Font in Newtown (baker)

During a clean-up of graveyard (KK027-012009-) associated with the medieval church of Newtown Earley (KK027-012001-) the carved sandstone pedestal of a baptismal font was uncovered. It is described by Harte (1987, 408), as consisting of, ‘three narrow sides with pillars almost completely gone and three broader sides of which are carved seated figures, gowned and robed, with their right hand raised in blessing. The left hand of No. (1) is resting on his knee, No (2) is resting in front, No (3) is holding a book. All three have stylized hair in curls and are seated on armed chairs. No. 2 has either two objects hanging from his neck or openings in his robe. Under the square arm of the chair in No. 3 on the right is a flat circular plain which is a bit battered’. Harte (ibid. 409) notes that the pedestal was drawn by the Rev. James Graves in 1840 and that comparing the drawing with the pillar in 1987 showed very little change. The current location of the pedestal is unknown (Shine 2005, 59). See attached illustration: KK027-012002-_01 From Harte, R. 1987 Tombstones at Newtown Earley. Old Kilkenny Review 39, 408. References: Harte, R. 1987 Tombstones at Newtown Earley. Old Kilkenny Review 39, 408-17. Shine, L. 2005 The manor of Earlstown, county Kilkenny: an interdisciplinary approach. In Lyttleton, J. and O'Keeffe, T. (eds.), The manor in medieval and early modern Ireland, 40-69. Dublin. Four Courts Press. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 26 April 2023

The font pedestal, carved from sandstone, dates to the medieval period and is associated with the church of Newtown Earley; its style reflects early ecclesiastical craftsmanship, though specific builder or dedication details are not recorded. It is significant as a rare surviving element of the site's religious heritage.