St Helens Church — Bellmount Lower

In centre of graveyard (CO083-075001-), ruin of former C of I parish church of Moviddy. Rectangular nave (13.85m E-W; 7.7m N-S), to which was added semicircular apse (7.7m N-S; 4.3m E-W) at E end, and rectangular porch (4.3m E-W; 4.95m N-S) at W end. Porch entered through door in N wall, recently blocked up; surround has rounded arch with prominent keystone, jambs and arch stones deeply chamfered, base and capital on each side appear re-used and may be 18th-century in date. Addition of chancel and nave, and complete re-modelling of existing structure, took place in late 1890s (Cole 1903, 91-2); amongst these renovations was insertion of paired lights with limestone surrounds, three in N wall and three in S; these replaced 'old plain wooden frames' (ibid.). Earlier core probably built in early 18th century, and had already been repaired in early 19th century (Lewis 1837, vol. 2, 398) when described as 'very neat edifice in the early English style'. Built on or near site of ancient parish church (CO083-075003-) of Moviddy. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 3: Mid Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009