Athassel Priory facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Athassel Priory |
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| Location | Golden, County Tipperary |
| Country | Ireland |
| History | |
| Status | Priory |
| Founded | 12th Century |
| Founder(s) | Augustinian Canons Regular |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Ruins |
Athassel Priory is a very old and large monastery in Ireland. It is the biggest medieval priory in the whole country. It covers a huge area of about 4 acres (1.6 hectares).
This important place was built a long time ago, in the late 1100s. It was founded by a group of monks called the Augustinian Canons Regular. A powerful person named William de Burgh helped them start it. Later, William's grandson, Hubert de Burgh, became the leader (prior) of Athassel around 1221. He later became a bishop.
The buildings of the priory were changed and rebuilt many times over 300 years. Sadly, the priory was attacked and burned down twice. The first time was in 1329 by Brian King of Thomond. It was burned again in 1581 by John Fitzgerald of Desmond. A large town had grown up around the priory, but it was also destroyed during these attacks.
Finally, the priory was officially closed down in 1537. Its lands were given to Thomas Butler, 10th Earl of Ormond. He did not take care of the priory, and it slowly fell into ruin.
Exploring Athassel Priory
You can enter the priory by crossing a bridge and going through a gate-lodge. As you look around, you'll notice how the buildings were changed over time. Some parts were made smaller, perhaps because fewer monks lived there.
Nothing is left of the town that once surrounded the priory. The main part of the priory, called the aisle, was used as a burial ground for many centuries. You can still see where a "rood screen" used to be. This was a special wall that separated different parts of the church.
The walls of the priory have many small holes. These are called "put-log holes." They were used to hold wooden poles for scaffolding when the priory was being built. Today, birds like jackdaws love to make their nests in these holes!
Important Burials
Many important people were buried at Athassel Priory. These include:
- Walter de Burgh, 1st Earl of Ulster
- Richard Óg de Burgh, 2nd Earl of Ulster
- William de Burgh, who died in 1205. He was the founder of the powerful de Burgh family in Ireland.
See also
In Spanish: Athassel Priory para niños
