Graveslab

The National Monuments Service's description

One of a large number of graveslabs (KK027-029005-; KK027-029015-, KK027-029016-, KK027-029021- to KK027-029051-) found at Kells Priory for Augustinian canons (KK027-029004-) which have been described and catalogued by Higgins (2007, 453-67).
A tapering graveslab (L 2.22m; Wth at top 0.53m; Wth at base 0.39m; T 0.23m) with chamfered edges. The slab is spalled and the lower sinister edge and base of the slab is broken off. It is decorated near the top of the slab with an incised plain shield (L 0.51m). Higgins (ibid. 461) suggests that the shield may have had a painted inscription, cross and heraldry. The slab was recovered during archaeological excavation from a disturbed layer in the N transept of the priory church. Stylistically this dates to the late 13th/14th century. (Higgins 2007, cat. no. 24, 461, fig. 7.3:1).

Ref.:
Higgins, J. 2007 The medieval funerary monuments. In M. Clyne, (ed.), Kells Priory, Co. Kilkenny: archaeological excavations by T. Fanning & M. Clyne, 453-67. Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Dublin.

See attached:
KK027-029041-_01 Illustration in Higgins, J. 2007 The medieval funerary monuments. In M. Clyne, (ed.), Kells Priory, Co. Kilkenny: archaeological excavations by T. Fanning & M. Clyne, 453-67.

Compiled by: Jean Farrelly

Date of upload: 31 May 2023

References

Clyne, M. 2007 Kells Priory, Co. Kilkenny: archaeological excavations by T. Fanning & M. Clyne. Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Dublin.