Sheep Grazing In A Churchyard Unearthed Dark Centuries-Old Artifacts
In the sleepy backwaters of rural County Cork, Ireland, the ruins of St. Matthew’s Church have been decaying for generations, the stonework crumbling and open to the sky. But recently, some unlikely four-legged helpers have been hard at work restoring the area surrounding the 250-year-old building. And thanks to their efforts, some grim relics of the past have been revealed.
The parish of Templebreedy
Located on the southern Irish coast, just 15 miles southeast of Cork, the parish of Templebreedy has been around since the medieval era. Originally, the Christian inhabitants worshiped at a church dedicated to Brigid of Kildare, the patron saint of Ireland. But eventually, this early building succumbed to the elements and became little more than a ruin.
St. Matthew's
In its place, the Church of Ireland constructed a new church in Templebreedy in 1779 — this time dedicated to Saint Matthew. And for over 100 years it stood in a prominent position above the nearby village of Crosshaven, welcoming worshippers from across the region. But by the 1860s the local congregation had grown too large for the parochial building.
Changing fortunes
With Crosshaven now booming as a tourist destination, more and more people were looking for a place to worship within the parish. And so, a third church, dedicated to the Holy Trinity, was built nearby. In 1866 the foundation stone of this new building was laid, sealing the fate of St. Matthew’s for good.
Abandoned to its fate
Now bereft of a congregation, St. Matthews’ quickly fell into disrepair. And for more than 150 years, it remained little more than a picturesque ruin standing guard along the Irish coast. With its tumble-down spire and lichen-covered masonry, it certainly made for an atmospheric spot. But over time, it became more and more overgrown.
