Armorial plaque in Longford Demesne

Set in the N wall above the doorway of a late-medieval building (SL019-200001-) is an armorial stone (0.74m H x 0.65m W) bearing the much-weathered arms, crest and motto of the Crofton family, all represented within a roundel delineated by a raised band; the carving is in shallow false relief. At the lower end of the roundel may be discerned the faint traces of a crudely-carved lion, passant, guardant (the Crofton arms) and directly above is a seven-branched stalk of wheat (the crest). Traces of the family motto 'Dat Deus Incrementum' can be read, especially within the band at the top where the letters DEUS and INCRE are clearly discernible. In the top right-hand corner are remnants of an ornamental design comprising two curving terminals with a leaf-shaped motif, almost like a crude fleur-de-lis; the corresponding ornament in the left-hand corner is completely worn away. The date of this piece is uncertain. The style of lettering is typical of that found in 17th cent. contexts but would not be out of character in the early 18th century. Compiled by: Paul Walsh Date of upload: 16 December 2011