A Light on the Past

© Gerry, on January 16, 2008, said:

Malahide Abbey (source of following text)

Adjacent to the Castle we find the ruins of Malahide Abbey. Malahide was part of the parish of Swords from the end of the monastic system of organisation in the 12th. Century until 1941 when it became a parish in its own right. Malahide Abbey may have been created for the purpose of providing an aid to legislation for the Talbot family. Its size meant that it was no private oratory or chapel and the fact that it was surrounded by a cemetery as most parish churches were would indicate that it probably served the people of Malahide from the 12th to 16th Century. In 1630, the Abbey was stated to be in a ruinous condition and may have been closed since the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII. When Cromwell installed Myles Corbet in Malahide Castle for a brief period, tradition has it that Corbet used the Abbey as stables and stripped the lead off the roof to make bullets. Within the Abbey is to be found the 16th. Century tomb of Maud Plunkett who was “ maid, wife and widow” on the one day, her husband having been killed in battle on their wedding day. On the north-east angle of the Abbey may be seen a Sheela-na-Gig, a grotesque carving, whose function it was to warn the faithful of the terrible results of sin and excess. Generations of Talbots lie buried in the adjoining cemetery and the last local burial took place here in 1960.

Lilypon, on January 16, 2008, said:

Oh Gerry what a fantastic photograph and the write-up adds additional light to the subject in our view. Poor Mistress Plunkett!

I really hope you took a picture of the carving too!

Jean & Coco, on January 16, 2008, said:

Une très Belle photo très poétique et mélancolique...

Lecleire Jacques, on January 17, 2008, said:

A great picture and also thanks for your comment. Very instructive.

Greetings, Jacques

Marilyn Whiteley, on January 18, 2008, said:

Excellent photo and title, Gerry, with the "light" both within and beyond. Thanks also for the interesting background information. Greetings, Marilyn

Jessica G., on January 19, 2008, said:

Beautiful photo, Gerry! The light is perfect. And the story of the abbey brings it home.

Rodrigo Lara, on January 20, 2008, said:

Great shot, Gerry. Very good example of what you can do, even when the weather is not on your side. Good idea to share a bit of history to appreciate the photo better. Greetings, Rodrigo

Ryan Calhoun, on January 21, 2008, said:

Wonderful, Gerry! I love how green the shadows are compared to the pure white light coming through the window.

AlexMatos, on January 27, 2008, said:

This one is wonderfull Gerry! I had to look at it several times...to admie it, the light on the "window" contrascting the shadow is great.

Thanks for the pice of history and the link.

Cheers, Alex

© Gerry, on January 28, 2008, said:

Thanks Alex. I thought you would like it alright!

Tjeert Mensinga©, on February 9, 2008, said:

Beautiful shot Gerry the whole picture is an eye catcher and especially the window it,s great!

greetings, Tjeert