1.0 INTRODUCTION Kildare County Council in association - Kildare.ie

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AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006 5.13 CATHEDRAL COLLECTION ADDRESS: Saint Brigid’s Cathedral Kildare and Round Tower The Square Kildare Town Co. Kildare CONTACT: Kenneth Dunne EMAIL: mkdunne@eircom.net PHONE: 045-521229 SUMMARY OF ORGANIZATION AND COLLECTION: Saint Brigid’s Cathedral is located off the main market square of Kildare town. It houses a number of objects specifically relating to the cathedral and grounds, where the round tower, Saint Brigid’s kitchen (a burial tomb), and high cross are located. Objects on display are either of archaeological or ecclesiastical importance. The objects on display are not organized or interpreted systematically, and really, it is the cathedral itself, with its fine stained glass windows, three-manual Conagher organ, baptismal font and sanctuary furniture which provide the main interest in the cathedral. A number of important items, which are either in regular use during services or which are too valuable to be displayed in the cathedral are stored in the vestry. Donations are suggested in lieu of an entry fee. A fee applies to climb the round tower. Security is an ongoing issue. A number of break-ins have resulted in the theft of important objects. More recently a bible open on the altar lectern was stolen. There is an antiquated heating system in the cathedral, which is due for renewal, and there is no means of regulating humidity within this large space. An informative illustrated guide to the cathedral, its grounds and history, is on sale within the cathedral and produced in 1978-79 and up-dated in 2000. Another important publication is Saint Brigid’s Cathedral Kildare, A History, edited by Raymond Gillespie, and published by the County Kildare Archaeological Society in 2000-2001. On entering the cathedral in the south transept there is an interpretive exhibition the subject of which is the development of Christianity in the vicinity, including the following subjects: • The Celts – A long journey to Ireland • Blood thirsty but clever • Celtic pagans • Saint Brigid • Christianity Objects on display in the Cathedral include: • A framed display of medieval floor tiles • O’Carolan’s Chair • A mid 16 th century alter tomb effigy dedicated to Gerald Wellesley, 7 th Duke of Wellington • A alter tomb from Great Cashel Priory A display cabinet beside the timber screen closing off the vestry from the nave includes miscellaneous objects found on the grounds of the cathedral. These are: A 15 th and 18 th century wax seals; coinage; a 17 th century leather bound Irish bible owned by Thomas Cooke (dated to 1697 though now believed to be earlier); an original 19 th century photographic image of the cathedral prior to restoration; a “table of fees” for burials and CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 26
AUDIT OF MUSEUMS AND PUBLIC COLLECTIONS IN COUNTY KILDARE 2006 ceremonies performed for the public by John Brown, Parish Registrar; a Neolithic stone axe; a petrified stags horn; a document dated 1672 recording the appointment of George Medlicott to the Registry of the Dean and Chapter; a book of maps and descriptions of Ireland dated to 1674. A display documenting the restoration of a stained glass window by the Abbey Stained Glass Studio. CHARLES DUGGAN ARHITECTURAL HERITAGE ADVISOR 27
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1.0 INTRODUCTION Kildare County Council in association - Kildare.ie

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