Graveslab in Balsoon

Three fragments of the early 17th century Eliot graveslab (dims 1.03m x 0.95m) were recovered in the graveyard of Balsoon church (ME031-020----) and are now just W of the inserted chancel wall (Ball-Wright 1887-8, 463-5). The Latin fragmentary inscription, deeply incised in gothic lettering, is running around the edge, with heraldic shields representing the Elliot, Smart, Might, Rochfort and Ussher families are at the centre. The graveslab was examined again by FitzGerald (1904-06, 590) who translates the inscription as: ‘..Baron of the Exchequer, and Ismay Rochfort his wife, erected this chapel. She died x..’ Ismay was married to Sir John Eliot who died in 1616. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 9 January, 2015