St. Laurence's Gate, Drogheda
Saint Laurence's Gate is a barbican or outer defense gate located at the junction of Laurence Street and the Chord road. It is regarded as one of the finest of its kind and is designated as a national monument. It dates back to the 14th century. The gate led to the Friary of St. Laurence which was located to the east. Part of the old town wall is located to the south of the gate at Featherbed Lane and visitors can see the height and width of the medieval walls. Twice the walls and gates of Drogheda held fast against invasion, firstly when Edward Bruce, the brother of Scotland’s King Robert Bruce, attacked the town in 1317 and again in 1642 when Sir Phelim O’Neill tried to take Drogheda from the garrison commander Tichborne.
Saint Laurence's Gate is a barbican or outer defense gate located at the junction of Laurence Street and the Chord road. It is regarded as one of the finest of its kind and is designated as a national monument. It dates back to the 14th century. The gate led to the Friary of St. Laurence which was located to the east. Part of the old town wall is located to the south of the gate at Featherbed Lane and visitors can see the height and width of the medieval walls. Twice the walls and gates of Drogheda held fast against invasion, firstly when Edward Bruce, the brother of Scotland’s King Robert Bruce, attacked the town in 1317 and again in 1642 when Sir Phelim O’Neill tried to take Drogheda from the garrison commander Tichborne.
St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church
During the time of the Penal Laws, Catholic churches were not allowed within a town’s walls. As a result of this, Drogheda’s Catholic church was outside the west gate. It was not big enough for the population of the area. A plot of land was available on West Street, but permission was refused to build there until a Mr. Chester, a wealthy Catholic, intervened and managed to secure a lease.
During the time of the Penal Laws, Catholic churches were not allowed within a town’s walls. As a result of this, Drogheda’s Catholic church was outside the west gate. It was not big enough for the population of the area. A plot of land was available on West Street, but permission was refused to build there until a Mr. Chester, a wealthy Catholic, intervened and managed to secure a lease.
Shrine to St. Oliver
Archbishop Plunkett was found guilty of high treason in June 1681 “for promoting the Roman faith” and was condemned to death. Plunkett was hanged, drawn and quartered at Tyburn on July 1, 1681 at the age of 55. He was the last Roman Catholic martyr to die in England. His head was brought to Rome and then on to Armagh and eventually Drogheda where it has been since June 29, 1921. It rests in a shrine in St. Peter’s church along with other bones and his cell door from Newgate prison where he spent his last days.
St. Peter’s Church of Ireland
St. Peter’s Church of Ireland is located in the middle of Drogheda on a site that has been used for worship since the founding of Drogheda. Christians have worshipped there for over 800 years and there are remains of buildings in the church grounds that date back to the thirteenth century. The church itself is made from limestone and it has a large graveyard on its site.
St. Peter’s Church of Ireland is located in the middle of Drogheda on a site that has been used for worship since the founding of Drogheda. Christians have worshipped there for over 800 years and there are remains of buildings in the church grounds that date back to the thirteenth century. The church itself is made from limestone and it has a large graveyard on its site.