which is of squared rubble brought to courses, and inside face of random rubble. Quoins have tooled edges and raised quarry-dressed faces. External joints are strap pointed. Measures 3.05m square at base and rises 3.50m from projecting foundation course to top of projecting coping of finely dressed granite blocks. Surmounted by a two-step pyramidal cap, also of finely dressed granite. Abutted at east and west by the Mourne Wall. An unusual structure which, despite its somewhat mundane function as a shelter, has undoubted architectural quality, enhanced by its mountaintop setting. An integral part of the Mourne Wall, which is in turn associated with the Belfast Water Commissioners' scheme to supply Belfast with water. A philanthropic gesture much appreciated by walkers a a refuge in times of bad and good weather.

General Comments

Date of Survey

04 May 1998