St Patrick's Cathedral

St Patrick's Cathedral has come a long way from its humble beginnings as the site of a 5th Century well (in which St Patrick is said to have baptised early Christians) to the Church of Ireland's National Cathedral.

The Church was built by John Comyn, who was appointed Archbishop of Dublin in 1181. Legend has it that he fell out with the city provosts and the priory of Christ Church, so he decided to build his own church close to, but outside of, the city walls. The building work started in 1191 and became a cathedral in 1213.

The Cathedral is probably best known for its association with author and satirist Jonathan Swift who was the Dean from 1713 until 1745, and is buried in the south aisle.

The Guinness family's association with the cathedral is something which can not be ignored - particularly Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness (Lord Iveagh) who heavily subsidised the restoration of the cathedral in the 1860s and also presented a peal of bells.

From a bell ringer's point of view, the list of noteworthy names associated with this tower is also impressive. These include (but are not limited to) :

The Architect Francis Johnston, who designed many of Ireland's most beautiful buildings, including St George's Church.

Mr Richard Cherry, who added two extra bells to the tower, formed not only St Patrick's bell ringing Society, but also the Irish Association of Change Ringers. He also gave the Cherry Cup to the Association.

Gabriel Lindoff who was a instructor in this tower, one of the founder members of the Irish Association of Change Ringers and also composer of a great many Methods. These include Erin and Rochester Surprise.