Architectural fragment in Ballykilcavan

The head of a Tudor arch single light unglazed punch-dressed limestone window (Wth. 0.29m) located in the back garden of Ballykilcavan House (LA014-099002-) is all that survives of the levelled medieval castle (LA014-099----). A single iron bar socket is visible on the soffit of the window arch. In each spandrel on either side of window opening there is a human figure carved in relief pulling what appears to be a rope or chord which is intertwined in a knot directly over the apex of the window opening. This scene may be an attempt to illustrate the marriage or union between two families. Directly above there are two Classical style figures carved in relief possibly of a male and female standing in full frontal pose with legs apart and arms outstretched holding drapery standing either side of a Tudor rose and crown with the royal monogram E.R. (Elizabeth Regina). The letters E. R. can be seen incised into the top corner of the stone on either side. The head of the figure on the left hand side is carved in profile while that on the right side has been damaged but was facing straight on. The armorial stone (Wth 0.55m; H 0.52m; T 0.17m) was probably commissioned by Robert Hartpole in recognition of his land grant from Queen Elizabeth in 1576 and inserted into the fabric of an earlier medieval castle which stood on the grounds of Ballykilcavan House. Compiled by: Caimin O’Brien Date of upload: 11 November 2015