The Round Tower

The Round Tower of Kells

This tenth century tower is ninety feet high from the original (street)
level, without its conical roof. It has six floors and access to which was
gained by ladders, being without an internal staircase. Each floor has one
window. The doorway has new stonework, and is raised above ground level as
is usual. The raised doorway strengthened the structure and made the tower
more difficult to attack. Such towers were referred to in the literature as
a Cloigteach or “bell tower”. Modeled on early Italian Belfries they were
used as lookout towers, and as places of refuge during attack, especially by
Vikings. This tower has a number of unusual features. It has five top
windows instead of the usual four. These overlook the five ancient roads
leading into the town, and corresponding to the five medieval town gates,
Cannon, Carrick, Maudlin, Dublin and Farrell Gates. Normally also the
doorway would face east, in line with the west door of the associated
church. However in Kells the great stone church (damhlaig) which had been
built after the disastrous Norse raid of 920 AD had a west porticus or
porch. This stone church had a south entrance opposite to the north door of
the tower. In this porticus were kept the sacred vessels, and the Book of
Kells, and from here the book was stolen in 1007 AD. Murdach Mac Flann Mac
Maelseachlinn unwisely claimed the high kingship of Tara and was murdered in
the tower in 1076.

Courtesy of Aidan Wall

Short URL: http://www.kellsonline.ie/?p=371