Rathmore Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rathmore Church |
|
|---|---|
|
Cill an Rátha Mhóir
|
|
 |
|
 Rathmore Church
Location in Ireland
|
|
| 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 located in County Meath, Ireland. It is considered a National Monument, which means it's a very important historical site protected by the country. This church was built a long time ago, in the 1470s, by a powerful family called the Plunketts, who lived nearby at Rathmore Castle. Today, a newer church built in 1844 serves the local community, located about half a kilometer away.
Contents
Where is Rathmore Church Located?
Rathmore Church can be found about 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) northeast of a town called Athboy. It is situated to the west of an area known as Jamestown Bog.
The History of Rathmore Church
Who Built Rathmore Church?
The church was built by Thomas Fitz-Christopher Plunket. He was a very important lawyer and judge in the mid-1400s. He even served as the main judge of Ireland in 1461 and 1463. Thomas Plunket was married to Marion Cruise. They both passed away in the 1470s and are buried together at Rathmore. This place was Marion's family home for many generations.
Other Important People Connected to the Church
Lieutenant-General Thomas Bligh (who died in 1775) also has a special memorial tablet inside the church. He was a military leader who fought in several battles, including Dettingen and Fontenoy. He also led British troops in Cherbourg.
A Small Mystery: The Stolen Font
In April 2013, the 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 Does Rathmore Church Look Like?
Rathmore Church is built in a style that includes a main hall (called a nave) and a special area for the altar (called a chancel). It also has a three-story sacristy, which is a room where priests prepare for services. A tall bell tower stands proudly over the church.
Inside, you can see several interesting features:
- A piscina: This is a small basin used for washing sacred vessels.
- Sedilia: These are special seats, usually for the clergy.
- Carved heads: Look closely for decorative carvings of faces.
- A labyrinth stone: This is a stone with a maze-like pattern carved into it.
You can also find the stone statue, or effigy, of Thomas Fitz-Christopher Plunket. It is still in good condition. The statue shows him wearing armor, and a dog is carved sleeping at his feet. Sadly, the effigy of his wife, Marion, is quite damaged.
