Bawn in Newtown (baker)

On a SW-facing slope, c. 200m N of the Kings River, commanding a good view E-S-W at ground level. The castle is associated with the medieval settlement of Earlstown (KK027-012----) which was under the proprietorship of the Sweetman family, who had succeeded the D’Erleys towards the end of the 14th century (Carrigan 1905, vol. 3, 330). The Sweetman’s held onto possession until the land was confiscated under the Cromwellian confiscations in the mid-17th century and subsequently divided up between several individuals (Carrigan 1905, vol. 3, 330, 332). A bawn, built of roughly coursed limestone rubble (T 1m) enclosed the tower house (KK027-012007-) at Newtown (Baker). Only the S wall (L 23.85m; max. ext. H 2.5m) and ruinous W wall (L 46.5m; max. int. H 2.6m) of the bawn survive upstanding. The S wall is built against the precipitous S-facing slope of the field, though the dramatic drop in ground level may be the result of quarrying. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 9 May 2023

The Bawn in Newtown was likely held by proprietors associated with the medieval settlement of Earlstown, though specific dates and builders are not recorded; its strategic location on a SW-facing slope provides significant defensive advantages, overlooking the Kings River to the E-S-W.