Rathmore Church
Church in County Meath, Ireland
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Rathmore Church is a ruined medieval church and National Monument in County Meath, Ireland.[1][2] It was constructed by the prominent Plunkett living nearby at Rathmore Castle. A modern church 0.5 km to the northeast serving the area was constructed in 1844.[3] Archer and Smith describe it as similar in purpose to other churches constructed at Killeen and Dunsany.[4]
| Rathmore Church | |
|---|---|
Cill an Rátha Mhóir | |
| |
  Rathmore Church | |
| 53.643173°N 6.872316°W | |
| Location | Rathmore, Athboy, County Meath |
| Country | Ireland |
| Denomination | Church of Ireland |
| Previous denomination | Pre-Reformation Catholic |
| History | |
| Founder | Thomas Fitz-Christopher Plunket |
| Dedication | Lorcán Ua Tuathail (St Lawrence) |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | |
| Official name | Rathmore Church |
| Reference no. | 289 |
| Years built | 1470s |
| Closed | late 17th century |
| Specifications | |
| Length | 26 m (85 ft) |
| Width | 7 m (23 ft) |
| Nave width | 7 m (23 ft) |
| Floor area | 175 m2 (1,880 sq ft) |
| Spire height | 12 m (39 ft) |
| Materials | sandstone, mortar |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Meath |
Location
History
Thomas Fitz-Christopher Plunket was a lawyer and judge of the mid-15th century, serving as Lord Chief Justice of Ireland in 1461 and 1463. He was married to Marion Cruise (Mary Anne Cruys) and died in 1471; the couple are buried together at Rathmore, Marion's hereditary family seat.[6]
Lieutenant-General Thomas Bligh (d. 1775) of the 20th Regiment of Foot has a monumental tablet in the church. He fought at Dettingen, Val, Fontneay, and Melle. He was also commander of the British troops at Cherbourg.[7][8]
The baptismal font was stolen in April 2013 but recovered in May of that year.[9]
Church
Rathmore Church is a nave and chancel church with a three-storey sacristy and a tall bell tower. Features include a piscina, sedilia, carved heads and labyrinth stone. The effigy of Thomas Fitz-Christopher Plunket is in good condition; he wears armour and a dog sleeps at his feet. Marion's is badly damaged.[9][10]