signal tower

Freestanding square-plan two-bay three-stage signal tower, built 1805, with lean-to extension (east). Now disused. Remains of stone roof soffit with rubble stone chimneystack. Rendered and rubble stone walls with hanging slate, sandstone quoins and bartizan with corbels (west). Square-headed openings blocked with brick and stone, with stone sills and block-and-start surrounds with rubbed stone block voussoirs. Square-headed door openings with concrete lintel and raised rendered reveal. Remains of three rubble stone structures with lean-to addition to east, having red and yellow brick to chimneystacks. Other ruinous rubble stone associated structures to north. Site enclosed by rubble stone walls with slate hanging (south-east face).

One of a network of signal towers built around the south, east and west coasts in the early nineteenth century to ensure a quick response to attempted invasion, following a failed effort by a French fleet to land at Bantry in 1796. Though now largely in ruins, this example is typical of the square-plan and first floor entrance style of the other signal towers. The ruinous remains of the ancillary buildings add to its setting and context.