What is recorded here

Bellewstown castle: Richard Bellew built it 1472-79, thirty metres east of the present house, and Cromwellian troops occupied it during the seige of Drogheda in 1649. A fragment of stone flooring and wall still survives, while two inscribed stones in the Lodge record John Bellew repairing its steps and door in 1598. What is missing is not the castle but the life that moved through it: kitchens, guards, arguments, fear, pride and the small daily work of keeping a house worthy of its name.

The remains of Bellewstown castle stand c. 30m E of the present Bellewstown House. It was built by Richard Bellew in 1472-79. A fragment of stone flooring and wall of the castle still survives. On a building to the E of the castle, known as the Lodge, there are two inscribed stones which when combined with a third stone in Sarsefieldstown form a full inscription that commemorates John Bellew repairing the steps and door of Bellewstown castle in 1598. Historical records show that Bellewstown castle was occupied by Cromwellian troops during the seige of Drogheda in 1649. George Victor Du Noyer marked the location of the castle on a Geological Survey map in 1866(pers comm. Mr Colin Byrne, Briarleas, County Meath). Compiled by: Geraldine Stout Date of upload: 9 June, 2016

Bellewstown Castle was built by Richard Bellew between 1472 and 1479. It is remembered as an early example of Bellew family influence in the region and for its historical association with the development of the Bellewstown estate.

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