Maudlins Pyramids
The latest project the Follies Trust have embarked on is to conserve two interesting pyramid shaped mausolea in the Maudlins burial ground.
In his book ‘Up to a Point – in search of Pyramids in Britain and Ireland’ David Winpenny wrote:
‘NAAS IS UNIQUE. Nowhere else in the British Isles are there two large pyramids in such close proximity. They are little documented.’
It would appear that these two structures are of national interest as rarely do historians make such claims; they deserve to be better known and appreciated. The Follies Trust is working with The Select Vestry of St David’s Church, Naas, the Representative Church Body of the Church of Ireland, Kildare County Council and the local community to raise awareness and increase the information available. The Trust invited Andrew Tierney to give a lecture on ‘Pyramids and follies in Central Leinster’ on 30 January to launch the project. His entry on the pyramids in
The Buildings of Ireland Central Leinster Kildare, Laois and Offaly by Andrew Tierney, Yale University Press. 2019. reads
‘These pyramids, ….have squared limestone blocks laid diagonally from the arrises, interlocking in the centre of each face (cf. mausolea at St Finian, Kinnitty, Co. Offaly (q.v.) and St Nicholas, Castlerickard, Co. Meath). Each is about 23 ft (7m) square, on a plinth. That to the w, to Elizabeth Hussey Burgh, died 1834, wife of Walter Hussey of Donore, has a bold bolection granite door surround under a limestone coat of arms with the Burghs’ chained-cat crest. The second pyramid, cramped against the back wall of the cemetery, has no inscription and lacks the contrasting stonework.’
Over a hundred people attended the lecture.
The splendid pyramids in Maudlins burial ground are a special part of Ireland’s built heritage which the Follies Trust, with your help and support, plans to preserve for future generations to enjoy. If you would like to send a donation to assist the conservation of the pyramids please see DONATIONS on our website.
The Follies Trust has submitted applications to a number of organisations and trusts. We are delighted to acknowledge support from the following organisations and many other generous individuals who either attended the lecture on 30 January or sent donations:
BUILT HERITAGE INVESTMENT SCHEME 2020
The Irish Georgian Society grant aided this project through the support of IGS London
An article on the pyramids in the Leinster leader can be found here and our appeal for information about the pyramids can be found here.
Project Update
In late July our contractors, Vernacular Conservation Ltd., started work on the first pyramid mausolea in Naas and I attach photos of the mausoleum before and after. The scaffolding is up on the second and work should be complete lateR this month.
‘Naas is unique’, wrote David Winpenny in his book Up to a Point, as nowhere else in these islands are there two pyramids in such close proximity . This work undertaken by the Follies Trust will ensure that future generations will be able to continue to enjoy these amazing structures. We are grateful to all the organisations and trusts who provided funding and to the many individuals who made donations. Every euro or pound was much appreciated! Our bank details are below in case you would like to contribute.
AIB 40/41 Westmoreland St. Dublin
FOLLIES TRUST- THE
Ac. no: 43025-004
Sort code: 93-33-84
IBAN:IE53 AIBK 9333 8443 0250 04 (BIC:AIBKIE2D)
OR
AIB 4 Market St Lurgan, Co. Armagh
THE FOLLIES TRUST CURRENT ACCOUNT
AC NO: 07951-014
SORT CODE: 93-84-08
IBAN: GB82 FTBK 9384 0807 9510 14 (BIC:FTBKGB2B)
The gallery below demonstrates one of the issues encountered conserving the pyramid- roots in the structure:
Visit on Thursday 24 September by Minster of State for Heritage & Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan
On Thursday 24 September Minster of State for Heritage & Electoral Reform, Malcolm Noonan, visited the pyramids and later said on Facebook:
“My visit to Maudlin’s cemetery in Naas today to see the completed restoration of two pyramidal mausolea dating back to 1840.
The work was carried out by an amazing team of traditional stonemason conservationists; Vernacular Conservation, supported by Kildare County Council’s heritage office led by Bridget Loughlin ,, the Irish Follies Trust and my department.
The conservation work is stunning, given the level of deterioration, plant growth and cement use in previous patch up jobs.
Thanks also to the Select Vestry of St David’s Church in Naas for their support and enthusiasm for the project.
I met two wonderful apprentices on site also who gave great testimonials of the benefits of real on site experience; I wish to replicate this with other projects we support and a National Traditional Building Sklls Centre.
Amazing people who love their craft and the challenge of every new project…”
He also Tweeted:
“Site visit to stunning conservation project of two pyramidal mausolea in Maudlin’s cemetery in Naas. Great credit”.
Pictures from the day:
A lecture on the conservation of Maudlins Pyramids
Work to conserve the pyramids is complete (apart from the doors) and we are delighted that on 15th October Eoin Madigan, SPAB Fellow and co-Director of Vernacular Conservation gave a lecture explaining the work undertaken on these structures by his company.
This lecture was live streamed and the recording is available to view on YouTube: