Bonamargy Friary facts for kids
Bonamargy Friary is an old, historic building located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It's near the town of Ballycastle, close to where the Margy River flows into the sea. The name "Bonamargy" actually means "foot of the Margy River." This special place was once a home for Franciscan monks.
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Exploring Bonamargy Friary
This friary was built in 1485 by a man named Rory MacQuillan. It is said that the first big battle between two powerful families, the MacDonnells and the MacQuillans, happened on land nearby.
When you enter the friary, you'll see a small, two-story gatehouse. This gatehouse once led to a storage area and a workroom. Worn steps inside take you up to where the monks used to sleep.
Inside the Friary Church
Inside the church part of the friary, you can still see hints of where an altar once stood. There are also special locked rooms, called vaults, where important people were buried.
One of the most famous people buried here is Sorley Boy MacDonnell. He was a very important leader from the 1500s. His grandson, Randall, 1st Marquess of Antrim, is also buried at Bonamargy. Randall was known for his part in a big conflict called the War of the Three Kingdoms.
The Story of the Black Nun
Perhaps the friary's most famous resident was a woman named Julia MacQuillen. She lived in the 1600s and was known as "The Black Nun." Julia was a prophet and lived a quiet life away from others. She wanted to be buried right at the entrance of the chapel. She hoped that everyone who entered would walk over her grave. Today, a worn Celtic cross marks her grave at the west end of the main church.
Old Books Found Here
Around the year 1822, some very old books were discovered inside an old wooden chest at Bonamargy Friary. One of these books was about the life of Christ. Another was a large, important religious book written in Latin on special animal skin pages. This book was very old, with dates from 1338 to 1380, and it originally came from a monastery in France.
Bonamargy Friary Today
Today, Bonamargy Franciscan Friary is a special State Care Historic Monument. This means it is protected by the government because of its history. It is located in the area called Bonamargy, within the Moyle District Council. The land around the friary is also a protected historic site.
See also
- Abbeys and priories in Northern Ireland (County Antrim)
