Font in Timogue

Late medieval octagonal-shaped limestone font (int. Wth c. 0.44m, int. D c. 0.16m) standing in NW corner of Church of Ireland church (LA019-007001-). The font is decorated with the head of Christ carved on one panel with a later hole drilled into the head of Christ which allows water to flow out of the basin. The crude or the naïve nature of the carving of the head of Christ would suggest a date in the 16th or 17th century. The font was described by Roe (1947, 81) as following; ‘the font is of smooth, dark, grey limestone, is octagonal in shape and stands on a modern base. Each side or pane is 19 ins. (0.48m) high and the diameter of the bowl (0.48m) measures the same. Seven of the sides are plain except for a twisted band or moulding around the central circumference of the bowl; on the eighth side is a human head in bold relief projecting some four inches (0.1m) from the panel. The twisted band is continued across the forehead of the sculptured face and gives the effect of a fillet or plaited crown. An interesting feature of this font is that the aperture for draining the bowl is placed at one side where a countersunk hole has been pierced through the forehead of the sculpted head, just above the nose, and the water in consequence must flow down the visage. A frightening appearance is given to the head by this perforation and enhanced by a reddish stain which has spread from the corner of one eye all down the side of the face. Locally this sculpture is thought to represent the Head of Christ with the Crown of Thorns’. The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Laois' (Dublin Stationery Office, 1995) compiled by P. David Sweetman, Olive Alcock and Bernie Moran. In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Revised by: Caimin O’Brien Date of revised upload: 2 June 2015

The font in Timogue, an octagonal-shaped limestone font dating to the late medieval period, was likely constructed by local masons and is dedicated to Christian baptismal use. It is significant for its carved depiction of the head of Christ, reflecting the devotional art of the period.