St. George’s Parish

St. George’s Parish. A name etched in Dublin’s historical tapestry. It’s more than just lines on a map. It’s a story of faith, community, and even a touch of scandal. Our journey begins not with the grand St. George’s Church on Hardwicke Place, but with its humbler predecessor. The Old Church of St. George, affectionately known as “Little George’s,” stood on Hill Street. Built in 1668 by the Eccles family, it served as a chapel-of-ease, likely for St. Michan’s Church. Imagine the workers from the Eccles family’s businesses gathering here for worship. The church was their spiritual anchor in a bustling city. “Little George’s” served its community faithfully for over two centuries. Its tower, still standing today, is a silent witness to those years. Now, it’s designated a “Protected Structure,” a testament to its enduring significance. The church itself, however, met a different fate. Demolished in 1894, only the sturdy tower remained. The congregation, by then, had moved on, first to a temporary chapel on Whitworth Road, and then to the grand new St. George’s Church on Hardwicke Place. The old churchyard became a playground, the gravestones cemented into the walls, a poignant reminder of those who rested there. One notable figure buried at Old St. George’s was Richard Kirwan, a renowned scientist of his time. He shared his grave with a more unexpected companion, his butler, Mr. Pope. It’s a curious tale of master and servant united in their final resting place. St. George’s Parish, even in its original form, was a place of significance. The echoes of its past resonate through the remaining tower, a tangible link to Dublin’s rich history.