Graveslab (present location)

The National Monuments Service's description

Thirteen graveslabs were recovered from the River Nore during the archaeological excavations (01E980) carried out in 2001-2003 as part of the River Nore Drainage Scheme (Doyle and O’Meara 2004, 6-20). These were found associated with the late medieval bridge (KK019-026070-), immediately N of the current John’s Bridge (ibid. 7). It is suggested that the graveslabs were deliberately cleared from a graveyard, possibly belonging to either St Mary’s parish church (KK019-026115-) c. 100m to the W or to St John’s Priory (KK019-026068-) c. 200m to the NE, and used as part of the rubble needed to form a protective apron for the piers of the late medieval bridge (ibid. 16-19). Currently stored in Magdalan tower (KK019-026074-), Maudlin St, Kilkenny.
Portion of a limestone graveslab (01E0980: 2277) was found mortared into the base of one of the piers of the late medieval bridge (ibid. 8-9). It consists of a rectangular fragment (L 1.2m; Wth 0.54-0.58m; T 0.25m), tapering towards the base (ibid. 11; 14). Both sides of the top of the slab, as well as the base of the slab, are missing (ibid.). It is decorated with a four-armed incised cross with fleur-de-lis terminals, though the dexter terminal is broken off (ibid.). The cross-head has an open lozenge-shaped centre (ibid.). Stylistically this graveslab dates to the 13th/14th century.

See attached photograph:
KK019-026420-_01 Photograph by Chris Corlett

Compiled by: Jean Farrelly

Date of upload: 16 January 2023

References

Doyle, I.W. and O'Meara, B. 2004 Medieval grave slabs recovered from the River Nore, St John’s Bridge, Kilkenny City. Old Kilkenny Review 56, 6-20.