Cruicetown Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cruicetown Church |
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Cill Bhaile Chrúis
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 Cruicetown Church
Location in Ireland
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| 53°48′16″N 6°47′37″W / 53.8044°N 6.79366°W | |
| Location | Cruicetown, Nobber, County Meath |
| Country | Ireland |
| Denomination | Church of Ireland |
| Previous denomination | Pre-Reformation Catholic |
| History | |
| Dedication | Saint James |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | |
| Official name | Cruicetown Church |
| Reference no. | 264 |
| Style | Romanesque |
| Years built | c. 1200 |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 19 m (62 ft) |
| Width | 4.3 m (14 ft) |
| Nave width | 5.55 m (18.2 ft) |
| Height | 2.5 m (8 ft 2 in) |
| Number of floors | 1 |
| Floor area | 86 m2 (930 sq ft) |
| Materials | sandstone, mortar |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Meath |
Cruicetown Church is a very old church from the Middle Ages, located in County Meath, Ireland. Today, it is a special protected place called a National Monument because of its historical importance.
Where is Cruicetown Church?
Cruicetown Church is found about 3.6 km (2.2 mi) southwest of a town called Nobber. It sits on top of a hill, giving it a great view over the River Dee.
A Look at Its History
Cruicetown gets its name from the Cruise family, who lived here a long time ago. Some people even say they are ancestors of the famous actor Tom Cruise!
The church was built around the year 1200. We can tell its age from its special round windows. These windows had grooves on the outside, which were probably for wooden shutters.
The church was mentioned in old tax records from the early 1300s. Sadly, by 1641, the church was already in ruins.
What's Inside the Church?
Cruicetown Church has two main parts: the nave (the main area where people would sit) and the chancel (the part near the altar).
Inside the nave, you can find a red sandstone baptismal font. This was used for baptisms, which are special ceremonies. There are also several carved pieces of stone.
In the chancel, there is a special tomb with two figures carved on it. These figures represent Walter Cruice (who died in 1663) and Elizabeth Cruice. Their son, Patrick Cruise, had this tomb made in 1688. The tomb is decorated with carvings of little angels, called putti, who look like they are blowing trumpets.
Outside in the graveyard, there is also a carved cross standing tall.
