“St Peter del Hille” What does that mean to you? This was the original name of St Peter’s Church in Dublin. Today we stand where the Dublin YMCA building is now. But once, this was the site of a significant church.
St Peter’s Church has a rich history dating back centuries. Its story involves Vikings, Whitefriars, and grand rebuilds. It even involves demolition. Let me tell you more about this fascinating place.
The story begins in the 12th century with the arrival of the Whitefriars in Dublin. They settled on land that may have housed a pre-Viking monastic settlement. In 1280 a small church was built here. It was dedicated to St Peter and called St Peter del Hille meaning St Peter on the Hill.
Nearby, another church dedicated to St Stephen was built for lepers. The clergy of this church also ministered to St Peter’s parishioners. However, in the 16th century Henry VIII dissolved the Whitefriars. Their lands were forfeited to the Crown during the Reformation.
In 1625 Sir Francis Aungier acquired the Whitefriars’ estates. Later, Francis Aungier started developing the area. He contributed to the building of a new church on Aungier Street. This new St Peter’s Church was completed in 1685. It replaced the older churches, which had fallen into ruin.
St Peter’s Church underwent several transformations over the years. In the mid-18th century, it was largely rebuilt in a Georgian style. Architect Michael Wills oversaw this project from 1750 to 1752. The church was enlarged in 1773. Later in 1867 St Peter’s was rebuilt again in the Gothic style. Only the nave walls of the original church were retained. Edward Henry Carson, father of Edward Carson, was the architect. At the time, it was the largest Church of Ireland parish church in Dublin.
St Peter’s Church was more than just a place of worship. It played a vital role in the community. Charity sermons were a regular event. Rev Walter Blake Kirwan was famous for his sermons. He raised over £4,000 per year for charity. Parishioners even donated jewellery and watches. They threw them into the collection plate overcome with emotion.
The churchyard of St Peter’s was the final resting place for many. It served the largest Church of Ireland parish in Dublin. The Huguenot community also used it as a burial ground. The churchyard was in use until about 1883.
Notable figures were buried here. These included the Earl of Roden and his family. Also interred were bishops, dignitaries, and the notorious Black Jack Fitzgibbon. He was the Earl of Clare and Lord High Chancellor of Ireland.
After the church closed, W & R Jacob’s biscuit factory took over the churchyard. It became a recreation ground for their staff. When the land was developed in the 1980s the remains of the Huguenots were moved. They were reinterred in Mount Jerome cemetery.
St Peter’s Church served a large parish. This included the old parish of St Peter’s. It also included St Kevin’s, St Stephen’s, and part of St Bridged’s. Due to the parish size, several chapels of ease were needed. These included St Kevin’s and St Stephen’s.
Several notable people were associated with St Peter’s. Arthur Wellesley the Duke of Wellington was baptised here. Novelist Charles Robert Maturin served as curate of St Peter’s. Robert Emmet’s family also had strong ties to the church.
Sadly St Peter’s Church was demolished in 1983. Today, the Dublin YMCA stands on its site. But St Peter’s legacy lives on. A window from the church was installed in the YMCA building. The war memorial was restored and relocated to St Catherine and James Church. The organ was moved to St Michael’s in Blackrock Co Cork.
St Peter’s Church may be gone. But its story remains a significant part of Dublin’s history. It reminds us of the city’s rich past and the people who shaped it.