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). A tapering graveslab, perhaps for a child, described by Graves (1864-6, 187) as a diminutive slab, three feet (0.91m) long which had been built into a loose wall in the nave of the priory church. Grave’s description is accompanied by an engraving of a slab with wide bevelled/chamfered edges and possibly a raised rim (ibid.). It is decorated with a four-armed cross-head with fleur-de-lis terminals and a circle, with a dot in the centre, at the junction of the arms. Below the cross head there is an elaborate foliate motif which springs from either side of the cross-shaft. The cross-shaft terminates in a fleur-de-lis. This slab is currently unlocated. Stylistically it dates to the 13th/14th century. (Higgins 2007, cat. no. 28, 462). 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: KK027-029045-_01 Illustration in Graves, Rev. J. 1864-6 Proceedings and papers. Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 8, 187. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 7 June 2023

Medieval Christian graveslab; associated with the Augustinian priory at Kells, significant as part of a large assemblage of funerary monuments reflecting monastic burial practices in the region.