Page 7 - 0FINAL Neo Gothic Church 1754 Report compressed_Neat

CA THAL CRIMMINS AR CHITE C T 4 CONSERVATION PLAN ON THE GOTHICK MEMORIAL CHURCH FOR THE KYLEMORE TRUST www. architect.crimmins.ie

4.1.4 Building Condition understanding of the past or enrich the present, and which will be of value to Historic maps, the Archaeological Survey of Ireland’s Sites and Monument’s Record
future generations’. (SMR) and excavations.ie were all consulted to determine if there were any
The Neo-gothic Church archaeological features or monuments within the curtilage of the Kylemore Estate. As
There are a variety of categories used to evaluate the level of cultural
Despite the restoration works, re-roofing and re-pointing carries out in the late 1990s significance: architectural, aesthetic, historic, archaeological, landscape, social, mentioned previously the Abbey, Gothic Church and Mausoleum are all included in
the building suffers from continuing problems mostly due to the extreme weather SMR. The first edition OS map shows that all three were vacant sites prior to the mid
conditions and the type and quality of the stonework and joints. The Preliminary spiritual and natural. These will be used in the assessment of significance of the 19th century so in themselves, they are not of archaeological significance. It is
Kylemore Estate as the cultural significance of Kylemore is multi-layered and
Assessment of Stone deterioration by Dr Jason Bolton carried out in May 2018 gives a relates to aspects of its history, architecture, the religious community and the probable that they were assigned National Monument status at a time when there
detailed account of the stone decay, specially in relation to the internal Caen were few other protective instruments for the built heritage.
Limestone. Comparison between Dr Bolton’s photos from May 2018 and the photos relationship with its surrounding landscape.
taken in November 2020. The crypt and basement area appears to have fewer 4.2.1 Architectural Significance The Neo-Gothic Church
problems. It is brick vaulted and brick lined. The area is unheated and well ventilated 4.2.6 Grading Of Significance
The church is a Gothic church in English Decorated style and was designed by J. F.
Roof, Vaults and ceilings: Fuller, c1877. It is noted for the high quality of craftsmanship displayed on the interior
and exterior stonework and its ornate window s tracery. The Church has been
The copper clad roof was carried out in the late 1990s and appears in reasonable Primary Significance
condition. As noted in Jason Bolton’s report On the vaulted roof, the general described by Roger Stalley professor of the history of art in Trinity College Dublin as a
cathedral in miniature where the quality of the interior carving is quite breathtaking.
pattern is for dry stone (cream) at the highest points, brown-coloured (damp/ The church is regarded by the NIAH as one of the most accomplished works of the Because if their immense architectural, historic, social and artistic interest, the
salt-laden) stone below this, and white-coloured salt efflorescence appearing on Gothic Church is of primary significance in terms of the overall heritage of the
the stone below this and at mouldings. IMG_1168.jpeg Gothic Revival in Ireland. Like the Abbey, its location on the lakeshore is highly estate. The church is the most ornate as well as being one of the most
picturesque.
. It is unlikely that the copper roof is allowing moisture into the building and that Mausoleum architecturally significant buildings on the Kylemore estate. Stalley noted that it
was of national importance and is in an area that has few architectural
the main source of water is through stonework at high level causing much salt
efflorescence at the vaults and walls at high level. The crypt has a brick vaulted The mausoleum is in comparison to the church a very plain building set in woodland. monuments. The NIAH (Inventory number 30402310) rated the Church as being of
ceiling in good condition. It is well proportioned and has simple decorative details such as the gable finials, National importance for it’s architectural, artistic and social interest. It is listed a
protected structure in the Galway County Development Plan 2009-2015 (REG NO
recesses, memorial plaques and ironwork.
Walls: 550). In addition, it is also included in the Archaeological Survey of Ireland’s Sites
4.2.2 Historic Significance and Monument’s Record for Galway (SMR Number: GA023-027).
Externally the limestone and rubble work is in fair condition
The Church is of historical significance through its association with the Henry family.
The intense salt efflorescence has caused flaking, blistering and loss of Caen As the last resting place of Mitchell and Margaret Henry, the mausoleum is also of
limestone. Damp penetration from defective gutters, wall pointing show brown Secondary Significance
dark staining and white efflorescence. There is cracking of the Caen stone due to historical interest. The NIAH (Inventory number 30402311) rated the mausoleum as being of Regional
stress. There is loss of stonework in the belfry area due to salts from the porous 4.2.3 Social and Spiritual Significance importance for it’s architectural and historical importance. It is listed a protected
joints.
The church is also of spiritual significance. structure in the Galway County Development Plan 2009-2015 (REG NO 551). It is
The repointing of the walls with lime mortar in the 1990s restoration seems to also included in the Archaeological Survey of Ireland’s Sites and Monument’s
have prevented lime leeching. . Where lime leeching occurs may be a result of the Record for Galway (SMR Number: GA023-012).
earlier cement repointing. This can be seen in the belfry. 4.2.4 Archaeological significance.

The green staining biofilm staining is natural in the exposed site where there is Archaeological features. The Abbey, Gothic Church and Mausoleum are all included in
constant wetness. The water absorption tests and close examination of the
exterior in 2018 did not show any serious defects in the external fabric of the SMR but are all 19th century. The first edition ordnance survey map shows that they 4.3 Defining Issues and Vulnerability
were vacant sites in 1841 with no suggestion of earlier features other than geological
buildingh Brick lined walls to crypt.
ones.
Windows and doors In order to develop policies for Kylemore it is necessary to identify issues that
threaten the significance of the Gothick Church, its structures, setting and the
Windows and door appear to be in reasonable condition apart from the stone 4.2.5 Landscape Significance religious ethos, or have potential to do so in the future. Fortunately the structures
surrounds as noted above. and landscape have been in the care of the Benedictine order’s watchful eye for
almost a century and have been the subject of considerable work to enhance and
Floors: The highly scenic landscape around Kylemore is defined by mountains, lakes,
western blanket bog and heath, cultivated lands, woods and formal landscaped protect them.
Timber boarded floor and steps are in good condition. There are metal (cast iron)
grills covering the heating system. gardens. The cultivated gardens contain plants that were introduced in to Ireland While State and Local Authority protection exists for Kylemore in the Record of
before 1901. The woods contain both native and introduced tree species such as Protected Structures, the record of Monuments and Places and in the protected
Drainage: Irish Yew, Alder, Hazel, Rowan, Holly, Sycamore, Silver Birch, Witch Elm, Ash, Horse views there are threats to its future.
Chestnut, Beech, Common Larch, Scot’s Pine, Monterey Pine, Lawson’s Cypress,
There are many defects in the overground drainage including rusting rainwater Sitka Spruce, Sessile Oak and Western Red Cedar. These are interspersed with a 4.3.2 Threats to Fabric
hoppers and rainwater pipes.
series of walks stretching from Baskilla, around the lakes to the oak plantation One of the major threats is the deterioration of the stone.
situated behind the walled gardens at Currywongaun. Another paths leads from Despite recent roofing work to the Gothic Chapel there are ongoing stone
4.2 Assessment of Significance the oak plantation round to Tullywee Bridge and back towards the Grotto at problems that are deteriorating. The overground drainage, cast iron fittings
Lough Maladrolaun. There is also a trail up to the Sacred Heart statue on show rust and are leaking.
Doughruagh Mountain and a longer route that goes up to Lough Touther. Thee
The 1999 ICOMOS Guidelines to the Burra Charter: Cultural Significance states paths provide opportunities to enjoy the verdant landscape of Kylemore as well Fabric Issues Relating To Previous Works and Works Proposed Under This Plan.
that:
as providing excellent views of the panoramic scenery. Other features in the Health and safety and fire prevention systems are to be further examined and
‘Cultural Significance is a concept which helps in estimating the value of places. landscape are described below. improved. Plumbing, mechanical and electrical and modern security systems
The places that are likely to be of significance are those which help an were attended to in the 2019 are also to be further investigated upgraded if