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 graveslab (upper portion L 2.21m; Wth at top 0.76m; Wth at base 0.75m; T 0.13m) with straight sides. It is decorated with a banded cross with a seven-armed segmented cross-head with fleur-de-lis terminals. The cross-shaft rests on a curving calvary mount. There is a plain margin around the upper edge of the slab, with an inscription in latin in Black Letter script in the dexter margin, which continues with the date of death on the sinister band of the cross. It reads: HIC JACET D[N]S TOMAS LAHE QUONDAM PRIOR ISTIUS LOCI QUI OBIIT XXVII DIE MENS FEBRUARY A°D¹M° CCCCCVIII. This translates as: Here lies Lord Thomas Lahe once prior of this place who died 27th day of the month of February A.D. 1508. An IHC monogram and cross, and the name MARIA, occur immediately below the cross-head, on either side of the cross shaft. The graveslab was found covering a stone-lined grave in the N ambulatory of the cloister. (Higgins 2007, cat. no. 29, 463, Pl. 7.1). 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: KK027-029046-_01 Photograph 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: 7 June 2023

Medieval Christian graveslab; associated with the Augustinian priory at Kells, significant as part of a large group of ecclesiastical monuments reflecting monastic burial practices in the region.