Early Christian Ireland

The Plan In this chapter, we are going to look at the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. As well as that, we will study: The Coming of Christianity + St Patrick Early Christian monasteries and their buildings The work and jobs of early Christian monks The influence of Irish monks abroad

Today’s Objectives – 20th Jan After today’s class, you will be able to tell your friends all about: St. Patrick and the arrival of Christianity The arrival of Christian monasteries and some of the rules and jobs at these monasteries.

Before We Begin What is Christianity? What do we know about St. Patrick? Is he an important figure in Ireland? What was a monk? Can you describe what they looked like? What was a monastery? Do you know of any famous or local ones? Who do you think lived in a monastery and what do you think their jobs were?

The Coming of Christianity There by early 5th Century (AD) Where do we think the first Christians came from? Some were captured by Irish warriors in Britain, others were Irish people converted through contacts with Britain Missionaries sent over: Palladius and St Patrick

St Patrick What do we know about St Patrick? Roman Britain Captured by Irish raiders (16) Slave – 6 years (tending sheep) Escaped and returned home – became a priest + returned as a missionary Ireland: became a largely Christian country by early 6th C.

Continuation of the Celtic Way of Life People still lived the same as before What do we think happened to the druids? The power of the druids came to an end and they were replaced by Christian monks, priests and bishops

Early Irish Monasteries 6th Century onwards: lots of monasteries were built Places to pray and honour God Examples of those who set up monasteries: St. Enda, St. Íte, St. Finian + St. Brendan

Exercise Try and identify the different buildings in the monastery from the picture on the previous slide and write down what you think the function/uses of the these buildings were.

The Jobs at the Monastery Studying the bible Copying manuscripts Metalworking and stone-carving (produced great works of art) Visitors were welcomed

Monasteries and Monks The monks, however, had simple lives They followed strict rules Produced their own food Wore long tunics with woollen coats + shoes/sandals

Locations of Monasteries Largest monasteries: often near major routes Also small, remote monasteries built off the west coast of Ireland. Ex: Skellig Michael, Kerry. Here, they lived in stone beehive huts and grew their own food. Most of their time was given to prayer

Revise 1st section of notes (as far as Monastery Buildings) Research an early Irish monastery (either local or further away) and write a small biography on it, giving information about its founder, buildings, artwork, etc. [Examples in your notes!] FOR MONDAY!

Today’s Objectives – 23rd Jan After today’s class, you will be able to tell your friends all about: The various buildings in the monastery and their functions/uses.

The Monastery Buildings

Round Towers Used as belfies: called monks to service and warned of raids Also used for storage and safety from Viking raiders. Some monasteries [Glendalough and Clonmacnoise] 25-40m tall (12 storeys!) Wider at bottom + tapered towards the top 4+ wooden floors 4 windows at the top (why?) Faced north, south, east and west.

Revise 1st notes on The Monastery Buildings and Round Towers Revision Q’s 1-3 FOR FRIDAY!

Today’s Objectives – 27th Jan After today’s class, you will be able to tell your friends all about: The stone-working, metalworking and art that was completed by the monks.

The Work of the Monks What kind of work do you think was completed in the monastery? Remember the different buildings and their functions! Prayer: the monks had 6-8 services per day Farm: what kind of work do you think the monks did on their farm? Growing crops: ploughing, milking, harvesting, grinding corn.

Monastic Artwork Christianity brought reading and writing to Ireland (what kind of writing did we have beforehand?) Monasteries began making manuscript books These were hand written – what do you think was in them? Gospels, psalms, lives of saints and Celtic sagas What language were there written in? Latin!

Early Christian Manuscripts The Cathach The Book of Durrow The Book of Kells These were kept in book shrines. What do you think these were? A: wooden boxes with metal plagues on them to store the manuscripts

Writing Manuscripts What was the special name given to the monks who wrote manuscript books? Scribes It required great skill in writing and illuminating (what do we think this was?) Writing was completed in the scriptorium Manuscripts were written on vellum (calfskin) and parchment (sheepskin) – The Book of Kells was made from over 200 calves!

Reeds and quills were used for writing (where did they get these from The monks made their own ink from minerals, plants and leaves.

Metalworking A famous example would be the Ardagh Chalice The main things being made were chalices, crosiers and brooches These metal works were designed with a style of gold writing and wiring called filigree

Stone Crosses They were used to teach people about Christianity Famous example: Muireadach’s Cross in Monasterboice The monks also created large crosses out of stone These were simple at 1st but the designs eventually were very detailed Later ones: had scenes from the bible and figures of saints. (Why do we thinking this was?)

Revise notes on the entire second sheet: Work; Art; Metalworking; Stone Crosses. Revision Q’s 4-7 For Monday!