The village of Leixlip was founded by
the Danes, who settled here after their victory at the Battle of Confey
in 915 A.D. The name comes from Lax-hlaup(Salmon Leap) which Giraldus
Cambrensis and other historians latinised into Saltus Salmonies. This
was abbreviated to Saltus in legal documents, and survives in the local
baronies of North Salt and South Salt. The Church, which has a medieval
West Tower, was built at the confluence of the River Liffey and the Rye
Water, which here forms the historic boundary of the kingdoms of
Leinster and Brega. The castle overlooks it from its strategic position
on a high rock. One of the Castles of the Pale, it was built by Adam de
Hereford soon after the Norman's under Strongbow invaded Ireland in
1172. It is said that Prince John stayed here when governing Ireland in
the name of his father, Henry II.Leixlip Castle, on account of it
commanding position on the western side of Dublin, was subject to many
attacks. Because of its closeness to the castle, the Church did not
remain unscathed. The heaviest blow fell in the 14th century when the
Bruces-Edward and his brother Robert, King of Scotland-invaded Ireland
(1315-1318) and ravaged the country from Carrickfergus to Waterford.
They camped in Leixlip for four days, but failed to capture the Castle.
However they burned the Church. Only the tower, possibly because of its
massive strength, survived intact.
As it stands today the Church tower is a fine example of 12th century
Norman architecture, a national monument to be treasured. The carved
heads over the clock ,after 7OO years exposure to wars, wind and
weather, are almost as fresh as though they had just left stonecutters
hands. The clock, too, still performs its duty faithfully, recording the
hours of work and worship with the help of the crudest stone weights.
Inside the tower is a chamber and large fireplace, evidently intended as
a home for a priest.
In 1675, the vestry undertook a major restoration of the church,
which was in ruinous condition. Happily the restoration seems to have
followed the plan of the original building.
Archbishop Price, Archbishop of Cashel (d.1752) is buried in the nave
of the Church. Near the organ is a memorial tablet to Sir Nicholas White
(Whyte) who died in 1654. The Castle remained in his family until about
1700. In the chancel is buried Deborah(d.1697) sister of Narciussus
Marsh, Archbishop of Dublin who founded and endowed the library close to
St.Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, which bears his name.
Throughout its long history Leixlip has seen many changes in the
world around it. Today Leixlip is itself in the throes of change. No
longer is it the quiet country parish it was. On every side large
housing estates are going up and the area is rapidly becoming a densely
populated suburb. As we move into a new era in the continuing life of
our Parish, we must thank our predecessors who loved and cared for our
ancient Church. They have left us a good heritage therefore it is our
duty and our privilege to cherish and to preserve it for those who shall
come after us.
