St Patrick's Armagh (C of I)

[Neil ofthe nene]

I cannot let this moment pass without mentioning the programme currently on BBC 1. A Service of Reflection and Hope from St Patrick's.

My great grandfather was Archbishop of Armagh and this was his cathedral whilst in office. There is a stained glass window to his memory and one he had installed in memory of his son who acted as his secretary until his early death.

It was a very moving moment when I visited and saw the window for myself. Although aware of its existance I didn't realise how large it was.

And a note on the man himself. I am given to understand that he was very broad minded and encouraged lay members to take more responsibility for running the church. The biggest indication of his views is that while a bishop in the Church of Ireland he had a cook who was Roman Catholic. He will forever be admired by me for that.

He has his own Wikipedia entry.

 

[The Saint]

Did you get any pictures of the window Neil? Would be nice to see them.

 

[warrington63]

I saw some of it when having new sky boxes set up.

 

[Neil ofthe nene]

Did you get any pictures of the window Neil? Would be nice to see them.

And this is his grave at the cathedral before and after I had it restored in 2016. He is buried with his wife and the son that pre-deceased him.

 

[The Saint]

Not a church goer myself but i must admit there's something about stained glass windows, those are beautiful Neil.

 

[Neil ofthe nene]

Not a church goer myself but i must admit there's something about stained glass windows, those are beautiful Neil.

Not ashamed to say I cried when I saw them for the first time.

 

[Lee Richards]

Does this now mean you want to be:
Neil O'Nene

Whenever we travel we always go to religious buildings as the architecture and design never fails to impress.

 

[The Saint]

Does this now mean you want to be:
Neil O'Nene

Whenever we travel we always go to religious buildings as the architecture and design never fails to impress.

It's funny that Lee because as i just said i'm not religious but do enjoy looking at old churches, always amazes and puzzles me as to how they managed to build them without modern day machinery etc, the ornate workings on some of the outsides are amazing like the gargoyles on York Minster for example.

 

[Lee Richards]

York Minster was my last trip two weeks ago.
Stunning building

 

[The Saint]

York Minster was my last trip two weeks ago.
Stunning building

Some stunning shops and streets as well mate plus some cracking pubs.

 

[Lee Richards]

Been to York a few times Paul and really like the place.
Always later in the year though outside of the tourist season and school holidays.

 

[davylad]

We've got a day trip to York booked in a couple of weeks, going by train so we can have a few refreshments. York minster is a grand old building, strangely enough, although I only live a stones throw away I've never been inside.

That's a wonderful story Neil, your Great Grandfather would have had some stories to tell I bet.

 

[Lee Richards]

If you get the chance go to the Jorvik Centre it's very well thought out.

 

[corbyclubman]

That’s quality Neil, I see also a major general in your family, great job with the restoration

 

[davylad]

I've been there a couple of times lee, very good too. I gave a couple of family members a tour of NE Yorkshire when they came from down under, which included York, and a nice walk along the walls of the old castle.

 

[Pompous git]

When I sold my first house it was to a recently retired bloke who worked for the COE, based in Canterbury he was a stained glass window
restorer. Unusual job which I imagine was quietly satisfying.

 

[Neil ofthe nene]

That’s quality Neil, I see also a major general in your family, great job with the restoration

Yes, Major General was the Archbishop's son and my grandfather. His wife, my grandmother's family home is now an agricultural college. Ballyhaise House.