Cenotaph

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Stone obelisk centrally placed on two steps on top of a classical pedestal with simple plinth. Structure is situated on top of a low hill in relatively flat countryside between the Roe and Castle Rivers and is visible from a long distance.

The monument is constructed in closely fitting ashlar sandstone which is rendered with sand cement below the cornice of the pedestal. There are four rectangular recesses in the mid layer or ‘dado’ of the pedestal one central to each face. That facing south has a slate plaque stating: “THIS PILLAR was erected by the Tenants of the Estate of the Most Noble the MARQUIS of WATERFORD in this county to commemorate the Virtues and Talents that distinguished and adorned their late agent HENRY BARRE BERESFORD ESQ”. To the west a slate plaque states: “H B BERESFORD ESQ. Seventh son of the Rt Hon John Beresford was born 25th September 1784 Walworth House in this County Died in London on 15th December 1837.” To the east and north the ashlar work is exposed and there may have been further plaques.

The whole monument is in a position of neglect with vegetation growing out of cracks and render falling off. A field boundary abuts on the eastern side.

Historical information

Obelisk erected in 1840 to commemorate Henry Barre Beresford agent of the Marquis Waterford in County Londonderry.

Reference:

Plaque on monument.

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

A. Style
B. Proportion
C. Ornamentation
J. Setting

Criteria for listing: historic interest

V. Authorship
X. Local Interest

Evaluation

An unusual historical object neglected and partly forgotten like the person it commemorates. Such monuments are normally associated with much more dramatic locations than the middle of gently rolling farmland. Particularly as there are a number of tall mountains nearby, its siting seem incongruous. However, the object can be seen from quite a distance and it adds interest to its surroundings. It is true to its classical prototypes, simply proportioned and ornamented. It is of local interest as a symbol of the social order of the last century in the area and it is a relatively rare building type