St. Mary's Church, Athlone Explained

St. Mary's Church (Church of Ireland), Athlone
Location:Church Street, Athlone, County Westmeath
Country:Ireland
Denomination:Church of Ireland (Anglican)
Website:Athlone Union of Parishes website
Dedication:St. Mary
Construction Cost:£2,300
Spire Quantity:1
Materials:Limestone, marble, stained glass
Parish:Athlone Union of Parishes (Athlone, Benown, Forgney, Moate, Clonmacnoise)
Deanery:Athlone
Diocese:Meath and Kildare
Province:Dublin and Cashel
Rector:Revd. William Steacy[1]

The St. Mary's Church, Athlone is a 19th-century Church of Ireland parish church in the town of Athlone, County Westmeath, Ireland.[2] It is included in the Record of Protected Structures maintained by Westmeath County Council.

History

See also: History of Athlone. St. Mary's Church of Ireland church is situated on an elevated site within Athlone's former town walls. The boundary walls of the site, which has been occupied by a church since at least the 1620s, may contain fabric from the 17th-century town walls.[2]

The present church was constructed beside the belfry of an earlier church.[2] Described in A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland (published by Samuel Lewis in 1837) as "a neat edifice, with a square embattled tower",[3] its construction was funded by the Board of First Fruits and its design is attributed to Richard Richards of County Roscommon.[4]

It was extended,,[2] when James Rawson Carroll added a new chancel to the east.[5]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: History walk to raise funds for Athlone church repairs . Westmeath Independent . 11 July 2023 . 2 November 2024 .
  2. Web site: St. Mary's Church of Ireland church, Church Street, Athlone, Athlone, Westmeath. buildingsofireland.ie . National Inventory of Architectural Heritage . 2 November 2024 .
  3. Book: https://www.libraryireland.com/topog/A/Description-Of-Athlone.php . Athlone . . Samuel . Lewis . Lewis . 1837 . libraryireland.com .
  4. Web site: Richards, Richard . . Dictionary of Irish Architects . 2 November 2024 .
  5. Web site: Athlone - St Mary . gloine.ie . Church of Ireland . 2 November 2024 . Nave, 1822-27 by Richard Richards. Early English apsidal chancel and north vestry, 1869 by James Rawson Carroll .