Cloyne
St. Colman's Cathedral, Cloyne, is a Church of Ireland cathedral located in County Cork, Ireland. It traces its origins to a monastic settlement founded in 560 by Colmán of Cloyne and has undergone numerous renovations and alterations throughout its history, reflecting various architectural styles. The cathedral is significant for its historical ties to the Diocese of Cloyne and its association with notable figures like the philosopher George Berkeley.
Key Facts
- ›Founded on a monastic settlement established by Colmán of Cloyne in 560 AD.
- ›The present building's construction dates primarily from between 1250 and the 1270s.
- ›Experienced damage and repairs during the 1641 Rebellion.
- ›Underwent significant architectural modifications in the 18th and 19th centuries to appear more Gothic.
- ›Served as the cathedra of the bishopric of Cloyne until its union with the Diocese of Cork in 1835.
- ›Features architectural elements of Early English Gothic and Decorated Gothic styles.
Early English Gothic, Decorated Gothic, Later English Style
- Cloyne Round Tower
- Stained Glass Windows, Including One Depicting Saint ColmáN
- Memorial To Astronomer John Brinkley Featuring A Globe, Telescope, and Bible
- Mary Smyth's Burial Site Marked With A Horseshoe Carving
About Cloyne
St. Colman's Cathedral, Cloyne
St. Colman's Cathedral, located in Cloyne, County Cork, Ireland, is a significant ecclesiastical site with a history stretching back over 1400 years. It currently serves as a cathedral of the Church of Ireland, situated within the ecclesiastical province of Dublin. Previously the seat of the Diocese of Cloyne, it is now part of the United Dioceses of Cork, Cloyne and Ross. The cathedral's origins lie in a monastic settlement founded in 560 AD by Colmán of Cloyne, on land donated by King Coirpre Cromm mac Crimthainn of Munster.
History and Development
The early monastery at Cloyne, known as Cluain Uamha or "Meadow of the Caves," faced Viking raids in 822, 824, and 885, the latter resulting in the death of its abbot and others. The site eventually gained recognition as a diocese at the Synod of Kells in 1152. The present cathedral structure was built between 1250 and the 1270s, with its 13th-century cruciform design forming the core of the building today. Over the centuries, the cathedral has undergone numerous modifications and repairs. It was damaged during the 1641 Rebellion and subsequently repaired in 1642. Considerable work was done on the choir in the 17th century, including the burial of Mary Smyth beneath the nave floor, marked by a horseshoe carving.
Significant alterations occurred in the 18th and 19th centuries, often aimed at enhancing its Gothic appearance. Repairs and enlargements to the chapter house and choir took place in 1705, and the cathedral was reroofed in 1705 or 1706. The "Great Arch" was removed from the choir entrance in 1774, and a cross wall was removed in 1776. A violent hurricane in 1781 caused substantial damage, shattering 88 panes of glass and requiring extensive roof repairs. The 19th century saw further renovations, including new windows in the choir in 1856 and substantial work in the 1890s, which included a new ceiling, choir stalls, and the relocation of the organ. These later renovations were funded by an anonymous donor.
Architecture and Notable Features
The cathedral's architecture showcases a blend of styles, with arched windows in the south transept exemplifying Early English Gothic, while other windows are in the Decorated Gothic style. Samuel Lewis noted in 1837 that the building was constructed in the "later English style." Notable features include stained glass windows, one of which depicts Saint Colmán. Across the road stands the Cloyne Round Tower, dating from the tenth or eleventh century, which historically served as the cathedral's bell tower and was struck by lightning in 1749.
Notable Clergy
St. Colman's Cathedral is associated with several distinguished individuals. The philosopher George Berkeley served as the Bishop of Cloyne from 1734 to 1753. John Brinkley, a distinguished astronomer and President of the Royal Irish Academy, held the position of Bishop of Cloyne from 1826 until his death in 1835, being the last bishop to reside in the town. A memorial to Brinkley is present in the nave, featuring symbolic elements such as a globe, a telescope, and a Bible.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was St. Colman's Cathedral founded?
The cathedral traces its origins to a monastic settlement founded in 560 AD by Colmán of Cloyne. The site was donated by Coirpre Cromm mac Crimthainn, King of Munster.
What is the architectural style of St. Colman's Cathedral?
The cathedral's architecture exhibits elements of Early English Gothic, seen in the arched windows of the south transept, and the Decorated Gothic style. Samuel Lewis described it in 1837 as being built 'in the later English style of architecture'.
Has the cathedral been damaged throughout its history?
Yes, the cathedral was plundered by Vikings in 822, 824, and 885. It was also damaged during the 1641 Rebellion and suffered severe damage from a hurricane in 1781.
Who are some notable figures associated with St. Colman's Cathedral?
The philosopher George Berkeley served as Bishop of Cloyne from 1734 to 1753. John Brinkley, a renowned astronomer, was Bishop of Cloyne from 1826 until his death in 1835 and was the last bishop to reside in Cloyne.
What is the significance of the Cloyne Round Tower?
The Cloyne Round Tower, constructed in the tenth or eleventh century, was historically used as the cathedral's bell tower and was again utilized for this purpose from 1683. It was struck by lightning in 1749.
When was the present cathedral building constructed?
The present building dates from between 1250 and the 1270s. The original 13th-century cruciform development remains the core of the cathedral today.
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