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.
Fragment of a limestone tapering graveslab (01E0980: 2313) which consists of the central portion of the slab, the head and base of which are missing (ibid. 11, 15). The slab (L 0.7m; Wth 0.45m; T 0.23m), with bevelled edges, is heavily water worn and only the rough outline of the base of the cross-head, formerly in relief, are visible (ibid.). Stylistically this dates to the 13th/14th century (ibid.).

See attached photograph:
KK019-026426-_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.