Cather Vault

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Along the south wall of the 17th century church ruins in Ballykelly Old Graveyard stands a neo Grecian mausoleum of the Cather family. This was probably erected sometime after 1795 as part of the south wall of the church contiguous to it is missing. It is a handsome monument in ashlar sandstone with clasping pilasters at each corner. Each wall is surmounted by a low pitched pediment. The mausoleum was renovated in 1849 and a plaque commemorates the work. A cornice decorates the top of each wall below the pediments, and at each corner above the pilasters boldly sculpted acroteria add a floral touch. Two walled up openings are symmetrically placed on the north wall, each trimmed with moulded architraves in a quasi Egyptian/Greek manner. Within and without the ruins and filling the surrounding graveyard are many headstones and table stones.

Historical information

b. after 1800. Restored 1849 (datestone)

References:

J S Curl, The Londonderry Plantation 1609 - 1914
D Girvan, The Buildings of North Derry

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

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

Criteria for listing: historic interest

V. Authorship
X. Local Interest
Z. Rarity

Evaluation

A fine late Georgian neo-classical mausoleum in ashlar sandstone with good classical detail and bold proportions. Of national and local historic interest, Cathers being an old plantation family. Adjacent to ruins of plantation church and set in old walled graveyard.