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Abbeys & Holy Grounds of County Down

Abbeys & Holy Grounds of County Down

Abbeys & Holy Grounds of County

A short guide to some important Ecclesiastical sites in

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Abbeys and Holy Grounds of County Down is a North Down Community Network project funded by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund, to whom we are extremely grateful

North Down Community Network North Down Community Resource Centre, 5 Castle Park Road, , County Down, BT20 4TF

028 9146 1386 www.ndcn.co.uk

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Forward

So rarely do we lift our heads from the busy lives we lead and appreciate the people, places and history that has gone before us. I am a relatively new resident to County Down, and haven’t yet taken the time to explore the place I now call home. From to and on to Cathedral, I would imagine that most people struggle to find, or take the time, to look beyond the name and facade of many of the buildings we pass by each day, and truly appreciate the interesting and sometimes even majestic stories and legends attached to these places.

The gentle relaxed nature of this introduction, feels like the reader is being taken by the hand and shown a series of little treasures which have been discovered. My personal favourite in the guide, is legend of “Vallis Angelorum” – the Valley of the Angels, in which a holy place was built called Benchor, which is now our present day Bangor. Who would have thought that the site of Bangor could have been as a result of a valley filled with a heavenly light.

So if you are indigenous to Down, a native ‘Bangorien’, or a ‘blow in’ like me, I urge you to read on and enjoy the gentle introduction this guide to the Abbeys and Holy Grounds of County Down provides. Maybe we all will appreciate this place we call home a little bit more. Enjoy.

Thanks and congratulations to each and every participant for developing the idea into such a valuable project and for all your time, enthusiasm and care in translating your clearly heartfelt experiences into such a warm and welcoming guide. Thank you for inspiring, and inviting others to discover more.

Louise Little, Manager, North Down Community Network

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Preface

Abbeys and Holy Grounds of County Down makes no claim of being a full or comprehensive study of the religious or ecclesiastical heritage of the region. Rather, it is a journey, undertaken by a group of people from Bangor, interested in built heritage, archaeology, art and learning together.

During the glorious summer of 2013 the participants researched, explored, and shared their experiences of some of the most celebrated holy sites in the County and learned about the saints and scholars who did so much to spread Christianity throughout and beyond. They recorded digital images on their travels and these form the basis of the pictorial content of this slim volume.

This then, is a textual and pictorial recollection of that journey. Images taken along the way are presented with a little poetic license. Some of the pictures included are reproductions of drypoint prints that a number of the participants fabricated as part of the creative learning process. The text which appears at the beginning of some headings are the poetic reflections of the participants after visiting the sites.

The information on each of the sites, as it is produced herein, is based on research undertaken by the participants who trawled through websites, leaflets, books and the wisdom imparted by tour guides, as well as their own knowledge and recollection of the stories they have heard. The information is produced in good faith but has no claim on originality or authenticity. The sources from which the information was gained are listed in the acknowledgements.

We hope you enjoy this book and that you might even be inspired to make your own journey.

We are extremely grateful to the Heritage Lottery fund for supporting the project.

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Bangor Abbey

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Passing Thoughts Passing the beautiful old trees of Castle Park, Past St Malachy's wall, there stands proud , where Christians have worshipped for hundreds of years. I enter the Abbey grounds through the arch from where a row of old, thatched cottages used to stand and is now the car park. The graveyard to the left, the Abbey right. I pass the grave of Edward Simpson, Ship surgeon on the Titanic, Lost on the 15th April 1912. More graves beneath the 19th century tower, housing the clock, Propping up the tall steeple that this evening, Will be beautifully illuminated.

Nothing remains of the early monastic settlement of fifteen hundred years ago. Perhaps nothing will remain of the present edifice in as many years from now. But it looks so rigid, With its robust doors and heavy gold-painted handles and hinges. But it is closed to me today. I can only marvel at the stained-glass windows, from the outside, Stunning in the summer sun.

It is said that you are only a Bangorian, If you have ancestors buried in the Abbey. For a blow-in such as I, there seems little chance of that. I wonder through the gravestones which hold so many secrets and chanced upon a parishioner, Diligently cataloguing the graves. Her stories bringing the graveyard to life. Reverent amongst the headstones, all different styles, From marble to stone, upright to table-top, Some stubborn, others tumbling, some broken, Weathered in their different browns.

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Many too faint to read. The names, like memories, faded. And here, the oldest grave of James Armure, Born 1601 died 1672. And here, a woman who died, And her husband died two hours after her, As written on their tombstone. What lives these people led, What stories they could tell. And here, the graves of my husband's family; Bryson. My grandchildren could be Bangorians yet. Veronica Bryson

There is a legend told of St. Patrick that he and his companions came one day to a certain valley to rest. Suddenly "they beheld the valley filled with a heavenly light and with a multitude of the host of heaven they heard, as chanted forth from the voice of angels, the psalmody of the celestial choir". They named the place "Vallis Angelorum" – the Valley of the Angels. In the process of time there was built in this valley a holy place – called Benchor, now Bangor.

Saints and Scholars

angor Abbey is believed to have been founded in 558AD by St who was born in in in B 517. He was the son Setna, a Pictish warrior of the Fiacha Araidhe race which founded the kingdom of Dalaradia. He showed early promise of a vocation to the Christian ministry and was educated under St. Fintan at Clonenagh and at Clonard and Mobi

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Clairenach at Glasnevin. He was ordained and priest by Lugidius, at either or Connor.

The Abbey rapidly grew to become one of the most important and renowned seats of learning in Ireland, helping to gain Ireland the title "The Isle of the Saints and Scholars". By the time of Comgall's death, on 10 May, 602, there were almost 3,000 monks residing at the Abbey. Comgall died and was buried at Bangor and to this day is regarded as "one of the greatest fathers of Irish monasticism".

Worship was foremost in the life of the community. The divine services and daily offices (five during the day and three at night) were scrupulously observed. The early monastic settlement was primitive but Comgall gathered round him a band of monks whose saintly life and scholarly attainments became the wonder of their age. Prominent among them were St. and St. Gall.

Columbanus (the fair Colum) was born in in 543 and received his early education on an island on , probably under the celebrated scholar, Sinell, on Cleenish. He came to Bangor, where he remained for many years as a disciple and friend of Comgall. In 589, he and twelve companions set out for the Continent.

Having travelled the length of Britain he crossed the channel to arrive in the Merovingian kingdom of Burgundy in Gaul in 590. Hereafter he established monasteries at Anagray, Breganz, Fontaines and Luxeuil which would come to be regarded as the "most celebrated and most frequented school in Christendom".

Columbanus founded his last monastery in 613 at Bobbio, in a gorge in the Apennines. Though now an old man, the Saint took an active part in the manual work of building the monastery. He made it a citadel of orthodoxy against the Arians during the Middle Ages. Bobbio enjoyed a very high reputation as a seat of learning and was outstanding for its remarkable library. Columbanus died at Bobbio in 615 where his tomb is to be seen. His remains were removed to Pavia in 12th century.

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The Bangor Antiphonary

An important link between Bangor and Bobbio, which has survived the passing of time, is a manuscript service-book, now preserved in the Ambrosian Library, Milan. This 7th century manuscript was given its present title, "Antiphonarium Benchorense", by the famous Italian scholar Muratori.

St. Gall (Cellach) is honoured as the Apostle of the Alemanni. He remained quietly working beside the River Stinace until his death in 645, by which time the whole tribe of the Alemanni had been converted to Christianity. Gall was said to have been a man of great and gentle holiness, and a beautiful and fervent preacher.

Life in the monastery

Monastic life was severe. Food was plain, consisting of a meagre diet of herbs, bread and water. Even milk was considered an indulgence. At Bangor only one meal was allowed, and not until evening. Confession was in public and acts of penance were severe and frequent. Silence was observed at meals and at other times also with conversation rigorously restricted. Fasting was frequent and prolonged. Music was an important feature of worship at the Abbey.

By the end of the 8th century the Monastery was in decline, hastened by frequent Danish invasions early in 9th century, resulting in devastation and decay. In 822 the tomb of Comgall was broken open, its costly adornments seized, and the bones of the Saint "shaken from their shrine". St. Bernard relates that on one day, nine hundred monks were killed.

Nothing remains of the original buildings of Comgall's monastery. However, in the Private Chapel at , built into the wall, is the shaft of a cross, probably dating to the 8th century, which was found in the Abbey precincts. This is a fragment of a Celtic High Cross, which may have stood on 'the Cross Hill', adjacent to Bangor Castle, and which is indicated on a 17th century map.

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Malachy was appointed abbot of Bangor in 1124 when he was also appointed bishop of Connor, which then comprised the territories of Dalaradia and Ulidia (corresponding to the present dioceses of Connor and Down and Dromore). Making Bangor the Episcopal seat, he "lived among his brethren, of whom he had a great company".

Malachy was known to practise austere asceticism. He travelled constantly through his diocese, always on foot and surrounded by his disciples, preaching to the those he met. He set about "erecting a handsome oratory constructed of smoothed planks, strongly fastened together, not devoid of beauty".

In 1127, the monastery was attacked by Conor O'Loughlin, king of the northern Ui Neill, of Grenan of Aileach (near Londonderry), in the course of a widespread campaign throughout . The city (Bangor) was destroyed and Malachy, along with one hundred and thirty monks, migrated to Lismore. He returned to Bangor in 1137 and the Abbey was restored. The oldest surviving remnant from this time is Malachy's Wall, adjacent the Old Gate Lodge.

Malachy introduced the Canons Regular of St. Augustine in Bangor about 1140. These were the first of the Continental Orders to be established in Ireland.

Malachy must be regarded as one of the pioneers of Hiberno- in Ireland. His church at Bangor, fashioned after those he had seen on the continent, was the forerunner of the many graceful 12th century churches found throughout the country.

Malachy died in the arms of St. Bernard on All Saints' Day, 1148. He was buried vested in St. Bernard's' habit. St. Bernard wore Malachy's habit until his death five years later.

Little is known of the history of Bangor during the Anglo-Norman occupation, from 12th to 16th centuries. The Tower of the present Abbey church dates to the 14th century to a magnificent Augustinian church. The old wall near Castle Park is also considered to belong to this period. From the Dissolution in 1542 to 1609 the Abbey had been an empty relic, from 1572 a burnt-out ruin.

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In 1617, Sir James Hamilton, a Scottish settler and regarded as the founder of modern Bangor, rebuilt the ruined church, of which nothing had survived, save the old tower. The stones of the 14th century church were used in the rebuilding. The new church was a plain, rectangular structure without chancel or transepts and with two small windows in the east end. It was attached to the east of the old tower with the steeple being added later, in 1693. James Hamilton was buried in the church in 1644 and there is an elaborate monument in the tower in his memory.

Extensive repairs were carried out to the church in 1833 and in 1844 it was enlarged with the addition of the chancel and transepts. The Abbey was forsaken for some years after the new parish church of St. Comgalls was built but when the Revd. Canon James Carey, M.A., became rector in 1916, he initiated the of the Abbey. The old church was re-opened in 1917.

Bangor Abbey was extensively restored in 1960. Of the old church, only the walls, tower and spire remain, these being repaired and the church re-roofed. A larger, more adequate chancel replaced the previous one and great care was taken to harmonise the new with the old. In place of the east window, a mural, painted by the well- known artist, Kenneth Webb, depicts the Ascending Christ giving His missionary command, "Go ye into all the world . . . .," whilst attentive to His words are Comgall, the great teacher of missionaries, Columbanus and Gall. (see ₁)

The Bangor Bell

The undoubted highlight of the Bangor Abbey collection (North Down Museum), the Bangor Bell, was fortuitously discovered in the Abbey graveyard around 1780. It is a bronze hand-bell, beautifully decorated with an incised cross and key pattern around the base. The bell is one of only three such examples in Ireland and is believed to be from the 9th century.

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Holywood Priory

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Just Out of Sight Driving along the by-pass, To-ing and fro-ing on the daily commute, You could be forgiven for never knowing, That just out of sight are the beautiful ruins, of Holywood Priory.

A monastery founded by St. Laiseran in AD six hundred and forty, rebuilt and appended and used by , To be torched by O'Neil, Then salvaged by Reformists, Disused almost two centuries.

The graveyard, a tumble of disgorged ancient headstones, Chiselled with the names of the forgotten and the famous, such as Rosamond Praegar, of 'Johnny the Jig' fame, A celebration of old Holy Wood. Berenice McDermott

olywood Priory is one of the most interesting ecclesiastical remains in County Down, having possibly been the site of a H religious establishment from as far back as the 7th century. The ruins as they stand are essentially that of an early 13th century church with a 15th century addition to the west end. In the later Middle Ages this was a friary church of the Third Order of Franciscans, which was dissolved in the 16th century. In 1572 Holywood Priory was one of a number of churches burned by Brian O’Neill to stop them from being occupied by the forces of the Crown. A map from the 1570s shows a church building called “Holy Wood”.

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The Ulster-Scots Restore the Priory

In the early 17th century Holywood came into the possession of James Hamilton, Lord Clandeboye. The site of the pre-Reformation church continued in use into the 17th century. The Royal Visitation of 1622 noted that the church had been partly repaired. The four round-headed windows in the south wall appear to have been rebuilt at this time.

In 1615 the first Protestant minister, Robert Cunningham, was appointed to Holywood. Most of his congregation were settlers from and it was said that he was "a faithful pastor over the flock to whom he was appointed overseer". He was disposed of by the hierarchy in 1634 and, after a failed attempt to sail to America, returned to Irvine in Scotland where he died in 1637.

In 1644 Presbyterian services were once again heard in Holywood. In April of that year the Solemn League and Covenant was brought to the town to be signed by the local populace. A copy of this Covenant is in the collection at the .

In 1657 the church was said to be in good repair but, by 1679 it was in ruins. Sometime after this it was repaired and was in use as the Church of Ireland parish church until 1844 when a new church was built in Holywood. (See ₂)

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Movilla Abbey

Movilla Abbey and Graveyard

ovilla means the 'Plain of the Sacred Tree' and the site was probably the focus of a pre-Christian tree cult. As a Christian site Movilla was established in the 6th century M by St. Finnian and by 543 there was a school (St. Finnians) which was attended by St. . The site may have been chosen by Dai Fiatah, rulers of the Uliad, the Ulster people, because of its strategic importance on the border of the warring Blathmac and Eachach Arda, under-kingdoms.

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Not much is known about St. Finnian. He was written about by monks long after his death and it is probable that this was done with the intention of creating a cult around him as they sought to outdo other monasteries in having the most illustrious and venerable saints.

The Abbey was plundered by in 824 and re-founded in the 12th century by Augustinian Canons. You can still see the remains of a 13th century Augustinian Abbey here. It is one of the most important Anglo-Norman burial sites in Ireland with eight 13th century coffin lids built into the surviving walls of the Abbey. The Augustine's settled here as the Celtic monasteries sought closer integration with Europe.

By the 14th century the monastery was in perpetual decline and was so poor that the Anglo-Normans had no interest in taking it over, leaving Irishmen as Abbots. Dissolved by Henry VIII, the Abbey was later burned by Brian O’Neill to prevent a fledgling English settlement developing. It was granted to Sir James Hamilton in July 1605 and shortly afterwards transferred to Sir Hugh Montgomery.

Here, in the largest graveyard in the , were buried the ordinary Ulster-Scots settlers in the area (the elite were buried in Newtownards Priory). Among the 200 pre-1800 graves are those of many early Scots settlers, including tradesmen and merchants - some who became aldermen and provosts (mayors).

It was here that the Presbyterian minister David Baillie Warden, local leader of the 1798 Rebellion, assembled 300 men from North Down to march on the Market House at Newtownards. Several United Irishmen are buried here, including Robert Robertson, hanged in June 1798, and Reverend Archibald Warwick, hanged in October 1798.

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Parr's Mausoleum The Parr Mausoleum is a Gothic-revival crypt built c.1860 within the ruins of Movilla Old Church. It is rectangular in plan and built from roughly dressed Scrabo stone with red sandstone dressings. It has a pointed-arch doorway to the west set within a larger arch having a five-sided star to a cavity recess. Wrought-iron gates front the opening and there are two lancet windows to the north and south elevations with a cross finial to the west apex. The Mausoleum is the family burial place of William Parr, a renowned banker from Newtownards and contains a lengthy inscription of his descendents up until 1978. (See ₃)

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Newtownards Priory

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A Secret Place Like a secret place, A shield from the babble of modern life. Newtownards priory was revealed as a wonderful surprise.

A rare moment to get beyond the normally locked ornate door. Beautiful ruins, a high ceiling tower from which to view the carved cross.

Sit quietly, go back in time to when the monks sang their chants and fulfilled their devotions, Infusing these ruins with a feeling of great peace.

Sense the history, feel the presence of the peace and tranquility that must have imbued this place, Easy to miss in our modern haste. Renee Campbell.

Closer to Nature (or God) For an hour, I was transported from the noise and pollution of the modern world. To an age when the pace of everyday life was measured in prayers, As is the habit of monks.

I felt jealous of those meditative times, And yearned for a piece of that history. In a stolen moment of reflection I joined the monks in their prayers, Feeling closer to nature (or God).

The sun sliced through the ruins, It's tombs monuments to the powerful clans who dominated after the monks had lost theirs. But, it is the song of the monks that lingers in this haven of tranquility. A hidden jewel in a bustling town. Irene McDonald

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ewtownards Priory, founded in the mid 13th Century, is the only reasonably well-preserved medieval Dominican Priory to N survive in . The upper parts of the nave, its westward extension and the northern aisle arcade date from the 14th century rebuilding. It suffered the same fate as so many other monasteries: burned by Brian O'Neill in 1572 to prevent them falling into the hands of the English and being garrisoned.

Much of the profile of the Priory owes it origins to an English planter, Hugh Montgomery, 1st Viscount of Ards, who was granted the town and surrounding area in the early seventeenth century.

Newtownards was established in the 13th century around the Dominican Priory founded by the Anglo Norman Savage family. Montgomery made the Priory and soon restored it.

He re-modelled the ruined building for Anglican worship, adding the square bell tower which projected beyond the building into Court Street. His initials HLM are carved above the arch of the ornate porch. It was used as both a church for the Ulster-Scots settlers he was bringing to the Ards and as a family home. By 1611 it was the centre of a town of some 100 houses. A date-stone of 1607 survives to mark this rebuilding phase.

Today we see the remains of the 13th century church, with some additions from later centuries. The present north aisle and tower date from the early 17th century. The entrance to the tower of the former Priory is acknowledged as one of the most striking examples of Renaissance architecture from the early 17th century. This was the burial place of the elite but the Priory was a parish church for all until 1817, when St. Marks was built. It served as a courthouse until 1850. (See ₄)

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Grey Abbey

With Affreca My thoughts were with Affreca, Wife of , who raised Grey Abbey in thanks-giving for safe landing after a fearful storm at sea. The only woman to found a Cistercian monastery.

I took away a great feeling of peace and tranquility. I yearned for the monks simple life, a far cry from the material life we live today. I imagine it rugged, spartan, frugal, But somehow happier, more fulfilling. Jean Maxwell

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Whetting the Appetite My first visit to the ruins of Grey Abbey was not a success. The visitor centre and ruins were closed but rather than go home empty– handed I walked through the old graveyard reading epitaphs and spent some time peering through the railings at the jewel that was just beyond my reach. My appetite was whetted and I soon returned to spend an afternoon exploring the ruins and the story of the Abbey and its monks.

Strange that a year ago I was unaware of the existence of the ruins but now Grey Abbey has shot into my top ten of places to visit in Northern Ireland. The ruins suggest a real feeling of what life must have been like for the monks. The herb garden, with lavender, rosemary, calendula and other medicinal plants is a delight. The Abbey ruins are highly atmospheric and evocative and on a still, late summer’s evening, if you close your eyes, you can imagine a procession of white monks, summoned from the fields for worship. Heather Thompson

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he village of on the eastern shores of Lough derives its name from Grey Abbey, a Cistercian abbey- T monastery. The Cistercian order was founded in 1098 in the Burgundy region near Dijon. The monks followed the Rule of St. Benedict and believed in poverty and a frugal diet, valuing manual labour in the fields, self-sufficiency and reading. They were often known as the white monks due to their white robes worn with a black scapular.

Grey Abbey was founded by Affreca, daughter of Godred Olafsson, the King of Man, and wife to John de Courcy the Anglo–Norman conqueror of the province. Legend has it that Affreca founded the Abbey in thanks for surviving a rough sea crossing. The Abbey was colonised by Cistercian monks from Cumbria with whom they maintained links for many years. The Abbey was the first truly Gothic structure in Ireland and the Latin name for the Abbey – lugum Dei – means yoke of God.

Almost completely destroyed during the invasion of in 1315, the Abbey was dissolved in 1541 during the reign of Henry V111. At this time the property was granted by royal charter to Gerald, Earl of .

In 1572 Brian O’Neill burned the Abbey and it remained unused until the 17th century when it was given a new roof and used as a parish church until 1778. By the late 18th century the by now derelict ruins were a feature of the parkland around Rosemount House, the home of the wealthy Montgomery family.

The monks of the old Abbey were skilled in the use of plants and practised medicine. Today the ruins feature a carefully recreated herb garden with over 50 types of medicinal plants and herbs that would have been used by the . On the walls can be seen an effigy of a knight dating to c1300 and an effigy of a woman in thick robe which is reputed to be a likeness of Affreca but is more likely to be the Virgin Mary as all Cistercian Abbeys were dedicated to her. (See ₅)

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Nendrum Monastery

By the Round Tower On top of a hill, on Mahee Island, with scenery to die for, are the remains of Nendrum Monastery. The Round Tower, Church and Sundial demand your attention. On the drive down the scenery is breathtaking. Rolling fields and an abundance of wildlife; gulls, oyster catchers, badgers, Foxes and rabbits. What's not to like? On the narrow roads, with water on both sides you almost feel that you are on a boat. When you get there, wander in peace among the old graves with their unknown histories. The feeling of peace is wonderful and weather permitting, a lovely place to picnic. By the Round Tower, you can picture in your mind, Benedictine monks silently working the land. Tending the vegetable plots, orchards and gardens. Then, later, retreat to the Church to chant their prayers. As peaceful as the sound of the land. Bliss! Alison McCullough

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Nendrum Monastery

endrum monastic site was founded in the 5th century (although there is uncertainty about the date) on Mahee N Island on by St. Machaoi, Mo Chaoi. His proper name was Caolán and tradition has it that he was appointed by St. Patrick. It is thought to be the best example of a pre-Norman monastic site in Northern Ireland.

Today the area is a quiet, isolated retreat but in the 6th century it was a bustling location, easily reached by boat. A tide mill dated to the year 619 was discovered on the island making this the oldest excavated tide mill anywhere in the world.

There are no excavated finds indicating occupation earlier than the 7th century, but from 639 onwards the annals record the deaths of Nendrum clergy, including , abbots and a scribe. This suggests an active and probably populous monastery. An early litany reports ‘nine times fifty monks under the yoke of Mochoe of Noendruim’, presumably at Nendrum and perhaps ‘daughter’ monasteries.

Nothing much is recorded about the monastery after 976 when the Abbot of Nendrum was consumed (believed burned) in his own domain, probably the result of a Viking raid, a frequent occurrence on Strangford. In the late 12th Century John de Courcy presumed to make it over to the monks of an English Abbey, and a small Benedictine cell was established.

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However, in 1306 Nendrum was recorded as a parish church until it was abandoned in the 15th century for a new site at the village of . It was then lost until rediscovered in 1844 by , Church of Ireland Bishop of Down, Connor and Dromore, while visiting the island, whereupon he recognised the round tower.

Nendrum Monastery is a magical spot, a beautiful island accessible by bridges, with walls and heavenly views. The Monastery comprises three concentric dry-stone walled enclosures with evidence of industrial work outside, including tidal mill and landings.

Little is known from excavation about the outer cashel, but there may have been a gate-keeper’s hut and a guest house nearby. Early monasteries offered hospitality to travellers but kept them at a distance from the innermost parts of the site. The rest of the outer enclosure may have contained houses for monastic tenants and fields that were used for sustenance.

The middle enclosure contained remains of huts, perhaps living quarters, a school and workshops used by the monks for bronze and other work.

The central, most sacred enclosure, has a church ruin with sundial, a graveyard and the remains of a round tower. The round-tower stump, recognised by Reeves, was restored by Lawlor. Originally it may have stood 50 to 60 feet high, built perhaps in the 10th century, and used as the monastic belfry and safe refuge for people and treasures in times of trouble.

The monastic site was largely self-sufficient and included orchards, herb gardens, pastures, arable fields, and a guest house. A summer cottage with driveway, built on the site in the early 20th century has been retained for use as a visitor centre. (See ₆)

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Downpatrick Cathedral

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Three Visits to Visit One A thirteen year old girl, on a camping trip with the Girl Guides, goes on a day trip to . The first thing that strikes her, on entering the town is the towering Cathedral, floating on top of the hill. Its striking appearance entrances her, draws her to it. She's a bit of a punk rocker and the gothic, haunting appearance is right up her street. Amazed to find the Cathedral doors wide-open she sneaks in, out of the rain. Silence is her greeting. She feels as if she is being scrutinised by the saintly figures, cast in the stained glass windows, each with their own stories to tell. Under her feet she notices the ancient graves of the venerate. She can't decide if it is nice or a little bit creepy to be buried under-foot in a Cathedral but she side-steps them just the same. The rows of handsome, freshly polished wooden pews look comfortable and she sits to rest a minute. Glancing from side to side she notices the confession boxes and suspects that there may be someone inside. Feeling that she may be eaves-dropping she quietly sneaks out to meet the rest of the guides.

Visit Two A married couple leave home one day for a day trip. After a little dithering the wife eventually decides she'd quite like to visit Downpatrick. On arriving they park the car in the town and make the journey up the unforgiving hill on foot to the Cathedral. It's a lovely day and the views of the Mournes are stunning. They come to the graveyard and as they wander around they come upon St. Patrick's grave, marked by a huge granite slab sourced from the Mournes and placed there as a memorial by the Naturalist Field Club in 1900. A placard beside the grave tells the story of St. Patrick. The couple find the story interesting; captured and brought to Ireland he was sold into slavery. After eventually escaping to France he is called back to Ireland in a dream. Patrick answered the call and brought Christianity to Ireland. Before leaving, the couple decide to have a look in the Cathedral, but alas the doors are closed.

Visit Three A primary school boy asked his mum and dad if they could take him and his pals to visit Downpatrick. The boy explains that they were

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learning about St. Patrick in school and apparently his grave is in the grounds of the Cathedral and they would like to take some photos for the school project. The parents agree and off they set. On arrival the boys scamper off to explore the graveyard. Before long there are shouts of 'found it, bring the camera, mum'. Photos are duly taken and then the moment of anticipation. Would the Cathedral be open to have a look around? This was their lucky day for not only was it open but a choir was in full voice, filling the chamber with sound of angels. Amazing. On leaving the boys raved about the acoustics. What a great place this would be for a pop concert. Alison McCullough

Have I got this straight? Let me see if I've got this straight. The guide told us that Down Cathedral was built after the death of St. Patrick in 461. He explained how it came to be where it was. Phew! Those two oxen who hauled Patrick's poor body those two miles and up thon hill must have been near deaths door, as well. Sure, I near died from the excursion of it myself, making my way up to the grave. I felt as if I had joined that long line of pilgrims who since the 11th Century, have crawled up hills, on their hands and knees. Now, that was after that John de Courcy had ousted the Augustine Canons in favour of the , and made this his headquarters in 1188.

Then the church got hammered by Bruce in 1316. Then, there was suppression and dissolution in 154, but it survived to be consecrated in 1818.

I was taken with the flags, preserved for the company of volunteers formed in 1779. Being so old they smelled a bit fusty, but don't let that put you off a visit. Around the walls can be seen plaques with the coat of arms of County Down families.

The Cathedral was spruced up in the 1980's at a quare expense. Maisie Troupe

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Down Cathedral

athedral Hill in Down has been a focus of Christian worship for almost as long as Christianity has been in Ireland. Tradition has C it that St. Patrick brought the faith to the country in the early part of the 5th century. Patrick was a North Briton who was captured by a party of raiding Irishmen and brought to Ireland as a slave. During his years of captivity, he spent much time in prayer and would say as many as one hundred in a day, as he tells us in his Confession.

However, after six years of slavery and hardship, he escaped and boarded a ship, and was in due course re-united with his family. Patrick then tells of a dream in which a man named Victoricus brings him a letter, headed 'The Cry of the Irish.' Whilst reading it, in his imagination he heard voices calling: 'Holy Boy, we are asking you to come and walk among us again'. This is Patrick's own story, told in his Confession.

Patrick landed at Wicklow and travelled northwards, eventually landing near Saul. Here he met the local chieftain, Dichu, whom he converted to Christianity and who gave him a barn as his first church.

The present Church of Ireland church at Saul, 2 miles from Down Cathedral, was built in 1932 to commemorate the fifteen hundredth anniversary of Patrick's arrival. Patrick spent many years travelling among the Irish, converting people to Christianity, consecrating bishops and founding churches.

Nearing the end of his life, Patrick returned to Saul but let it be known that he wished to die in . He began to make his way there, but was interrupted, however, by the angel Victor telling him to return to Saul. There, in his last moments, he was tended by Bishop Tassach of Raholp. His burial bore a tremendous sense of drama: 'Let two, untamed oxen be chosen and let them go wherever they will with the cart that carries your body and wherever they stand still, there a church in honour of your body shall be erected'. Untamed oxen were chosen and they steadily drew the cart containing the holy body placed on their necks and, guided by the will of God, they went out to Lethglaisse (Down) where Patrick lies buried.

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The exact burial spot is uncertain but a Memorial Stone, a slab of granite from the Mountains, put in position by the Belfast Naturalists' Field Club in 1900, marks his grave.

In the Early Christian period, Down was the seat of the kings of the Dal Fiatach, the Irish people who occupied the southeast of modern County Down. The first bishops would have been members of this family and they would not have exercised any jurisdiction beyond their own territory.

The year 753 marks the earliest reference to the death of an Abbot of Down. From this date onwards a fairly complete succession of abbots and bishops of the Celtic Monastery which occupied the Hill can be traced.

The Monastery was plundered by Vikings on a number of occasions. By 1016 there was a stone church and round tower, subsequently burned by lightning.

The Round Tower was pulled down in 1790 and its masonry incorporated in the restoration of the Cathedral. In the Celtic Church, the possession of the tomb of an illustrious saint was an important factor in the growth and wealth of a monastery. Pilgrims flocked from all over Ireland - and farther afield - to worship at the shrine of St. Patrick. Little wonder, therefore, that after the Normans came to Ireland, John de Courcy, set out for Down to conquer the north and possess the tomb of St. Patrick. This was in 1177, when de Courcy ousted Rory Macdunleavy, the last king of the Dal Fiatach.

As was customary at that time, de Courcy founded a number of monasteries in Down and elsewhere, but chief among these was the Benedictine Monastery on Cathedral Hill, which, in deference to the local people, he dedicated to St. Patrick. He invited monks from St Werburgh's in to provide the first Prior and to become the founding community.

By now, the tradition of the hill being the burial place of s aints, Brigid and Columcille had been added to the canon, giving rise to the well-known couplet: In Down, three saints one grave do fill, Patrick, Brigid and Columcille.

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The main walls of the Cathedral date from after 1220 when the church was rebuilt again. It was subject to further destruction during the wars with Edward Bruce in 1316 and finally, on the suppression of the monasteries in 1541, the Cathedral was laid to waste.

Notwithstanding its ruinous state, which lasted until 1790, King James I granted a Charter to the Cathedral in 1609, providing for a Dean and Chapter. The Charter also decreed that the Cathedral should be dedicated to the Holy Trinity, as the former Celtic church had been before the arrival of de Courcy. Rather than lose the connection with Patrick, the name began to be used for the growing town, which assumed the name Downpatrick.

Although successive deans continued to be installed within the ruined walls, there were no funds to rebuild the Cathedral until 1790 when Wills Hill, the Earl of Hillsborough (and afterwards first Marquess of Downshire), along with the then Dean, the Honourable and Reverend William Annesley, provided the impetus to commence the restoration.

It is apparent from the records that Divine Service was held in the Cathedral prior to 1818, but it was not until that year that it was consecrated. The tower was completed in 1829.

Since the Church of Ireland was disestablished in 1870, the Cathedral Chapter found itself totally disendowed and without funds the Cathedral has had to rely on voluntary subscriptions for its upkeep and maintenance.

Extensive renovations took place in 1986/7. Attacks of rot were so extensive that the Cathedral Board decided to remove almost the entire interior plaster walls and vaulting. What the visitor sees now is an almost entirely new interior, a replica of that which it replaced. The cost was upwards of £750,000, raised voluntarily.

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Chronology 432 Arrival of Patrick in Ireland 461 Death of Patrick 753 Death of Scannlan first recorded Abbot 1016 A stone church and round tower burned by lightning 1148 Death of Malachy, first reforming Bishop 1177 Arrival of John de Courcy 1183 Founding of Benedictine Monastery dedicated to St. Patrick 1220 Monks petition Henry III, referring to the building of their Cathedral 1316 Cathedral plundered during Bruce wars 1541 Suppression and dissolution of monasteries 1609 Grant of Charter to Cathedral by James I 1790 Commencement of restoration by Wills Hill, first Marquess of Downshire and Dean William Annesley 1818 Cathedral consecrated for Divine Worship 1829 Completion of tower 1870 Disestablishment of Church of Ireland and consequent loss of endowments by the Cathedral 1958 Revival of 's Day Pilgrimage Service 1986/87 Complete restoration at a cost of £750,000 (See ₇)

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Struell Wells

Holy, Holy, Holy Cramped, winding roads, just outside Downpatrick, in the of Struell, Lead to four Holy Wells.

What peace exudes those Holy Stones, Where so many pilgrims throughout the ages have sought cures for their ills.

It's recorded, that the great St. Patrick stood in the shadows of the night, singing psalms and spiritual songs, in the Holy Waters.

Many came to do penance for their sins, Circling the sharp stones of the penitent ring, On their knees, then prayed and bathed.

Today we are greeted by evidence, of Holy Relics, Prayer requests and pictures of loved ones, requiring dispensation, or cures for the ills of this modern world.

The sacred atmosphere of these Holy Cloisters is difficult to leave, and only the lure of lunch hastened our exodus from this beautiful place. Joanne Young

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Struell Wells

n ancient spa may be the least likely early Christian site that visitors would expect to come across on a quest for St. A Patrick. However these particular Wells, in a field near Saul are closely associated with the Irish saint.

According to a 9th century legend, a naked St. Patrick immersed himself repeatedly in the ice cold waters of the well for a whole night to “Christianise” it, as it was renowned for its healing properties and its use in ancient pagan rites. Between immersions he rested on nearby rocks, citing psalms. This rock formation came to be known as St. Patrick’s Chair and can still be seen today.

The ‘Drinking Well’ was known as a Slán or healing well years before Christianity began to spread across Ireland. In those days there were many pagan rites associated with the well and bathing at the midsummer solstice was one ritual enjoyed by men and women together. The bathing ritual was adopted after St. Patrick had blessed the well and allowed it to be used by Christians seeking miracle cures, especially at the eve of the feast of St. John (24rd June).

The ‘Eye Well’, ‘Limb Well’ and ‘Body Well’ are small stone buildings that appeared at a much later stage, probably around 1700; the Limb Well being the women’s Bathhouse and the Body Well, the men’s. These buildings don’t have their own wells but are fed by a system of culverts that channel the water from the original well.

Believed to be curative for body and soul, the wells drew a constant stream of pilgrims from the 11th century up to the 19th century, when visits to the Wells declined.

The modus and rituals changed over the centuries to become more severe as penitents came to seek God’s forgiveness for their sins, some of them for very serious digressions. Penitents would walk barefoot or crawl on their knees, carrying stones and boulders on their necks and make their way up and down the hill, repeating this many times and over several days, up to a week. After completing their penance they tended their bloodied knees by visiting one of the hospitality tents that beckoned with spirit refreshments and jollity.

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Although there were designated bathing houses for each sex, both men and women would often strip in the open and bath together. This came to be frowned upon and in the 19th century the forbade this particular ritual.

Struell Wells has held a fascination not just for Catholics but for Protestants also, although in smaller numbers. Apart from the well huts and bathing houses, the ruin of a small church building can be seen in the grounds but it is not clear who erected it or when.

A report of M.M. Kertand (1836) stated that the building of a new chapel was halted and portions of the walls were pulled down and that the then landowner Lord de Clifford came over from on a chance visit to his lands and stopped the build. In a 1928 report by Rev. L. Mckeown it was said that a mob lead by Thomas Brereton, Protestant Curate of Down and a “firebrand” named McComb went to Struell and “tore down the roof of the old chapel”. (See ₈)

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Inch Abbey

efore 800, when Celtic tribes were living in an area of the Quoile River Marshes, which was known as Inis Cumhscraigh B there could be found groups of Celtic monks, who were leading a severe monastic life in service to their faith.

They were known to be stubbornly self-sufficient and not mindful of any authority other than God's. However, being situated on the bank of the river, their settlement was vulnerable to attack and as it grew in size, importance and prosperity, it was preyed upon by marauding Vikings, who, after plundering the food stores and the chapel for its iconic treasures of great craftsmanship, set fire to the timber buildings. One raid in 1002 was reportedly led by Sitric, King of the . Another great plundering by Vikings happened in 1149.

Later a new landlord arrived from across the and subdued any rebellious stirrings in the wider area with sword and fire. John de Courcy, a Norman knight, wanted to ensure that his ownership of the

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land and the people was not questioned and in 1177 the small Abbey of Erinagh, 3 miles further south of Inis Cumhscraigh, became another victim of his heavy-handed stewardship. However, John de Courcy’s pious wife, Affreca, was appalled by the destruction of a religious site and she implored her husband to make amends. As atonement de Courcy ordered the building of a new Abbey in 1180, in the hollow of two soft hills or and near the site of the Early Christian earthwork enclosure, consisting of a cloister, a church and several utility buildings, as well as an infirmary were constructed.

Inch became the home of Cistercian monks from the Furness Abbey in Lancashire, as well as survivors of Erinagh. Monastic life at Inch thrived for over 200 years. In time the Abbey became rich and powerful, monks and lay brothers worked, prayed and together influenced religious thought in Ireland and beyond.

In 1380 Inch Abbey became a victim of politics as Parliament tried to shore up English influences by restricting membership to English or Anglicised Irish monks and the number of monks at Inch were much reduced. In 1404 the Abbey was burned but monastic order life continued until the Abbey was finally dissolved in 1541 and its lands granted to the Earl of Kildare.

Today it is difficult to image the scale and the appearance of the 12th and 13th century buildings. Of some, we have only some foundation stones defining the outlines like the floor plan of a blueprint.

Of the main church building only some of the Nave with its pointed windows still stands but it offers an insight into the grandeur and loftiness of the . The little niches, that once held wooden beams that supported floors and ceilings, now shelter flocks of crows. (See ₉)

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St. Malachy's

A Personal Insight Over the years I have spent many happy hours in the stylish and picturesque village of Hillsborough. My father’s family came from Hillsborough, and as a child, I remember Sunday visits to relations and I recall autumn drives to the outskirts to pick blackberries. We would arrive home with fingers stained purple, passing our harvest to Mum to turn them into pudding. In more recent years I often had business meetings in Hillsborough and yet, despite spending many hours in the village, I had not previously visited St. Malachy’s. The view approaching the church is impressive – a wide avenue of lime trees running up to the symmetrical building. The sunlight filtering through the trees made a dappled pattern on the grass in the middle of the avenue. The grounds were deserted and silence added a tranquil air to the atmosphere. I checked out the delightful bird bath, sculpted by Rosamund Praeger, where the ashes of Sir Hamilton Harty are buried. I have always loved Praeger's work, especially the statue of Lady Marie in the Gardens at Mountstewart, so it was good to add another of her works to my list of those seen. Before leaving the church I paused to look in the entrance porch where I saw a plaque which reads “To the glory of God and the memory of Captain Samuel J.C. Hutchinson who died 28th June 1932 aged 45 years. The lighting of this church was presented by his mother, sisters and brother”. Captain Hutchinson was my father’s cousin and my father’s name was also Samuel Hutchinson. It was a poignant reminder of Dad and his family. Heather Thompson

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St. Malachy's

our hundred years ago Hillsborough was nothing more than forest and swampland with a cluster of wattle huts close to a F narrow winding stream. Nearby were the ruins of an ancient chapel dedicated to St. Malachi (1094 – 1148), the first native born Irish saint to be canonized and who served as Archbishop of Armagh.

In 1573 Sir Moyses Hill, an officer in the army of Queen Elizabeth 1, arrived in Ireland. He gained possession of the village and began a process which would see the Hill family become one of the wealthiest and most influential families in all Ireland. Hillsborough is named after Arthur Hill who completed the building of Hillsborough Fort in 1650. There was a 17th century church on the site of the ancient chapel but by 1750 this was derelict. The present building stands on, or near, the site of a Church, erected by Peter Hill in 1636 and destroyed by fire in the Rebellion of 1641. In 1662 Arthur Hill built anew. This structure was later enlarged and beautified at enormous cost by Wills Hill, Earl of Hillsborough and

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First Marquis of Downshire, in whose lifetime the family reached the zenith of its wealth and greatness. The opening service was in 1773. The old dedication to St. Malachi was retained. Today the peculiar interest of the building is that it is one of the finest examples of Gothic Revival architecture, unspoiled by later renovation, in existence. The most notable external feature of the church is its three-story tower, capped by pinnacles set at the corners and rising at the centre, a soaring tower. The tower houses a clock with a peal of eight bells, cast by Rudhall of in 1772 and which are rung frequently for Divine worship and weddings. The graceful spire rises 210 feet from the ground, and, when floodlit, can be seen from miles around. On the face of the tower, two date stones with the Hill and Downshire arms, mark the episodes in the building's story. Internally, exceptionally fine wood working in the high pews, made of locally grown oak and designed for warmth before the introduction of church heating, and an octagonal pulpit, mark this church out as being of particular interest. The sanctuary paneling is of Lebanon Cedar while the east window contains the only glass in Ireland made after a design by Sir Joshua Reynolds, first President of the Royal Academy. The small organ in the South Transept was built by England, a pupil of Snetzler, in 1795. It originally stood in the hall of the Castle, and is associated with the name of Lady Arthur Hill, composer of 'In the Gloaming'.

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In the Church Grounds may be noted the bird bath marking the burial-place of the ashes of Sir Hamilton Harty (1879-1941). The sculpture is the work of Rosamund Praeger, born in Holywood and famous for Jonny the Jig. In 1836 the church was described as 111 feet by 90 feet in a cruciform shape with projections, built of whinstone, corniced and buttressed with freestone. The spire is made of freestone. The inside of the church is handsomely fitted with pews and there is a small gallery for the organ and choir. It holds 600 people. The church stands on the summit of a gentle slope in the centre of the village some 300 yards from the main street. The two entrance gates, each with 18th century stone-built lodges, sit either side of the screen through which can be seen the lawn leading to the church. The church underwent major restoration work between 1951 and 1956 and is now in excellent structural order but is essentially the same as when Wills Hill completed his work of enlargement and restoration in 1773. As with any building of considerable age, areas of the church and grounds have been modernised over time. (See ₁₀)

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Newry Cathedral

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Within Reach It is hard to believe that this imposing megalith with its pretty gardens occupy a place, That was originally swamp.

You could not fail to feel impressed by the sheer scale and magnitude.

How small I feel gawking at the shear brilliance of the leaded

Windows. The wonderful mosaics on walls and floors that I tread on.

Feeling like a trespasser as I approach the alter, humble.

Consumed by its magnificence, Relishing the tranquility.

That is within the reach of all those who congregate upon these pews. Tess Hughes

Pandora's Box An installation of high art, The Cathedral as gallery.

Stunning stained-glass windows, wonder -ful, mosaics on walls and floors.

Would it be sacrilegious to tread on these noble, crafted frescos?

I think not, but, just in case, I play it safe and step around them.

To touch the handle on the door of a Confessional box, as if I might open it, feeling guilty, knowing that I shouldn't.

So play it safe and don't, feeling fearful, that I might open up a Pandora's box. And then What? Best to leave well-enough alone! greg martin

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Newry Cathedral The Cathedral of St. Patrick and St. Colman

he stately gothic Cathedral of St. Patrick and St. Colman is regarded by all sections of the community, as Newry's finest T building. It is the parish church for Newry and the mother church of the Dromore Diocese. The original building, designed by Thomas J Duff, a native of Newry is unique in that it was completed before the passing of Catholic Emancipation in Ireland. Its dedication was the first ceremony of its kind in Ireland following the Roman Catholic Relief Act.

In its original form, the Cathedral was far from the imposing edifice that we treasure today, its total length when completed in 1829 was 120 feet long by 70 feet wide, standing back almost 60 feet from Hill Street. The interior was not decorated due to lack of funds and by 1836 it had cost £12,000, raised by subscription from people of all denominations. In 1851, the Most Rev Dr Michael Blake, who was the first Bishop to be consecrated in the Cathedral, decorated the interior, while his successor, the Most Rev Dr John Pius Leahy OP, purchased the massive bell.

The second phase of the Cathedral building was completed by the Most Rev Dr Thomas McGivern between 1888-1890 at a cost of £12,000. However, the Papal Envoy to Ireland, told Dr Leahy that the Cathedral was not in keeping with the dignity of the diocese and he charged Dr. McGivern with the task of enhancing the building. Two transepts were erected, a new sacristy was added to the rear and a new porch was built to the front. By 1890, the new bell tower, in which new joy bells were installed in 1898, was practically complete. In 1891, a High Altar was erected as a memorial to Dr. Leahy and the former altar was moved to St. Mary's Chapel. In 1891 an organ, donated by General Needham, MP for Newry, which was formerly in the Old Chapel, was also installed.

The third phase of the building of the Cathedral began in 1904. When completed in 1909, the nave had been extended 40 feet towards the main street and an addition of 30 feet to the rear made way for the new elevated sanctuary. The sacristy was removed and rebuilt. The side chapels of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph

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and their altars, the new tubular organ-installed in 1907, as were heating, electrical systems and general church furnishings.

The Cathedral was extended in length during renovations 1904-1909. The interior decoration exhibits some of the finest ecclesiastical art in that the mosaic artists have produced works not only of liturgical and artistic value but also of permanence and inestimable worth. The mosaics and marbles were begun in 1904 and the stained glass windows in the Sanctuary and Side Chapels were executed by Messrs Oppenheimer, , during 1908-1914.

When a large flour mill south of the Cathedral was destroyed by fire the site, which is now the Cathedral garden, was purchased. Although £30,000 had been raised for the renovation project a considerable debt still remained. By 1918 the Most Rev. Dr. Edward Mulhern, who was consecrated Bishop in the Cathedral in 1916, had the debt cleared. At the request of Dr. Mulhern, His Holiness Pope Benedict XV restored the Cathedral Chapter by a Decree, dated 25 April 1918. At this stage, the Cathedral ranked canonically as a Pro- Cathedral and was called St. Patrick's. After an appeal to Rome 1919 its status was raised to the rank and dignity of a Cathedral. By the same decree, the name of St. Colman was added to S. Patrick as joint titular "aeque principalis".

The Cathedral was further restored in 1989/90 to bring the Cathedral in line with the liturgical reforms promulgated by the Second Vatican Council. Designed by Felix Forte of McLean and Forte, Belfast the Sanctuary was extended towards the congregation where the altar would be in the best possible view from all parts of the Cathedral.

While most of the past splendour has been retained, it has been blended beautifully with the more modern additions, most of which were done by Domus Dei of Rome. The prayerful intimacy of the Cathedral was retained while the changes made it possible for greater participation by the people through good visibility, excellent sound, clear lighting and more space for movement.

Architecture The Cathedral is an architectural gem. Cruciform in plan, the whole structure possesses an architectural unity. It is built entirely of Newry granite with a graceful well-proportioned façade, a Norman

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arched doorway and octagonal twin Norman turrets. The square sculptured granite tower over the northern transept is entirely the work of local sculptors. A terrace of granite steps lead into it.

As one enters the Cathedral, one's eyes are immediately drawn to the magnificent Sanctuary with its steps of Botticino marble, carpeted in an Irish hand-woven burgundy-shade carpet with a Celtic design border matching the mosaic of the main aisle, opening up the Sanctuary on three sides to the people.

The tabernacle rests on a plinth of white marble with panels of Breccia Pernice between columns of Rosso Verona marble. The door, of handsome wrought gold beset with coloured jewels, is covered with a golden dome and sides. The two fine panels of the former reredos rest on plinths matching that of the tabernacle. They are mainly of Carrara and statuary marble, relieved by columns in Siena and Verde Alpi marble and by small panels in Porta Santa. They stand at angles to the tabernacle, the left carrying a beautiful sculpture of the Nativity and the right, a sculpture of Christ commissioning the Apostles. On either side is a marble seraph carrying a torch. In the front of the altar is a fine representation of Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper sculptured in Sicilian marble which was formerly in front of the High Altar erected in 1891 as a memorial to Dr. Leahy.

The beautiful pulpit in white statuary marble with a front panel depicting the Sermon on the Mount was erected by the Most Rev. Dr. McGivern in the 1888-90 building scheme and now forms part of the Sanctuary as it did then. The "Cathedra" or Bishop's chair is of white statuary marble blending in with the carved Carrara marble screens which divide the Sanctuary from the side chapels of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph which are also erected in Carrara marble with mosaics and marbles.

The Sanctuary columns are of polished stone, Newry grey and Balmoral red - and were polished during the latest renovation. The Cathedral walls from floor to ceiling, the Sanctuary floor and the passages in the nave, are entirely in mosaics. Set into the communion passage are three symbols signifying the Blessed Eucharist the Chi Rho, the Fish and the Pelican. (See ₁₁)

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Acknowledgements

₁ Extract from The 'Short History of Bangor Abbey' above is taken from 'Bangor Abbey Through Fifteen Centuries' by Canon James Hamilton M.A. ₂ uk ask,com/wiki ₃ Newspaper article from Newtownards Chronicle; editorial on Movilla burying ground 31 Aug 1872; Movilla Ghost 3 Apr 1886 ₄ www. Wikipedia.org www.oracleireland.com/Ireland/Countys/down/z- newtownards-priory.htm ₅ www. Wikipedia.org www.discovernorthernireland.com/Grey-Abbey- Greyabbey ₆ www. Wikipedia.org www.discovernorthernireland.com/Nendrum-Monastic- Site ₇ Extract from www.downcathedral.org ₈ Finbar McCormick- and Down Historical Society ₉ www.english-hero.com www. Wikipedia.org ₁₀ Reeves, Ecclesiastical Antiquitites, p45 www.hillsboroughparish.org.uk ₁₁ www.newrycathedralparish.org

Heritage Lottery Fund for Funding Seacourt Print Workshop for artistic guidance

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Many thanks to the Participants

Wise The BAP (Bangor Arts Project) YMCA

Glennis Benson Renee Campbell Veronica Bryson Joyce Christie Barbara Boyle Tess Hughes Terri Finnegan Rita Kent Pat Hawthorne Helen Lesley Drea Hodgins Jennifer Lesley Alison McCullough Jean Maxwell Berenice McDermott Irene McDonald Solimar Nogueira Maisie Troupe Ruth Parks Joanne Young Heather Thompson

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Holy Ground s

& Abbeys of County Down

North Down Community Network 5 Castle Park Road Bangor Co, Down BT20 4TF

028 9146 1386 www.ndcn.co.uk

Funded by the National Lottery through the Heritage Lottery Fund.

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