ST. PATRICK'S CATHEDRAL, ARMAGH

From Atlas and Cyclopedia of Ireland (1900)

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Description of County Armagh | View of Armagh | Old St. Patrick's |
St. Patrick's Cathedral | Armagh Map

THE CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL.—The see of Armagh was originally founded by St. Patrick, about the year of 457, and is the primatial see of all Ireland. After the Anglo-Norman invasion, the question of eccesiastical supremacy was bitterly fought between the Irish incumbents of St. Patrick's see and the Archbishops of Dublin, who upheld the English interest. The latter took the title of "Primate of Ireland," while the Archbishops of Armagh, fortified themselves by assuming the title of "Primate of all Ireland." The distinction is maintained to the present day, the Protestant bishops even of both sees claiming the distinctive titles. The ancient Cathedral of Armagh was appropriated by the Protestants during the so-called Reformation, and has been since "restored" by the Robinsons, Beresfords, and other Protestant bishops of that see, though it was never restored to its Catholic owners. It has been surpassed, however, by the magnificent Catholic Cathedral, shown in the accompanying engraving, which was begun by Archbishop Crolly, about fifty years ago, and completed by Archbishop Dixon. It is one of the finest of modern ecclesiastical structures.

St. Patrick's Cathedral Armagh

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Description of County Armagh | View of Armagh | Old St. Patrick's |
St. Patrick's Cathedral | Armagh Map

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