College

The National Monuments Service's description

On the S edge of the summit of a prominent rock outcrop overlooking the town of Cashel (TS061-025----) c. 300m to the S-SE. The cathedral (TS061-025003-) is located c. 15m to the N. The building of a hall for eight Vicars Choral is attributed to Archbishop Richard O'Hedian (1406-40) and is contemporary with the residential tower house (TS061-025004-) at the W end of the nave of the cathedral. The Vicars Choral consisted of both laymen and clerics who were appointed to assist in chanting the cathedral service. This is a long building, constructed of limestone rubble, roughly coursed, the western end consists of a chamber to the W, possibly a gatehouse and to the E a vaulted undercroft and galleried hall above. Excavations immediately W of the W gable uncovered the eastern pier of two periods of gateway, one pre-dating the college and one contemporary with it (Manning 1989, 46). The eastern end of the college is on a slightly different alignment and functioned as a two-storey dormitory with four ogee-headed windows in the S wall of each level, presumably lighting the eight bed spaces provided. The main hall contains a large fireplace, which is a later insertion, bearing the latin inscription 'E.S. ET E.H. ME FIERI FE[CERUNT]' which translates as E.S. and E.H. had me made. Manning (2000, 34) suggests that the initialled surnames refer to Sall and Hayden or Hackett. The oak floor, gallery and roof date to 1985 when the building was restored by the Office of Public Works. Prior to restoration the interior was excavated and finds of 17th-century date were recovered as well as evidence of earlier mortared walls (Manning 1986, 37). The undercroft is currently used to store and display carved stonework from the Rock and surrounding areas. A sheela-na-gig (TS061-025024-) is carved on an upper quoin on the S face of the SE angle of the E gable.

Compiled by: Jean Farrelly

Date of upload: 26 August 2011

References

Manning, C. 1986 St. Patrick's Rock: ecclesiastical site. In C. Cotter (ed.), Excavations 1985: summary accounts of archaeological excavations in Ireland, 37. Bray. Wordwell.

Manning, C. 1989 Rock of Cashel, St. Patrick's Rock: ecclesiastical. In I. Bennett (ed.), Excavations 1989: summary accounts of archaeological excavations in Ireland, 46. Bray. Wordwell.

Manning, C. 2000 The Rock of Cashel Co. Tipperary. Dublin. Dúchas The Heritage Service, Department of Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands.