Feirm Bawn - Chapter 3 - Aftermath

In this article , which is a follow on from the previous 2 pieces highlighting the original occupants of Feirm Bawn , the blog wraps things up and discusses in depth the eventual sale , demolition and rebuilding schemes of the old farm up Spur Hill.

AFTERMATH

FERNWOOD CLOSE & FERNWOOD 

As mentioned previously ( see here ) , the land owned by Annabel Harris ( daughter of Lady Harris ) with the exception of Feirm Bawn itself was sold to Bradley Bros. in 1995. They proceeded to build Fernwood Close ( north of the property ) and Fernwood ( south of the property ) which were completed by the early 2000s both of which effectively bookended the old farm. However Feirm Bawn itself and the plot it was situated on survived until 2014 when it was finally sold off ( it had been inherited by Lady Harris's grandchildren Gerald and Caroline Slocock in 2007 ) and quietly demolished. Prior to that it had suffered vandalism and arson resulting in its dereliction. In its place is a new 5 house cul de sac scheme which thankfully retained the name Feirm Bawn. It might be correct to assume that all traces of the old farm were now gone , but hidden in the overgrowth directly across from Forest Ridge estate is a pillar which formed part of a gate into a field , proving that the past will endure! Known back in the day as the Black Horse Gate to local bowling clubs it is a minor miracle that it has survived due in part to its being hidden in a hedge which forms a barrier between a footpath and the main road. Remnants of the original wall which would have fronted from the farm onto the main road also exists. ( see below )

Fernwood Close
Built early 2000s

Overgrown ditch near entrance
Fernwood Close 2011

Cleared ditch which exposed old stone wall
Fernwood Close 2017

Alternate view of exposed stone wall near Fernwood Close

Fernwood
Built early 2000s

FEIRM BAWN

As mentioned , the titular Feirm Bawn was demolished circa 2016 and a new estate of 5 houses built in its place which thankfully retained the old name. The site itself holds a special place in the hearts of members of the Togher Historical Association as it was the first place to be visited on the very first Fieldwork Trip in September 2013.

Close up view of Feirm Bawn September 2013

Wide angle view Feirm Bawn September 2013

Plot cleared prior to house demolition

Demolition underway 2016

Construction commenced late 2016

Appearance of new housing scheme 2016

Aerial view showing footprint of new Feirm Bawn estate

Black Horse Gate pillar
hidden in hedging

BLUE BAG

 

Blue Bag workmen's Cottages
View of Feirm Bawn over rooftops

 

Also on her land and fronting the main Togher Road ( a.k.a. Spur Hill ) were 3 apartments which local folklore states date back to Cromwellian times. These held various tenants down through the years with some of the final occupants as follows ; Nellie O'Regan and her brother William and a man known as Roy who lived alone in another one and was well know for doing odd jobs. He also sold fish from a stall in the field across from the Deanrock Bar. Nellie O'Regan was the primary caretaker of the house when Lady Harris returned to England. At other times Eileen Walsh from The Cutting would house-sit.

Reckitt's Blue Bag
Intended for laundry but adapted for walls

Historically this long row of conjoined workmens cottages was known as Blue Bag. * This came about when locals would whitewash their outer walls to prevent mold and damp from seeping into the interior ( it also had a high water resistance ). They used a combination of limewash and Blue Bag powder dye which gave a brilliant white sheen to the stonework when dry ( ordinary limewash produced a yellow or grey tint ).

 

 PRESENT DAY FEIRM BAWN

New Feirm Bawn estate

 

Feirm Bawn road signage