Cross-slab

The National Monuments Service's description

One of six cross-slabs (DU018-278-/283-) now located inside St Patrick’s Cathedral (DU018-020269-).  Granite slab (L 1.6m x Wth 0.56m x T 0.12m) that is broken into two parts and built into the ceiling of the triforium passage at the SE corner of the S transept of St Patrick’s Cathedral (DU018-020269-).  Described in 1901 by the Cathedral Architect, Thomas Drew, who thought the two broken pieces were two separate slabs rather than two fragments of the same slab.  Thomas Drew (1901, 296) described the location of these slabs in 1901 as follows; ‘The ceiling of the triforium passage, familiarly known as the "Monks' Walk," which bonds an inner to an outside wall, is formed of great flagstones. Three of these have been observed to be ancient granite tombstones, with raised crosses cut on them, identical in character with the St. Patrick's Well stone [DU018-282----]’. The decoration consists of a ringed Greek cross in incised outline with recessed quadrants. Below it is a long shaft which terminates at the other end with short transverse arms. The overall effect is of a wheel-headed cross (Swords 2009, No. 4, 74). 

 

Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien

References

Swords, K. (ed.) 2009 Pre-Norman grave-slabs and cross-inscribed stones in the Dublin region. 2009 edition of an NUIG MA thesis prepared in 1985. Tallaght, Dublin. Local Studies Section, South Dublin Library.

Drew, T. 1901 Further Antiquarian Discoveries at St. Patrick's Cathedral Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 31, 296.