The 100-ft Spire of Loyd is on the summit of a hill, which is 428ft above sea level, in the townland known as the Commons of Lloyd, north west of the town of Kells, Co. Meath. The Spire was built in 1791 by the Headfort family in commemoration of their father, Lord Bective, and to provide work at a time of a local famine. Henry Baker, who was a pupil of Gandon, designed and built the spire, which is of the lighthouse type. It has an internal 164-step spiral staircase, with a central protective cage
Many would say it was built for other reasons, including that the Headforts could view their ships coming into Carlingford bay 50 mile away, also that they could watch horse racing down below, a bit difficult as they did not start until 1845.
On the east side of the tower facing Headfort House is the Headfort Coat of Arms with the family crest -consequitur quodquinque petit’. - `He follows what he seeks’. An inscription on the tower reads: `This pillar was designed by Henry Baker Esq. architect. It was executed by Mr. Joseph Beck, stone cutter, Mr. Owen McCabe, Head Mason, Mr. Bartle Reilly, overseer. Anno 1791’. *
References
|
Ireland | VIEW SOURCE |
