St. Mary's Church, New Ross facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St. Mary's Church, New Ross |
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| St. Mary's Abbey | |
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Séipéal Mhuire
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 St. Mary's Church, New Ross
Location in Ireland
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| 52°23′47″N 6°56′26″W / 52.396258°N 6.940464°W | |
| Location | Mary Street, New Ross, County Wexford |
| Country | Ireland |
| Denomination | Church of Ireland |
| Previous denomination | Pre-Reformation Catholic |
| History | |
| Status | ruined |
| Founder(s) | William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke Isabel de Clare |
| Dedication | Mary, mother of Jesus |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | inactive |
| Style | Norman, Gothic |
| Completed | 1210 |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | sandstone, Dundry stone |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Ferns |
St. Mary's Church is a very old church in New Ross, Ireland. It is also known as a National Monument, which means it's a really important historical site. This church has a long and interesting history, going back many centuries.
Contents
Where is St. Mary's Church?
St. Mary's Church is found on Mary Street in New Ross. It sits on the east side of the River Barrow. This location has been important for a very long time.
A Look Back: The Church's History
The area where St. Mary's Church stands might have been home to a monastery built by a person named Abbán way back in the 500s.
The church we see today was finished in the year 1210. It was started by either William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke or his wife, Isabel de Clare. Isabel was the daughter of a famous figure known as Strongbow.
Over the years, the church saw many changes. In 1654, during a time of wars in Ireland, the church's bells were taken by a soldier. People continued to hold church services at St. Mary's until about 1811 or 1812. Around that time, part of the old church was taken down to make space for a newer church building.
Mysteries and Legends
Many interesting stories are told about the old ruins of St. Mary's. One tale talks about a soldier who went into a dark, hidden area under an archway with his dog. Only the dog ever came back out! Another story tells of a man who tried to move a cross from the old part of the church and faced a terrible accident. These stories add to the mystery of the ancient site.
What the Church Looks Like Today
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The building used by the Church of Ireland today is built on the spot where the main part of the old church used to be. Only the back section and the side wings of the original medieval church are still standing.
The back section, called the chancel, has special features like:
- An aumbry: a small cupboard for sacred items.
- Sedilia: seats for priests.
- A piscina: a basin for washing sacred vessels.
- A tomb canopy: a stone cover over a grave.
- Two doorways: one in an older style (Norman) and one in a newer style (Gothic).
The east wall of the church has three tall, narrow windows called lancet windows. The old chancel and the side wings hold one of the largest collections of medieval graves in Ireland. Some of these graves are very unique. One grave has a cross with a symbol of the Lamb of God, which is linked to the Knights Templar. Another rare find is a woman buried next to both of her husbands, which was very unusual in the Middle Ages.
