Templefanum — Carpenterstown

Situated atop hill with good views in all directions, 17th century wayside ross (WM003-076----) located 70m to S. Rectangular building aligned E-W depicted on 1837 ed. OS 6-inch map as 'Templefanum'. On the revised 6-inch OS map the same building has two names and appears to have been converted by this period in 'Carpenterstown School. Present remains consist of the derelict building marked as Carpenterstown School which may have incorporated fabric of an earlier building possibly a chapel known as 'Templefanum'. A prominent base batter on the W gable appears to be a buttress to support the gable sited on the edge of rising ground and does not appear to be medieval in date. There is evidence of yellow brisk incorporated into fabric of base batter on W gable. No clear evidence of any medieval features in present building although the presence of render both externally and internally may hide such features. In 1874 the Ordnance Survey Field Name Books for Co. Westmeath recorded that Carpenterstown National School was built in 1850 on the site of an ancient building known as 'Templefanum' (SMR File). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 24 April 2015