Red Abbey, Cork facts for kids
Red Abbey tower
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| Monastery information | |
|---|---|
| Order | Augustinian |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Recorded monument #CO 074-041 |
The Red Abbey is an old building in Cork, Ireland. It was a special kind of church called an abbey, built a long time ago in the 1300s. It got its name because it was made from reddish stone. Today, only the tall bell tower of the abbey church is left. This tower is one of the few parts of the old medieval town of Cork that you can still see.
Contents
History of the Red Abbey
Building and Early Years
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The Red Abbey was built in Cork around the late 1200s or early 1300s. We know it was definitely there by the year 1306. A family called the De Courceys started it. Even though the abbey was officially closed down in 1541, the friars (religious brothers) who lived there stayed until at least 1641. Some even think they might have stayed until the year 1700.
The Abbey During Conflicts
In 1690, a famous general named John Churchill used the abbey tower. He later became the Duke of Marlborough. He used the tower as a good spot to see what was happening and to place cannons during the Siege of Cork. This siege was a battle to stop an uprising in the city.
Changing Uses and a Fire
In the 1700s, the Augustinian friars moved to a new place. The Red Abbey then became a sugar factory. But in 1799, a big fire at the factory destroyed most of the abbey's buildings.
What Remains Today
In 1977, people dug up the remains of the monastery to learn more about it. They found small pieces of human bones and old pottery from different time periods. They also found about 300 pieces of lead shot, which are small metal balls used in old guns. Today, only the bell tower of the abbey's church is left. This tower is a protected national monument and is looked after by Cork City Council.
Notable People Connected to the Abbey
- William Tirry (1609–1654) was a friar from the Augustinian order at the abbey. He was killed after the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland. Later, in 1992, he was honored as one of the Irish Catholic Martyrs.
See Also
- List of abbeys and priories in Ireland (County Cork)
