Moravian Cemetery, Whitechurch
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Hi, I came across this while on a drive with the other half today. Google tells me it’s the resting place of a community of Moravians who settled in Dublin around 1700, established a church on Kevin Street and whose descendants had all died out within a few generations of the arrival of the first settlers.
The cemetery was padlocked with a modern looking lock, so does anyone (i) know who has the key to let people go in and have a look; and/or (ii) know anything about this graveyard please? Thanks.
It was recorded in 2003 as part of the NIAH’s survey of South Dublin County: http://www.buildingsofireland.ie/niah/search.jsp?type=record&county=SC®no=11216026
Make sure to click the ‘Additional Images’ link.
I don’t know anything about access, but perhaps this book would help? Dublin burial grounds and graveyards, by Vivien Igoe.
Fascinating topic, often overlooked. The Germans started to arrive in Ireland from about 1711 and the most successful settlements were in Limerick/North Kerry. In 1700 non-citizens could not own property and also had tax issues, e.g. non-naturalized merchants had to pay double taxes under the Navigation Acts. It took either a private act of Parliament or a grant by the Crown to become a citizen. Both of these were lengthy and costly processes, about £70 (or £100k in today’s money.)
Parliament passed the Naturalization Act in 1709 simplifying the process and it encouraged thousands of Germans to emigrate to Britain, Ireland and British America. They mainly came from the Rhineland Palatinate areas and fled from Louis XIV’s wars with Germany & its allies which included Britain. Daniel Defoe was a big supporter and wrote copious pamphlets in their favour.
Igoe’s book is a fascinating read for those witha historical bent.
Rs
K.
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