Graveslab (present location) in Gardens (kilkenny City By., St. John's Par.)

Thirteen graveslabs were recovered from the River Nore during the archaeological excavations (01E980) carried out in 2001-2003 as part of the River Nore Drainage Scheme (Doyle and O’Meara 2004, 6-20). These were found associated with the late medieval bridge (KK019-026070-), immediately N of the current John’s Bridge (ibid. 7). It is suggested that the graveslabs were deliberately cleared from a graveyard, possibly belonging to either St Mary’s parish church (KK019-026115-) c. 100m to the W or to St John’s Priory (KK019-026068-) c. 200m to the NE, and used as part of the rubble needed to form a protective apron for the piers of the late medieval bridge (ibid. 16-19). Currently stored in Magdalan tower (KK019-026074-), Maudlin St, Kilkenny. Fragment of a tapering limestone graveslab (01E0980: 2315), with bevelled edges, the top and bottom of which are missing (ibid. 12, 15-16). The slab (L 0.7m; Wth 0.45m; T 0.23m) was decorated with a cross in relief, however, the upper surface is heavily water worn and only the rough outline of the cross survives (ibid.). It is decorated with a plain centred four-armed cross, the form of the terminals is not discernible (ibid.). Stylistically this dates to the 13th/14th century (ibid.). See attached photograph: KK019-026427-_01 Photograph by Chris Corlett Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 16 January 2023