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 in the Medieval Mile Museum, former St Mary’s parish church (KK019-026115-).
Fragment of a limestone graveslab (01E0980: 2253) which consists of a sub-rectangular, heavily water worn portion of the slab (L 1.39m; Wth 0.62m; T 0.18m), with the lower dexter edge cut away (ibid. 11-12). The polished upper surface bears an incised Norman French inscription, in Lombardic lettering, along one side (ibid.). The inscription reads, ‘AGAT:DE:LEYE’, which possibly translates as Agatha de Leye (ibid.). Bradley (2003, 106-07) identified an Agatha de Leye, along with her sister Johanna, on a deed in the Kilkenny Corporation Archives, executed prior to 1299 (Doyle and O’Meara 2004, 9). This graveslab has been dated to the 14th century (ibid. 12).

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.