Thursday, August 29, 2024

Medieval manuscript goes on display in Kilkenny

One of Ireland's most significant medieval manuscripts has gone on display in the cathedral where it was created over 700 years ago.

Well known for its round tower, St Canice’s Cathedral in Kilkenny has been an important site of Christian worship since the 6th Century.

The Red Book of Ossory was composed largely in the 14th Century at the time of Bishop Richard Ledred (c.1317-1361).

Events will be held at the church in November to mark the Alice Kyteler Witch Trial which occurred 700 years ago.

Bishop Ledred charged Alice Kyteler with heresy and Witchcraft following the deaths of four of her husbands.

In the end, Alice Kyteler managed to flee Ireland and her maid, Petronilla de Meath was charged with being an accomplice and burned at the stake in Kilkenny.

An ecumenical service will be held at the beginning of November to mark the first known case in Ireland or Britain of death by fire for the crime of heresy.

The Dean of Ossary, Rev Stephen Farrell said the service would be an opportunity "to think through the events".

It will question power and the role of women in society at what was "not perhaps the finest hour of the Irish Church or the Irish legal system", he said.

The Red Book of Ossory which is a journal of Bishop Ledred’s work, will remain on display at the chapterhouse of the cathedral for a year.