St. Peter's Church of Ireland, Drogheda

St. Peter's Church of Ireland is built on a site which has been a centre of Christian worship at least since the founding of the town of Drogheda itself in the latter part of the 12th century. Although there may have been a Celtic Church here in earlier times, the dedication to St. Peter suggests that it was an Anglo-Norman foundation. The first church on the site was probably built about the same time as Mellifont Abbey, as the remains of some of the original tiles and mouldings found on the site are similar to those found at Mellifont.

The medieval Church of St. Peter's was evidently a very large building. It contained six chapels and was an important ecclesiastical centre, being used as a Pro-Cathedral for Armagh Diocese for several centuries. The Primates of Ireland of the time lived either in Termonfeckin, Dromiskin or Drogheda, and very seldom visited the Northern part of the Diocese because of the unsettled state of the country.

During the Siege of Drogheda in 1649 Cromwell's Parliamentary forces burned the steeple of the church in which about 100 people had taken refuge. Perhaps appalled at this act of savagery and desecration, and other such atrocities committed during his campaign in Ireland, Cromwell's army donated £10,000 for the repairs of St. Patrick's, Armagh, St. Patrick's, Dublin, and St. Peter's, Drogheda.

In 1690 the following was included in the report of the Episcopal Visitation to the church: "Chancel in good repair. Body out of repair, so ever since the taking of the town by the usurpers at which time it was blown up. Parishioners have already largely contributed to the repair of the chancell and the chapell adjoining, not able to contribute to the church."

In 1747, the Church still being in a largely ruinous condition, it was resolved to completely clear the site and build a new Church. This building, which currently occupies the site, was finished in 1752 and consecrated on 22nd September of that year. It was built in the Renaissance style, Hugh Darley being the architect and Italian-trained workmen, whose identity is unfortunately unknown, were employed in creating the beautiful late baroque plaster work which can still be seen in the chancel.
Two hundred and fifty years later September 2002 marked the 250th Anniversary of the original dedication of the Church. It also marked the end of a three-year program of restoration of the church after an arson attack in May 1999. Following this devastating act, which severely damaged the interior of the church, the Select Vestry decided not only to repair the damage caused by the fire but also to undertake a complete restoration of the building. Provision was also made to allow the Church to be used by the wider community in Drogheda for the appreciation of the musical arts. An open area was constructed at the front of the church, giving the town a 450 seat superlative performance venue, using the building's superb natural acoustics.

St. Peter's Church of Ireland is the living, vibrant active parish church of the Church of Ireland community on the north side of the River Boyne. The parish has been delighted to host the widely acclaimed Drogheda Borough Council International Music Series for the past four years and looks forward to continuing this service to the community in the future.
More information at http://drogheda.armagh.anglican.org