ISABELLA'S TOWER [Small] (2012)
Brendan Jamison
Carved sugar cubes, 19.5 x 9 x 9 cms
Displayed in a glass dome: 27.5 x 15 x 15 cms
Image © Brendan Jamison 2012
Isabella's Tower. Image © Brendan Jamison 2012
ABOUT ISABELLA'S TOWER
Perched on top of a hill at the highest point in the County Down town of
Ardglass, Isabella's Tower is a two storey construction, rising 8 metres
high (27 feet) and 5.5 metres wide (18 feet). The first level is octagonal
with one door and one window. A staircase leads to the upper floor
which is circular with four windows.
On 1st March 1851, the local newspaper, the 'Down Recorder', states that
upon digging the foundations for this ornamental tower, a cinerary urn
containing calcined human bones was discovered, the dating of which
is in the Bronze Age. This prehistoric burial ground was found on the
summit of the conical hill known locally as the 'Ward'. This hill, which
is evidently artificial and resembles the tumuli known in different parts
of Dorsetshire in England leaves no doubt that this mound was raised
as a monument to a warrior, bard or chief.
HISTORICAL TIMELINE
1210 King John of England marches through Lecale with his army,
stopping at Jordan de Sackville's castle, thought to be where Isabella's
Tower stands today.
1851 Aubrey William Beauclerk (1801-1854) builds the tower for his
sickly daughter, Isabella, who was suffering from tuberculosis.
According to records, the retreat served its purpose as Isabella
survived, later marrying George Palatiano, a sergeant-major from
Corfu, in 1867.
1885 Isabella's Tower is leased to the Admiralty and used as a
Coastguard station.
1908 The estate is sold off to various individual proprietors.
1978 The tower is given Grade B1 listed building status.
1999 Isabella's Tower is bought by Sean Caughey.
 
ISABELLA'S TOWER [Small] (2012)
Brendan Jamison
Carved sugar cubes, 19.5 x 9 x 9 cms
Displayed in a glass dome: 27.5 x 15 x 15 cms
Image © Brendan Jamison 2012
ISABELLA'S TOWER [Small] (2012)
Brendan Jamison
Carved sugar cubes, 19.5 x 9 x 9 cms
Displayed in a glass dome: 27.5 x 15 x 15 cms
Image © Brendan Jamison 2012
Aerial view of ISABELLA'S TOWER [Small] (2012)
Brendan Jamison
Carved sugar cubes, 19.5 x 9 x 9 cms
Displayed in a glass dome: 27.5 x 15 x 15 cms
Image © Brendan Jamison 2012
ISABELLA'S TOWER [Small] (2012)
Brendan Jamison
Carved sugar cubes, 19.5 x 9 x 9 cms
Displayed in a glass dome: 27.5 x 15 x 15 cms
Image © Brendan Jamison 2012
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