What is recorded here

Roland Eustace and Margaret D’Artois still lie beneath a limestone slab in County Kildare, carved as a knight in plate armour and a woman in a horned bonnet. His sword hangs slightly askew, as if readiness itself had grown tired after centuries of rain. The graveyard also holds the lost New Abbey, while decorated panels from the tomb now line the walls of a later church. They are not dead symbols but witnesses, keeping the shape of a family that once believed stone could remember heat, fear and love.

In a graveyard (KD028-040001-) which is also the site of ‘New Abbey’ (KD028-040----). Known as the Portlester (FitzEustace) Tomb. The surviving remains consist of the limestone mensa with the figures of Roland Eustace and his wife Margaret D’Artois, carved in high relief. He is depicted as a medieval knight, completely covered in plate armour with sword hanging, slightly askew, in front, while she, to his right, wears a belted dress and high horned bonnet. Their heads rest on square cushions. Decorated side panels have been incorporated in the low surviving walls of the nearby late church. Their decoration includes the Virgin and Child, St. Michael, St. Francis and the arms of FitzEustace. (Murphy 1891-95, 121-2; Fitzgerald 1901, 309; Tickell 1960, 391-2; Killanin and Duignan 1967, 318-9) Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy Date of upload: 18 February 2013

A 17th-century effigy tomb, associated with the FitzEustace family, significant as a historical and artistic monument reflecting early modern funerary practices in Ireland.

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.