What is recorded here

Graveslab in Rathduff (madden) is a split tapering slab from Kells Priory, reused as a lintel in the postern tower. It probably dates to the late 13th century and still shows an incised cross with part of a trefoil. The canons may have taken it from a grave and set it above a doorway, turning death into a threshold they crossed every day.

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). A tapering slab (L 0.99m; Wth at top 0.36m; Wth at base 0.29m; T 0.2m), split horizontally in two, with a second deep split down its length. It has a chamfered edge on one side and a slight round bevel on the other. It is decorated with an incised cross, with the cross-shaft and part of a trefoil visible. It probably dates to the late 13th century. The slab was reused as a lintel in the N doorway, at first-floor level, of the postern tower which is located mid-way along the E wall of the inner court or monastic precinct. (Clyne 2007, 66; Higgins 2007, cat. no. 4, 466). Ref.: 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: 29 May 2023

Medieval Christian graveslab; associated with an Augustinian priory and significant for its connection to ecclesiastical burial practices in the region.

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