Graveslab in Ballyadams

Found in the SE corner of chancel of the church (LA019-031001-) in 1899 it is a late medieval slab (Wth c. 0.8m, L. c. 2m) constructed of limestone. The low relief effigy is of a cleric,Walter Harpole, Dean of Leighlin 1587-1597. An inscription in low relief around the slab reads; 'HEARE. LYETH. UNDER. THIS STONE. TOO BRETHEREN. ALL. IN. ONE. BRITTIANES. BORN, HARTPOOLS BY NACION HEARE LIVING GOT GREAT COMMENDACION, VALIANT.THOMAS WT. HIS SWOORD. VERTUOUS. WALTER. BY THE WRIT TEN. WOORD'. (J.K.A.S.Vol VII 21, 22, 23). 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. Date of upload: 17 December 2007

Late medieval funerary slab; commemorates Walter Harpole, Dean of Leighlin, significant for its effigy and historical inscription.