Huge changes have taken place at Beamore since we finished the excavation in August. The Community Monument Fund stepped in with state funding to repair the medieval remains of Beaubec, associated with the Cistercian monks of De Bello Becco in Normandy, France. The works began in early September with Des Rainey conservation experts, under the supervision of Chris Southgate Conservation architect, his associate Liam Gleeson, Structural engineer and Dr Matthew Stout archaeological consultant.
This process has involved clearing vegetation and treating roots that would have eventually brought the walls down if they had remained untreated. Missing window and door lintels have been replaced with new limestone ones. Windows and a doorway blocked up in the eighteenth century re-modelling have been opened up. A serious crack that ran down one of the side wall is repaired and the wall stabilised into the future. The wall tops have been sealed and weather proofed. The old building has come to life and we can now better experience its original grandeur.
The Beaubec project was proposed by Meath County Council to the National Monuments Service Community Monuments Fund 2021 on foot of an application made by John Mc Cullen. John Mc Cullen is the first farmer in county Meath to receive CMF Funding for repairs to a monument on his land. The Community Monuments Fund is investing essential capital into our valuable archaeological heritage to help owners and custodians of archaeological monuments to safeguard them into the future for the benefit of communities. This is one of 139 projects being funded by the CMF this year.
The Community Monuments Fund was first established by the National Monuments Service in 2020 to provide investment in Ireland’s archaeological heritage. It was launched by Minister of State for Heritage and Electoral Reform Malcolm Noonan. Part of this funding is prioritised for local authorities, private owners and custodians and community groups for the care, conservation, maintenance, protection and promotion of archaeological monuments.
Landowner John Mc Cullen with the conservation team at Beamore, Co Meath
Dr Loreto Guinan Meath County Council and Des Rainey examining the west wall of the tower
The interior of the medieval window in the south wall has been repaired
Carved sandstone pieces have been discovered in the later blocking
Repairs on first floor window
The works have covered every part of the medieval building
Beaubec Excavations 