Rocket House

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Single-storey rocket house aligned with a two-storey square pigeon house abutting its rear gable. Both buildings have natural slate roofs. The rocket house roof is gabled with natural slates and overhanging eaves but no rain water goods.

Whitewashed walls are roughcast over random rubble. Large sheeted double doors on its east (seaward-facing gable) elevation. South elevation has two fixed windows with painted granite cills. The tower (pigeon house) abuts its west (rear) elevation.

The tower is of identical construction and finish and has a slated pyramidal roof with overhanging eaves. It is embellished with square corner finials and pyramidal copings each tipped with a small rounded stone. Its south elevation has two doors to ground floor, both sheeted timber. There is also central door to the first floor, but otherwise the tower is plain (presumably the birds came and went by the door).

Historical information

A building is shown here on the 1834 OS 6” map as part of the Water Guard Station (see also HB16/01/015), although not explicitly cited in the 1830s first Valuation. It is likely that both then existed, although their first explicit mention is in the 1861 Second Valuation.

Primary sources:
1. PRONI – OS 6/3/56/1 (1834 OS map).
2. PRONI- VAL 1B/390A, p.62 (first evaluation).
3. PRONI- VAL 2B/3/81D, p.38 (1861 evaluation).

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

B. Proportion
D. Plan Form
I. Quality and survival of Interior

Criteria for listing: historic interest

W. Northern Ireland/International Interest
Y. Social, Cultural or Economic Importance
Z. Rarity

Evaluation

Although the other Coastguard-related buildings in this complex have been drastically altered, this structure still retains its original vernacular character. It is an unusual survival, all the more so because of its intact interiors. The juxtaposition of buildings of different function is also of note. This complex is also significant in the history of local navigation and the development of Annalong harbour.