From Four Seasons brochure:
The history of Knocktopher Abbey is fascinating: set in 17 acres of mature gardens and parkland, it was the site of a Norman castle, and the keep can still be seen today. Later, in the 13th century, the Abbey was home to the first Carmelite order in Ireland, and remained so until Cromwell occupied the building in 1647. Still standing today after five centuries is the oldest working chimney in Ireland.
Interestingly, one of the country’s only three Holy Trinity Wells is situated in the main Abbey building, in an original 13th Century vaulted room.
The house itself was home for three centuries to the Langrishe family, the Lords of Ballyhale. The present Abbey was rebuilt in Gothic style in 1850, following a disastrous fire. Knocktopher remained the family seat from 1679 until 1981, when it was painstakingly restored to provide eight spacious self-catering suites, each with its own unique character,
|
The following is from "The history and antiquities of the diocese of Ossory, Volume 4" - By William Carrigan
The Carmelite Convent of St. Saviour's, Knocktopher, the " Prima Sedes " or Head House of the Carmelites in Ireland, was founded by James, 2nd Earl of Ormond, in the year 1356. It stood, and in part still stands, on the site now occupied by Knocktopher Ho., the residence of the Langrishe family. Many confound it with the ancient ruin in Knocktopher churchyard; but the truth really is that, though separated from each other only by a now disused roadway, both religious establishments were entirely distinct, inasmuch as the Convent belonged to the Carmelite Order of Friars, while the parish church, whose ruins remain in the churchyard, belonged to the Canons Regular of the Order of St. Augustine, of the Priory of Kells.
On the 24th Oct., 1542 a royal grant was made " to Robert Eustace and others, to the use of Patrick Barnewall, of Feldiston, esquire, in consideration of the sum of £88 13s. 4d., of the site of the monastery of Carmelite friars of Knocktoffer, county Kilkenny ; lands, Madanston, Knocktoffer, Ophane, Ballywodan, Ballyhode, Gragyn, Garran O'Dowgeade, and Ballygyrdery alias Grang, county Kilkenny. To hold for ever by the service of a twentieth part of a Knight's fee, and a rent of 43.' *
A few years later a grant of same was made to Nicholas White, afterwards Master of the Rolls, and Knighted, in whose descendants the property remained till 1677. It then passed by purchase to the Sandfords, and from them to the LangVishe family.
The convent continued in the possession of the Whites, and never again reverted to the Carmelites. It became the residence of the Langrishe family, probably in the early part of the 18th century ; and portions of it, including, at least, the kitchen and double-vaulted square tower, still remain incorporated with Knocktopher Abbey, the Langrishe family mansion.
|
Click here for more Information
