Another rather interesting structure which sits within the graveyard of the Monastic City to the south-west of the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul is the Priest House. It is a small rectangular structure, built in the Romanesque style of approx 4.5 x 2.4 meters which probably dates back to the 12th century, around 1170AD. . There is a Romanesque arched recess in the exterior of the E wall now closed by a thin wall with a small window opening. A shelf or seat forms the bottom of the recess. The door in the outh wall features a fragmentary tympanum with three figures. Inside there are a number of interesting grave slabs and the remains and the remains of another Romanesque style arch, with some rather unique stone carving.
Aside from the lower parts of the wall the remainder is said to have been completely reconstructed at some point in time, based on a sketch of the original building from 1779 by Gabriel Beranger. It seems that this Beranger character was quite the ruin-hunter in his day, as I have found numerous drawings and paintings by him that portray many of the sites that I now visit. Most notably the remains of the Castle at Ballymount in Dublin. In some instances I have found his work quite interesting as it shows the difference between then and now. Who knows what these many heritage sites will look like in another 250 years. Perhaps there will be another ruin-hunter looking at some of my images and comparing them to whatever may remain in the future? I only hope that they may survive better than in previous centuries.
The original purpose of this building in currently unknown. Some say that it was built on the site of St. Kevin’s grave, or that it may have been used as a small chapel to house relics of the saint. It got its name ‘The Priest House’, after the 18th-19th century practise of local parish priests being buried there. Some say that two priests from the 18th century were renowned for their mystical healing powers. This made the Priest House an important site of pilgrimage for many. Apparently pilgrims would take clay from the graves here and rub it on their sores and wounds whilst saying prayers in the belief that they would be cured. I’m not sure how well this might have worked and despite my sore feet on the day decided to refrain from trying out this medieval practise. Another local folk tradition, claims that the clay from the floor of a building held a cure for toothache. The clay was used to rub onto the afflicted jaw in order to gain relief. an interesting carving of a much earlier date on the lintel of the doorway.
For these and more of my images, why not visit my Website or join me on Facebook or Twitter.
Reblogged this on CrashCourse.
LikeLike
Gosh some of these images hardly look real, they have a decidedly ethereal magical feel about them… did you notice that?
I love that you are recording them for future generations. All the old stories are fading away, but at least the stones have survived, and even when they crumble, your images will still be here. That must be a good feeling.
LikeLike
That’s exactly the look I have been trying to achieve, glad you liked them. Whilst I am not trying to copy the late great Simon Marsden, I have always been influenced by his work. I guess it is stating to show through 🙂
LikeLike
Well I dont know who he is, or his work, but Im impressed by yours. Its not like any photography Ive ever seen before! And I mean that in a GOOD way lol!
LikeLike
Thanks Ali 🙂
LikeLike
Glendalough, such a magic place! and so peaceful, P x
LikeLike
For sure, You could spend the entire weekend down in the valley, I kinda understand why Kevin chose it for his monastery 🙂
LikeLike
That area seems to be a veritable treasure trove of old structures.
LikeLike
Oh you would not believe it, and I am ashamed to say did not get to find all of the sites whilst I was there. I guess I will have to go back soon to find them 🙂
LikeLike
Very intriguing pictures! It is important that you are taking these pictures and recording the ruins in time! Love them!
LikeLike
Why thank you, with the rate that they are disappearing its important to raise awareness and try to preserve as much as possible 🙂
LikeLike
again more wonderful images! love these and the history you provide.
LikeLike
Thank you Cybele, I loved your shot of the Croc, the color in the eye was a nice addition, really made the image pop 🙂
LikeLike
A really interesting historical trip amongst these ruins 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you, so glad that you are enjoying them, I hope to get another one up later today 🙂
LikeLike
Yes, it’s beautiful there – nature pure – remember that place very well with my super 8 film camera as a kid in the 80ies there clipping and snipping around those graves and the tower – so many worry stones 🙂
LikeLike
Ah yes, the worry stones, I had forgotten all about them? Thanks for the reminder 🙂
LikeLike
Pingback: St. Kevin’s Cross – Glendalough | EdMooneyPhotography
Pingback: Monastic City- Glendalough | EdMooneyPhotography
Pingback: Oratory of St Declan, Ardmore | Ed Mooney Photography