Architectural feature in Meedian

The modern R. C. Church at Meedian contains a carved doorway at the NE end along with a window (WM033-0400001-) over the entrance both of which appear to be 15th century in date. The present RC Church replaced was built on the site of an earlier T-plan R. C. Chapel which was marked as a 'chapel' in 1818 on the Boyd-Belvedere estate map of the area (SMR File). This T-plan chapel was probably built in the 18th century. There is no evidence to suggest that there was a pre-1700 church at this location. It is possible that the present medieval doorway and window were taken from a nearby medieval church and reused during the building of the present R. C. Church. The medieval church (WM033-031----) ruins at Castlelost located 3km to the NE contains dressed stone with similar stone carvings. The upper section of the medieval doorway at Castlelost is missing. The medieval doorway at Meedian comprises of an archway in two orders without capitals, the mouldings of the orders consists of hollows and rolls. On the left hand side of the arch there is a star symbol carved into the stone. This symbol is also used in the window above where it is located under the hood moulding of the window. Halfway down the doorway on either side there are two decorated jambs. The stone on the left side is decorated with a stylised plant motif, while the stone of the right has a two strand interlace pattern with triangular-shaped terminals. The interlaced carving on this stone is similar to the decorated panels on the E window at Castlelost church (WM033-031----). To see a 3D model of this doorway visit; https://skfb.ly/oJAJL Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 10 July 2013