Church

The National Monuments Service's description

Church described in 1840 as following; ‘Of the old church of Robertstown, situated in the townland of that name, the walls are perfect. It is 37 ft. [11.27m] long by 19½ [5.85m] in breadth. The window on the East gable which is now disfigured, was formed of brown cut stone on the outside, as appears from 5 of the stones which remain on the north side: these stones have the appearance of great age. On the S. side wall, 2 feet [0.6m] from the E gable, there was another window, which is now completely disfigured. The door-way situated on this wall 8 ft. 8 in. [2.64m] from the west gable, is broken on the inside. On the outside where it is in the pointed style and formed of cut limestone, it is 6 ft. [1.8m] high by 3 ft. [0.9m] in width. On the North wall there was another doorway, the sides of which are broken away; the arches remain both inside and outside, being formed of thin stones. The walls are about 14 ft. [4.26m] high, 3 ft. [0.9m] in thickness and built of large irregularly laid with lime and sand mortar. There is a large graveyard, not much in use at present attached to this church’ (OSL vol. 2, 12).
Westropp gives the following details on Robertstown Church; ‘A parish in Shanid. Capell Roberti Guer, 1291; Castell Rob de Gore, or Gauyr, and Capell Robti Gore, 1410. Castri Robti Goer, 1452 (rental). The prioress of St. Catherine (Old Abbey) failed to present Norman fitzRichard to this church, 1306. The prioress of St. Kathine de Okonyl has presentation to the vicarage of Roberdes Castel Goer chapel, 1318 (Plea. R. 119 of xi Ed. IL, m. 18). Ballyrobert impropriate to crown in right of Monastery of Negelagh, 1584 (Desmond Roll). It was probably founded by the earlier Robert de Guer, who lived 1201-1220. The later Robert Guer was living 1290-1310; each was contemporary of a Robert Dundonell; the earlier of these founded Castle Robert Dundonill church’ (Westropp 1904-5, 394-5).

Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of upload: 4 October 2018

References

Westropp, T.J. 1904-5 A survey of the ancient churches of Co. Limerick. Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy 25C, 327-479.

OSL - Ordnance Survey Letters. Letters written by members of the Ordnance Survey's 'Topographical Department' (T. O'Conor, A. O'Curry, E. Curry, J. O'Donovan and P. O'Keeffe) sent to headquarters from the field (1834-41). MSS in Royal Irish Academy.