John's Lane Church
John's Lane Church | |
---|---|
St Augustine & St John's Church (John's Lane) | |
Eaglais San Agaistín agus Eoin Bhaiste | |
Groundbreaking | Phase I 1862 - Phase II 1892 |
Completed | Phase I 1874 - Phase II 1895 |
Construction cost | £ 60,000 |
Specifications | |
Length | 50.29 metres (165 feet) |
Width | 28.34 metres (93 feet) |
Nave height | 19.81 metres (65 feet) |
Other dimensions | Bell-tower holds ten bells weighing almost 6 metric tonnes |
Spire height | 67.97 meteres (223 feet) |
Materials | Sandstone, limestone, granite, Portland stone |
Bells | 10 |
Tenor bell weight | <0 long tons 22 cwt 3 qr 2 lb (2,550 lb or 1.157 t) |
Administration | |
Province | Irish Province of the Order of St. Augustine (O.S.A.)[2] |
Archdiocese | Dublin |
Parish | Not a parish church |
The Church of St. Augustine and St. John, commonly known as John's Lane Church, is a large
History
The original hospital on the site was constructed by Aelred the Palmer, a
In 1316 Edward Bruce marched towards Dublin at the head of his army, with the intention of besieging the city. The Dublin citizens, to prevent any danger from his approach and by common consent, set fire to Thomas Street. However, the flames laid hold of St. John's church and burned it to the ground, together with all the nearby suburbs.[citation needed]
About the commencement of the 18th century, an Augustinian Prior rented for their use as a chapel a stable on the western side of St. John's Tower, a surviving fragment of the hospital. About 1740, on the site of part of the hospital, was erected a small church 60 feet (18.3 m) by 24 feet (7.3 m), which was considerably extended 40 years later.[4]
In 1860 it was decided to build a new church. The architect was
The remains of the medieval church were demolished and at the time there were the remains of the 'Magdalen' tower from the old church which stood where the high altar stands today.[citation needed]
Construction on the modern church was commenced at Easter 1862 under the leadership of Fr.
The spire, designed by William Hague, and roof were completed in 1874 when the church was opened for masses. The exterior was completed by 1895 and the interior by 1911.[6]
The sculptor Patrick Courtney worked on the internal altar and stone works of the church. The tradition of sculptor/stonemason has continued on down through the Courtney generations at their premises at 9 Thomas Street, and later by the sons and grandsons at Francis Street, Dublin 8.[citation needed]
Church
The church is named after
The church steeple is the highest steeple in the city,[7] standing at over 200 feet (61.0 m). It was originally not designed to hold bells, but a spiral staircase was added later to provide access to bells. The Bell Ringers Company of John's Lane was formed in 1872 and the bells were first rung on St. Patrick's Day 1873.[3][8]
The twelve statues in the niches on the tower are the work of James Pearse, father of
Bells
There is a peal of ten bells hung in the tower, weighing 22 long hundredweight, 3 quarters and 2 pounds,
Notable Friars
Professor & Fr. F. X. Martin (O.S.A.), Chairman of the Friends of Medieval Dublin 1976–1983, and Chairman of the Dublin Historic Settlement Group, tried in vain to save the Viking remains in nearby Wood Quay.[6]
See also
References
- ^ "Eaglais San Agaistín agus Eoin Bhaiste/Saint Augustine and Saint John the Baptist Church". logainm.ie.
- ^ Order of Saint Augustine#Ireland
- ^ a b c "John's Lane Church Dublin". History. 2009. Archived from the original on 25 April 2017. Retrieved 17 June 2009.
- ^ "Loading..." www.chaptersofdublin.com.
- ^ ISBN 1-871212-01-4
- ^ a b c d Peter Costello: Dublin Churches. Gill and Macmillan, Dublin (1989)
- ^ "SS Augustine and John, Thomas Street, Dublin". IrishArchitecture.com. Archived from the original on 2 December 2008.
- ISBN 9781475117417.
- ^ "John's Lane Church Dublin". Stained Glass. 2009. Retrieved 17 June 2009.
- ^ "Dove Details. [online]". Dove.cccbr.org.uk. 2018. Retrieved 6 June 2018.
- ^ a b "St Augustine and St John Dublin". BellringingIreland.org. Retrieved 6 June 2018.