St. Lachtain's Church, Freshford facts for kids
St. Lachtain's Church is a very old church in Freshford, a village in County Kilkenny, Ireland. The church you see today was mostly built in 1731. It is named after St. Lachtain, a holy person who passed away in 622. People believe a church was first built on this spot soon after St. Lachtain's death.
Long ago, during the time of Viking raids in Ireland, St. Lachtain's Church was attacked. Its valuable gold and silver items were stolen. Sadly, its books were also burned.
The Ancient Archway and Its Message
The church has a very old stone archway. This archway is special because it has writing on it in Old Irish. This old message tells us who helped build the church.
The words on the archway mean:
A prayer for Niamh, daughter of Corc, and for Mathgamhan O Chearmaic for whom this church was made. A prayer for Gille Mocholmoc O Chearmaic for whom this church was made. A prayer for Gille Mocholmoc O Ceannucain who made it.
This shows us that people prayed for those who helped create this important building.
Rebuilding Through the Centuries
St. Lachtain's Church was rebuilt around the year 1100. The beautiful stone porch and doorway you see today are from that 1100 building. They are built in a style called Romanesque, which was popular a long time ago.
Freshford was once an important church area called a diocese. By 1225, a special house for the Bishop (a church leader) was built nearby in Uppercourt. This house was used as a summer home for over 300 years.
Most of the church building you see now was constructed in 1731. It was built for the Church of Ireland.
In the 1800s, gates were put in front of the main entrance. This was to stop people from sharpening their knives on the old stone doorway.
A Protected National Monument
The ancient sandstone Romanesque doorway of St. Lachtain's Church is very important. It is officially recognized as a National Monument in Ireland. This means it is a protected historical site. It is kept safe for everyone to learn from and enjoy.
