Dungarvan's Ironwork Heritage Part 15 - Ironwork Grave Surrounds

 The largest concentration of historic ironwork is often to be found in local graveyards throughout the country. The variety and designs often go unnoticed. They include a mixture of wrought and cast-iron and items made by local blacksmiths.

Many of the railings were made by major iron foundries such as MacFarlane’s Saracen Foundry in Scotland.  An example from this firm can be seen at St Augustine’s cemetery, Abbeyside with the company logo attached.  It surrounds the grave of the Curran family.

The railings in St Mary’s Parish Church and Saint Mary’s Church of Ireland also contain much ironwork made by the Saracen Foundry. These railings would have been painted originally which helps to preserve them.

In St Mary’s Church of Ireland cemetery there are some examples of early 19^th century wrought iron railings.

For further information see:

Guidance for the Care, Conservation and Recording of Historic Graveyards in County Waterford, Waterford Co Council/Heritage Council 2011.

Iron – The repair of Wrought and Cast Ironwork. Government Publications, 2009.

Railing around Curran family grave St Augustine's Abbeyside, by Saracen Foundry, Glasgow

Railing around Curran family grave, St Augustine's Abbeyside

19th century wrought iron railing St. Mary's Church of Ireland

Grave railings St Mary's Parish Church

Grave railings St Mary's Parish Church

Perimeter railing St. Mary's Parish Church