2016, Christchurch Cathedral (Church of Ireland), Waterford, Ireland
Virtutes Instrumenti Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
Christchurch Cathedral (Church of Ireland), Waterford, Ireland
The first cathedral to stand on this site was built in 1096 by the Vikings, who had recently converted from paganism to Christianity and affiliated themselves with the Archbishop of Canterbury. It was he who appointed Malchus as the first Bishop of Waterford, in fact one of the first in Ireland.
Less than one hundred years after its construction, the Cathedral hosted an event which would change the course of Irish history forever, with the marriage of Strongbow, an English knight, to an Irish princess named Aoife in 1170. This political union granted Aoife’s father, the deposed King of Leinster, troops from England to reclaim his throne and ensured Strongbow would inherit his kingship upon his father-in-law’s death.
By 1210 the Normans had taken control of Waterford and built a new Medieval Cathedral. This was expanded through the years to include side chapels dedicated to leading Waterford figures such as James Rice, who served as city mayor 11 times in the 15th Century. The base of one of the pillars of this Norman Cathedral still remains and has been opened up for viewing.
In the 18th Century, the progressive City Corporation of the time came to regard the Norman Cathedral as rather old-fashioned and recommended to the Bishop that a new one be constructed. Bishop Chenevix resisted this proposal, and it is said that a ruse was devised to encourage his change of mind. As he was walking through the Cathedral some rubble was strategically dropped in his path, close enough to shock the clergyman, who was soon found to support the construction of a new church. The Gothic Norman Cathedral was torn down in 1773, or rather blown down, as the building was so strongly constructed that the use of gunpowder was required in its demolition.
Construction on the new Cathedral began in in 1773 and was completed in 1779, at a total cost of £5,397. It was designed by John Roberts, whose imagination had given shape to much of Georgian Waterford. Roberts also designed the Roman Catholic Cathedral in Barronstrand Street, giving Waterford the unique distinction of being the only city in Europe where the Protestant and Catholic Cathedrals were conceived by the same man.
Architecture
This cathedral has been described by architectural historian Mark Girouard as the finest 18th Century Ecclesiastical building in Ireland. It was built in the Neo-Classical Georgian style which was de rigueur. Roberts was fond of this style, reminiscent of Ancient Greece and its elegance was in contrast to the ornate Gothic interiors of most of the churches in this time. The spectacular stucco plasterwork ceiling is very similar to what could be seen in many 18th Century palaces and stately homes across Europe.
What you see today varies slightly from this original construction, as a disastrous Organ Gallery fire in 1815 devastated the magnificent Elliot organ and much of the surrounding woodwork. The cathedral was closed for three years for repair and reconstruction. Some further improvements were deemed necessary in 1891 by Sir Thomas Drew, a leading architect of the time. The square pews and galleries were removed and the ground floor windows blocked up. A new case was built for the organ and it was taken down from its gallery and squeezed into the left-hand corner of the Cathedral. In 2003 the organ was restored and a new gallery was built to house it in its original position.
The Tetragrammaton
YHWH the holy and unutterable name of God
Given central place on the reredos behind the altar is the Tetragrammaton the letters YHWH, the holy and unutterable name of God in the Hebrew Bible. This roots the faith of Christians in the biblical tradition of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
The James Rice Tomb and the Camino
James Rice tomb
Cadaver Monument ‘I am what you will be; I was what you are now.’
James Rice was Mayor of Waterford eleven times during the 15th Century. In 1481 he built a chapel to house his tomb in the original Norman cathedral. It is a fine example of a cadaver monument, depicting the horror of death and the glory of saints. Weather damage has taken its toll down the centuries and made the Latin inscription quite difficult to read. Rice wished that his tomb be a reminder of the briefness of our earthly lives and the transient nature of fame, wealth and power. The tomb displays a badly decayed corpse, crawling with worms and with a frog feasting on the stomach. A section of the inscription reads, ‘I am what you will be; I was what you are now.’ The figures of saints can be seen on the sides of the tomb.
Rice walked the Camino pilgrimage twice during his lifetime and his tomb became a starting point for Waterford pilgrims as they embarked upon their journey to Santiago di Compostela.
Christ Church Cathedral, Waterford City, Ireland
The Cathedral of The Holy Trinity, Christ Church has been a constant presence in Waterford, in one form or another, since the 11th century. Built on a site of Christian worship which dates back to 1050 and probably before, the building is steeped in history. The only neo - classical Georgian Cathedral in Ireland, it is an important part of the Church of Ireland, and is considered to be of enormous architectural importance. The Cathedral, in addition to continuing as a place of Christian worship, is now used as a venue for concerts, recitals and exhibitions adding to the cultural life of Waterford.
A visit to Christ Church Cathedral in Waterford City.
Christ Church Cathedral is the Church of Ireland (Anglican) Cathedral of Waterford City. The present day Christ Church Cathedral was built between 1773 and 1779 and was designed by John Roberts. The present Cathedral is on the site of an older Cathedral built in 1210 which replaced the original Christ Church founded in 1096. In 1170 Christ Church was where Richard de Clare, 2nd Earl of Pembroke (Strongbow) married Aoife Ní Diarmait (Diarmuid McMurrough's daughter).
ASU Ireland Concert Tour-Christchurch Cathedral in Waterford-001
ASU Concert Choir performing Sing Unto God by Paul Fetler from their combined concert with Trinity Gospel Choir in Waterford, Ireland on March 19, 2017.
ASU Ireland Concert Tour-Christchurch Cathedral in Waterford-002
ASU Concert Choir performing Abide With Me arranged by Moses Hogan from their combined concert with Trinity Gospel Choir in Waterford, Ireland on March 19, 2017.
ASU Ireland Concert Tour-Christchurch Cathedral in Waterford-003
ASU Concert Choir performing Dúlamán by Michael McGlynn from their combined concert with Trinity Gospel Choir in Waterford, Ireland on March 19, 2017. Solists are Matthew Carey, baritone and Emily Lindley, bodhrán.
Bells ringing at Christ Church Cathedral in Waterford
Bells ringing at Christ Church Cathedral in Waterford between 11am and 12pm on October Bank Holiday Monday 2017
2014, Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, Waterford, Ireland
Great Waterford Buildings - Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity, Waterford - the oldest Catholic Cathedral in Ireland.
Music is Virtutes Vocis by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
A Cathedral is the parish church of the Bishop of a diocese and Waterford city has had a Cathedral since Norman times. After the Reformation, the old Christchurch Cathedral of the Normans passed forever from Catholic hands. There were, however, two instances of repossession: the Catholics occupied it for a few days when news reached the city of Elizabeth's death and there was a longer occupation, of six years, during the heady days of the Confederation of Kilkenny when it seemed that Ireland was at long last going to control her own destiny. But, when the Confederation collapsed in 1649 the Catholics were never again to possess the cathedral. For the next century and a half there was no Cathedral for the Catholics. Indeed, from 1650 till 1797 they were to have no Bishop resident in the city. The restoration of the monarchy in England gave a little hope to the Catholics of the city and they rented a small store as a Mass house. This store was situated in Barronstrand street, behind the present Granville Hotel and directly opposite the present Cathedral. This store lasted as a Mass-house until 1693 when the Corporation (Protestant) allowed the Catholics to erect a simple chapel - provided it would be inconspicuous and not offensive to the Protestants. The site given was partly the same site where the present Cathedral stands. This site was behind the houses on Barronstrand street because Catholics were not allowed to have a street frontage for their chapels. The entrance to this chapel was by way of a laneway leading from Keyser's street. Waterford's Catholics worshipped in this chapel for a hundred years and it must be remembered that this century was the century of the Penal Laws against Catholics. Masses were celebrated very early in the morning (around 5.00am) so as not to cause offence to Protestants on their way to their own churches and the chapel was closed when Mass was not being celebrated. Catholics had to be very careful not to offend the authorities in case their chapel would be closed down.
It was a fortunate day for the Catholics of Waterford when, in 1772, Bishop William Egan (who lived in Clonmel) transferred Thomas Hearn, a brilliant and dedicated priest, from the parish of Mothel to Waterford. Through him, much hope was given and for nearly forty years he was a powerful force, and figure, in the city. By 1772 times were improving for Irish Catholics and they were becoming more confident and more organised. An important Catholic Association had been founded in Dublin in 1760. One of its founders was a Waterford man, Thomas Wyse (1701-70) of the Manor of St. John, who championed the Catholic cause. Various Acts were passed in Parliament in 1772, 1778, 1782 and 1792, giving some relief to Catholics. After nearly a century of the Penal Laws the Waterford Catholics felt that the time had come to consider replacing the old Mass House with a more dignified and fitting place of worship. In fact, they decided to build a Cathedral.
In 1790 a petition from some prominent Catholics, including Edmund Rice, was presented by Dean Hearn to the Corporation. This petition was a request to allow them rent some property adjacent to the Mass House. This petition was successful and the land was rented for 999 years, at two shillings and sixpence per annum. The Dean immediately began to demolish the Mass House and he set about building the new Cathedral. The foremost architect in Waterford was John Roberts and he had just completed the design of the new Church of Ireland Cathedral. The Cathedral was to cost £20,000 - a huge sum for the period - and all the money was raised from the pennies and half-pennies of the poor. Roberts' Cathedral was a square shaped building and the rear wall was situated where the sanctuary rails are now situated. The High Altar stood against the rear wall. The original plan called for a classic portico over the main entrance on Barronstrand street but, because of worries about the foundations, which are on marshy ground, it was never completed.
Over the years, alterations, additions and improvements have taken place.
1826 A new organ, to replace the original, was installed. 1829-37 The original rear wall was removed and the sanctuary enlarged.
1854 A new High Altar was installed.
1855-72 The two side altars were erected.
1870's A new organ was installed.
1881 The high vaulted ceiling was elaborately decorated. The present marble high altar was erected, though the new altar incorporates the front of the altar of 1854. The great Baldachino was erected over the altar. This Baldachino is supported by five Corinthian columns - all with gilt capitals.
1883 The magnificent Baroque pulpit, the Chapter stalls and the Bishop's Chair were installed.
Pendyrus Male Choir and Gareth Haines Sing Kalinka at Christ Church Cathedral, Waterford
A concert given in Waterford as part of the Choir's 90th Anniversary Tour to Ireland.
Waterford city and the Norman invasion
Waterford city and the Norman invasion
Waterford City was founded in 914 AD and developed into a significant urban area during the 10th century. It is the oldest area of continuous urban settlement in Ireland. Reginald's Tower marks the site of the first defensive structure built by the Viking settlers. The Tower is mentioned in the Irish Annals as early as 1088 thus making it the oldest civic building structure on this island. The name Waterford is derived from an old Norse word Vedrarfjiordr (Windy Fjord) that can be traced back to the late 9th century. Vedrarfjiordr refers to Waterford as being a safe haven for Viking ships sheltering from a windy Irish Sea. The Vikings, realising the strategic and trading importance of the three rivers which empty into Waterford Harbour, built a longphort or dock at the confluence of the St. John's River and the River Suir.
In 1169 a group of Anglo-Norman mercenaries landed in Wexford at the invitation of Dermot McMurrough who sought help in order to regain his lost kingdom. By 1170 they were at the walls of Waterford. After a bloody battle the city fell to Strongbow and his armour clad Anglo-Norman supporters. Strongbow was made heir to the McMurrough lands in Leinster and as previously agreed married Dermot's daughter Aoife, the marriage taking place in Waterford's Christchurch Cathedral. In 1171 the King of England, Henry II, arrived in Waterford and anxious to exercise his control over a process of conquest that was taking place almost despite him, began to demand the submissions of the Anglo-Norman knights.
The submission of Strongbow and his followers was received by Henry at Waterford. Henry II recognised Strongbow as McMurrough's heir to Leinster but the strategically important port cities of Dublin and Waterford, which Strongbow had captured, were retained by the King. Henry II elevated Waterford to the status of a royal city - a status that was to change the course of the city's history dramatically. Consequently in the years after the invasion, many English and French merchants settled in Waterford. This new merchant class with its trading contacts in England and on the continent was to make Waterford medieval Ireland's chief port for the import of wine and a major exporter of wool and hides. The city flourished during the 13th century and many new monasteries, friaries and churches were built. New stone-built defences protected its citizens and a sophisticated form of local government developed whereby the citizens elected a mayor on an annual basis to rule over the city.
Traditionally, all ships entering the harbour, with the exception of those originating in Leinster, were obliged to unload at Waterford. In 1372 Waterford City Council commissioned the decoration of the Great Charter Roll, an illuminated manuscript measuring 14 feet in length, in an attempt to strengthen their legal case against the burgesses of New Ross who were working to nullify Waterford's monopoly. The manuscript thus produced has fortunately been preserved in Waterford and is regarded as the most important Irish illuminated manuscript from the late medieval period.
Christchurch Cathedral - Post Earthquakes
The famous cathedral in Christchurch, New Zealand which was about 150 years old, was destroyed by several big earthquakes in CY 2011. The way it was built made it and all the old buildings there in City Centre, vulnerable to earthquakes. Not likely it can be rebuilt without tearing it down totally and redesigning the foundations. Same problem for all the old buildings in Christchurch.
Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity Waterford, Ireland
This is the oldest Catholic Church in Ireland
christ church cathedral
La Catedral de la Santísima Trinidad es la más antigua de las dos catedrales medievales de la ciudad, siendo la otra la Catedral de San Patricio. Ha sido la sede del arzobispo de Dublín desde los tiempos medievales y está consagrada a la Trinidad.
Tuesday in Waterford Ireland - Cathedral
Mom, here is the oldest Roman Catholic Cathedral in Waterford. It was built in the 1790's.
Christchurch Cathedral through time 1852 - 2016
My first Time Travel movie, here I use Iconic photos of the Cathedral in Christchurch between 1859 and 2016 and present them backwards!
The photos were all taken by otherphotographers except one I took in 2015. Fair use provisions. An interesting journey through time.
We start in the present, as we survey the ruins of the cathedral today and watch it get less ruined, until in 2010 it is suddenly intact and the deadly stillness returns to life.Then we go back on average a year or two at a time as the fashions change and the cars get older and older until they disappear for trams, horses and carts and finally we see the cathedral disappear into a see of wooden shacks and grass. We arrive in 1852, when Christchurch was a few months old and had a few hundred hardly colonialists.
Buildings disappear and are replaced by smaller and more wooden ones, which give way to grass.
Much thanks and inspiration gained from James Fox, his videos are way better and you all need to watch them.
Dream a Little Dream
Dulcet at Greyfriars June 12
Church of Ireland Cathedral in Waterford
A bird's eye view around the Church of Ireland Cathedral in Waterford, Ireland's oldest city.
Christ Church Bells
St. Paddy's Day Bells Dublin Ireland
Cantate Domino - Christ Church Cathedral (HEC Ireland 2015)
Christ Church Cathedral - the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity in Dublin, Ireland
Christ Church Cathedral - the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity in Dublin, Ireland