Templeogue House
Templeogue House, a historic estate situated in the Dublin suburb of Templeogue, Ireland, is a striking example of how architectural evolution and historical significance intertwine. From its medieval origins to its present state, the house and its grounds have witnessed centuries of transformation, reflecting broader historical changes and architectural trends.
In the 14th century, the lands of Templeogue were under the ownership of the Harold family. By the 16th century, they had passed to the Talbot family, who held the estate for approximately 200 years. During this period, the landowner was responsible for the upkeep of the City Watercourse, a crucial infrastructure for Dublin, receiving a tribute of corn from the mills that utilised the water. In 1655, the estate featured a castle, a tuck mill, a house, and several cottages, with a modest population of about 40. Theobald Harold served as the steward of the town during this time.
The ownership of Templeogue House underwent significant changes in the late 17th century. In 1686, the lands were mortgaged for £3,000 to Sir Thomas Domville. Following Sir James Talbot’s attainder in 1688 for supporting James II, Sir Thomas Domville acquired the estate. Domville began a substantial redevelopment of the property, constructing a new brick mansion on the site of the old castle. This new structure integrated the original medieval vaulted undercroft and two circular towers, creating a blend of old and new architectural elements.
Under Sir Thomas Domville’s direction, Templeogue House was transformed into an impressive residence. The mansion featured a large front window and numerous gables, showcasing its grandeur. Sir Compton Domville, Thomas’s son, further enhanced the estate by laying out the grounds and incorporating the City Watercourse as a prominent feature. The watercourse was aligned with the mansion’s front door and was designed to flow over a series of steps adorned with statues, adding a touch of elegance to the grounds. Additionally, a large earthen mound with a circular temple was situated in one of the fields, contributing to the estate’s scenic beauty.
The City Watercourse played a critical role in the estate’s history and Dublin’s water supply. The Domvilles, like the Talbots before them, maintained significant rights over the watercourse. They not only received the traditional tribute of corn from the mills but also collected rents from the Chapter of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Earl of Meath, who owned the lands of St. Thomas Abbey. The watercourse’s importance was underscored by a dramatic event in 1738 when Sir Compton Domville used the threat of blocking the water supply to secure his nephew’s release from execution, demonstrating the critical role the watercourse played in Dublin’s life.
After Sir Compton Domville’s death in 1768, his nephew, Charles Pocklington, inherited the estate and continued to reside at Templeogue House until 1780. When the house fell into disrepair, Pocklington moved to Santry, taking many of the estate’s ornamental features, including the circular temple, with him. The property was later acquired by Mr. Gogerty around 1820, who was allowed to cut down timber on the condition that he repair the house. Gogerty demolished the old structure and built a new one, incorporating the medieval vaulted undercroft and circular towers.
Templeogue House saw another notable occupant, Charles Lever, the renowned novelist, who lived there from 1842 to 1845. Although the house has been extended and modernised over the years, the dry channel of the ancient City Watercourse remains a prominent feature aligned with the front door. Mature trees now line each side of the channel, and the fields have been developed, removing the last traces of lakes and monuments.
In 1972, the large mound, once topped by a circular temple, was examined by an archaeologist from the National Museum to determine if it was an ancient burial mound. However, no significant ancient features were discovered.
Association with Poddle
The City Watercourse played a critical role in the estate’s history and Dublin’s water supply. The Domvilles, like the Talbots before them, maintained significant rights over the watercourse. They not only received the traditional tribute of corn from the mills but also collected rents from the Chapter of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Earl of Meath, who owned the lands of St. Thomas Abbey. The watercourse’s importance was underscored by a dramatic event in 1738 when Sir Compton Domville used the threat of blocking the water supply to secure his nephew’s release from execution, demonstrating the critical role the watercourse played in Dublin’s life.
What the Newspapers Say
- In 1254, Dublin’s water supply was enhanced by a conduit connecting the Poddle, flowing through Templeogue House, to the Dodder. By 1303, a prominent cistern was constructed at Cornmarket by Mayor John Le Decer. The Domville family, who owned lands in Templeogue, had significant control over the city’s water supply. Their influence led to conflicts with the authorities, including an incident in 1739 where Sir Compton Domville threatened to cut off water unless his nephew’s death sentence was overturned. The issues were eventually resolved with the introduction of the Vartry system in 1867.
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