What is recorded here

Graveslab in Rathduff (madden) preserves the lower part of a tapering stone marked by a cross-shaft ending in a fleur-de-lis. It belongs to the Augustinian world of Kells Priory, where death was shaped as carefully as prayer. The broken edge does not weaken it; it reveals how much has been lost and how much still points upward.

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 lower portion of a tapering slab (surviving L 0.83m; Wth 0.3m; T 0.18m) with a chamfered edge. The slab is badly damaged and the dexter edge is broken. It is decorated with the lower portion of an incised cross-shaft which terminates with a fleur-de-lis which has a barred-knop immediately above it. Stylistically the graveslab dates to the 13th/14th century. (Higgins 2007, cat. no. 17, 461, fig. 7.2:4). 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. See attached: KK027-029034-_01 Illustration in Higgins, J. 2007 The medieval funerary monuments. In M. Clyne, (ed.), Kells Priory, Co. Kilkenny: archaeological excavations by T. Fanning & M. Clyne, 453-67. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 31 May 2023

Medieval Christian graveslab, 12th to 16th century; significant as part of a large assemblage associated with Kells Augustinian Priory, reflecting burial practices of the monastic community.

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