Strade Dominican Friary, National Monument No. 172. The abbey at Strade dates to the mid-13th century, when it first started as a Franciscan Friary, established by the Lord of Athlethan (Ballylahan), Jordan de Exeter. The Dominican friars moved into Strade in 1253. The priory was dedicated to the Holy Cross. A papal indulgence granted in 1434 may have resulted in a rebuilding phase of the church. The carving of a bird possibly an eagle/peacock with a serpent in its beak on the south wall of the crossing tower of the friary church dates from the 15th-century. In medieval Christianity, the bird & the serpent symbolize the battle between Christ (or virtue) & the Devil (or sin). The bird represents divine power, resurrection, and Heaven, often fighting or carrying off the serpent, which embodies evil, malice, & the fall of man. This carving may represent 'Christ in Triumph'. Archaeological Survey of Ireland description at: https://tinyurl.com/mumyk56y