House — medieval in Mortlestown (cooleagh Par.)

In a small valley, on top of a substantial oblong rock outcrop (dims. c. 200m N-S; c. 70m E-W; H c. 3-4m), surrounded by poorly drained rough pasture with a river flowing southward immediately to the E. The settlement (TS062-016----) is 1.3km ENE of Mortlestown castle (TS062-011----). The Civil Survey (1654-6) refers to 'some few thatcht Cabbins' which in 1640 was under the proprietorship of 'John St. John of Mortelstowne Irish Papist' (Simington 1931, vol. 1, 176). On the 1st (1840) ed. OS 6-inch map the 'Site of Village' is shown with 14 deserted buildings and associated boundaries indicated. A field inspection noted the remains of at least 10 buildings (TS062-016001- to TS062-016010-), some of which were houses and other outbuildings. A causeway (Wth c. 3.5m) across the marsh enters the outcrop on the W side at the N end. This poorly preserved possible house is located at the SE side of the settlement. A possible house (TS062-016007-) lies immediately to the S, with another (TS062-016009-) to the N. This possible house is defined by a low-lying bank (Wth c. 2.2m; H c. 0.3m) visible on the E and S sides and the E end of the N side, the rest of the monument, including the interior, is obscured by dense furze growth. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 13 October 2014