THE CEMETERY OF ST PETER AND PAULS CATHEDRAL IN TRIM
Visit the cemetery of St. Peter and Paul`s Cathedral you will discover an impressive altar tomb dating from around 1592. The tomb known locally as “the Jealous man and Woman” is the resting place of Sir Lucas Dillon and his wife Lady Jane Bathe. In reality the tobm could be better described as being what is left of Newtown Clonbun Parish Church.
Sir Dillon was a leading Irish Barrister and judge during the Elizabethan era. He held the offices of Attorney General for Ireland and Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer. He was held in high regard by the Crown and Queen Elizabeth was said of think highly of him. However there were many accusations of corruption and claims that he handled some of his work carelessly.
Why the tomb became known as ‘the jealous man and woman” remains a mystery. However, Dillon`s second wife Marion Sherle is buried in an identical tomb with her first husband Christopher Barnwell at Lusk, Co. Dublin. Locals believe that perhaps one of the tombs was built as a jealous response to the other tomb. Who was jealous of who remains uncertain. The most intriguing folklore surrounding the tomb remains its unusual curative power for warts.
Locals believe that if you stroke a wart with a pin or needle and leave it in the tomb the wart will disappear as the pin rusts. Be warned though, if you take somebody elses pin off the tomb for your own use youll not only keep your warts but youll inherit the warts of the pins rightful owner.
Newtown Abbey is located about 1.2 km (¾ mile) east of Trim town centre, on the north bank of the Boyne. The main building is the Church of St Peter and St Paul (sometimes called a cathedral). The abbey church features lancet windows, with Norman-style sedilia to the right of the altar, and a double piscina for washing communion vessels. A smaller church in the east of the monastery is the parish church of Newtown Clonbun. This is the burial site of Lucas Dillon (1530 – 1592), Attorney General for Ireland and Chief Baron of the Irish Exchequer, and his first wife Jane Bathe. Their tomb effigies are separated by a sword of state, and so they gained the local nickname of the “jealous man and woman”.
THE TOMB OF THE JEALOUS MAN AND WOMAN AND A CURE FOR WARTS [THE CEMETERY OF ST PETER AND PAULS CATHEDRAL IN TRIM]-226395-1
THE TOMB OF THE JEALOUS MAN AND WOMAN AND A CURE FOR WARTS [THE CEMETERY OF ST PETER AND PAULS CATHEDRAL IN TRIM]-226393-1
THE TOMB OF THE JEALOUS MAN AND WOMAN AND A CURE FOR WARTS [THE CEMETERY OF ST PETER AND PAULS CATHEDRAL IN TRIM]-226394-1
THE TOMB OF THE JEALOUS MAN AND WOMAN AND A CURE FOR WARTS [THE CEMETERY OF ST PETER AND PAULS CATHEDRAL IN TRIM]-226396-1
Watch out for the squirrels … they are grey not red.
I asked Google’s Bard AI to generate an account of Goldenbridge Cemetery and here it is with many false claims … see if you can spot them:
Nestled amidst the bustling city of Dublin, Ireland, lies Goldenbridge Cemetery, a tranquil oasis of remembrance and history. Its cobblestone paths wind through a verdant expanse, lined with ornate tombstones and weathered headstones that whisper tales of lives lived and stories untold.
The cemetery’s origins can be traced back to the early 19th century, when the Catholic Association, led by the charismatic Daniel O’Connell, sought to provide dignified burial space for all faiths and none. In 1828, they acquired three acres of land near the Grand Canal, a site that would become the first Catholic cemetery in Ireland since the Reformation.
Over the years, Goldenbridge has become a treasure trove of Dublin’s rich history. Its grounds have witnessed the passing of countless souls, from prominent figures who shaped the city’s destiny to ordinary citizens who played their part in the tapestry of life.
Among the cemetery’s notable residents is Thomas Francis Meagher, a revolutionary leader who played a key role in the Irish Rebellion of 1848. His imposing monument, adorned with symbols of freedom and justice, stands as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made for Ireland’s independence.
Another prominent figure interred in Goldenbridge is Michael Cusack, the founder of the Gaelic Athletic Association. Cusack’s commitment to preserving and promoting Irish culture is deeply entwined with the history of the cemetery, as the GAA’s annual graveside commemorations have become a cherished tradition.
Amidst the grand monuments and historical significance, Goldenbridge also holds a quiet intimacy, a place where families gather to remember loved ones and find solace in shared memories. The gentle rustling of leaves, the soft chirping of birds, and the distant murmur of the canal create an atmosphere of tranquility, encouraging reflection and introspection.
As the sun casts its golden rays upon the cemetery’s verdant expanse, the spirits of those who rest beneath its soil seem to stir. Their stories, whispered through the rustling leaves and carried on the gentle breeze, weave a tapestry of lives that continue to touch and inspire the living.
Goldenbridge Cemetery is more than just a burial ground; it is a living testament to the enduring spirit of Dublin, a place where history, tradition, and personal connections intertwine to create a poignant symphony of remembrance. Its hallowed grounds serve as a reminder that even in the face of death, life finds a way to flourish, echoing through the ages and forever etched in the tapestry of the city’s soul.
[NOTE] No cobblestones in the cemetery [] [NOTE] Thomas Francis Meagher is not buried in Ireland. Despite his prominent role in the Irish Rebellion of 1848, his body was never recovered after his drowning in the Sacramento River in 1867. [] [NOTE] Michael Cusack is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin, Ireland. []