Church Ruins

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Ruins of former stone built church situated to the east of the present Holy Trinity Church. Ruins consists of south wall with large window opening, return east wall and then the remains of further south wall, four metres long which returns forming another east wall some six and a half metres long. The south gable wall is approximately five metres high but the remaining walls are low. . The stone used is schist with a sandstone band at low level.

Historical information

Leslie quotes “The V.B. 1693 ’there was a large handsome Chappel built before the late troubles at Culmore about 3 miles from Londonderry, but King James Army burnt it, and it cannot be repaired.’ It appears that it was never rebuilt. The church was originally erected for the use of the garrison of the Fort at Culmore. It was cruciform with a nave, transept and square tower, 54 feet long and 46 feet wide at the Transept.” It was said that Divine Service was only twice performed in it, and that it was used as a hospital by King James army during the siege of Derry, and at one time held 400 wounded. Tradition also relates that the “French General Momont, was buried here”.

The OSS No. 14, 1830 shows a T shaped plan which might suggest a simple rectangular nave with chapel attached. The closeness of the ruin to the present church suggests that part of the ruin was demolished to make way for the new church in 1867. The building is described on the 1853 OS Map as: ' Culmore Church (in ruins)'.

References:

Primary Sources:
OS Map 1st Edition 1830 Co. Londonderry Sheet 14,
OS Map 2nd Edition 1853 Co. Londonderry Sheet 14,
OS Map 1904-5 Revision Co. Londonderry Sheet 14A,

Secondary Sources:
Leslie, Parishes & Clergy of Derry & Raphoe p.171
JS Curl , The Londonderry plantation 1610-1914 p.414, 421
Historic Monuments Records ref: LDY 14A/2

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

Likely a plantation chapel, only one gable and remains of side walls are left of this building. Never the less, it is of great historical value to the area of Culmore and enhances the architectural setting of the present church adjacent (HB01/27/007A)