St. Francis Abbey facts for kids
| Mainistir Phroinsias | |
 |
|
 Location in Ireland
|
|
| Monastery information | |
|---|---|
| Other names | The Abbey Church of Saint Francis, Kilkenny Grey Friary |
| Order | Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans) |
| Established | 1231–34 |
| Disestablished | 1829 |
| Diocese | Ossory |
| People | |
| Founder(s) | Richard Marshal, 3rd Earl of Pembroke |
| Architecture | |
| Status | Inactive |
| Style | Norman |
| Site | |
| Location | Parliament Street, Kilkenny, County Kilkenny |
| Coordinates | 52°39′21″N 7°15′12″W / 52.655926°N 7.253431°W |
| Public access | no |
| Official name | St. Francis Abbey |
| Reference no. | 72 |
St. Francis Abbey, also known as Kilkenny Grey Friary, is an old friary in Kilkenny City, Ireland. It was home to Franciscan friars. Today, it is a National Monument, which means it's a very important historical site.
Contents
Where is St. Francis Abbey?
You can find St. Francis Abbey in the northeast part of Kilkenny City. It is located behind the Smithwick's Experience Kilkenny. The abbey is also near where the Breagagh River joins the Nore River.
The Story of St. Francis Abbey
The Franciscan Order was started by Francis of Assisi in 1209. These friars came to Ireland around 1226. St. Francis Abbey was built in Kilkenny between 1231 and 1234. It was founded by Richard Marshal, 3rd Earl of Pembroke. At first, it was a small rectangular chapel.
In 1245, the abbey received money from the king for clothing. It grew bigger, reaching the banks of the River Nore. The Franciscans held important meetings here in 1267 and 1308.
Changes Over the Years
During a time called the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the abbey was given to a person named Walter Archer. In 1550, the friars were forced to leave by Bishop John Bale. This happened during the rule of King Edward VI.
When Queen Mary I came to power in 1553, the friars returned. But they were forced out again in 1559 by Queen Elizabeth I.
When King James I became king, the friars could worship at the abbey again. In 1606, the Archer family gave a special chalice to St. Francis Abbey. The abbey was repaired many times. However, the number of friars slowly became very small. By 1766, only two friars lived there. The last friar died in 1829.
Brewing History
The friars at St. Francis Abbey had been making ale since the 1300s. Later, a company called Smithwick's started a commercial brewery in 1710. They brewed a type of beer called Irish red ale.
In 1854, during an expansion of the Smithwick's Brewery, parts of the old abbey were found. These included the main church area and the choir section. The old sacristy, a room where sacred items were kept, has been restored. It is now used as a small chapel at the brewery.
What Remains of the Abbey?
Today, you can still see parts of St. Francis Abbey. The great east window is still there. It has seven tall, narrow windows called lancet lights. These are separated by thin stone bars called mullions.
Other parts that still stand include the nave (the main part of the church), the chancel (the area near the altar), the bell tower, and the sacristy. There is also a holy well named after St. Francis.
