Ardee Castle facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ardee Castle |
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| St. Leger's Castle | |
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| Location | Ardee, County Louth, Ireland |
| Built | 15th century |
| Owner | State |
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National Monument of Ireland
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Ardee Castle also known as St. Leger's Castle, is a fortified medieval tower house in Ireland. Built in the 15th century, the castle was used as a prison during the 17th and 18th centuries and became Ardee's district courthouse until June 2006 when a specialized facility took its place. Ardee Castle is the largest fortified medieval Tower House in Ireland or Britain. The castle was originally built by Roger de Peppard in 1207, but not much is left from the original walls.
The castle
The rectangular building stands four storeys high. with turrets situated at the north-west and south-west angles, the main entrance was protected by a machicolation on the outside, with a 'murder-hole' on the interior.
The ground floor has a rounded barrel vault, and access to the upper storeys is by means of a stairway in the north-west turret.
As the structure has been in continuous use, most of the windows have been replaced and modernized over time, however a twin-light ogee-arched window survives at ground level and three single looped, internal splay windows survive on the fourth floor.
History
St. Leger's Castle was built in the 15th century by John St. Leger and it served as a stronghold for the defense of the Pale. Over the years it was fought over by the O’Neills and the English and was even used by James II as his headquarters prior to the Battle of the Boyne. In 1641 Sir Phelim O’Neil took possession of the town and set up the Irish Army headquarters, but on the retreat the town and castle were retaken by the English Forces under the command of Sir Henry Tichborne, a garrison was then placed and O'Neil's rearguard was defeated.
Location
St Leger's Castle is located on Castle Street in Ardee.
