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Heritage at Risk(v1.0)

C Gerrow 18/07/2017 00:00:00

HB Ref No:
HB16/01/022

Address
Rocket House 147 Kilkeel Road Annalong Newry Co Down BT34 4TL

Townland:
Moneydorragh More

Status:
Currently at Risk

Listing Grade:
B1

HARNI Number:
HARNI 16/01/005

Conservation Area:
No

Condition:
Poor

Industrial Archeology:
Yes

Occupancy:
Vacant

Vernacular:
Yes

Degree of Risk:
High

Thatched:
No

Availability:
Freehold

Monument:
No

Current Building Use:
Boat House

Derelict:
No

Description

Built in the early 19th Century this interesting little building still retains its original vernacular character (including an original and intact interior) in comparison to other Coastguard related buildings in this complex. The structure once housed pigeons in the two-storey square tower with slated pyramidal roof and overhanging eaves embellished with square corner finials and pyramidal copings. It is this tower that gives the house its unique identity and name- 'The Rocket House'. The adjoining house remains quite plain with its roughcast whitewashed walls. The pigeon loft is unique to the Annalong Coastguard station and it is speculated that they were not only a source of food, but communication. The building and surrounding land is currently up for sale including the former coastguard station and vacant dwelling (Planning Reference: P/2008/0321/LB). The building has suffered greatly in terms of loss of slates, and a growing concern for the condition of the roof structure is eminment due to exposure. The increase in vegetation is superceeding the external walls and the building would benefit from being better maintained. Ref: NIEA Listed Building Record; Nineteenth-Century Coastguard Stations in Ulster, PhD research.