| History | |
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The history of Blackwater Castle extends back some thousands of years and there are suggestions that the site was first occupied during the Early Mesolithic period (approx. 6,500BC). Stone Age tools were found in the nearby Kilcummer area. Bronze Age artefacts dating from 1500 to 500 BC and sites known as Fulachtaí Fia (burnt mounds used as outdoor cooking areas or possibly outdoor baths/steam pits) were also discovered in the locality. There is also evidence of occupation of the site during the Iron Age when the fort of Dun Cruadha was established on the current site of the Castle. The old fortifications of the Castle are still visible in the surroundings. The Castle is also home to a Sheela na Gig, a sacred symbol of the feminine form, which is reputed to date from the 8th Century.
The first documented historical record of the Castle dates back to 1291, however, the Chapel and Tower flanking the eastern side of the Castle were erected during the 12th Century. Remarkably this section of the Castle, while not accessible, is still standing. The Castle became the principal stronghold of the Norman FitzGodebert family who travelled to Ireland with Strongbow during the Anglo-Norman invasion in 1170 and settled in Castletownroche. This family were know as "de la Roche" and accordingly became known as the "Roches" in Ireland thereby giving Castletownroche its name. The prominent Tower on the Western side of the Castle ("the Keep") was erected during the 14th Century and is a fine example of Norman architecture in Ireland. The Tower is structurally intact throughout and offers spectacular views from the roof of the surrounding Awbeg river, valley, and woodlands. 
The Castle and extensive lands around the Castle remained in the hands of the Roche family until the Desmond Rebellion of the mid 16th Century. Lord Maurice "the Mad" Roche remained loyal to the Crown during that rebellion (and in fact his four sons Redmond, John, Ulick and Theobald all died defending the Crown) however in 1580 Captain (later Sir) Walter Raleigh travelled to the Castle with 90 soldiers and arrested Lord Maurice and brought him to Cork City for questioning. Lord Maurice was subsequently acquitted of all charges but not before having to relinquish substantial tracts of land to the Crown. Both Lord Maurice and his wife died a short time later in 1583 no doubt traumatised by their experiences but the Castle and the surrounding lands remained within the Roche family. The last Lord Roche of the Castle, a further Lord Maurice, was besieged in 1650 during the Cromwellian era. Lord Maurice was away during the attack whereas his wife, Lady Ellen Roche, bravely led the defence of the Castle which was substantially damaged during the siege. Despite Lady Roche's heroic defence the Castle fell to Cromwell's forces and she was subsequently hanged on a trumped up charge of murder in 1652. 
Lord Maurice Roche later lost the entire estate in 1666 to Lieutenant Colonel John Widenham who received the Castle as a reward for his loyalty to the Crown although no evidence of his support has been unearthed so the grant was deemed dubious at the time. The Castle of the Roches was thus renamed "Castle Widenham". As the Castle had been substantially damaged during the siege the main house of the existing Castle was completely rebuilt during the 17th Century. The Towers on the Western and Eastern sides of the Castle, although damaged, remained intact and do so to this day. The main house also remains intact and was subsequently extended during the 18th and 19th Centuries. The Widenham family enjoyed a peaceful time for some 300 years since they came into possession in 1666 until the 1960's, the Castle passing (through marriage) to the Creagh and Smith families. Ownership passed outside the Widenham family in the 1960's and in 1992 the Castle was purchased by the Nordstrom Family as a Trust to preserve and enhance Irish Heritage and to promote Art and Culture. After several years of extensive restoration work Blackwater Castle is now open as a Guesthouse with self catering accommodation and available for hire for private parties and weddings. Seasonal highlights such as exhibitions, festivals and sports events are hosted in the Castle and its grounds.  Castle front, at the right the actual library  In front of the front entrance, today library  The historical "south entrance", today the dining room |
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