Altar

The National Monuments Service's description

17th century chest tomb/altar tomb possibly belonging to the Brown family standing in E quadrant of Knockainy graveyard (LI032-141005-) that was uncovered in 2012 during graveyard recording/clean up scheme. Plain undecorated ledger top with moulded cornicing on N face only which is decorated with fluted capitals either side of a central boss or roundels carved with the initials E.B and MFD. In between the roundels words have been incised which read 'NCIPI FIEDLIS AMPLE PROLES' the word PARENS carries around the edge of the ledger on the W side, there are no words carved into the E face of the ledger. The ledger does not match the sides of the tomb either in its size or through the carvings which appear to be mismatched suggesting that they may be two different monuments put together in the post 1700 period.
The N facing side panel of the tomb or altar is decorated with two images separated by fluted ionic columns. The capitals on the ledger do not match the columns on the side panels suggesting that they belong to two different monuments. The carving on the side panel to the E contains a Crucified Christ flanked on either side by the words ECCE HOMO and the date 1618 beneath. INRI can be seen above the cross with the words MEDIUM TENUERE BEATI [Blessed are those who keep a middle course?] around a banner beneath the Crucifixion. The armorial type shield to the W has an IHS with cross in middle with Latin inscription above and below the shield. The Ledger on top of the tomb does not appear to fit or match the body of the tomb. The S side of the tomb is not visible but appears to be partially damaged. The initials K G are visible on the E end panel and E B are visible on W end panel. Running along the base of the tomb there is a Latin Inscription which is partially legible and reads 'Ecce Modo ......Generous Erat'. The Knockainey Historical and Conservation Society have suggested that Sir Thomas Browne of Hospital who built the chancel of St. John’s Church in 1615 may constructed this altar tomb.

Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of upload: 30 April 2019