Ecclesiastical site

The National Monuments Service's description

According to the OSL (Herity 2002, 23 (65)), 'This Parish (Kill) is under the patronage of Saint Bridget, whose church 'Cill Brighde' (Cella S. Brigidae) from which the parish took its denomination, stood either on the site of, or near the Protestant Church …'. Bradley et al (1986 vol. 3, 296-8) agree that St John's Church is the most likely location for the possible early monastic foundation, of which no visible surface trace survived, apart from a long, sweeping bend in the road, to SW, W and N of the church, which may reflect the line of a former early ecclesiastical enclosure. In 1993, pre-development archaeological test-trenching (Licence no. 93E0059) in this area led to further testing in 1996 (Licence no. 96E079) and the discovery of portion of the enclosing fosse of a probable ecclesiastical enclosure (KD019-008007-). However, the precise locations of an associated church or subsequent Anglo-Norman church (KD019-008006-) are unknown, but a late medieval font (KD019-008005-) lies outside the N door of the 19th century Protestant church.

Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy

Date of upload: 10 June 2011

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 Unpublished report commissioned by the Office of Public Works, Dublin.

Herity, M. (ed.) 2002 Ordnance Survey Letters Kildare. Dublin. Four Masters Press.