Kildare
Meath and Kildare·Church of Ireland·Ireland
Kildare Cathedral, officially St Brigid's Cathedral, is a Church of Ireland cathedral located in Kildare. It stands on the site of an important Celtic Christian abbey founded by Saint Brigid in the 5th century, and the current Norman structure dates largely from the 13th century, with a significant restoration in the 19th century. The cathedral is notable for its historical significance as the seat of a unique ecclesiastical experiment where an abbess held jurisdiction over a bishop, and for its architectural features, including an Irish round tower in its grounds.
Key Facts
- ›Founded on the site of a 5th-century abbey attributed to Saint Brigid.
- ›Largely rebuilt in the 13th century after being devastated multiple times.
- ›Underwent a major restoration in the 19th century by George Edmund Street.
- ›Features an Irish round tower in its grounds, standing 32 meters high.
- ›Has a cruciform plan without aisles, in an early Gothic style with a central tower.
- ›Contains unique features such as a Sheelagh-na-gig carving and an altar-tomb effigy of Bishop Walter Wellesley.
Irish Round Tower, Altar-Tomb Effigy of Bishop Walter Wellesley, Sheelagh-Na-Gig Carving, Stepped Irish Parapets, Lancet Windows, Carved Caen Stone Pulpit
Ralph of Bristol, George Edmund Street
About Kildare
Kildare Cathedral
Kildare Cathedral, officially known as St Brigid's Cathedral, is a significant ecclesiastical site in Kildare, Ireland, and serves as one of two cathedrals for the United Dioceses of Meath and Kildare within the Church of Ireland.
Historical Significance
The cathedral's history is deeply intertwined with early Irish Christianity. It is said to occupy the site of an important Celtic Christian abbey, reputedly founded by Saint Brigid in the 5th century, possibly around 480 AD. This abbey was unique in that the abbess held jurisdiction over the bishop, a structure that persisted for centuries. The site has been in the care of the Church of Ireland since the Reformation. The current Norman structure dates primarily from the 13th century, having been largely rebuilt between 1223 and 1230 by Bishop Ralph of Bristol, after previous edifices had been repeatedly devastated.
Architecture and Restoration
The present building is a restored Norman cathedral with early Gothic elements. It features a cruciform plan without aisles and a massive square central tower. The windows are predominantly lancet style. The parapets are of the stepped Irish type, likely dating to around 1395. The cathedral experienced periods of decay, particularly after the Reformation and during the 17th century Irish Confederate Wars. A comprehensive restoration was undertaken in the 19th century by George Edmund Street, beginning in 1875 and concluding in 1896, which included the addition of a new north transept and chancel, and the rebuilding of much of the square tower. Further restoration work has occurred more recently.
Notable Features
Among the notable features within Kildare Cathedral are an altar-tomb effigy of Bishop Walter Wellesley (died 1539), a rare Sheelagh-na-gig carving, solid oak choir stalls with intricate carvings, a carved Caen stone pulpit, and a stone baptismal font from the Medieval period. The west window is dedicated to St. Patrick, St. Brigid, and St. Columba. Adjacent to the cathedral stands an Irish round tower, standing 32 meters (105 ft) high, which is a significant historical landmark.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of Kildare Cathedral?
The site of Kildare Cathedral is believed to have been an important Celtic Christian abbey founded by Saint Brigid in the 5th century. The current Norman cathedral was largely rebuilt between 1223 and 1230, after the earlier structures had fallen into ruin. It later underwent a significant restoration in the 19th century.
When was Kildare Cathedral built?
While the site has a much earlier history dating back to the 5th century, the present Norman cathedral structure was largely rebuilt between 1223 and 1230. Major restoration work in the 19th century, completed by 1896, significantly shaped its current appearance.
What are the architectural styles of Kildare Cathedral?
The cathedral exhibits an early Gothic style, with a Norman foundation. Key features include a cruciform plan without aisles, a massive square central tower, and lancet windows. The parapets are of the stepped Irish type.
What notable features can be found in Kildare Cathedral?
Notable features include an altar-tomb effigy of Bishop Walter Wellesley, a Sheelagh-na-gig carving, solid oak choir stalls, a carved Caen stone pulpit, and a stone baptismal font from the Medieval period. The west window is dedicated to St. Patrick, St. Brigid, and St. Columba.
Is there a round tower at Kildare Cathedral?
Yes, beside the cathedral stands an Irish round tower, one of County Kildare's five. It is 32 meters (105 ft) high and can be climbed at certain times.
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