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 graveslab (L 1.75m; Wth at top 0.545; Wth at base 0.365m; T 0.1m) which is broken horizontally across its width into four pieces. All sides are chamfered. It is decorated in low false-relief with a four-armed cross-head with fleur-de-lis terminals. There is an oval knop immediately below the cross-head at the top of the cross-shaft. The cross-shaft has a fleur-de-lis terminal with an oval knop immediately above it. Along the sinister edge of the surface of the slab there is a very worn inscription in Lombardic script, only the ‘HI’ of HIC JACET’, which translates as, ‘Here lies’ is legible. Stylistically this graveslab has been dated to the 13th/14th century. (Higgins 2007, cat. no. 22, 461, fig. 7.2:9). 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: KK027-029039-_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: 31 May 2023

Medieval Christian graveslab, 12th to 16th century; associated with Kells Priory, an Augustinian canon site, indicating the presence of a significant monastic and burial complex in the region.