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 metres ([convert: unknown unit]) |
| Nave width | 6.8 metres ([convert: unknown unit]) |
| Number of floors | 1 |
| Floor area | 199 square metres ([convert: unknown unit]) |
| Materials | sandstone, mortar |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Meath |
Killeen Church is an old church from the Middle Ages. It is a National Monument located in County Meath, Ireland. This means it is a very important historical site protected by the country.
Contents
Where is Killeen Church Located?
Killeen Church is found right next to Killeen Castle. It is about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) northwest of a town called Dunshaughlin.
The History of Killeen Church
Early Beginnings
Scientists who have studied the area believe there was a church on this spot a very long time ago. This first church likely existed between the 7th and 9th centuries (the 600s to 800s). However, no parts of that original building remain today.
Later, a special type of fort called a ringwork was built here. A church at Killeen was also mentioned in tax records from 1302 to 1306. These records were collected during the time of Pope Nicholas IV.
Building the Current Church
The Killeen Church you see today was built in the early 1400s. It was constructed by a man named Sir Christopher Plunkett. He was born around 1370 and passed away around 1445. Sir Christopher was the grandson of another important person, Sir Richard Plunkett.
In 1403, Sir Christopher married Lady Joan de Cusack. Her father was Sir Lucas Cusack. Sir Christopher was a very busy person. In 1432, he was chosen to help the lord lieutenant, John I Stanley.
Sir Christopher and Lady Joan also set up a special chapel, called a chantry, inside the church in 1431. This chapel was likely used for prayers. There is a damaged tomb from the 1400s inside Killeen Church. Many believe this is where Sir Christopher and Lady Joan were buried.
Protecting the Church
For a long time, until 1953, Killeen Church was part of the land owned by the Earl of Fingall. The different earls who owned the land made sure to take good care of the church and keep it preserved.
What Killeen Church Looks Like
Killeen Church is built with a main hall, called a nave, and a special area for the altar, called a chancel.
When you visit, you can see several interesting features:
- Triple Sedilia: These are three stone seats, usually found near the altar, where priests would sit during 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 during services.
- Newel Stairs: These are spiral stairs that wind around a central pillar.
- Octagonal Baptismal Font: This is a stone basin, shaped like an eight-sided polygon, used for baptisms.
- Decorative Carvings: You can also spot beautiful carvings. These include coats of arms, which are special symbols for families, and mason's marks, which were symbols used by the stonemasons who built the church.
