Church in Knowth

Thirty four fragments of dressed medieval masonry of thirteenth century character have been recovered from the great mound and its vicinity (O’Keefe 2012), many of which came from its summit. The detailed carving of some pieces suggests that it is the work of a skilled mason. The presence of a fillet moulded half column indicates a church, while the features in general intimate a thirteenth century date. At least five windows are represented, including one with a pointed light and another with a round-headed twin-light. The location of such a structure is not known, but it is clear that a medieval building of high status was in the vicinity of the mound, and there are post-medieval documentary references to a church at Knowth. Ussher, who was the Protestant bishop of Meath, in a visitation of 1622 describes a church at Knongh in the deanery of Slane as somewhat ruinous (Erlington 1847-64, 1, xciv), and according to a later visitation by bishop Dopping in 1682-5 St Brendan’s church at Knowth was a ruin and was not enclosed (Ellison 1973, 6). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien, Michael Moore O’Keefe, T. 2012 7. 5. 3. 1. Medieval architectural pieces. In Eogan 2012, 619-26. Date of upload: 15 December 2014 Amended: 18 September 2020 See the attached illustration: _1 Some of the medieval dressed stone, from Knowth 5, Fig. 7.5.7

The Church in Knowth was likely built by a local monastic or ecclesiastical community in the 13th century. It is significant as part of the medieval landscape associated with the passage tomb complex, reflecting the Christianization of prehistoric sites in early Ireland.