Historic gem discovered in County Tyrone

The Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) today added a 200 year old Church in Cappagh to its list of the top historic buildings in Northern Ireland.

Previously unlisted, Cappagh Parish Church, Church of Ireland, in Co Tyrone has been made a grade B+ Listed building and is therefore considered to be among the top 600 most important historic buildings in Northern Ireland.

NIEA became aware of the church as a result of a major survey of historic buildings which NIEA, and its predecessor the Environment and Heritage Service, has been undertaking across the province since 1997.

An NIEA spokesman said: "Cappagh Church is undoubtedly one of the finest rural churches in County Tyrone. It is highly unusual that a building of this quality was not previously listed as our first listing survey in the early 1970’s was quite comprehensive.

"Our current ‘Second Survey’ in addition to providing better research on existing listed buildings, has been mainly adding structures such as mills and vernacular buildings, which would not have been as highly valued at that time."

The church, located in an unspoiled setting in a graveyard near the River Strule, was built around 1780. Its architect is unknown but similarities to other churches suggest that it may be by the important architect Thomas Cooley.

It also has a fine chancel extension dating from the 1870’s by the ecclesiastical architects Welland and Gillespie. Inside, the building retains much historic internal detail. It is also located on a site which has long ecclesiastical associations.

A detailed report on the building can be found on the NIEA website

All of Omagh District Council area has been surveyed in detail over the last year and the results are being added to the NIEA website as they are evaluated and processed. An illustrated essay highlighting the important buildings and structures in this part of County Tyrone, is also in preparation for publication.

Notes for editors:

1. Buildings are listed under article 42 of the planning order 1991. They must be of ‘special architectural or historic interest’. Grade B+ buildings must be, ‘buildings which might have merited grade A status but for detracting features such as an incomplete design, lower quality additions or alterations. Also included are buildings that because of exceptional features, interiors or environmental qualities are clearly above the general standard set by grade B buildings.
2. The listing of Cappagh is part of the wider review of the historic buildings of Omagh District Council area which has been undertaken over the last year. Four hundred and sixty three buildings have been recorded in detail in the area and these are currently subject to evaluation against a standard set of listing criteria. A proportion of these buildings will be listed. Full results should be available before the end of 2010.
3. Detailed reports on all of the new listings can be downloaded from the ‘buildings database’ on NIEA website  
4. A photograph of the church is available by contacting the press office, details below.
5. For media enquiries please contact DOE Press Office 028 9054 0014 or out of office hours, contact the EIS Duty Press Officer on pager 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.