Kilkennys Hightown Market Cross erected 14 December 1335 dismantled 1771 From the hand of Friar John Clyn (dated 1335) Original Latin: Die Jovis, in crastino Lucie virginis, erecta [est] magna crux in medio fori Kilkennie; hoc tempore multi ad crucem volantes, crucis signo cum ferro candenti super nudam sarnem sum signati, ut in Terram Sanctam vadant Translation: On thursday, following [the feast of] Lucy, virgin [14 December], a great cross was errected in the middle of the market place in Kilkenny. At this time many, rushing to the cross, were marked with the sign of the cross with a red hot iron on the naked flesh, as a sign that they would go to the Holy Land Historical context for such extraordinary religious fervour and devotion: Devotion to the Holy Land remained part of the mentality of the period (first half of fourteenth century) and in 1334, a crusade was discussed in parliament: Edward III was interested in undertaking a crusade at this time... In comparing the two pics below, and to help locate the site of the Hightown Market Cross, I attempt to give a roughly similar perspective of High Street, eighteenth century and present... Note that the Butterslip formed part of an original street-front arcade of the Nicholas Langton town house (79-81 High Street) Some additional descriptive detail of the Hightown market cross: ...In the centre of the market place of the last [Hightown], stands another cross of similar material [to Crokers Cross] but of more splendid and magnificent design, from whose graduated base rises an arch resting on marble pillars and surmounted by a cross of polished stone. Above, at the point where the gablets diverged, there were formerly placed sculptured statues of the saints to whose guardianship and patronage the city was of old committed (viz. SS Canice, Kieran, Patrick and Bridget the virgin), and by whose aid an protection the citizens gratefully acknowledge themselves to have been delivered from many difficulties and sustained in many trials; ... From the hand of David Rothe (b.1573 – 20 April 1650), bishop of Ossory
Posted on: Tue, 29 Jul 2014 09:15:24 +0000
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