Graveslab in Fethard

In a recumbent position in the porch of the medieval parish church of St John the Baptist (TS070-040001-), currently Holy Trinity C of I church. According to O'Leary (1928, 161-2) this slab was discovered in October 1928 buried c. 0.6m below ground 'in the churchyard, near the ruins know as the Lady Chapel' and was lifted to the same position above ground. A rectangular limestone slab (L 1.9m; Wth 0.7m; T 0.18m with chamfered edge 0.03m) decorated in relief with a seven-armed segmental-headed cross with fleur-de-lis terminals. Beneath the cross-head there is a two-barred knop and at the base of the cross-shaft there is a three-barred knop. The cross-shaft rests on a pillar-base form. There is an inscription in latin, in Black Letter script, around the border which has been transcribed and translated by O'Leary (1928, 162) as: HIC JACET AEDMUNDUS FILIUS JOHANNIS EVERARD QUI OBIIT SEXTO DIE MENSIS MARTII A DO M.CCCCC. OCTAVO.CUI' AIE MICEATUR DEUS. AMEN. Here lies Edmund, son of John Everard, who died on the sixth day of the month of March, A. D. MCCCCC eight; on whose soul may God have mercy. Amen. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 20 January 2012

A Christian graveslab; date uncertain but likely early medieval. Its significance lies in its association with the medieval church and potential insights into local burial practices.