Cathedrals, Christ Church and St. Patrick's

**

Cathedrals** **

Cathedral of St. Patrick.**

The Cathedral dedicated to this celebrated Apostle of Ireland, was built by John Comyn, Archbishop of Dublin, in 1190; for which purpose, he received many munificent grants. It is supposed, that on the same site there stood a chapel built by the saint himself in the year 448. The founder of this church created 13 Prebendaries, which number was increased to 15 by Henry de Loundres, Archbishop of Dublin, about the year 1220, who also appointed a Dean, Chanter, and Chancellor, and modelled its government on that of the English cathedrals.

About one hundred years after the death of Henry de Loundres, through the shameful negligence of the cathedral servants, this noble edifice was completely burned down. But, in less than two years after, it was rebuilt, and the steeple and spire added, of which Archbishop Minot laid the foundation stone, 1370. In the reign of Philip and Mary, 1555, the rights and privileges of this cathedral were established. The chapter was appointed to consist of the dean, two archdeacons, a chancellor, treasurer, 22 canonical prebendaries, six inferior canons, 16 vicars-choral, and six choristers.

The building consists of a nave, transept, and choir: the former, which is 130 feet in length, has two side-aisles, much decayed, and wanting considerably of their original elegance, but kept remarkably neat. They communicate with the centre of the nave by large pointed arches of a particularly beautiful style, supported by plain octagonal pillars. The nave is lighted by a very large window in the western end, over the grand entrance.

On one side of the centre stands a handsome monument to the memory of Doctor Thomas Smyth, Archbishop of Dublin, who died in 1771; and immediately opposite, that of Dr. Narcissus Marsh, a man remarkable for piety, learning; and liberality. He filled the situations of dean, provost, bishop, archbishop, and, finally, primate of all Ireland. Before his death (which happened Nov. 2nd, 1713, at the age of 75), he bestowed on the public a magnificent collection of books. This monument was originally erected against the side wall of the library; but, suffering much from the effects of the weather, it was removed hither. It consists of a canopy, ornamented with drapery, of white marble, and two handsome Corinthian columns, between which is a Latin inscription.

Archbishop Smyth’s monument consists of two columns of the Ionic order, supporting all entablature and semi-circular pediment, on which rests a mitre ; the centre of the pediment is occupied by the bishop’s arms; underneath stands a large urn of white marble inserted in a niche, and below the urn, a bas-relief head. This magnificent monument, which cost upwards of 1,500*l, *was designed by Van Nost, and executed by his pupil, John Smyth.

On the north side of the nave, attached to one of the pillars, is a handsome monument of white marble, to the memory of the Earl of Cavan, who died Nov. 2nd, 1778, aged 56. A sarcophagus supports a figure of Minerva, surrounded by military emblems. Behind, an urn is seen, resting on a column, against which is suspended a medallion of the deceased Earl.

On the south side of the mave, and near St. Patrick’s gate, a handsome monument of white marble is affixed to one of the columns, dedicated to the memory of John Ball, Esq. Serjeant at Law; who died the 24th of August, 1810, in the 60th year of his age.

On the same column, and only a few feet lower, is a white marble slab, to the memory of Mrs. Hester Johnson, on which is inscribed,

Underneath lie the mortal remains of Mrs. Hesther Johnson, better known to the world by the name of STELLA, under which she is celebrated in the writings of Dr. Jonathan Swift, Dean of this cathedral. She was a person of extraordinary endowments of body, mind, and behaviour. Justly admired and respected by all who knew her, on account of her many eminent virtues, as well as for her great natural and acquired perfections. She died January 27th, 1727-8, in the 46th year of her age, and by her will bequeathed one thousand pounds towards the support of a chaplain to the Hospital founded in this city by Dr. Stevens.

At the western gate, is the monument of Michael Tregury, Archbishop of Dublin, who died in tile year 1471, and left a pair of organs to St. Mary’s Chapel. On the tomb stone, which is a slab of granite, seven feet long and four broad, set upright in the wall, the Archbishop is represented with his pontifical habit and crosier. **

Swift’s Monument**. - On the column next that to which the monument of Mrs. Hester Johnson is fixed, is that of Dean Swift, with an inscription, expressive of that hatred of oppression, and love of liberty, which his other writings breathe, for it was written by himself.

Hic depositum est corpus

JONATHAN SWIFT, S. T. D.**

**Hujus Ecciesiae Cathedratis Decani,

Ubi saeva indignatio

Ulterius cor lacerare nequit.

Abi Viator

Et imitare, si poteris,

Strenuum, pro virili,

Libertatis vindicatorem.

Obilt l9 die mensis Octobris, A.D. 1745.

Anno Aetatis 78.

Immediately over this monumental tablet, is a well executed bust of Swift, by Cunningham, placed there in 1776, by S. Faulkner, the original printer of his works, who at first intended to place this admirable specimen of statuary in the front of his house, in Essex-street.

To the left of the entrance, called St. Paul’s Gate affixed to the pillar next the doorway, is a small marble slab, to the memory of Alexander M’Gee, servant to the celebrated Dean.

At the north-west end of the south aisle, is the vault where the remains of the Rev. S. W. Keating, late Dean of St. Patrick’s, who died May 6th, 1817, aged 47, are entombed.

In the north aisle, and near the steeple, is the monument of Richard Meredith, D.D. Bishop of Leighlin and Ferns, and once Dean of this cathedral, who died Aug. 3rd, 1597. The tomb dedicated to his fame was destroyed in the revolution of 1688, when the church was converted into a barrack for the military, by order of James II.; but a second tomb has since been erected, a little to the east of its former situation.

Not far from this is a monument to the memory of Doctor Martin, Prebendary of St. Patrick’s, and rector of Killeshandra.

The monument of the Earl of Rosse consists of a pedestal supporting a bust of white marble.

There are some other monuments, for which those who desire information are referred to Mason’s History. At the north-west angle of the aisle, is the door-way leading to the steeple, which was erected in 1370, at the instance, and owing to the zeal, of Archbishop Minot, who, on that account, adopted as a device upon his seal, a Bishop holding a steeple in his hand.

In 1749, Dr. Sterne, Bishop of Clogher, bequeathed 1,000l. towards the erection of a spire, which was executed, from the design of George Semple, Esq. The tower is 120 feet in height, and the spire 103, making, in all, from the ground to the ball of the spire, 223 feet. This spire, it will be supposed, is extremely conspicuous from every approach to Dublin, but, owing to the lowness of its situation, it is not visible in some of the outlets of the city. Within the tower, is suspended a ring of eight remarkably sweet-toned bells; on the first of which is the following appropriate motto: Duret illesa ad preces excitans, usque ad sonitum supremae, 1724.

Returning to the end of the nave, the entrance of the choir is reached, beneath a gothic arch-way of modern construction, over which, forming the division between the nave and choir, is the organ. This organ, universally acknowledged the finest-toned in Ireland, was generally thought to have been the workmanship of Smith, of Rotterdam, and was intended to be erected in the church of Vigo, in Spain; but at the moment of its arrival the Duke of Ormond made an attack on that town, at the head of the Allied fleet, and carried it off with other valuables. **

The Choir**.-The choir, which is 90 feet in length, including that portion of the nave where the four principal arches intersect, is the finest specimen of pointed architecture in the kingdom, richly decorated with niches and recesses, called commonly the Friars’ walks. The ceiling, which is composed of groined arches, was built of stone, but not long since was obliged to be removed, and its place supplied by one of stucco, exactly similar to the former, so that the choir presents the venerable appearance of an ancient cathedral, in its full splendor.

The choir was formerly roofed with stone flags, of an azure colour, and inlaid with stars of gold; but the weight of the roof being too great for the support beneath, it was removed, and discovered traces of 100 windows.

The exterior walls were supported by flying buttresses, with demi-arches; and there were niches in the walls, where statues of the saints were placed, but no traces of the niches or statues are to be found at this day.

Within the choir are the Archbishop’s throne, and Prebendal stalls, which are occupied by the knights of the most illustrious order of St. Patrick on Installation days. Over each stall are suspended the helmet and sword of the knight, and above the gallery, all round, are the banners of those who now enjoy the honour of knighthood.

The throne, stalls, and first gallery, in which are the Dean’s and Archbishop’s closets, are very appropriately ornamented with carved oak, and scarcely interfere with the architectural beauty of the interior.

A second gallery was erected previously to the installation in 1819, which greatly disfigures the appearance of the choir, and gives it rather the air of a theatre, than of a cathedral for divine worship. Notwithstanding this, the whole appearance of the choir, from its immense height, the dim light, the insignia of the order of St. Patrick, and the different monuments, is venerable, magnificent, and imposing. In the east end is the altar, at each side of which are tablets sunk in recesses, with the ten commandments in gilt letters, and the altar piece (from a juvenile design of Sir John Steevenson, Mus. Doc.) represents a curtain behind a large gothic arch, half-drawn, and just admitting a glory to the view; it is considered well executed, and has an admirable effect, being completely in character. **

Monuments in the Choir**. - Near the altar, on the south wall of the choir, stands the celebrated monument of Richard, Earl of Cork, erected in the reign of Charles I.; not more remarkable for its magnificence, and the enormous sum it cost, than for the political and ecclesiastical quarrels it was the occasion of. It having been first placed where the communion table now stands, Archbishop Laud complained to Lord Strafford, the Lord Lieutenant, which gave great offence to the descendants of the Earl of Cork, and to Lord Treasurer Weston, whose ancestor, Chancellor Weston, was interred here.

The upper part of the monument contains a figure of Weston, Dean of this cathedral, beneath an arch, in a cumbent posture. Beneath are two compartments, the one occupied by a figure of Sir Geoffrey Fenton, Secretary and Privy-councillor to Queen Elizabeth and James I.; and the other by his lady, Alice, daughter of Dean Weston; both in a kneeling attitude.

In the next lower chamber, are placed two figures, the one of the Earl and the other of the Countess, of Cork, in a recumbent posture; at their heads two of their sons are kneeling, in the attitude of prayer, and two in the same position, at their feet. In the lowest chamber are the Earl’s six daughters, with the figure of a child, supposed to be the celebrated Sir Robert Boyle, all in the attitude of praying.

Over the door leading from the Choir to the Chapter-house, is a monument, a figure in a leaning posture, of the Viscountess Doneraille, who died Dec. 3rd, 1761, and was interred in the vault of the Boyle family.

Opposite to the Earl of Cork’s monument, and at a considerable height, there is a black slab inserted in the wall, consecrated to the memory of the illustrious prince, Duke Schomberg, who was slain at the battle of the Boyne, in l690. (In a press in the Chapter-house, a skull, said to be that of Duke Schomberg, is still preserved; in the forehead of which is a circular aperture, made by the bullet which caused his death.)

There is here also a monument to Sir Edward Fiton, Lord President of Connaught, in old English characters, on a brass plate, with the arms engraved on pewter, and inlaid on the plate.

Archbishop Jones’s monument, although built in the style and manner of Lord Cork’s, is deficient in magnificence: it consists only of two chambers or stories, in one of which is the effigy of the Archbishop, and in the other Lord Viscount Ranelagh, with a number of figures kneeling, their hands raised in a suppliant manner.

Under the gallery there is a brass plate inserted in the wall, with an inscription, in obsolete English, to the memory of Sir Henry Wallop, of Southampton, ancestor of Lord Portsmouth, who was buried in this cathedral, in 1599.

Beneath the steps of the altar the Domvilles hare been interred, and not far from their burial ground, is the grave of Archbishop Talbot. In the choir of this cathedral also are deposited the remains of Brigadier Fitzpatrick, who, with 80 fellow passengers, was drowned near the Hill of Howth in the Bay of Dublin, in 1696, in attempting to cross the channel from Holy-head to Dublin, in the William packet.

In the aisle, to the south of the choir, is a monument to the memory of Mrs. Taylor, and some of her children. And another, to the memory of Baron William Worth, and his posterity; who was interred in the choir, 1682.

Over two small pointed arches in the choir, have lately been discovered the arms of King John, a crescent and star. These niches are supposed to have been the chairs of state. **

The Chapter House**. - The old Chapter House, or, as it was anciently called, St. Paul’s Chapel, occupies part of the southern transept, and was an elegant specimen of the interior beauty of this cathedral, until it was disfigured by a modern arch, introduced for the support of the walls which were in a tottering state; this is said to have been the prison of the Inquisition. Here the Dean had a throne, and the prebendaries stalls, and the banners of the deceased knights of tile illustrious order of St. Patrick were removed here from the choir, and added considerably to its picturesque appearance: it was ornamented also by a statue of the Marquis of Buckingham, dressed in the robes of the order, which was instituted during his government. (This statue is removed to the Royal Chapter House, formerly St. Mary’s Chapel.) **

St. Mary’s Chapel**, or Royal Chapter-house, at the east end of the choir, was, until lately, given up to the French Protestants, but has since been appropriated to its present use. It is a spacious apartment lighted by narrow lancet windows, but has undergone so many alterations, that its original character is entirely effaced. There were other chapels, but they are now buried in ruins.

The north entrance, or St. Nicholas Gate, was used as the parish church of St. Nicholas Without, until about 1780, when it was taken down. ‘n 1820, Dean Ponsonby obtained a grant from the Board of First-Fruits for its restitution, which is now nearly accomplished in a chaste and appropriate style. Upon the installation of the knights held here by his present majesty, August 28th 1821, the furniture of the old Chapter-house was removed to this chapel, which was fitted up with much splendour for the reception of its august visitor, and the chapter of the order.

‘The old Chapter-house remained unused, and while the cathedral was closed in the summer of 1824, Dean Ponsonby directed the old screen to be removed, and the floor to be lowered to the level of the great aisle; when in removing the rubbish it was discovered, that the original floor was nearly 18 inches lower, and upon a farther excavation, the altar steps of St. Paul’s chapel were found, composed of inlaid tiles, and in a very perfect state. By the lowest steps of the altar were found three stone coffins containing the bones of some prelates.

In the south aisle near to the door of the Royal Chapter House, is a statue of the Right Hon. George Ogle, erected by subscription. It is the workmanship of Smyth of Dublin. The site of this cathedral has been already spoken of as being injudicious, and not merely from its being so low, but from a small stream running by it, and under Patrick-street, that overflows after rain, and at one time inundated the cathedral; to obviate which inconvenience, the cathedral floor was raised (In excavating the floor of St. Paul’s Chapel, to reduce it to the level of the floor of the great aisles, the bases of the pillars have been exposed.), and consequently part of the pillars, supporting the pointed arches, buried; after which the street was raised, so that the cathedral floor is again lower than the external surface, which very much contributes to render it damp. Until a few* *years back, the side aisle to the east of St. Nicholas Gate, was completely filled with rubbish, and impassable; this was cleared away, and rendered one of the most elegant walks in the cathedral, and a quality of scaffolding which supported the roof of the nave, and totally obstructed the view, were also removed. These improvements were made by Dean Keating in 1814 and 1816. When the North Transept or St. Nicholas’s Gate, now rebuilding, shall be completed, this venerable edifice will be restored to the condition it was in when Sir James Ware asserted it to be preferable to all the cathedrals in Ireland for beauty and magnificence of structure, and for extent. **

The Deanery-House** - at a short distance from the cathedral, in the narrowest and filthiest part of Kevin-street, is a small, low, handsome building, with a small court yard in front. Here are portraits of all the deans of this cathedral; and from the portrait of Swift, by Bindon, which may be seen here, all the others of him have been copied. Dean Ponsonby is now opening Kevin-street from the Old Palace to the Deanery Gate, and he intends to clear away the old house between the court-yard and Patrick-street. **

Archiepiscopal Palace**. There were two palaces attached to the see of Dublin, one at a distance of four miles from town, and near the village of Tallagh, which is still in the possession of his Grace, but long since disused. The second is in Kevin-street, close to the Deanery-house. The Dublin palace was an exceedingly beautiful building, and but for its miserable site, would probably have yet continued to be the Archiepiscopal residence: it consisted of a centre and wings extending about 160 feet, with a spacious courtyard in front. This venerable edifice has been converted into a barrack for Horse-police.

For many years serious contentions existed between the Archbishops of Dublin and Armagh, on the question of primatial rights; which were ultimately decided in favour of the latter. **

Cathedral of Christ Church**

In the year 1214, the see of Dublin was united to that of Glendaloch, a village in the county of Wicklow, 27 miles from Dublin, which union still exists. To this see many valuable endowments were given by Innocent III., and by King John. The archbishop of Dublin was formerly a member of the privy-council of England: he had the rights and privileges of a prince palatine within the liberties of the Cross, and a gallows for* *the execution of criminals, within a mile of his palace, at a place called *Harold’s Cross, *on the south side of the city.

Archbishop King erected a handsome building in Kevin’s-street, where the seneschal held his court, but the consistory-court was held in St. Patrick’s cathedral.

A very remarkable circumstance relative to the diocese of Dublin is, that it contains two cathedrals, St. Patrick’s, and Christ-church or the *Blessed Tnnity. *The cathedral of Christ-church was built in 1038, by Sitricus, the Son of Amlave, King of the Ostmen of Dublin, and Donat or Dunan, the first Ostman bishop, who was buried in the choir, at the right-hand side of the communion table, 1074. This cathedral stands on a range of arches, erected by the Danes as stores for merchandize, and in these vaults, St. Patrick first appealed to the inhabitants of Dublin in behalf of the Christian religion.

It was at first called the cathedral of the *Holy Trinity, *and was erected for secular canons; but, in 1163, these canons were changed into Arroasians (so called from the diocese of Arras in Fanders). The chapel of St. Michael’s, formerly) attached to the cathedral, was built by Donat, who also built the chapel of St. Nicholas, on the north side of the cathedral, together with the transept and nave. The choir, the steeple, and two chapels, the one dedicated to St. Edmund, King and Martyr, and to St. Mary the White, and the other to St. Laud, were all built at the joint labour and expense of Archbishop Lawrence O’Toole (son of Maurice O’Toole, prince of Imaly), Richard Strongbow, Earl of Strigul, Robert Fitzstephens, and Raymond le Gross.

In the archives mention is made of a chapel in the south aisle adjoining the choir, formerly dedicated to the holy Ghost; but after the canonization of Archbishop Lawrence, it was generally called St. Lawrence O’Toole’s chapel. Anciently the prior and convent* *of Christ-church had a cell of the canons in the diocese of Armagh, endowed with the churches of St. Mary of Drumsalan, and of Philipston-Nugent. But Albert, Archbishop of Armagh, in consequence of the great distance from Christ-church, with the consent of the patron, suppressed the cell. The three immediate successors of Lawrence, were John Comyn, Henry Loundres, and Luke, who were also amongst the principal benefactors of this cathedral. The choir was built at the sole expense of John de St. Paul, Archbishop of Dublin, in 1658.

On the 11th January, 1283, John Derlington being then Archbishop of Dublin, a party of Scotchmen set fire to one side of Skinner-row, which communicating to the cathedral, destroyed the steeple, chapter-house, dormitory, and cloisters. In the year 1300 an agreement was made between the chapters of both cathedrals, Patrick’s and Christ-church, that each church should be called Cathedral and Metropolitan, but that Christ-church should have precedence, as being the elder church, and that the archbishops should be buried alternately in the two cathedrals.

On the 25th March, 1395, four Irish kings, after having performed their vigils and heard mass, received knighthood from Richard II., in the church of this priory, and were afterwards entertained by him at his own table: and in 1450, a parliament was held in the church by Henry VI.

In 1487 Lambert Simnell, the impostor, was crowned in this cathedral by the title of Edward VI. The crown used on this occasion was borrowed from a statue of the Virgin, which stood in the church of St. Mary les Dames, and shortly after he received the homage of the citizens in the castle.

In 1508 Robert Castele, alias Payneswick, a canon regular of the priory of Lanthony, was installd on the 4th of July, and the same year the staff of St. Patrick, which was brought hither from Armagh, as a relic of great estimation, was publicly burned. At this time the prior sat in the House of Peers, as a spiritual lord, but letters patent dated 10th May, 1541, changed the priory into a deanery and chapter, continued their former estates and immunities, and appointed the prior Payneswick the first dean. This new foundation consisted of a dean, chanter, chancellor, treasurer, and six vicars choral.

Archbishop Brown erected three prebends in this cathedral, in 1544, St. Michael’s, St. Michan’s, and St. John’s; and from this period, the cathedral has been called the cathedral of Christ-church, instead of that of tile Blessed Trinity. Edward VI. added six priests and two choristers, or singing boys, with an annual pension of 45l. payable out of his Majesty’s exchequer. Mary confirmed that grant, and added another gift out of her bounty, and James I. farther increased the revenues of the cathedral; so that in his reign, besides the officers already named, there were three prebendaries and four choristers. He also ordained that the Archdeacon of Dublin should have a stall in this cathedral, and a voice and seat in the chapter in all capitular acts relating to it.

In 1559, a parliament was held in a room in this cathedral, called the Commons’-house. On April 3rd, 1562, the roof of the church fell in, by which the monument of Earl Strongbow was much injured; but it was replaced shortly after, together with that of Earl Desmond, which was brought here from Drogheda.

In this cathedral were preserved the following religious relics: A crucifix, which had spoken twice; the staff of our Lord; St. Patrick’s high altar of marble, on which a leper was miraculously conveyed from Great Britain to Ireland; a thorn of our Saviour’s crown; part of the Virgin. Mary’s girdle; some of the bones of St. Peter and St. Andrew; the shrine of St. Cubius, &c.

We have already mentioned who first held the Deanery of Christ-church, to whom, up to the present time, about twenty deans have succeeded. In 1677, William Moreton, the tenth dean, was installed; but James II. appointed Alexius Stafford, a secular priest of the county of Wexford, dean, who, officiating as chaplain to the royal army, was slain at the battle of Aughrim, 1691; after which, Moreton resumed his duties, having previously been created Bishop of Kildare.-The eleventh dean was Welbore Ellis, who was installed 12th of November, 1705, and was also made bishop of Kildare, from which time the Deanery has been held in commendam with that bishopric.

This cathedral was originally in the middle of the city; and although Dublin has increased considerably in extent, it has preserved its relative position, being still about the centre. It is in the form of a cross, but so disfigured by buttresses built up against the side walls in various places, and indeed in such a ruinous condition altogether, that there are scarcely any remains of its former stateliness; nor does it any longer excite admiration as a specimen of architecture.

The grand entrance is in the western end of the nave, beneath a large window, in Christ-church-lane. A few years since, a door was opened in the southern wing of the transept, leading to Christ-church-yard, which is most conveniently situated for persons coming from the north end of the city; and there is also a door-way in John’s-lane, but these are now seldom used. **

The Nave**. - The present appearance of the nave is neither venerable nor imposing. The south side is comparatively of modern date; for the roof and side wall having fallen in, in 1562, the latter was replaced by a plain plastered wall; to commemorate which restoration of the cathedral, there is a stone inserted in the wall, nearly above Strongbow’s monument, bearing the following in” ucription

THE: RIGHT: HONORABL: T: ERL:

OF: SVSSEX: LEVTNT: THIS: WAL:

FEL: DOWN: IN: AN:1562. THE:

BILDING: OF; THIS: WAL: WAS.: IN: AN:

The length of the Nave is 103 feet, its breadth 25. The northern wall preserves still some traces of antiquity; having pointed arches of a peculiarly beautiful style; the pillars between which were composed of a number of small columns, with intervening mouldings, on which rested capitals of heads and foliage combined. High up, in the same wall, are still to be seen galleries, or, as they are more commonly called, Friars’ walks. The side aisle, on the north of the nave, is also part of the ancient cathedral, but is rather in a dilapidated state, and if it had not been supported on the outside by a strong buttress, would long since have fallen. In this aisle are two statues of Charles II., and James II., which formerly ornamented the front of the Tholsel, in Skinner-row, since taken down. In the corner, near these statues, is the coffin and tomb of Archbishop O’Toole; and at the south side of the nave, beneath one of the old pointed arches, is the door leading to the CliapterAtouse. **

Sir Samuel Auchmuty’s Monument**. - Close to the principal entrance is a truly classical monument by Mr. Kirk, to the late Right Hon. Sir Samuel Auchmuty, G. C. B. Commander of his Majesty’s Forces in Ireland, who died Aug 11th, 11th 1822, aged 64. It is principally of white marble of the purest kind. The monument consists of an excavated pedestal, surmounted in the back ground by a pyramid of white marble, relieved by a dove-coloured border. The bust of Sir Samuel is deposited in the square recess of the pedestal; and light being extremely good, this bust, which is in the broad style of modern sculpture, is seen to particular advantage, and is admirably relieved by effective light and shade. Over the bust, and in front of the pyramid, stands a figure of Victory, four feet high, in *Alto Believo, *having at the back a Grecian Tablet, adorned with the lotus at the edges of the frame.

It is impossible to view this noble figure without admiration: the position is expressive of grief, the countenance indicating that passion most forcibly and pathetically; and the left hand convulsively presses to the heart; a scroll, bearing the name of the illustrious warrior, while the right lets fall, from its relaxed nerves, the torch of life.

Prior’s Monument. - Near the door leading to the Chapter-house, is a beautiful and interesting monument, to the memory of Thomas Prior, Esq. distinguished for his benevolence, and for his friendship with Bishop Berkeley. Mr. Prior was so zealous in his efforts to serve his native land, that he wrote upon almost every article of produce and manufacture in Ireland; and he obtained a charter for the foundation of the Dublin Society, which has proved so beneficial to this country. He died, Oct. 21st, 1751, aged 71 and was interred in the church of Rathdowney in the Queen’s County, about 60 miles from Dublin; where a neat marble monument, bearing the family arms and surmounted by an urn, was erected to his memory.

The beautiful monument in this Cathedral, was erected at the expense of a number of admiring friends and patriotic characters. On the top is his bust, beneath which stand two* *boys, the one weeping, the other pointing to a bas-relief, representing Minerva conducting the Arts towards Hibernia.

Strongbow’s Monument. - Against the same wall, and near Prior’s monument, are two figures of hewn stone, the one representing a man in armour, the other a female figure lying by his side: they rest on a block of stone, about two feet high. These are said to be dedicated to the memories of Strongbow and his consort Eva. Over the monument, upon a slab sunk in the wall, is the following inscription:-

THIS : AVNCYENT : MONVMENT : OF : RYCHARD : STRANGBOWE :

CALLED : COMES: STRANGVLENSIS : LORD : OF: CHEPSTO :

AND : OGNY : THE : FYRST: AND: PRINCYPALL : INVADER :

OF : IRLAND : 1169 : QVI : OBIT : 1177: THE : MONVMENT :

WAS : BROKEN : BY : THE : FALL: OF THE : ROFF : AND :

BODYE : OF : CHRYSTES : CHVRCHE : IN : AN 1562 : AND :

SET : VP : AGAYN : AT : THE: CHARGYS : OF : THE : RIGHT :

HONORABLE : SR : HENIRI : SYDNEY : KNYGHT : OF: THE :

NOBLE : ORDER : L : PRESIDENT : WAILES: L: DEPVTY :

OF: IRLAND : 1570.

Archdall says, that Strongbow, having granted certain lands to the Abbey of the Virgin Mary in Dublin, directed that his remains should be interred in that place, because his brother Thomas had there taken the habit of the order, - Leland, in’ his Itinerary, states, that there is an inscription to the memory of Strongbow, Earl of Pembroke, in the cloisters of Gloucester Cathedral; but Giraldus de Barn, who accompanied Prince John to Ireland, in 1185, only eight years after the Earl’s death, expressly mentions that he was interred in this cathedral.

Monument of Lord Bowes. - John Lord Bowes, Chancellor of Ireland, was a man of considerable ability. He was a native of England, but pursued the profession of the law in this kingdom with great integrity and impartiality. Having passed through the several offices of Solicitor, Attorney General, and Lord Chief Baron, he was at the decease of Lord Jocelyn, raised to the peerage, and custody of the Great Seal; but never having married, the title is extinct. He presided in the House of Lords, in Ireland, with great dignity; and his eloquence was considered in the highest degree manly and persuasive. He died July 22nd, 1767, in his 76th year. His monument near that of Strongbow, is composed of statuary and variegated marble: a statue of Justice, as large as life, with her scales broken, and in an attitude of sorrow, is looking at a medallion, on which is a bas-relief head of his lordship. Van Nost, the sculptor, received 500l. for this piece of sculpture, and added much to his former reputation by the execution of the countenance, which is an excellent likeness. **

Lord Lifford’s Monument**. - Lord Lifford, High Chancellor of Ireland, expired in the month of April, 1789, at the age of 73, shortly after the violent debate in the Lords upon the regency question. Previously to his promotion to the Great Seal of Ireland, he had been one of the judges of the King’s Bench in England, and was indebted to his sincerely attached friend, Lord Camden, for his promotion. He was generally considered an excellent lawyer, and an impartial judge, and his patience and good temper on the bench were exemplary. A plain marble tablet is laid on a slab of variegated marble, of pyramidal shape, on the summit of which are placed the arms of the family, with this suitable motto, “Be just, and fear not.” **

Bishop of Meath’s Monument**. - Between the monuments of Lord Bowes and Lord Lifford, is a handsome piece of sculpture, to the memory of Dr. Welbore Ellis (Dr. Ellis was made Bishop of Kildare, and Dean of Christ Church, Sept. 22, 1705; translated to the see of Meath, March 13, 1731; and died Jan. 1, 1733.)and his family. A neat tablet, at the top, inclosed by drapery, and having on one side the bust of Mrs. Ellis, admirably executed, stands on a tapering pedestal; and on the other side is the bust of Dr. Ellis on a corresponding pedestal: the whole is of statuary marble. **

The Transept**. - In this cathedral, probably owing to the fall and destruction by fire of different parts of it, several distinct species of architecture may be traced. The Transept, which is 99 feet in length, and 25 in breadth, is chiefly of the Saxon order, although the early introduction of the pointed arch, with zigzag decorations, which belong to the Saxon or Anglo-Norman style, is visible in an arch leading from the southern wing of the transept into the side aisle to the right of the choir. - At the northern extremity of the transept was a portal, now shut up, purely Saxon: this may be distinctly seen on the exterior of the cathedral in John’s Lane.

Over the intersection of the Nave and Transept is a square tower, of ancient but elegant appearance, in which a ring of extremely deep-toned bells is suspended. **

The Choir**. - The choir, which is 105 feet long by 28 in breadth, is a most extraordinary arid tasteless medley of Gothic and Italian architecture. Here the Dean, who is always the Bishop of Kildare, and the other members of the chapter, have stalls. The Archbishop has a throne in this as well as in St. Patrick’s cathedral.

The walls of the choir are plastered, and painted in oil colours; the ceiling is a continued concave, with a modern cornice. The gallery over each side, which bears, in most places, the appearance of but recent date, is supported by Corinthian and Ionic columns, while the Archbishop’s throne and the cathedral stalls are of carved oak, and in the Gothic style.

In the gallery is a seat for the Lord Lieutenant, with Ionic pillars, supporting a flat canopy, not corresponding to any other part of the choir. The reading desk is supported by a brazen eagle, and is a specimen of the worst possible taste. Beneath the gallery, and opposite to his Excellency’s seat, the Lord Mayor and Aldermen have seats appropriated to them, for particular days in the year: near that of the Lord Mayor is one belonging to the Kildare family, as appears by an inscription on a brass-plate; and in the same pew are the arms of Sir Edward Griffith, of Penrhyn, in North Wales.

Earl of Kildare’s Monument. On the left of the high altar is a costly marble monument, erected to the memory of Robert, the nineteenth Earl of Kildare (who died 20th Feb. 1745), great-grandfather to his Grace the present Duke of Leinster; the workmanship of H. Cheene, 1743. The Earl is represented in a recumbent posture; and at his feet stands his son, the first Duke of Leinster, and at his head his countess, and his daughter, Lady Hilsborough. This is an exquisite piece of workmanship, but the effect is greatly diminished by the antique costume of the figures. **

Bishop Fletcher’s Monument**. - On the south side of the choir and of the altar, is a plain white marble tablet, dedicated to tile memory of Thomas Fletcher, Bishop of Dromore, who was translated to the see of Kildare and Deanery of Christ-church, 28th June, 1745, and died March 18th, 1761.

Francis Agard’s Monument. - Near the tablet to the memory of Bishop Fletcher, is a monument consecrated to the memory of Francis Agard, 1577, and Lady Cecilia Harrington, his daughter and heiress, who married Sir Henry Harrington, 1584. Agard was Secretary to Sir Henry Sidney, Lord Deputy of Ireland, and Holinshed says, that Sir Henry usually called him his “Fidus Achates.” His name occurs on an inscription in Beaumaris Church, which is on a plate, dedicated to Sir Henry Sidney. This monument consists of two divisions, in which are some well-executed figures, in small life, of persons in devotional attitudes.

The monument to Dr. Woodward, organist of this cathedral (who died Nov. 22nd, 1777), which is exactly over that of Francis Agard, is principally remarkable for bearing upon its front a *musical *Epitaph. **

St. Mary’s Monument**. - This is a small building 60 feet long, and 28 broad, situated on the north side of the choir, and is remarkable only for the neatness and repair in which it has always been preserved by the Dean and Chapter, who permitted the parishioners of St. Michael’s to make use of it, while they renewed their parish church, which was completely in ruins. It was built at the sole expense of the Earl of Kildare - service is performed here at six o’clock in the morning.

Although exhibiting so ruinous an exterior, the cathedral is in good order, and neatly arranged within, owing to the exertions of the Bishop of Kildare, and the Chapter of the cathedral. Divine service commences here on Sundays at half-past eleven o’clock. The choir, which attends at the University Chapel at nine o’clock, performs here afterwards, and proceeds to St. Patrick’s Cathedral at three. The organ, though inferior to that of St. Patrick’s, is still a good one, and always in perfect repair. The difficulty of procuring a seat is so great, that a stranger ought to be at the door of the cathedral, at eleven o’clock at the latest.

The Wide-street commissioners have at length commenced their improvements in this neighbourhood, but postponed them till it is almost too late, for many years cannot elapse before this ancient pile will have mouldered away; however, for the present, the view of the exterior of the cathedral is greatly improved. **

Deanery House**. - The residence of the Dean was in a court-yard behind Fishamble-street, adjoining St. John’s Church. It is an extensive and handsome brick building, with stone architraves round the windows; but the situation was so injudicious, that it was little used as the residence of the Dean, being let for some time as a Record-office, and is now a merchant’s warehouse. The present Dean resides in his private mansion at Glasnevin, about one mile from Dublin.

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