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Gormanston College

castle/fortified house
Gormanston College
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What is recorded here

Gormanston College in County Meath is a fourteenth-century castle rebuilt into a nineteenth-century school, its castellated towers and pointed windows still standing proud. Thomas Wogan Brown and Sir Richard Morrison may have shaped its form at different times, layering ambition onto ancient stone. The building retains timber sash windows, ashlar dressings and internal panelled shutters, proving that resilience and beauty can occupy the same frame.
Detached nine-bay three-storey over basement, former castle, commenced c.1363, rebuilt, remodelled and extended c.1820. Now in use as school. Comprising of four-storey central breakfront with castellated towers, having flanking three-storey bays, terminated by four-stage towers. Pitched slate roofs with stepped parapets set on corbelled courses. Rubble stone walls with some ashlar limestone dressings. Four-centred arch door opening and window opening with ashlar dressings and label mouldings to central bay. Timber sash windows to main block, with pointed arched timber sash windows to towers, having ashlar limestone dressings and hood and label mouldings.
Architectural design and detail are immediately apparent in the form and construction of this imposing former house. Originally dating to the fourteenth century, this building is now entirely nineteenth century in appearance. It is thought that Thomas Wogan Brown and Sir Richard Morrison were both involved in the design of the building at different times. The architectural form of the building is enhanced by the retention of many original features and materials, such as the timber sash windows, ashlar limestone dressings and internal timber panelled shutters.

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Photo: National Inventory of Architectural Heritage · Website use allowed for educational or private purposes with source credit