St. Fintans Church in ruins

The small, oratory-like, building is located within a circular enclosure (DU015-031001-). Known as St Fintan's the church is roughly rectangular in plan (int. dims. L 5m, Wth 2.45m). Built of large blocks of sandstone, granite and tufa with dressed quoins. The walls are battered. It appears to be an Early-Norman church with later medieval alterations. Originally entered in the west through a lintelled doorway, which was replaced by a pointed arched doorway. This has chamfered jambs. A square recess above the doorway has a circular ope. There is a single bellcote on the west gable. In the interior there are three wall presses, that in the east end of the north wall incorporates the arch of an earlier window. The wall niche in the south is angular in plan with deeply chamfered side stones and a carved head; the third wall press is a square-headed niche in the west end of the south wall. The east window is rounded with septfoil moulding on the arch and chamfered sandstone and limestone jambs. Now blocked up. Partial remains of a window are present at the western end of the north wall. The window in the northeast angle is semi-circular headed whilst that in the south is overgrown. Metal railings have been added to roof and door. The Bellingham graveplot, also defined by railings is attached externally to the church on the north facade. Much of the mortar has been washed out of the exterior of the south, north and east walls. Compiled by: Geraldine Stout Updated by: Christine Baker Date of upload: 26 January 2015