Strade Abbey facts for kids
| Mainistir na Sráide | |
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 Location in Ireland
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| Monastery information | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Straide Abbey Abbey of Athletan |
| Order | Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans) Dominican Order |
| Established | c. 1240 |
| Disestablished | 1858 |
| Diocese | Tuam |
| People | |
| Founder(s) | Jordan de Exeter |
| Architecture | |
| Status | ruined |
| Style | Norman |
| Site | |
| Location | Strade, County Mayo |
| Coordinates | 53°55′17″N 9°07′44″W / 53.921478°N 9.128848°W |
| Visible remains | Church |
| Public access | Yes |
| Official name | Strade Abbey |
| Reference no. | 172 |
Strade Abbey is an old monastery in County Mayo, Ireland. It used to be home to two groups of monks: the Franciscans and the Dominicans. Today, it's a special place called a National Monument, which means it's protected because of its history.
Contents
Where Is It?
Strade Abbey is found in the eastern part of Strade village. This village is located in County Mayo, which is in the west of Ireland.
A Look Back in Time
How Strade Abbey Started
Strade Abbey was built around the year 1240. It was started by a person named Jordan de Exeter, or perhaps his son Stephen. They built it because Jordan's wife, Basilia, wanted them to.
At first, the abbey was for the Franciscan friars. These friars are a type of monk who live simply and help others. But later, around 1252 or 1253, it became a home for the Dominican friars instead. Sadly, the abbey was burned down in 1254, not long after the Dominicans moved in.
Help from the Pope
Many years later, in 1434, a very important religious leader named Pope Eugene IV offered help. He said that anyone who helped to fix up Strade Abbey would receive a special blessing called an indulgence. This encouraged people to donate money and effort to restore the abbey.
Changes Over the Years
In 1578, the abbey was officially closed down. This was part of a bigger event in history called the Dissolution of the Monasteries, when many monasteries in Ireland and England were shut. After it closed, the land and buildings were rented out to different people.
Even after it was officially closed, some friars still lived at Strade Abbey. In 1756, there were seven friars living there. By 1767, there were four. The very last friar of Strade Abbey, named Fr. Patrick D. Kelly, passed away around 1858. After that, the abbey was no longer used as a monastery.
What's Left Today?
The buildings you can see at Strade Abbey today are from the 13th to 15th centuries. They show us what the abbey looked like long ago. One of the most amazing things to see is a beautiful tomb. It's located in the northern part of the main church area, called the chancel.
Images for kids
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This carving shows a pelican. It's part of the church and was made around 1440-1450.
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A detailed carving found at a tomb inside Strade Abbey.
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This is the east window of the north transept, which is a part of the church that sticks out.
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A sculptured tomb from the 15th century, located in the north wall of the chancel.
