Tomb - chest tomb

The National Monuments Service's description

Within the graveyard (KK023-072002-) associated with the medieval church of Burnchurch (KK023-072001-), at the base of the E gable of the C of I church.

A rectangular side panel of a chest tomb (L 1.53m; H 0.61m; T 0.12m), broken vertically into two pieces. The panel is decorated with the symbols of the Passion in false relief, within a raised plain border (Wth 0.04-0.08m). The decoration is quite worn, but clearly visible on one side of the break, at the dexter end of the panel, there is a large crown of thorns encircling a heart pieced by nails and beside it, towards the middle of the panel, there is a depiction of the seamless robe, with possibly a purse or Veronica’s towel beneath it. Both the robe and the purse/towel are damaged by the fracture. The other side of the break is decorated with a plain cross, tilted to one side but not quite a Saltire. Between two arms of the cross there is a hammer and between each of the other arms there is a scourge. At the sinister end of the panel there is a pincer holding three nails and beside it there is a spear.

Within the graveyard there are also a number of medieval graveslabs (KK023-072004- to KK023-072010-), another side panel from chest tombs (KK023-072011-) and the mensa of a chest tomb (KK023-072005-).

 

Compiled by: Jean Farrelly