Survey Data
Reg No
41401314
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic, Technical
Original Use
Demesne walls/gates/railings
In Use As
Gates/railings/walls
Date
1840 - 1860
Coordinates
266399, 330390
Date Recorded
22/04/2012
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Ornate cast-iron gateway, erected c.1850, at east entrance to former Rossmore Castle. Four square-plan cast-iron piers with foliated scrolled ornament to shafts, fleur-de-lys ornament to frieze, and triangular pediments to each side. Central double-leaf vehicular gate, with symmetrical scrolled ornament, flanked by single-leaf pedestrian gates with symmetrical scrolled cast-iron ornament. Low rubble limestone plinth wall, with limestone coping and cast-iron railings having pointed finials, curving to meet large rectangular-plan rusticated outer piers, with block caps having moulded base cornice and Latin cross motif in high relief. Coursed rubble limestone demesne wall. Located to east of Rossmore House with gate lodge inside entrance.
Appraisal
This entrance gateway at the east entrance of Rossmore Castle was built at a later date than the country house that is now gone, and may reflect improvements undertaken on the demesne in the mid-nineteenth century when the house was extended. This gateway forms part of a surviving group of architecturally significant demesne features, including the ruins of Rossmore Castle, a group of gate lodges, a mausoleum, walled gardens, waterworks and several bridges. Still in use, these finely-executed ornate gate piers and railings exhibit high-quality craftsmanship. The entrance reminds passers-by of the former grandeur of Rossmore Castle, and is an integral elements in the understanding of the historic site.