Killeen Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Killeen Church |
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An Cillín
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 Killeen Church
Location in Ireland
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| 53°32′10″N 6°35′41″W / 53.536053°N 6.594722°W | |
| Location | Killeen, Dunsany, County Meath |
| Country | Ireland |
| Denomination | Church of Ireland |
| Previous denomination | Pre-Reformation Catholic |
| History | |
| Founder(s) | Sir Christopher Plunkett |
| Dedication | Nativity of Mary |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | |
| Official name | Killeen Church |
| Reference no. | 257 |
| Style | Gothic |
| Years built | c. 1425 |
| Closed | 1641 |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 34 m (112 ft) |
| Width | 6.1 m (20 ft) |
| Nave width | 6.8 m (22 ft) |
| Number of floors | 1 |
| Floor area | 199 m2 (2,140 sq ft) |
| Materials | sandstone, mortar |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Meath |
Killeen Church is a very old church in County Meath, Ireland. It was built a long time ago, in the Middle Ages. Today, it is protected as a National Monument. This means it is a very important historical site.
Contents
Where is Killeen Church?
Killeen Church is found right next to Killeen Castle. It is about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) northwest of Dunshaughlin.
A Look Back in Time: Killeen Church's History
Early Beginnings
People have studied the area around Killeen Church. They found signs that a church stood here a very long time ago. This was between the 7th and 9th centuries. But no parts of that first church remain today. Later, a type of circular fort called a ringwork was built on the site. Records from the early 1300s also mention a church at Killeen.
Building the Current Church
The church you see today was built in the early 1400s. A man named Sir Christopher Plunkett started its construction. He was an important person in the area. In 1403, Sir Christopher married Lady Joan de Cusack.
In 1431, Sir Christopher and Lady Joan set up a chantry inside the church. A chantry was a special part of a church. It was used for priests to pray for the souls of specific people. A damaged tomb inside Killeen Church is likely where Sir Christopher and Lady Joan are buried.
Later Years
Killeen Church was part of the land owned by the Earl of Fingall until 1953. The Earls of Fingall made sure to take good care of the church over many years.
What Killeen Church Looks Like Inside
Killeen Church has a main area called a nave and a special area for the altar called a chancel. You can still see many interesting features inside.
Cool Features to Spot
- Triple Sedilia: These are three stone seats. They were used by priests during church services.
- Hagioscope (Squint): This is a small opening or hole in the wall. It allowed people in other parts of the church to see the altar.
- Newel Stairs: These are spiral stairs. They are built around a central pole.
- Octagonal Baptismal Font: This is a stone basin used for baptisms. It has eight sides.
- Decorative Carvings: Look closely for carvings on the stone. You might see coats of arms, which are symbols of families. You can also find mason's marks. These were symbols used by the stonemasons who built the church.
