St John's Priory

Benedictine Priory and Hospital

The Benedictine Priory of St John the Evangelist, was possibly founded by Prince John (later King of England) in c.1185. The Priory had two chapels. St Leonard's chapel was associated with a hospital. The hospital was housed by monks and nuns up until the 15th century. After the suppression of the monastery in 1536, the Priory and it's lands were granted to Sir Thomas Wyse, a catholic citizen of Waterford, for his services to the crown. Cistercian monks continued to serve the community up until the arrival of Cromwell in Ireland, in the mid 17th century. During my visit the Priory gate was locked, I have since learned that the Priory can be viewed from John's Lane on the north side.

I called back to St John's in July 2020, in between lock downs. I managed the get access from John's Lane, but I was quite disappointed there is not much more to see from that side. All the grave slabs I viewed were either late 18th or 19th century.

Situated: At the Junction of Parliament Street and Manor Street in the centre of the City. Head south from Reginald's Tower.

Discovery Map 75: S 6061 1206. Last visit July 2020.

Longitude: 7° 6' 44" W

Latitude: 52° 15' 25" N

Google Map.

Photos: Jim Dempsey.