Banagher Old Church – Graveyard

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

A small graveyard surrounding the ruins of the old Banagher Church in the townland of Carnanbane.

Sited on the crest of a small hill the graves are dotted about the slopes which in places are quite precipitous. Bounded on 3 sides by random rubble walls acting more as retaining walls and on the 4th side, west, by a hedge. There are 2 entrances, well constructed, with random rubble square piers with capping stones and wrought iron gates. In parts the surrounding walls are in excess of 1800mm high. From the principal gates a gravel path leads to the west door of the church and from it another path leads to the side gates, to which a short lane leads from an adjacent farmhouse yard. Apart from the O’Heney tomb and an ancient stone cross it is difficult to distinguish any other pre-Plantation graves. Indeed it is difficult to identify any 17th or 18th cent. slabs or headstones apart from those within the confines of the ruined church. There are a number of 19th cent. and later headstones, graveslabs and table slabs. One of interest is that of Archibald Buchanan d. 27 Oct. 1808 age 85 who was related to the Buchanans of Magheramore TD (see HB02/05/001A).

Near the side gates and within the graveyard is a badly eroded stone cross approximately 750mm high with very short cross head and about 300mm wide on the face. There are no distinguishing marks on it.

Just outside the graveyard at the N E end is a ballaun or font set flush with grass surface. The stone is oval in plan 850mm by 550 with a sinking 300mm by 250 and approximately 250mm deep from rim. The type of stone was indeterminate and black in colour. The stone, according to the O S Memoirs, was removed from another place to its present position by the father of Buchanan.

Historical information

In Leslie’s Clergy of Derry and Raphoe there is reference to “The Church of Banagher was chosen by Primate Colton for his Visitation of Derry in 1397 when he had a service of reconciliation in the cemetery because blood had been shed therein”. This reference suggests that the graveyard is of mediaeval origin. It would appear to have been in use in post-Plantation times. The church during the same period would appear to have been ruinous though Parish Clerks and church wardens are recorded. Burials in the graveyard would appear to have been continuous and many of the grave slabs and headstones must have been removed and covered up. There is a reference in the O S Memoirs to proposed “Restoration of Ancient Church” and “to clear off those graves that have been piled up against the northern wall”. It is likely that all denominations continued using the graveyard for burials. S M no. LDY 30.29.

References

Primary Sources
1. O S Map 1830 Londonderry sh. 30
2. O S Memoirs of Ireland, Parishes of Co Londonderry X, 1833-4, 1838
Ed by Angelique Day and Patrick McWilliams QUB pp. 6, 41, 42, 49

Secondary Sources
1. Leslie, Clergy of Derry and Raphoe p. 121

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

An old graveyard of at least mid mediaeval time of interesting plan form on the summit of a small hill and adjacent to monastic remains. It contains the ruins of Banagher old church, the tomb of St O’Heney, an old stone cross and 18th and 19th cent. grave slabs. Just outside it N E Boundary is an old font or ballaun.