What is recorded here

Yes. A thirteenth-century sarcophagus still lies beneath St Mary’s parish church in Kilkenny, its fossiliferous limestone body marked by four ogee-headed recesses. It was placed east to west near the chancel, slightly above the medieval floor, as if waiting beneath the footsteps of later worshippers. Half is missing, taken in antiquity, but the remaining chamber keeps its shape in the dark earth.

At St Mary's parish church (KK019-026115-) in Kilkenny. A decorated 13th-century sarcophagus (L exposed 0.56m; Wth 0.67-0.7m), made from fossiliferous limestone, partially uncovered during the 2015 archaeological excavation of the church (Ó Drisceoil 2019, unpublished). The sarcophagus was found in situ, orientated E-W, slightly raised above the medieval floor level c. 6m from the E end of the chancel. It has curved shoulders and externally the sides taper inwards slightly. The E end and the exposed part of the S side had been removed in antiquity. The interior is roughly tooled and the top of the side panel is flat and finely tooled with a straight chisel. The entire exterior face is carved in low relief with a row of four ogee-headed recesses. It remains in situ under the present ground level. Compiled by: Cóilín Ó Drisceoil Date of upload: 21 November 2022

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