Architectural fragment

The National Monuments Service's description

19th century C of I church standing in W quadrant of graveyard (KD017-011007-) probably located on site of medieval church (KD017-011003-). Punch-dressed stone corbel from medieval church reused as gravemarker a few metres E of NE angle of C of I church. The under side of the corbel has deep pock-marked surface the result of punch dressing. The current S side face of the corbel is decorated with a traceried window carved in relief onto the face of the stone corbel. According to Bradley et al (1986 vol. 4, 417-8), the earliest reference to the church of Rathangan is in 1297 when its vicar, Richard, is mentioned. The church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was described in 1306 as a prebend of the diocese of Kildare. Historical references to its clergy indicate that it was in use throughout the Late Medieval period, but it had fallen into disrepair in 1744 when Robert, Earl of Kildare, left £200 in his will for rebuilding the church.

Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of upload: 3 March 2016

References

Bradley, J., Halpin, A., and King, H.A. 1986 Urban Archaeological Survey - County Kildare (4 vols.). Unpublished report commissioned by the Office of Public Works, Dublin.