What is recorded here

Leixlip church in County Kildare holds three carved stone heads, including a small crowned figure in the chancel and two bulging-eyed faces high on the tower walls. The one with the moustache stares down the stair-turret like a jealous guard, while the other watches the east with an upturned mouth that might be smiling or sneering. They have survived fire, frost and forgotten prayers, still catching light and shadow inside the old building.

Leixlip church (KD011-004003-) contains three carved stone heads: KD011-004012- is located in the S wall of the chancel and is a small, worn head with a fleur-de-lys crown, in the 13th century style (Bradley et al. 1986 vol. 3, 314). KD011-004013- is located high on the W-end of the stair-turret's N wall and is carved showing bulging eyes and a moustache (Bradley et al. 1986 vol. 3, 316). KD011-004014- is located at the E-end of the tower's N wall and is carved showing a fringe of hair across the forehead, bulging almond-shaped eyes, an elongated nose and an upturned slit for the mouth (Bradley et al. 1986 vol. 3, 316). Compiled by: Gearóid Conroy Date of upload: 10 June 2011

13th century; likely associated with medieval Christian symbolism, possibly representing a saint or a donor, with the fleur-de-lys crown indicating a connection to royalty or religious authority.

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