Louth Priory

Early monastic site, founded 5th century, possibly by St Patrick for St Mochta, a Briton; frequently plundered and destroyed by Norsemen and by others; Edan O’Kelly, Bishop of Oriel, translated his see from Clogher to Louth, monastery elevated to cathedral status; Augustinian Canons Regular founded 1140-8; burnt 1148; Augustinian Canons Regular — Arroasian refounded 1148 by Donough O’Carroll, King of Oriel, and Edan O’Kelly; (probably remained Arroasian until 13th century); burnt 1152; burnt 1160; burnt and laid waste 1166; see translated to Clogherc.1192; Augustinian Canons Regular 13th century?; dissolved 1539, surrendered by Prior John Wylley (Welle) 20 November 1539; granted to Oliver Plunkett, Baron of Louth 1541; (NM)