Saint John's Tower (Castledermot) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saint John's Tower |
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Túr Naomh Sheáin
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Catholic |
| Location | |
| Location | Skenagun, Castledermot, County Kildare, Ireland |
 Location in Ireland
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| Architecture | |
| Architectural style | Norman |
| Founder | Walter de Riddlesford |
| Groundbreaking | 1210 |
| Specifications | |
| Height (max) | 10 m (30 ft) |
| Materials | Stone |
Saint John's Tower, also known as the Pigeon Tower, is an old tower in Castledermot, County Kildare, Ireland. It used to be a bell tower. This tower is the only part left of a medieval hospital that cared for people with a serious skin disease called leprosy. Today, it is a special place called a National Monument.
Where to Find It
Saint John's Tower is easy to find. It stands at the northern end of the Main Street in Castledermot.
A Look Back in Time
The story of Saint John's Tower begins in 1210. A man named Walter de Riddlesford and his wife started a special religious place and hospital. It was called the Priory and Hospital of Saint John the Baptist. This place was built just outside the main gate of the walled town of Castledermot.
A group of religious people, known as the Crutched Friars, lived and worked there. They stayed until 1541. At that time, many religious places in Ireland were closed down by the king. This event is known as the dissolution of the monasteries. After this, only the tower remained.
