1797 Antique Print Mellifont Abbey Louth

1797 Antique Print a copper plate engraving of Mellifont Abbey County Louth. The prints are part of a larger set on Ireland, published by Hooper & Wigstead in London. After drawings by Francis Grose, dated 1794, the print was not published until 1797 Prints is in good condition for age, light markings and foxing. Print area is 7 by 5 inches, paper area 10 1/2 by 8 inches. Mellifont Abbey was established in 1142 by St. Malachy, Archbishop of Armagh, with the assistance of Cistercian monks sent directly from St. Bernard of Clairvaux. Situated along the River Mattock near Drogheda, it was the first Cistercian monastery constructed in Ireland, introducing continental European monastic architecture to the island. The abbey’s layout influenced dozens of daughter houses across Ireland. Key architectural features include a unique 13th-century octagonal lavabo (washing vessel), an arched chapter house, and extensive cloister ruins. In 1157, the abbey church was consecrated during a major synod attended by Irish kings and prelates. Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539, the complex was converted into a fortified private residence. In 1603, the Treaty of Mellifont was signed here, effectively ending the Nine Years’ War and Gaelic resistance to English rule. This antique print documents the historic ruins of the mother house of the Cistercian order in Ireland. Postage €7, free postage on orders over €75, view more prints at Anticogallery.com