List of Grade A listed buildings in County Londonderry facts for kids
This article is about special old buildings in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. These buildings are called "listed buildings" because they are very important for their history or how they look. They are like treasures that we need to protect for the future.
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What are Listed Buildings?
In Northern Ireland, a "listed building" is a building or structure that is officially recognized as having "special architectural or historic interest." Think of it like a VIP list for buildings!
There are different levels of importance, and "Grade A" buildings are the most important. They are seen as the "greatest importance to Northern Ireland." This includes amazing buildings that are beautifully designed or are perfect examples of a certain style or time period.
Once a building is listed, it means you can't change it much without special permission. This helps make sure these old treasures stay safe and look the way they always have. If someone wants to change a listed building, they have to get approval from the local government.
Protecting Our History
The idea of listing buildings started a bit later in Northern Ireland compared to other parts of the UK. The first laws to protect these buildings came out in 1972. Today, the main law that helps protect them is the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991.
A special part of the government, called the Historic Environment Division, is in charge of deciding which buildings get listed. They keep lists of all the buildings that are important for their history or design.
They started looking for important buildings in 1974. This first big search finished in 1994. Because they learned so much, they started a second search, which is still happening today! This helps them update information and check everything again. All the details they find about both listed and unlisted buildings are put into a public database. This database helps everyone learn about Northern Ireland's amazing old buildings.
County Londonderry's Treasures
County Londonderry is a beautiful area that covers about 2,074 square kilometers. Around 233,500 people live there. This county is home to 20 amazing Grade A listed buildings. Each one tells a unique story about the past.
Some Grade A Listed Buildings in County Londonderry
Mussenden Temple
The Mussenden Temple is a stunning building located at Downhill, near Castlerock. It's a memorial, which means it was built to remember someone. This temple sits right on the edge of a cliff, offering incredible views of the coast. It's a very famous and important landmark in the area.
Hezlett House
Hezlett House, also known as Liffock House, is found in Liffock, Coleraine. This building is now a gallery or museum. It's a great example of a traditional Irish thatched cottage, showing how people lived a long time ago.
Springhill House
Springhill House is a lovely country house located at 20 Springhill Road in Moneymore, Magherafelt. It's a grand old home that gives us a peek into the past. The barn at Springhill is also a Grade A listed building, showing how important all parts of these old estates were.
St Matthias Church
St Matthias Church of Ireland Church is on Loup Road in Moneymore, Magherafelt. This church is an important religious building with a lot of history.
Banagher Presbyterian Church
Banagher Presbyterian Church is located on Glenshane Road, Claudy. This church is another significant religious building that has been recognized for its special architectural value.
Prehen House
Prehen House is a beautiful old house in Prehen, near Derry. It's a private home that has been preserved because of its unique design and history.
Magee University College
Magee College, also known as Magee University College, is on Northland Road in Derry. This building is an important part of the city's educational history, serving as a university or college building.
St Columb's Cathedral
St Columb's Cathedral is a very important church located on St. Columb's Court in Derry. Cathedrals are usually very large and grand churches, and this one is a key part of Derry's history and skyline.
Derry Guildhall
The Guildhall is a famous building on Shipquay Place in Derry. It serves as the city's town hall, where important local government meetings happen. It's known for its impressive architecture.
Martello Tower
The Martello Tower is a type of small fort located on Point Road, Magilligan, near Limavady. These towers were built a long time ago to defend the coast. This one is a great example of military architecture from the past.
Ballykelly Presbyterian Church
Ballykelly Presbyterian Church is on Main Street in Ballykelly. This church is another important religious building in County Londonderry that has been given Grade A listed status.
Images for kids
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Cromore House, North Ballyleese, Coleraine
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118 Ballyartan Road, Claudy
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The Deanery, 30 Bishop Street, Derry
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Bellarena House, Seacoast Road, Limavady
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Drenagh House, 15 Dowland Road, Fruithill, Limavady
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Dredge Bridge, Moyola Park, Castlepark, Magherafelt
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Court House, Union Road, Magherafelt
