Movilla Abbey

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Movilla Abbey in Newtownards, County Down, Northern Ireland, is believed to be one of Ulster's most important monasteries and was founded by St. Finian in 540 AD. There was a school on the site in 543 (St. Finians) which was attended by St. Columba. The Abbey was plundered by Vikings in 824 AD and refounded in the 12th century by Augustinian Canons. [1]

It may occupy the centre of a pre-Christian cult associated with a great tree. By the time it was attacked and burned by the Vikings in 825 it had grown considerably in size and had extensive craft workshops creating a wide range of bronze, glass and other products. In 1135 Saint Malachy of Armagh introduced the Augustinian Canons.

The graveyard contains many old (including one pre-Norman) graves, as well as the more modern ones including that of Colonel Paddy Mayne.

Movilla Abbey, church of Augustinian Canons, is a State Care Historic Monument in the townland of Movilla, in Ards Borough Council area, at grid ref: J5035 7440.[2]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Movilla Abbey. Ros Davies' Co. Down, Ireland Genealogy Research Site.
  2. ^ Movilla Abbey. Environment and Heritage Service NI - State Care Historic Monuments. Retrieved on 2007-12-04.

[edit] See also

[edit] External links

Movilla Abbey Ruins

Grave Of Col. Paddy Mayne