Survey Data
Reg No
20915015
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Historical, Social
Original Use
Signal tower
Date
1800 - 1810
Coordinates
105977, 25470
Date Recorded
23/04/2008
Date Updated
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Description
Freestanding two-bay three-storey signal tower, built 1805, having single-bay two-storey addition (north) with rendered chimneystack. Roughcast rendered walls with hanging slate, sandstone quoins and bartizans. Camber-headed openings with sandstone sills and block-and-start sandstone surrounds. Camber-headed door opening to first floor with sandstone surround. Associated outbuildings to site. Enclosed by rubble stone walls.
Appraisal
One of a network of signal towers built around the south, east, and west coasts in the early nineteenth century to ensure a quick response to attempted invasion, following an effort by French fleet to land at Bantry in 1796. Though now largely in ruins, this example is typical of the square-plan and first floor entrance style of other signal towers. The remains of the ancillary buildings add to its setting and context.