What is recorded here

Graveslab in Rathduff (madden) is a tapering 13th or 14th century stone from Kells Priory, where Augustinian canons prayed and died. It measures 1.87m long and narrows from 0.565m to 0.39m wide, with a thickness between 0.14m and 0.19m. The slab emerged from the lady chapel, joining dozens of others buried there. Whoever it covered rested beneath a roof where women prayed, perhaps a canon’s relative or a local woman the priory protected.

One of a large number of graveslabs (KK027-029005-; KK027-029015-, KK027-029016-, KK027-029021- to KK027-029051-) found at Kells Priory for Augustinian canons (KK027-029004-) which have been described and catalogued by Higgins (2007, 453-67). A tapering slab (L 1.87m; Wth at top 0.565m; Wth at base 0.39m; T 0.14-0.19m), Stylistically the graveslab dates to the 13th/14th century. The slab was found in the lady chapel. (Higgins 2007, cat. no. 6, 466, fig. 7.1:6). Ref.: Higgins, J. 2007 The medieval funerary monuments. In M. Clyne, (ed.), Kells Priory, Co. Kilkenny: archaeological excavations by T. Fanning & M. Clyne, 453-67. Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Dublin. See attached: KK027-029025-_01 Illustration in Higgins, J. 2007 The medieval funerary monuments. In M. Clyne, (ed.), Kells Priory, Co. Kilkenny: archaeological excavations by T. Fanning & M. Clyne, 453-67. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 29 May 2023

Medieval Christian graveslab; associated with an Augustinian priory and significant for its connection to ecclesiastical burial practices in the region.

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