Tomb — effigial in Kentstown

The mid 14th century effigy of Sir Thomas de Tuite (dims 1.66m x 0.65-0.78m; T 0.1m) carved in low relief with a Latin inscription in gothic lettering along the long sides (Moore 1891; FitzGerald 1912) is displayed inside the present Church of Ireland church. It is described by Hunt (1974, 1, 206-7) as: This effigy at Kentstown, Co. Meath, on the border of the Pale, presents what is a clear approach to the English knightly panoply of the same period, but with some variations which are seemingly peculiarly Irish. England at least provides us with no parallel. On a slightly tapering slab is carved in flat relief the figure of a knight. The commemorated man wears a tight-fitting jupon lacing up the front, and studded with circular ornaments. A dagger hangs on the right hip; it is presented rather schematically. Seen in profile it appears to have a rectangular pommel and cross-guard, but these suggest that it is a rondel dagger seen in profile. Below the jupon can be seen the engrailed border of the brigandine. The arms have vambraces but instead of gauntlets on the hands are gloves with short flaring cuffs. The legs have cuisses and greaves of plate and poleyns; the feet are shod in lamed sabatons. They rest on a couchant dog. His knightly rank, emphasised by the gloves on his hands is further indicated by the rowel spurs on his heels, though the carver has omitted both branches and spur-leathers. This may be an oversight or possibly the sculptor has shown some form of heel-spur. Such spurs without branches were known in France as early as the thirteenth century, if Viollet le Duc’s evidence (1874, 403) can be accepted. Another possibility is that the sculptor intended to indicate that he wears spurs of the characteristic type used by the Irish in the fourteenth century in which the branches, instead of curving forward under the ankles, pass almost vertically downwards on either side of the Achilles tendon and then project forward low down parallel to the sole of the foot. Even so, straps should have been indicated. Over his shoulders he wears a mantle with high upstanding collar, opening down the font instead of down the right side as would be usual in England. The jupon also differs from English fashion in that it laces up the front instead of up the side. His head is bare, resting on a rectangular cushion with four tassels. His hair is dressed with double curls on either side of his face level with the ears, and he wears a forked beard and moustache. His belt is the only example of this well-known knightly type in Ireland; fastening with a clip around the hips and not by a strap and buckle. It is shown on many tombs of the fourteenth century in England and on the Continent and was probably attached to the jupon over which it was worn. In regard to the mantle, Irish effigies representing members of the upper middle classes and of the wealthy merchant class afford numerous examples of a similar style., This in England was invariably worn fastened on the right shoulder with the opening at the side. The costume in general seems to be slightly in advance of the general English fashion of its date. The closest parallel is that on the effigy of Prince William of Hatfield, 1350, in York Minster. An inscription on the slab reads, when freed from contractions: HIC JACET THOMAS DE TUIT MILES QUONDAM DOMINUS DE KENTSISTON QUI OBIIT SECUNDO DIE JUNII ANO DOMINI MILESIMO CCC SEXUAGESIMO TERCIO Here lies Thomas de Tuite, Knight, once lord of Kentstown, who died on the second day of June 1363. Some doubt has been expressed as to whether there is not another C or hundred years to be added to this date, but careful examination shows that 1363 is indeed correct. Date of upload: 22 January, 2015