Architectural fragment

The National Monuments Service's description

This narrow limestone stone slab (1.3m by 18cm by 6cm) was discovered in the graveyard by Henry Morris (Morris 1912) where it served as a grave marker c. 2m northwest of the mound on which stands the base of a possible high cross (LH004-097006-). It is carved, in intaglio style, with the figure of a bishop, in full episcopal panoply, with mitre and crosier, and with his right hand raised in the act of benediction. Underneath the feet of the figure there is a representation of a serpent with tongue barbed and protruding in an attitude of fight: this probably represents St. Patrick. The details of the dress are executed very finely, the lace on the alb and ornamentation on the vestments being clearly seen. There is no inscription. On the top of the stone there is a little groove cut something c. 3cm long in which it would appear a small metallic cross had at one time been fixed. The original function of this slab is unknown and it may have formed part of a more elaborate memorial. The slab was removed to the National Museum of Ireland (see DU018-414----). (Morris 1912)

Compiled by: Paul Walsh

Date of upload: 26 June 2014

References

Morris, H. 1912 A Faughart monument. Journal of the County Louth Archaeological Society 3, no. 1, 28-9.