Rathbarry Church (in Ruins) — Castlefreke

In graveyard (CO143-076001-) poorly preserved ruins of Rathbarry parish church. Rectangular structure (c. 17.5m E-W; c. 7.5m N-S) missing E and W walls; surviving portions of N and S walls show signs of alterations and rebuilding (Webster 1932, 276). Doorway at W end N wall- surrounds gone. Single window opes in N and S walls now missing light surrounds but Webster (1932, 276) has drawing of both: square-headed light in N wall and pointed light in S wall; Webster also has drawing of trefoil-headed piscina which does not appear to survive. Tomb of Ralph Freke, who died 1717, overlies E end of S wall. Six corbels, in two rows, project from outside of S wall. Church in repair in 1615 (Brady Vol 2 1863, 539) but in ruins by 1693 (Webster 1932, 276). The above entry is incorrect as it appears in the West Cork Inventory. The following is a corrected version: In graveyard (3198). Ruins of rectangular church (99ft 7in x 23ft) (Webster 1932, 276). Segmental arched doorway at W end of S wall, surrounds gone. Window opes in N and S walls, E end; square-headed light in N wall and pointed light in S wall, both with external rebates. Wide arched niche in W end of N wall, wall press at E end. Pointed trefoil-headed piscina in S wall, E end. Pointed E window embrasure with plank centering, triple-pointed light with external hood moulding. W wall inserted with wide collapsed central ope; two lintelled slit windows at N and S end. Interior contains numerous headstones including tomb of Ralph Freke who died in 1717. Church in repair in 1615 (Brady 1863, vol. 2, 539) but in ruins by 1693 (Webster ibid.). See Excavations 2002, 65, no. 257 and Excavations 2003, 44. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 1: West Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1992). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009