Graveslab in Holycross

One of three graveslabs (TN047-030015-017) located behind the altar of the chancel of the Cistercian abbey (TN047-030001) at Holycross. Number 7 in D. Maher's catalogue of Medieval Grave Slabs of County Tipperary 1200 - 1600 A.D. for Holycross Abbey. Well preserved tapered slab ( L 1.97m; Top Wth 0.65m ; Base Wth 0.52m) with two cracks visible on its surface. The surface is decorated with a seven-armed segmental , with each arm terminating in a fleur-de-lis. Three cross-bands occur at the base of the cross-head, sumounting the cross-shaft. One single cross-band occurs at the base of the cross -shaft surmounting a pillar-base form. An inscription in Black Letter occurs on all four sides of the slab. This inscription reads HIC JACET NOBILIS/AC GENEROSUS VIR JACOBUS PURSELL BARO DE CORKHYNY ET LIBOLBY ET BALLYCORMMYC AC DNS DE/ CHRIPURSEYLLE Q OBIIT 11o/DIE MENSIS MAII A:D: [illegible word] MCCCCCV ET … A BUTLER UXOR EIUS. Translated as [Here lies the noble and highborn man James Purcell, baron of Corkatenny, Lisbothy and Ballyocormuck, and Lord of Chripurselluc who died on the second of May, A.D. 1050. Also Ellen Butler his wife.] (Fitzgerald, W. 1902, 104; Hayes, W. J. 1970, 16). Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload: 22 September 2008

Medieval Christian graveslab, 13th–14th century. Part of a small group associated with the Cistercian abbey at Holycross, significant for illustrating funerary practices and artistic styles of the late medieval period in Ireland.