What is recorded here

Kilnacourt House in Portarlington, County Laois, displays the broken knight of Robert Hartpole, constable of Carlow, who died in 1594. Men smashed his tomb and threw panels into the River Barrow, yet the recumbent knight survived to sit on a concrete plinth in the town park. His head is gone, his hands are broken, and the dog under his feet has lost its head, but he still watches the street.

Hartpole effigy (CW007-018016-), dating to 1594, was originally from St Marys church (CW007-018007-), Carlow. The effigial tomb was broken up, the top with the effigial figure was brought to Kilnacourt House, Portarlington, Co. Laois and the side panels appear to have been broken and thrown into the River Barrow (APMD1 1909, 251-2). Some pieces were recovered and were recorded as being at Oak Park in 1909, though they could not be located in 1988 when inspected by the ASI. The effigy consists of a recumbent armoured knight on a rectangular limestone slab with his now broken hands resting on his chest. Knights head missing and arms and legs damaged. Part of inscription on dexter side of knight and his feet are placed on a dog which is also missing its head. (JKAS 1904 Vol. IV, 223-6, 304; JKAS 1916 Vol. VIII 221-2) Latin Inscription translated reads; Here lies Robert Hartpole, constable of Carlow, more than a septuagenarian, he died on the 3rd day of October 1594. The effigy (LA005-032----) has subsequently been moved from Kilnacourt House, Portarlington and placed on top of a concrete plinth in the town park of Portarlington where it is on public display. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 19 August 2011

Effigial tomb, late 16th century (1594). Significance lies in its historical association with St Mary's Church, Carlow, and the preservation of its effigial figure at Kilnacourt House, reflecting early Irish funerary art and aristocratic memorial practices.

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