Religious house

In 1317 a licence was granted by William de Loundres, who owned half of Athboy, to the friars of the Blessed Virgin of Mount Carmel, of the land on which their house stood. Chapters were held there in 1325 and 1467, and an indulgence was granted in 1405 as the church needed repair (Gwynn and Hadcock 1970, 287). At the Suppression in 1540 it was described as a church with a belfry, a tower and a mansion in which the farmer (renter) dwelt. There was a small orchard, six gardens and eight messuages or properties (White 1943. 266). It has sometimes been confused with the parish church of St James (ME029-023003-) (Cogan 1862-70, 1, 163-4), but the location of the friary is not known. However, the original grant suggests that it was between the river and ‘Henceline Mulghan’ or Mullaghstones, which would place it east of the town (Bradley and King 1985, 24). Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 2 January, 2014

The Carmelite friars established a religious house in Town Parks (Lune By.) by 1317, with a licence granted by William de Loundres, who owned part of Athboy. The site was used for chapters in 1325 and 1467, indicating its ongoing religious and administrative significance in the region.