Selskar Abbey facts for kids
| Mainistir Sheilsceire | |
Tower
|
|
 Location in Ireland
|
|
| Monastery information | |
|---|---|
| Full name | Priory of St. Peter and St. Paul |
| Other names | Wexford Priory; Loch-Garman; Loch-Carmen; Weysford; Veyesereford; Viesercford |
| Order | Augustinian Canons Regular |
| Established | c.1190 |
| Disestablished | 1540 |
| Dedicated to | St. Peter and St. Paul |
| Diocese | Ferns |
| People | |
| Founder(s) | Sir Alexander de la Roche |
| Architecture | |
| Status | ruined |
| Style | Norman architecture |
| Site | |
| Location | Abbey Street, Wexford, County Wexford, Ireland |
| Coordinates | 52°20′29″N 6°27′55″W / 52.3414°N 6.4654°W |
| Visible remains | church with tower |
Selskar Abbey is an old abbey in the town of Wexford, Ireland. It was built a long time ago, in the 1100s. This abbey was home to a group of monks called Augustinian canons. Its full name was the Priory of St. Peter and St. Paul.
The name Selskar comes from an old Viking language. It means "seal island" or "seal skerry."
Contents
The Story of Selskar Abbey
Some people believe that a Viking temple once stood where the abbey is now. This temple might have been dedicated to the god Odin.
Early Days at the Site
There was an even older church on this spot before the abbey. In 1169, an important peace treaty was signed here. This was between Diarmait Mac Murchada and the Anglo-Irish people.
Two famous people, Raymond FitzGerald and Basila de Clare, were married at Selskar in 1174. Raymond was a Norman commander. Basila was the sister of a powerful leader named Strongbow.
There's a story that King Henry II spent time at Selskar Abbey in 1172. He was said to be doing penance there. This was for the death of Thomas Becket, a very important church leader. We don't know for sure if this story is true. But King Henry was in Ireland at that time.
Building the Abbey
The abbey you see in ruins today was started around 1190. It was founded by a man named Alexander de la Roche. His family later became known as the Barons Fermoy. The abbey was built using special stones. These included Dundry stone and dressed granite.
We know a little about daily life at the abbey from an old letter. Around 1512, a judge named John Topcliffe wrote to King Henry VIII. He complained that the monks had chosen a good leader for their abbey. But the main abbot had removed him. It's not clear why the judge cared so much. We also don't know what the King replied.
Later History and Today
The abbey was closed down in 1542. Its lands were then given to John Parker, a judge. Later, the Stafford family owned it. It is said that soldiers led by Oliver Cromwell attacked the abbey in 1649.
Today, Selskar Abbey is part of the Westgate Heritage Tower. It was opened again for visitors in July 2012. You can explore the ruins and learn about its long history.
