What is recorded here

Grange Castle in County Laois wore a love knot above its door, carving Robert Hartpole and Grania O'Byrne into stone before the castle itself fell into obscurity. The small inscribed block survived demolition, reappeared built into a churchyard wall at Monksgrange, and still displays the looping links that turned private initials into a public promise. What was once household pride became scattered ruin, yet the knot remains tight: two names, one date, and a shape of devotion that outlived the house which first showed it to the world.

Originally located over the entrance doorway of Grange castle, Co. Laois (LA032-008001-) this stone was discovered in 1862 built into the wall of the churchyard at Monksgrange (LA032-009----). The stone (H 0.33m, W 0.3m) has the date 1588 at the top and the initials R.H. and g. b. (in lower case) carved below in relief. Between the R and H is a looped interlaced motif which has two links extended to wrap around a stem of each letter; undoubtedly, a symbolic love knot. The letters have been identified as belonging to Robert Hartpole and his wife, Grania O'Byrne. Robert Hartpole died in 1594, and was buried in St. Mary's parish church in Carlow. The datestone is in the possession of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland (DU018-275----). (Strickland 1922, 82-3) Compiled by: Paul Walsh Date of upload; 2 October 2014

Probably dating to the early medieval period, this stone may have had a ceremonial or symbolic function, possibly marking the entrance to a significant structure. Its later reuse in a churchyard wall suggests it was repurposed during the Christianization of the area.

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