St. Michael de Le Pole

St. Michael de Le Pole

St. Michael de La Pole’s Church, with its Round Tower and adjacent Mill Pond (Pool), was a significant early ecclesiastical site in Dublin, built on a cliff 9 meters above the Poddle. Churches dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel were often constructed in high places, reflecting his role as the patron saint of high places and mariners. Founded by St. Mac Thail in the 8th century, the church became influential in the naming of the city’s Old Gate and the Poddle watercourse. The site likely housed a place of worship as early as 895 AD, with the lintel grave found under the church supporting this theory. The Vikings, who dominated Dublin before converting to Christianity around 930/940 AD, might have destroyed an earlier Christian worship site here.

The church, which stood for centuries, was eventually deconsecrated in 1682 and became a school by 1706. Its Round Tower, a prominent feature that had stood for 700 years, was brought down by a storm in 1706. Despite its historical importance, the church and tower faced destruction in the 18th century, with remains repurposed and eventually demolished. Early drawings by Gabriel Beranger provide valuable insight into its architectural and cultural significance. The slope on Great Ship Street, much lower than Chancery Lane, is due to the church’s position on a cliff. St. Michael de La Pole is part of a broader tradition, with other prominent churches dedicated to St. Michael on high ground and overlooking the sea, such as Skellig Michael and Mont St. Michel, forming part of a symbolic line known as the Sword of St. Michael, stretching from Ireland to Israel.

Association with Poddle

St. Michael de Le Pole’s Church was closely connected to the Poddle River in Dublin. Its name reflects its proximity to the river, specifically the “pool” or “pond” created by the Poddle’s confluence with the Liffey, known as Dubh Linn or the Black Pool, which inspired Dublin’s name. The church was part of an early monastic complex near this important watercourse. Historical records and architectural remains indicate that the church’s location and significance were closely tied to the Poddle, highlighting its role in the city’s early ecclesiastical and geographical context.

What the Newspapers Say

  • Upper Stephen’s Street, once a fashionable and historically significant area, was an important suburb from Anglo-Norman times. It connected Dublin to southern areas like Dalkey via St. Stephen’s Street, named after a church and hospital for lepers. The city’s walls, including the Poddle Gate at St. Werburgh Street, allowed access. Nearby, St. Michael-la-Pole Church stood by the Poddle River, emphasising the area’s rich historical ties to Dublin’s development and the Poddle’s influence.
  • A large crucifix now hangs in Dublin Corporation’s Assembly Chamber above the Mayoral Chair, symbolising Christianity’s significance in public life. Blessed by Father John Redmond, he emphasised the importance of placing Christ at the centre of civic affairs. He traced the history of crosses in Dublin, particularly along the Poddle River, from St. Michael’s Le Pole to other ancient churches. This act reflects the city’s enduring Christian heritage, where crucifixes once stood prominently in medieval churches along the Poddle, guiding public decisions and civic life for generations.
  • An article discusses the early Irish settlement of Dubh Linn (Black Pool), located at the confluence of the River Poddle and the River Liffey. Four churches—St. Michil-le-Pole, St. Brigid’s, St. Kevin’s, and St. Patrick’s—were all situated along the banks of the Poddle near this junction, which gave Dublin its name. The article also touches on the historic St. Patrick’s Cathedral, originally built by Archbishop Comyn on the Poddle’s island. The cathedral underwent numerous reconstructions and became famous through its association with Jonathan Swift, who served as its dean.
  • An article discusses St. Michael de Le Pole’s Church and its Round Tower in Dublin, historically situated near the Mill Pond, or “Pool,” which gave its name to the church and the Poddle watercourse. Founded by St. Aengus Mac Thail in the 8th century, the church’s tower, built from uncut stone, stood until the 18th century. The site later became a school before being demolished in 1789, despite public protest. Visual records by artists like Beranger preserved its memory, emphasising the importance of such documentation in preserving history.
  • An article explores Dublin’s Viking roots, focusing on its development along the Liffey and the Poddle rivers. The Poddle, now underground, once formed a marsh with islands, including the Black Pool (Dubh Linn), which gave the city its name. The Vikings established a fort in 840, likely overtaking the earlier Irish settlement of Ath Cliath. The current St. Patrick’s Cathedral is located near the underground course of the River Poddle, and its original layout is referenced in a 12th-century text that describes it as “the church of St. Patrick of the Island.” Another nearby church, St. de Pole, was dedicated to a 6th-century saint, suggesting it might also be of ancient origin. Both churches likely belonged to a monastery on the Poddle and were rebuilt in the 11th century after Viking rule. Some carved stone slabs found near the cathedral may be remnants of the original structures.Dublin evolved into a political center under Norman influence, remaining Ireland’s capital today.
  • The article provides a vivid snapshot of Viking Dublin around 988 AD. At that time, Dublin was a thriving Viking port, with longships sailing to distant lands, connecting the city to an international trading network. The settlement, centered around the south side of the Liffey, featured timber and wattle houses with thatched roofs and central fireplaces. The River Poddle, widening into the Black Pool (Dubh Linn), provided safe anchorage for ships. The city also had a Viking stronghold and a rudimentary timber and earth wall for protection. By 988, Dublin was well-established, with a bustling port and a growing crafts industry. The article also contrasts this early Viking Dublin with its transformation into a Norman city 300 years later. The arrival of the Anglo-Normans brought solid stone structures, including Dublin Castle, replacing the Viking stronghold. Christ Church Cathedral, originally built by the Viking Sitric Silkenbeard, was rebuilt in stone, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral was constructed outside the city walls. The old Viking city wall was replaced with a stone wall, and the city expanded, with houses becoming more tightly packed and the riverbank being reclaimed for warehouses. This period marked the beginning of Dublin’s transformation into a medieval city with landmarks that still exist today. An aerial sketch shows St. Micihael de la Pole.
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