What is recorded here

Ferrybank in Arklow was probably a short-lived Cistercian abbey granted by Theobold Walter, and its graveyard still lies beneath ordinary houses. Skeletons in lintelled graves emerged there before 1927, while a trapezoidal tombstone ended up at Shelton Abbey. The marshy ground may have swallowed prayer, death and memory so quickly that even the abbey vanished before becoming legend.

Situated on low-lying marshy ground in Arklow Town. Probably the site of a Cistercian Abbey (WI040-029004-), granted by Theobold Walter to the Cistercians of Furness, but possibly only in existence for a short period (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 126). It was part of the medieval borough of Arklow (WI040-029----). Human skeletons in what appear to have been lintelled graves or long cists were found on the site prior to 1927 at the site marked 'Site of Grave Yard' on the 1838 OS 6-inch map. A trapezoidal tombstone, possibly of medieval date, was also found and was located at Shelton Abbey (Ronan 1927, 103). The site is now occupied by houses. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wicklow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 19 September 2013

Cistercian monastery graveyard, medieval period. Likely associated with a short-lived abbey granted in the 13th century, reflecting early monastic activity in the Arklow area.

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