Discover Alone ← Back to nearby map

← Back to the nearby map

Graveslab (present location) in Gardens (kilkenny City By., St. Mary’s Par.)

Graveslab (present location)
View what I want to do
No photo yet

Add your own picture and explain the route, parking, gates, paths or landmarks that help people find it.

Earn 5 points after the picture is checked and accepted.

Add your photo and local directionsShare what you found

What is recorded here

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 in the Medieval Mile Museum, former St Mary’s parish church (KK019-026115-). Fragment of a limestone graveslab (01E0980: 2253) which consists of a sub-rectangular, heavily water worn portion of the slab (L 1.39m; Wth 0.62m; T 0.18m), with the lower dexter edge cut away (ibid. 11-12). The polished upper surface bears an incised Norman French inscription, in Lombardic lettering, along one side (ibid.). The inscription reads, ‘AGAT:DE:LEYE’, which possibly translates as Agatha de Leye (ibid.). Bradley (2003, 106-07) identified an Agatha de Leye, along with her sister Johanna, on a deed in the Kilkenny Corporation Archives, executed prior to 1299 (Doyle and O’Meara 2004, 9). This graveslab has been dated to the 14th century (ibid. 12). Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 16 January 2023

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.