Church in Kilworth

On W side of graveyard (14599); immediately S of Market House (14763) in Kilworth. Former C of I parish church of Kilworth, Now in use as theatre. Comprises rectangular nave (long-axis E-W) with gabled chancel to E and 3-storey embattled tower to W with spire. Hipped projection to N contained private pews of Moore family of Moorpark; built over burial vaults. Nave lit by paired and single lancets. Power (1932, 90) suggests church built on site of earlier parish church. Lewis (1837, vol. 2, 220) describes it as 'an old structure,...thoroughly repaired'. According to local information, built c.1720s. In 1885 considerable structural alterations and improvements were made including addition of chancel, spire, bell etc. (Cole 1903, 224). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 4: North Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2000). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009

The Church in Kilworth was built in the 14th or 15th century, likely by the local community or a benefactor associated with the village. It is a small medieval parish church, originally dedicated to an unidentified saint, and reflects a simple Perpendicular Gothic style; its significance lies in its historical role as the parish church and its later repurposing as a theatre, preserving its architectural heritage.