Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 3.djvu/209

Rh in the tenth or beginning of the eleventh century, by some of Cormac's successors in Cashel; but he adds, that it was 'prior to the introduction of the Norman and Gothic styles, for in every respect it is purely Saxon.' Dr. Milner, from whose reputation as a writer on architectural antiquities, we might expect a sounder opinion, declares that 'the present cathedral bears intrinsic marks of the age assigned to its erection, namely, the twelfth; as does Cormac's church, now called Cormac's hall, of the tenth.' —Milner's Letters, p. 131. And lastly, Mr. Brewer, somewhat more cautiously indeed, expresses a similar opinion of the age of this building; 'This edifice is said to have been erected in the tenth century; and from its architectural character few will be inclined to call in question its pretension to so high a date of antiquity.'"—Beauties of Ireland, vol. i., Introduction, p. cxiii.

"A reference, however, to the authentic Irish Annals would have shown those gentlemen that such opinions were wholly erroneous, and that this church did not owe its erection to the celebrated Cormac Mac Cullenan, who flourished in the tenth century, but to a later Cormac, in the twelfth, namely, Cormac Mac Carthy, who was also king of Minister, and of the same tribe with the former. In the Munster Annals, or, as they are generally called, the Annals of Innisfallen, the foundation of this church is recorded." p. 283.

Its consecration in 1134 is also mentioned in this and other cotemporary records.

"The north doorway, which was obviously the grand entrance, is of greater size, and is considerably richer in its decorations. It is ornamented on each side with five separate columns and a double column, supporting