Kingston College (Almshouses) — Brigown

In Mitchelstown, enclosing N half of King's Square. Matching L-shaped 2-storey ranges, over basements, either side of C of I chapel. Each range 20-bays long (E-W) with 10-bay return (N-S). Random-rubble limestone construction with brick-dressed sash windows and round-headed door opes; ashlar limestone arches carry steps up to front doors. Units at end of each range project slightly forward and are slightly higher than remainder with hipped roof. Wide arch ope in centre of N ranges with ashlar limestone surround and pediment supported by large console brackets; archways blocked and converted into apartments in 1880s when complex subdivided to make 31 units (B. Power, Avondhu, 9th Jan. 1997). Numerous hipped, 2-storey projections on rear elevations. Range of one-storey outhouses and garden plots to rear. C of I chapel in centre has rectangular nave (N-S) with chancel added to N; 3-storey tower with gabled roof and pediment to S; originally a porch stood on S side with cupola, but removed in late 18th century and replaced with tower for bell and clock (ibid.). Complex built with funds made available in will of James, 4th Baron of Kingston (died 1764), to house poor elderly Protestants, mainly tenants from Mitchelstown estate (14918). Designed by John Morrison as terrace of 22 houses with chapel in centre; in 1770 project continued by Oliver Grace who added two additional end-houses; college opened1777 (Power 1996, 21). South half of square formed by similar L-shaped 2-storey ranges, rendered and less ornate, with date stone inscribed 'Kings Square 1780'; the enclosed green was used as tennis courts (Bowen, 1942, 8); SE quadrant cut by later road from Baldwin Street to George's Street. Tree-lined avenue crosses centre of square and led to entrance into Mitchelstown Castle demesne (14918) on W side. Cast-iron water font in centre of square, to N of avenue, erected in1825 (ibid.); it is stamped 'Hive Iron Foundry Maker, Cork'. 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