Sites and Monuments Record · Ireland
Settlement deserted - medieval
Beckfield, County Laois, Ireland
The record
- Townland
- Beckfield
- County
- Laois
- Country
- Ireland
- First-edition OS map
- NULL
- Latest-edition OS map
- NULL
- SMR number
- LA028-074002-
This record in the National Monuments Service's Historic Environment Viewer ↗
The National Monuments Service's description
Unlocated settlement within townland as described by Carrigan in the History and Antiquities of the Diocese of Ossory.
Described by Carrigan as a 'Large square rath (LA028-012001-) in Beckfield 20 or 30 perches west of this bridge. It is partly square, and has a double rampart on the north and west sides, the outer one being high and very wide and massive. A low irregular enclosure within the rath marks the site of some ancient building (LA028-012002-). Outside is 'the Old Street', where there are extensive foundations of buildings beneath the surface of the field. A castle (LA028-074001-) or large residence is entered here on the Down Survey Map of 1657.' (Carrigan 1905, vol. 2, 354) Townland originally called Ballyawley and was changed to Beckfield after a spinster lady named Beck or Rebeccca Flood who built Beckfield House more than a century ago. In 1665 John Fitzpatrick paid hearth-money for two hearths in Ballyawly.
Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien
Date of upload: 17 December 2007