Trim, Co. Meath, Ireland cont

To continue on this town.
 In 1202 Simon de Rochefort, Bishop of Meath, attempted to build a town near Trim, Ireland called Newtown Trim. He wanted this town to rival Hugh de Lacey's up and coming town that was becoming one of the most powerful medieval cities in Ireland. Simon de Rochefort failed but in the outskirts of Trim are 3 ruins that showcase his failed attempt.

Priory of St. John the Baptists
First built as an monastery to house the Augustinian order but also had a portion that was built to house the sick and was used as a hospital. In 1539 the order was dissolved and was used as a private residence before falling into ruin.

The tower house which was used as a house for the Prior.

The chimney of the tower house.

The nave and chancel -

Nave - where the congregation would have stood for mass (Western end)

Chancel - Eastern end of the church - where the high altar would have been.

This was a defensive enclosure that protected the priory. On the North side of the priory was the banks of the River Boyne which acted as a natural defense.

A portion of the prior as seen from the top of tower.