Crucifixion plaque

The National Monuments Service's description

Incorporated in the stone walling surrounding a holy well structure (KK008-037----) and yew grove, c. 10m SW of the well, in the grounds of Bayswell House. According to Carrigan (1905, vol. 2, 303), 'Up to sixty or seventy years ago this well was visited by crowds of pious pilgrims on the 29th of Sept. and the seven following days. The pilgrims always wound up their devotions with prayers before an effigy of the Crucifixion carved in stone, which had been fixed into the wall surrounding the well. The slab was broken several years ago, and its fragments have been lost, except one piece which Mr. Connell [the owner of Bayswell House] has reverently, but, by a misapprehension of the identity of the carving, mistakenly incorporated with an effigy, in cement, of St. Michael, which he has placed over the well'. Only a small portion (L 0.22m; H 0.16m; D 0.015m) of the original medieval limestone crucifixion plaque, carved in relief, survives, the head and raised sinister arm, the latter being broken off at the wrist. The head is oval shaped with a broad nose, round bulging eyes in recessed sockets and incised lines indicating a moustache or beard. The hair curls distinctly above the shoulder, a style that was popular in the 14th century. There is a suggestion of a crown of thorns at the top of the head. This limestone fragment has been incorporated into a larger cement plague, the figure of Christ being transformed into St. Michael flying the lands holding a flag and a book. The limestone portion is dotted with lichen growth.

Compiled by: Jean Farrelly

Date of upload: 11 September 2018