HOW OLD IS THIS CROSS
Tully Church and Its Enigmatic Crosses: A Closer Look
The weathered crosses of Tully Church in Laughanstown, with their long-standing association with St Bridget (who passed away in 523 AD), continue to captivate and puzzle. As with many historical sites, accurate information can be elusive due to conflicting accounts and the ever-changing landscape.
The Crosses: A Dating Dilemma
Two distinct crosses stand as testaments to Tully's rich history:
The Ringed High Cross: Located on the narrow lane approaching the church, this granite cross features a gabled roof atop its ringed form. Its age is a subject of debate, with some accounts suggesting a 10th-century origin, while others propose a later 12th or 13th-century date. The presence of the ring, more characteristic of earlier high crosses, supports the former argument. However, more recent scholarship, based on stylistic comparisons and artistic context, favours the later dating.
The Weathered High Cross: Situated in the field northwest of the church, this incomplete granite cross bears an eroded figure on its east face, speculated to be either a bishop or St Bridget herself. The west face shows a similarly weathered head or mask. While often described as 12th or 13th century, its exact age remains uncertain in relation to the ringed cross.
Definitive dating of these crosses would require expert analysis of their stone type, carving style, weathering patterns, and any alterations. Until then, their relative ages remain an intriguing mystery.
Exploring Tully Church
Approaching the church from the tram stop, the first encounter is with the ringed cross, resting on a massive stone pedestal. A short distance away, the weathered cross stands in the field, offering stunning views of Killiney Hill, the Irish Sea, and the Dublin Mountains. The site's accessibility has improved since 2011, although concerns about vandalism have been raised.
Historical Significance
Tully Church holds historical significance beyond its crosses. The graveyard became the burial ground for the Walshes of Carrickmines Castle following the Norman/Angevin intervention in the late 12th century. Additionally, the nearby Lehaunstown Park House remarkably incorporates the remains of the documented Lehaunstown Castle. This unique juxtaposition of an early medieval ecclesiastical site with a castle echoes similar relationships found elsewhere in County Dublin, underscoring the importance of respecting this historical connection as the area continues to develop.
In Conclusion
While questions about the crosses' exact ages persist, their enduring presence and the rich history of Tully Church remain undeniable. As further research and analysis unfold, these enigmatic monuments will hopefully reveal more of their secrets, shedding further light on Ireland's fascinating past.
The weathered crosses of Tully Church in Laughanstown, with their long-standing association with St Bridget (who passed away in 523 AD), continue to captivate and puzzle. As with many historical sites, accurate information can be elusive due to conflicting accounts and the ever-changing landscape.
The Crosses: A Dating Dilemma
Two distinct crosses stand as testaments to Tully's rich history:
The Ringed High Cross: Located on the narrow lane approaching the church, this granite cross features a gabled roof atop its ringed form. Its age is a subject of debate, with some accounts suggesting a 10th-century origin, while others propose a later 12th or 13th-century date. The presence of the ring, more characteristic of earlier high crosses, supports the former argument. However, more recent scholarship, based on stylistic comparisons and artistic context, favours the later dating.
The Weathered High Cross: Situated in the field northwest of the church, this incomplete granite cross bears an eroded figure on its east face, speculated to be either a bishop or St Bridget herself. The west face shows a similarly weathered head or mask. While often described as 12th or 13th century, its exact age remains uncertain in relation to the ringed cross.
Definitive dating of these crosses would require expert analysis of their stone type, carving style, weathering patterns, and any alterations. Until then, their relative ages remain an intriguing mystery.
Exploring Tully Church
Approaching the church from the tram stop, the first encounter is with the ringed cross, resting on a massive stone pedestal. A short distance away, the weathered cross stands in the field, offering stunning views of Killiney Hill, the Irish Sea, and the Dublin Mountains. The site's accessibility has improved since 2011, although concerns about vandalism have been raised.
Historical Significance
Tully Church holds historical significance beyond its crosses. The graveyard became the burial ground for the Walshes of Carrickmines Castle following the Norman/Angevin intervention in the late 12th century. Additionally, the nearby Lehaunstown Park House remarkably incorporates the remains of the documented Lehaunstown Castle. This unique juxtaposition of an early medieval ecclesiastical site with a castle echoes similar relationships found elsewhere in County Dublin, underscoring the importance of respecting this historical connection as the area continues to develop.
In Conclusion
While questions about the crosses' exact ages persist, their enduring presence and the rich history of Tully Church remain undeniable. As further research and analysis unfold, these enigmatic monuments will hopefully reveal more of their secrets, shedding further light on Ireland's fascinating past.
HOW OLD IS THIS CROSS