Tower, Summit of Slieve Commedagh, Mourne Mountains, Newcastle, Co Down

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Granite tower erected by Belfast Water Commissioners c.250m south-west of summit of Slieve Commedagh; one of three such towers on the Mourne Wall which marks the boundary of the catchment to the Silent Valley reservoir (the others are on Meelmore, HB18/13/095, and Donard, HB16/01/031).

A tapered granite tower, the outside face of which is of squared rubble brought to courses, and inside face of random rubble. Quoins have tooled edges and raised quarry-dressed faces. External joints are strap pointed. Measures 3.05m square at base and rises 3.50m from projecting foundation course to top of projecting coping of finely dressed granite blocks. Surmounted by a two-step pyramidal cap, also of finely dressed granite. Abutted at east and west by the Mourne Wall. On east wall, two granite steps rise to 0.60m wide by 1.55m high opening to internal chamber. Jambs are of finely dressed granite blocks with tooled edges. Head of similar material with stop-end chamfer to outside bottom edge, outside face inscribed '1913'. At top right of north and east walls are cast-iron plaques reading 'Belfast Water Works Trespassers Prosecuted'.

Immediately south is a small quarry from which tower's construction material undoubtedly procured.

Historical information

Erected in 1921 as a shelter on the Mourne Wall. This wall delineates the catchment of the Belfast City & District Water Commissioners' Silent Valley Reservoir and was built between 1904 and 1922.

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

A. Style
B. Proportion
C. Ornamentation
J. Setting
K. Group value

Criteria for listing: historic interest

V. Authorship
X. Local Interest
Y. Social, Cultural or Economic Importance

Evaluation

Tapered granite tower, the outside face of which is of squared rubble brought to courses, and inside face of random rubble. Quoins have tooled edges and raised quarry-dressed faces. External joints are strap pointed. Measures 3.05m square at base and rises 3.50m from projecting foundation course to top of projecting coping of finely dressed granite blocks. Surmounted by a two-step pyramidal cap, also of finely dressed granite. Abutted at east and west by the Mourne Wall. An unusual structure which, despite its somewhat mundane function as a shelter, has undoubted architectural quality, enhanced by its mountaintop setting. An integral part of the Mourne Wall, which is in turn associated with the Belfast Water Commissioners' scheme to supply Belfast with water. A philanthropic gesture much appreciated by walkers a a refuge in times of bad and good weather.