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). Described by Graves (1864-6, 185-6, 229) as a tapering limestone slab, being, ‘coffin-shaped, bevelled on the edges, and bore a graceful floriated cross of the Edwardian period, carved in relief’. It had a partly legible incised inscription, ‘by the side of the stem of the cross, in Lombardic capitals’, which read ‘HIC JACET RICARDUS COMERFORD [QUI Q]ONDAM PRIOR EXSTITIT ISTIUS DOMI’ (ibid.). Graves (ibid. 186) gives the translation as, ‘Here lies Richard Comerford, who was formerly Prior of this convent’. In Carrigan’s (1905, vol. 4, 62) list of priors of Kell Priory in the 14th century, which he bases on the work of the 17th-century historian James Ware (Ex Registro &c), there is no mention of a Richard Comerford, however, there is a Richard Cotterell, who died in 1319. Carrigan (ibid.) suggests that either Ware may have mixed up the surnames or Graves misread the graveslab inscription. According to Graves (1864-6, 185) the slab had been broken into three parts, one of which was missing. Currently all three parts are unlocated. (Higgins 2007, cat. no. 9, 466-7). Ref.: Graves, Rev. J. 1864-6 Proceedings and papers. Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 8, 185-9, 229. 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. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 30 May 2023