Graveslab in New Ross

From: O’Mahony, A. (1987, 7, d) In the same tomb niche as (WX029-013048-), but now lying on the ground, are the remains of the upper half of a coffin-shaped slab (Wth 0.25-0.4m; H 1.02m; T 0.16m). It shows the remains of a head of a foliate cross with the head of a woman above it. She wears a pill-box and head-dress with a band under the chin. The features are largely weathered away. On the chamfer at the top of the slab are the remains of an inscription in Lombardic lettering: ISABEL: LA FEM (?)... (Isabel, the wife (?)(1) This tombstone has been associated with Isabel, wife of William, Earl Marshal, founders of New Ross and probably founders of St. Mary’s church itself; but this is disputed (2). Date: 13th century. (1). This is Hunt’s reading. Leask, H. (1948a) suggests ISABEL: LAEGN... (Isobel of Leinster...) (2) Hunt thinks it more probable that effigy (a: WX029-013027-) is Isabel’s cenotaph, the head slab (d: WX029-013049-) being a type more favoured by the middle classes. (Hunt 1974, vol. 1, 238, No. 264) Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload: 2 August, 2012