Survey Data
Reg No
32402010
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic
Original Use
Gates/railings/walls
In Use As
Gates/railings/walls
Date
1820 - 1850
Coordinates
168214, 327325
Date Recorded
02/09/2004
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Pair of stone gate piers, erected c. 1835. Each pier carved from sandstone to represent cylindrical fasces with wrought-iron axe head set in top (axe missing from east pier) set on square plinth with recessed panels on each face with north and south panels containing carved skeps (beehives) in relief. Gates missing from piers. Located at original south entrance to Union Wood beside gate lodge.
Appraisal
Very unusual folly-style gate piers at former entrance to part of the Markree Castle Estate. Fasces were cylindrical bundles of rods tied together around an axe. The symbolism of the fasces is strength through unity. Beehives were representative of industry. Quite apart from their unusual nature the piers exhibit high quality craftsmanship in their execution.