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Heritage at Risk(v1.0)
THE CASTLE (AKA RICHHILL HOUSE) RICHHILL CO.ARMAGH
Andrew McClelland 06/03/2004 00:00:00

HB Ref No:
HB15/13/001

Address
THE CASTLE (AKA RICHHILL HOUSE) RICHHILL CO.ARMAGH

Townland:

Status:
Currently at Risk

Listing Grade:
A


HARNI Number:
HARNI 15/13/001

Conservation Area:
Yes

Condition:
Very Poor

Industrial Archeology:

Occupancy:
Partially Occupied

Vernacular:

Degree of Risk:
Critical

Thatched:
No

Availability:
Unavailable

Monument:

Current Building Use:

Derelict:


Description

Brett, writing in the Buildings of County Armagh, considers Richhill House to be one of the most important buildings in the County, being possibly the first dwelling-house in Ulster not designed for defence. Thought to date from the 17th century, it was in the ownership of the Richardson family for over 200 years, until the latter half of the 19th century. In 1936, the magnificent wrought-iron gates were moved to Hillsborough Castle, but, this undoubted loss has not diminished the architectural importance of the building. Two-storey with attic level, it has two distinctive ‘Dutch’ gabled and pedimented wings, with dormers in the same style. A number of tall, paneled chimney stacks and the partially ivy and creeper covered walls complete, what is without doubt, a highly picturesque effect. The building is still under private ownership, but is in a visibly deteriorating condition. A number of attempts to establish new uses and repair have been unsuccessful. However, Richhill Buildings Preservation Trust were successful in securing funding for a Townscape Heritage Initiative in Richhill with the aim to act as a catalyst for further regeneration of the area – maintaining and raising the heritage value of its conservation area status. Maintenance works appear to be underway at the Castle and remains in private ownership whereby the repairs are being carried out self-funded.