Mosstown, County Longford, Vanishing Country Houses of Ireland by The Knight of Glin, David J. Griffin and Nicholas K. Robinson, published by The Irish Architectural Archive and The Irish Georgian Society, 1988.
Mark Bence-Jones. A Guide to Irish Country Houses (originally published as Burke’s Guide to Country Houses volume 1 Ireland by Burke’s Peerage Ltd. 1978); Revised edition 1988 Constable and Company Ltd, London.
p. 211. (Newcomen, V/DEP) A double gable ended C17 house, of two storeys with a dormered attic in the high-pitched roof. Long 11 bay entrance front; doorway with blocking not central; massive chimneystacks. Tower-like building at back. Tall octagon, probably a dovecote. Originally a seat of the Newcomen family; by 1798 it was owned by Alexander Crawford Kingstone. From the Kingstones it passed by inheritance to James Watson Murray, who owned it 1914. The property remained in the family until 1950s, but the house was abandoned 1930s, derelict until ca 1960 and afterwards demolished.”
Listed in Vanishing Country Houses of Ireland by The Knight of Glin, David J. Griffin and Nicholas K. Robinson, published by The Irish Architectural Archive and The Irish Georgian Society, 1988.
p. 107. “Very important large 17C gable ended house with early Georgian alterations. The high-pitched roof had attractive early 18C pedimented dormer windows and massive chimneystacks. The interior contained early 18C panelled rooms and a good staircase. Demolished in the early 1960s.”
Tervoe, County Limerick entrance front c. 1945 photograph: Standish Stewart, Vanishing Country Houses of Ireland by The Knight of Glin, David J. Griffin and Nicholas K. Robinson, published by The Irish Architectural Archive and The Irish Georgian Society, 1988.
Mark Bence-Jones. A Guide to Irish Country Houses (originally published as Burke’s Guide to Country Houses volume 1 Ireland by Burke’s Peerage Ltd. 1978); Revised edition 1988 Constable and Company Ltd, London.
p. 272. “(De la Poer Monsell/IFR) A three storey block of 1776, built by Col W.T. Monsell, MP, on the site of a house dating from ca 1690; to which single-storey wings, running from the front of the house to the back, were added ca 1830. A single-storey Ionic portico was added on the entrance front probably at the same time. The entrance front was of seven bays, with a three bay breakfront centre; the centre window on the first floor had a pediment over it. The ends of the wings on the entrance front were pedimented, and each had a single Wyatt window, surmounted by a blind panel. Parapeted roof. In the garden front, facing the Shannon, the wings were bow ended. Square hall with plasterwork frieze; plain and elegant stone staircase in room to left of hall. Oval music room in one of the wings, with classical figures painted on walls. The family ceased to live here 1951, and the house was demolished 1953..”
Tervoe, County Limerick, courtesy Mark Bence-Jones.Tervoe, County Limerick, courtesy Mark Bence-Jones.
Listed in Vanishing Country Houses of Ireland by The Knight of Glin, David J. Griffin and Nicholas K. Robinson, published by The Irish Architectural Archive and The Irish Georgian Society, 1988.
p. 104. “Large three storey seven bay house built in 1776 for Col. W.T. Monsell MP to which a single storey was added in the early 19C. The interior contained good plasterwork and very fine mahogany doors to the principal room. There was an oval music room in one of the wings which had a coved ceiling. Dismantled c. 1953. Some of the fittings are now at Glin Castle. Portico now at Mungret College, County Limerick. Ruin demolished.”
Tervoe, County Limerick, Drawing room c. 1945. photograph: Standish Stewart. Vanishing Country Houses of Ireland by The Knight of Glin, David J. Griffin and Nicholas K. Robinson, published by The Irish Architectural Archive and The Irish Georgian Society, 1988.
Tervoe, County Limerick, Photograph from the Irish Tourist Association Survey 1943-44. Tervoe, County Limerick, Photograph from the Irish Tourist Association Survey 1943-44.
Built in 1776 by Colonel W.T. Monsell MP on the site of an earlier house. Demolished in the 1950s. Photograph from the Irish Tourist Association Survey 1943-44.
Cooper Hill, County Limerick front doorcase 1974, photograph: William Garner, Vanishing Country Houses of Ireland by The Knight of Glin, David J. Griffin and Nicholas K. Robinson, published by The Irish Architectural Archive and The Irish Georgian Society, 1988.
Mark Bence-Jones. A Guide to Irish Country Houses (originally published as Burke’s Guide to Country Houses volume 1 Ireland by Burke’s Peerage Ltd. 1978); Revised edition 1988 Constable and Company Ltd, London.
p. 91. “(Cooper/LGI1912 and LG1863) A house built 1741 of two storeys at the front and three at the back, 6 bay front; two bay pedimented breakfront; doorcase with segmental pediment flanked by two small windows; quoins.”
Listed in Vanishing Country Houses of Ireland by The Knight of Glin, David J. Griffin and Nicholas K. Robinson, published by The Irish Architectural Archive and The Irish Georgian Society, 1988.
Mark Bence-Jones. A Guide to Irish Country Houses (originally published as Burke’s Guide to Country Houses volume 1 Ireland by Burke’s Peerage Ltd. 1978); Revised edition 1988 Constable and Company Ltd, London.
p. 220. (Jones/LGI1012) A bow-ended C18 house with a doorway rather similar to that at Woodstock, in the same county. Round-headed, rusticated and incorporating the flanking windows. Good mahogany doors. Now demolished.”
Listed in Vanishing Country Houses of Ireland by The Knight of Glin, David J. Griffin and Nicholas K. Robinson, published by The Irish Architectural Archive and The Irish Georgian Society, 1988.
Listed in Vanishing Country Houses of Ireland by The Knight of Glin, David J. Griffin and Nicholas K. Robinson, published by The Irish Architectural Archive and The Irish Georgian Society, 1988.
p. 149. Two storey early to mid 18C gable-ended house with later single storey Doric portico. Demolished.
Ballyellis, Carnew, County Wicklow/Wexford, photograph by Robert French, Lawrence Photograph Collection, National Library of Ireland.
Mark Bence-Jones. A Guide to Irish Country Houses (originally published as Burke’s Guide to Country Houses volume 1 Ireland by Burke’s Peerage Ltd. 1978); Revised edition 1988 Constable and Company Ltd, London.
p. 75. “(Sandford, Mount Sandford, B.BEP; Wills-Sandford/LGI1958) A large C18 block…The house is now demolished; the demesne is maintained as a public park by the town of Castlerea.”
Listed in Vanishing Country Houses of Ireland by The Knight of Glin, David J. Griffin and Nicholas K. Robinson, published by The Irish Architectural Archive and The Irish Georgian Society, 1988.
p. 125. Very large 18C three storey house. Two storey wing added in 19C when the entrance doorway was moved to one end of the house. The roof of the original house was also altered at this time. The seat of the Sandford family. Demolished.
The earlier main block of seven bays was quite plain; while the 19th century wings had balustraded parapets. The three-bay side of the left wing served as the entrance front. In the later part of the 19th century, architects Millar & Symes were retained on a couple of occasions to work on the house. The house was demolished and the demesne serves as a public park.
Castlerea House, constructed in the 1790’s and expanded in the 19th century. The central block of the house was destroyed by fire in 1895 and replaced with a rather crude looking pre-fabricated single storey structure. What remained of the original building was demolished in the 1960’s. The house was built by the Sandford family adjacent to an earlier O’Connor castle. Have completed the chapter on Castlerea House but need to tie up some loose ends, does anyone know were the demesne lands bequeathed to the town of were they purchased? Is the demesne still owned by a Trust? Besides the gatehouses (Gaynors funeral home) is there any other outbuilding, herds house, gatehouse etc still standing anywhere in Castlerea? And finally, does anyone have a photo of the original entrance gates? Very interesting chapter to write, relating to a house i knew very little about. (My email address is paulconnoll@gmail.com)
THE BARONS MOUNT SANDFORD WERE MAJOR LANDOWNERS IN COUNTY ROSCOMMON, WITH 24,410 ACRES
THEOPHILUS SANDFORD (1631-68), descended from a good family in Yorkshire, obtained grants of land in Ireland for his services during the civil wars, as a captain in Reynolds‘ regiment. He fixed his abode at Castlerea, County Roscommon; and from him lineally descended COLONEL HENRY SANDFORD (ante 1671-1733), of Castlerea, MP for Roscommon Borough, 1692-1713, who married, in 1692, Elizabeth, daughter of the Rt Hon Robert FitzGerald, and was succeeded at his decease by his eldest son,
ROBERT SANDFORD (1692-1777), MP for Boyle, 1715-27, Newcastle, 1727-60, who wedded, in 1717, Henrietta, second daughter of William, 3rd Earl of Inchiquin, and had issue,
HENRY, his heir; Robert, major-general, Governor of Galway; Henrietta.
Mr Sandford was succeeded by his eldest son,
HENRY SANDFORD (1719-96), MP for County Roscommon, 1741-60, Kildare Borough, 1761-8, Carrick, 1768-76, who married, in 1750, Sarah, eldest daughter of Stephen, 1st Viscount Mount Cashell, and had issue,
HENRY MOORE, of whom we treat; William (Rev); father of HENRY, 2nd Baron; GEORGE, 3rd Baron; Louisa.
Mr Sandford was succeeded by his eldest son,
HENRY MOORE SANDFORD (1751-1814), High Sheriff of County Roscommon, 1784, MP for Roscommon Borough, 1776, 1791-99, who was elevated to the peerage, in 1800, in the dignity of BARON MOUNT SANDFORD, of Castlerea, County Roscommon, with remainder, in default of male issue, to his brothers and their male descendants.
His lordship espoused, in 1780, Catherine, eldest daughter of the Rt Hon Silver Oliver, of Castle Oliver, County Limerick; but dying childless, in 1814, the barony devolved, according to the limitation, upon his nephew,
HENRY, 2nd Baron (1805-28); who, being brutally slain in a riot at Windsor, and dying unmarried, the barony reverted to his uncle,
GEORGE, 3rd Baron (1756-1846), MP for Roscommon, 1783-97.
The title became extinct in 1846 following the death of the 3rd Baron.
CASTLEREA HOUSE, near Castlerea, County Roscommon, was a large 17th century (ca 1640) block of three storeys over a basement, with 19th century wings of two storeys over a basement.
The main block of seven bays was plain; while the wings had balustraded parapets.
The three-bay side of the left wing served as the entrance front.
The house is now demolished and the demesne serves as a public park.
Ravensdale Park rere view, County Louth, Gillman Collection, Vanishing Country Houses of Ireland by The Knight of Glin, David J. Griffin and Nicholas K. Robinson, published by The Irish Architectural Archive and The Irish Georgian Society, 1988.
Mark Bence-Jones. A Guide to Irish Country Houses (originally published as Burke’s Guide to Country Houses volume 1 Ireland by Burke’s Peerage Ltd. 1978); Revised edition 1988 Constable and Company Ltd, London.
p. 240. “(Fortescue, sub Fortescue-Brickdale/LG1972; and Carlingford, B/PB 1898; Dixon, Glentoran, B/OB; Borbe, Arran, E/PB) A large and somewhat severe early Victorian mansion of granite, of plain but irregular aspect, dominated by a tall Italianate campanile with an open belvedere at the top. Built for Thomas Fortescue, 1st Lord Clermont of later creation, the architect being Thomas Duff, of Newry. Partly two storey and partly three, but mostly of the same height; eaved roof. Entrance front with a deep central recess enclosed by a screen of arches and Ionic pilasters and columns; the tower being at one side of the recess. Very long and austere two storey ten bay garden front adjoining. Another front of five bays with domed octagon at one corner. Imposing if slightly hotel-like partly top-lit hall, with screens of fluted columns and pilasters on two sides; staircase with wrought-iron handrail rising from one end. Dining room with scroll pediments over doors, supporting medallions; elaborate plasterwork frieze and cornice of foliage, and oval-shaped plasterwork surround in flat of ceiling; similar ceiling in ballroom. Library with rather Soanian flat arched recesses, containing bookcases. Domed first floor landing with Ionic columns. Became the home of Lord Clermont’s younger brother and successor, the politician Chichester Fortescue, 1st (and last) Lord Carlingford; who married the celebrated Frances, Countess Waldegrave, subject of Osbert Wyndham Hewett’s biography, Strawberry Fair. Sold to Sir Daniel Dixon, Mayor and subsequently Lord Mayor of Belfast, father of the 1st Lord Glentoran, later sold to the Earl fo Arran. Finally sold 1920, and burnt soon afterwards.”
Ravensdale Park, County Louth, library, Gillman Collection, Vanishing Country Houses of Ireland by The Knight of Glin, David J. Griffin and Nicholas K. Robinson, published by The Irish Architectural Archive and The Irish Georgian Society, 1988.Frances Fortescue née Murray (1724-1820) Countess of Clermont, sister of Harriet and Anne. Portrait after Sir Joshua Reynolds, 1864, National Portrait Gallery of London, D147. She was the daughter of Colonel John Murray MP and she married William Henry Fortescue 1st Earl of Clermont, Sheriff of County Louth.
Listed in Vanishing Country Houses of Ireland by The Knight of Glin, David J. Griffin and Nicholas K. Robinson, published by The Irish Architectural Archive and The Irish Georgian Society, 1988.
p. 109. “A two storey Italianate early Victorian house designed by Thomas Duff for Thomas Fortescue 1st Lord Clermont. Good interior. Burnt 1920. Demolished.”
THE BARONS CLERMONT WERE THE GREATEST LANDOWNERS IN COUNTY LOUTH, WITH 20,369 ACRES
This family deduces its pedigree from common ancestors with the EARLS FORTESCUE, viz. remotely, Sir Richard le Forte, a Norman knight, in the train of WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR; and, more remotely, Lord Chief Justice Fortescue.
The first of its members that settled in Ireland,
SIR FAITHFUL FORTESCUE (c1581-1666), Knight, removed to that kingdom early in the reign of JAMES I, and commanded an infantry regiment there.
Sir Faithful obtained large possessions in Ireland, amongst which was Dromiskin Castle, County Louth.
He wedded Anne, daughter of Garret, 1st Viscount Moore, of Drogheda, and was succeeded by his eldest surviving son,
SIR THOMAS FORTESCUE (c1620-1710), Knight, Governor of Carrickfergus Castle, who espoused firstly, Sydney, daughter of Colonel William Kinsmill; and secondly, Elizabeth, daughter of Colonel Ferdinand Carey, and had issue,
WILLIAM; Chichester.
Sir Thomas was succeeded by his grandson,
THOMAS FORTESCUE (1683-1769), MP for Dundalk, 1727-60, who married Elizabeth, daughter of James Hamilton, and sister of James, 1st Earl of Clanbrassil, and had issue,
James, father of WILLIAM, 2nd VISCOUNT CLERMONT; WILLIAM HENRY, of whom hereafter; Margaret; Charlotte.
Mr Fortescue’s younger son,
THE RT HON WILLIAM HENRY FORTESCUE (1722-1806), MP for County Louth, 1745-60, Monaghan, 1761-70, was sworn of the Privy Council, 1764, and appointed Postmaster-General.
Mr Fortescue was elevated to the peerage, in 1770, in the dignity of Baron Clermont, of Clermont, County louth.
His lordship was created, in 1776, BARON and VISCOUNT CLERMONT, with remainder to his brother, the Rt Hon James Fortescue, of Ravensdale Park, County Louth, MP for that county.
His lordship was further advanced to the dignity of an earldom, in 1777, as EARL OF CLERMONT, but without the reversionary grant.
He was installed as a Knight Founder of the Order of St Patrick (KP) in 1795.
His lordship espoused Frances, eldest daughter of Colonel John Murray, County Monaghan; but dying without issue, in 1806, the earldom expired, while the other honours devolved, according to the limitation, upon his nephew,
WILLIAM CHARLES FORTESCUE, 2nd Viscount (1764-1829), only surviving son of his deceased brother, mentioned above, by Mary Henrietta, eldest daughter of Thomas Orby Hunter, of Crowland Abbey, Lincolnshire.
His lordship died at Ravensdale Park, County Louth, unmarried, when the viscountcy expired.
The title was revived, however, in 1852, when his kinsman,
THOMAS FORTESCUE, was created BARON CLERMONT (2nd & 3rd creation).
Ravensdale Park, County Louth, courtesy Archiseek.Ravensdale Park, County Louth, courtesy Archiseek.
Constructed in an austere Italianate style, by Thomas Duff of Nerwy, For 1st Baron Clermont. Later changes by Lanyon & Lynn in 1859 with further additions.
It was partly two and partly three storeys, though mainly the same height, with an eaved roof. The garden front was remarkably long, being ten bays. There was another front of five bays with a domed octagon at one corner. The house was burned in 1921.
Ravensdale Park, County Louth, courtesy Louth County Archives.Ravensdale Park, County Louth, courtesy Louth County Archives.Ravensdale Park, County Louth, courtesy Louth County Archives.Ravensdale Park, County Louth, courtesy Louth County Archives.
Mark Bence-Jones. A Guide to Irish Country Houses (originally published as Burke’s Guide to Country Houses volume 1 Ireland by Burke’s Peerage Ltd. 1978); Revised edition 1988 Constable and Company Ltd, London.
p. 185. “(More O’Ferrall/IFR) A handsome late C18 block incorporating an earlier house. Of three storeys over a rusticated basement; but with only two storeys of windows in the entrance front, and a mezzanine of blind recessed panels between them. Entrance front of seven bays with a three bay pedimented breakfront; lunette window in pediment; lintels with keystones and pediments over windows in lower storey on either side of entrance doorway, which had a segmental pediment and pilasters, but was obscured by a C19 glazed and pedimented porch; long flight of steps up to hall door. Keystones over basement windows. Prominent roof on bold, simple cornice. Side elevation of three storeys over basement and five bays, centre bay breaking forward with a Wyatt window in each storey, including basement. Partly curving staircase. Sold ca 1952, afterwards demolished.”
Listed in Vanishing Country Houses of Ireland by The Knight of Glin, David J. Griffin and Nicholas K. Robinson, published by The Irish Architectural Archive and The Irish Georgian Society, 1988.
p. 107. “Unusual late 18C house with an interesting entrance elevation of two storeys with a blind mezzanine between them. Side elevation of three floors within the same overall height. The principal front had fine quality cut stone detailing. The house incorporates the remains of an earlier late 17C or 18C building. Demolished c. 1950.”
FROM ‘THE LANDED GENTRY & ARISTOCRACY OF CO. KILDARE’ BY TURTLE BUNBURY & ART KAVANAGH (IRISH FAMILY NAMES, 2004).
The Lisard property in Co. Longford was acquired in the mid 19th century by John Lewis More O’Ferrall, second son of Major Ambrose O’Ferrall and brother to Richard More O’Ferrall, Governor of Malta. Born in June 1800 and educated at Downside and Stonyhurst, John became a barrister in Dublin as a young man. In 1836 Prime Minister Robert Peel appointed him joint Commissioner of the Dublin Metropolitan Police. He remained in the post until 1871 during which time he did much to transform the police from a volunteer force into a professional body of “Peelers” or “Bobbys”, both names deriving from Prime Minister Peel. He lived between Granite Hall in Kingstown (Dun Laoighaire) and Lisard in Edgeworthstown.
His grandson Gerald More O’Ferrall inherited Lisard in 1914 and married Geraldine Fitzgerald, granddaughter of the 4th Duke of Leinster (qv). In August 1934 Gerald was appointed land agent for the Sanderson estate in Co. Longford. When tenants refused to pay outstanding rent he secured eviction orders against 11 of them. The Edgeworthstown Tenants Association was quickly formed and an invitation was dispatched to the IRA.
On Saturday 9th February 1935, Gerald hosted a dinner party at Lisard, principally to improve relations with his 21-year-old son, Richard, who had married Miss Moya Brady without family approval a year earlier. At 9pm, four men dressed in Garda uniform and carrying revolvers barged into Lisard, rushed the dining room, grabbed Gerald and tried to drag him away. Richard went to the aid of his father and the IRA opened fire. Richard was shot in the back and Gerald in the chest. The IRA fled soon afterwards.
Gerald’s life was saved by a gold cigarette case in his dinner jacket. Richard was mortally wounded and died in hospital eleven days later.
Although the culprits were never brought to justice, the murder was counter-productive to the IRA. Eamon de Valera’s Fianna Fail government went into overdrive against their former allies, severe measures were brought in to deal with the IRA. The measures included the abolition of trial by jury, the introduction of a Special Criminal Court (non-jury) and of Military Courts, from which there was no appeal.
The O’Ferrall family left Lisard in 1952 and relocated to Kildare. Lisard House was demolished in the 1950’s and the lands purchased by the Forestry Department.
Richard and Moya’s daughter Geraldine, an artist and sculptress, lived a happy and fulfilled life in Dublin. She passed away in 2011 at the age of 77.
Mark Bence-Jones. A Guide to Irish Country Houses (originally published as Burke’s Guide to Country Houses volume 1 Ireland by Burke’s Peerage Ltd. 1978); Revised edition 1988 Constable and Company Ltd, London.
p. 12. “A 2 storey house of 1829 built onto a three storey C18 house. Three bay front with central breakfront and semi-circular Ionic porch; roof parapet and corner pilasters. Bought 1870 by the Dunphy family; sold 1949, demolished ca. 1960.”
Listed in Vanishing Country Houses of Ireland by The Knight of Glin, David J. Griffin and Nicholas K. Robinson, published by The Irish Architectural Archive and The Irish Georgian Society, 1988.
Mark Bence-Jones. A Guide to Irish Country Houses (originally published as Burke’s Guide to Country Houses volume 1 Ireland by Burke’s Peerage Ltd. 1978); Revised edition 1988 Constable and Company Ltd, London.
“(Croasdaile/IFR) A house of 1855 in the Georgian style, with a portico; built to replace an earlier house on the same site which had been burnt. Sold 1935 and subsequently demolished.”
Listed in Vanishing Country Houses of Ireland by The Knight of Glin, David J. Griffin and Nicholas K. Robinson, published by The Irish Architectural Archive and The Irish Georgian Society, 1988.
p. 97. A house built in 1855 for John Rynne. Demolished.
Irish Historic Houses 