Rathmore Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rathmore Church |
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Cill an Rátha Mhóir
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 Rathmore Church
Location in Ireland
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| 53°38′35″N 6°52′20″W / 53.643173°N 6.872316°W | |
| Location | Rathmore, Athboy, County Meath |
| Country | Ireland |
| Denomination | Church of Ireland |
| Previous denomination | Pre-Reformation Catholic |
| History | |
| Founder(s) | Thomas Fitz-Christopher Plunket |
| Dedication | Lorcán Ua Tuathail (St Lawrence) |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | |
| Official name | Rathmore Church |
| Reference no. | 289 |
| Years built | 1470s |
| Closed | late 17th century |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 26 m (85 ft) |
| Width | 7 m (23 ft) |
| Nave width | 7 m (23 ft) |
| Floor area | 175 m2 (1,880 sq ft) |
| Spire height | 12 m (39 ft) |
| Materials | sandstone, mortar |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Meath |
Rathmore Church is an old, ruined church in County Meath, Ireland. It is so important that it is protected as a National Monument. A powerful family named the Plunketts built it in the 1470s. They lived nearby at Rathmore Castle. A newer church was built close by in 1844 for people to use today.
Contents
Where to Find Rathmore Church
Rathmore Church is located about 3.5 kilometers (2 miles) northeast of a town called Athboy. It is also found to the west of a marshy area known as Jamestown Bog.
The History of Rathmore Church
Who Built Rathmore Church?
Thomas Fitz-Christopher Plunket was a very important lawyer and judge in the 1400s. He was even the main judge for Ireland in 1461 and 1463. Thomas Plunket was married to Marion Cruise. They are both buried together at Rathmore. Marion's family had owned this land for a long time. Thomas Plunket passed away in 1471.
Later History of the Church
A famous soldier named Lieutenant-General Thomas Bligh (who died in 1775) has a special stone tablet in the church. He was a commander in the British army.
In April 2013, the old stone baptismal font (a basin used for baptisms) was stolen from the church. Luckily, it was found and returned in May of the same year.
What Rathmore Church Looks Like
Rathmore Church is built in a style that has two main parts: a nave (the main area for people) and a chancel (the area near the altar). It also has a three-story sacristy (a room where priests prepare) and a tall bell tower.
Inside, you can see special features. There is a piscina, which is a stone basin used for washing holy vessels. There are also sedilia, which are special seats for priests. You can find carved heads and a unique stone with a labyrinth pattern.
The stone statue, or effigy, of Thomas Fitz-Christopher Plunket is still in good condition. It shows him wearing armor, and a dog is sleeping at his feet. Sadly, the effigy of his wife, Marion, is quite damaged.
