Graveslab in Rathduff (madden)

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 1.045m; Wth at top 0.455m; Wth at base 0.345m; T 0.75-0.12m), broken across the base of the cross-head into two pieces, decorated with an incised cross. All sides of the slab are beveled. The cross-head consists of a plain four-armed cross with trefoil terminals enclosed by a double-lined circle. There is a circular knop on the shaft beneath the cross-head. The shaft terminates with a trefoil. Stylistically the graveslab dates to the 13th/14th century. The slab was reused as a grave liner in the nave in the late medieval/post-medieval period. (Higgins 2007, cat. no. 3, 460, fig. 7.1:3). 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: KK027-029016-_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 the Augustinian priory at Kells, significant as part of a large assemblage of ecclesiastical monuments reflecting monastic burial practices in the region.