Ecclesiastical residence

The National Monuments Service's description

According to Gillespie (1973, 42), Hugh Mapleton, Bishop of Ossory (1251-1260), built the Episcopal Palace or court, at Aghore, subsequently called Uppercourt, and provided it with fish-ponds and "other necessary adjuncts of a manorial residence". The Down Survey (1655-6) parish map of Freshford depicts a crenelated castle-like building flanked by two lower buildings and enclosed by a large bawn with two angle towers and a third central tower or gatehouse midway along the wall in the foreground. The Down Survey (1655-6) barony map of Crannagh similarly shows a large crenelated building with an enclosing bawn with towers on each of the three angles drawn. The proprietor in 1640 is listed as Robert Shee Irish Papist.
In the late 18th/early 19th century Sir William Evans Morres built Uppercourt House and the square castle (KK013-022001-), which was beside the Episcopal residence and stood behind the present day stables, was razed to the ground and the stones were used in the building of the house (Gillespie 1973, 44). It is likely that the Bishop's Palace, if it was still standing by the end of the 18th century, was also demolished at this time. It is not visible at ground level.

Compiled by: Jean Farrelly

Date of upload: 29 July 2019

References

Gillespie, Rev. M.H.P. 1973 Uppercourt Manor. Old Kilkenny Review 25, 42-7.