On our first summer outing of 2018 members of Waterford Archaeological and Historical Society visited St Mary’s Church in New Ross on a balmy Thursday evening. The existing St Mary’s Church of Ireland parish church dates from the early 19th century. It was built within the shell of what was one of Ireland’s largest 13th century medieval parish churches. Our guide on the evening was Wexford-based archaeologist Emmet Stafford who showed members many of the original features of the medieval church, including some very well preserved gothic-style mouldings carved in Dundry stone, quarried near Bristol. St Mary’s also has a fine collection of medieval and later burial monuments. These include a number of medieval effigies, one of which is the ‘New Ross bambino’ an effigy of a baby in swaddling clothes. Unusually for a medieval parish church in Ireland there is a vaulted crypt which members had the opportunity to visit. This is very atmospheric and is not normally accessible to the public. At the end of the tour we were treated to refreshments , including scones with strawberries and cream thanks to the generosity of the Select Vestry who look after the church so well.
Thanks to Emmet Stafford for showing us around on the evening and Olive Thorpe representing St Mary’s Select Vestry for her generous welcome.
