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English and Irish Medieval Fortified Ecclesiastical Structures and the Bishop’s Manor in Kilteasheen, Ireland

English and Irish Medieval Fortified Ecclesiastical Structures and the Bishop’s Manor in Kilteasheen, Ireland

By Alex Helland

BA Thesis, University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, 2009

Abstract: In this research paper I compare Irish and English ecclesiastical fortified stone structures in the 13th century in order to isolate English stone mason influences. It examines the techniques used in the construction between the two types of stone structures by focusing on the materials used in the construction along with over-all architectural design of stone structures.

Analysis of extant stone walls reveals the similarities and differences between the Irish and English ways of construction. The similarities and differences of these structures will perhaps show if the Irish copied English stone masons in their architectural designs, or if they improved on English designs by adding new techniques to their fortified stone structures.

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By examining the Bishop’s Manor at the Kiliteasheen site in Roscommon Co. along with the Kells Priory site in Kilkenny Co., Ireland, it will demonstrate early evidence of whether or not Irish copied the English or developed their own way of construction for their fortified stone structures.

Click here to read/download this thesis (PDF file)

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