Cross-inscribed stone in Montiagh

Listed in both the SMR (1989) and RMP (1995) and classified 'Grave-slab'. In the E half of Montiagh graveyard (SL042-004001-). A rougly shaped slab (H 0.55m; Wth 0.5m; T 0.06m) with a simple Latin cross incised on one face. Thinly incised lines represent the shaft (H 0.2m) and the arms (Wth 0.14m) of the cross, with a slight expansion or indentation marking the terminals. The base of the shaft is flanked by the letters 'P' and 'B', incised similarly to the cross. The distance between the letters and the cross is unequal, the 'P' being furthest away. This is probably a grave-marker, perhaps 19th or even 20th century in date (pers. comm. M. B. Timoney). (Herity, Kelly and Mattenberger 1997, 121). Compiled by: Archaeological Survey Unit, UCC Date of upload: 10 January 2012

Dated to the early medieval period, likely 7th to 10th century AD, the cross-inscribed stone in Montiagh served as a grave marker, reflecting Christian funerary practices in the region. Such stones often denoted the burial of a local Christian individual, with the cross symbolizing faith and spiritual identity.