Graveslab

The National Monuments Service's description

In the chancel of the Augustinian abbey of Athassel (TS068-013----) standing against the E gable of the chancel, N of the E window. It is described by Maher (1997, 52) as a tapering slab (L 0.79m; Wth at top 0.65m; Wth at base 0.55m; average T 0.17m) with a chamfer (Wth 0.05m) along the dexter side. It is decorated with an 'ornate eight-armed cruciform motif, with each arm featuring a trefoil at its terminal and midpoint. The inner trefoils of the horizontal and vertical arms are disposed outwardly, whereas those on the diagonal arms are disposed inwardly. At the centre of the cross is an interlocked circle, composed of four segments. The diagonal arms of the overall cruciform motif emanate from the centre of the circle, while its horizontal and vertical arms also commence within the broken circle, forming a central lozenge. On both sides of the base of the design three trefoils spring in a vegetalike fashion. The inscription occurs in Lombardic lettering and commences at the top of the dexter side of the slab, running parallel to its chamfered edge. It is preceded by an equal-armed cross with expanded terminals. The lower half of the letters have been cut away as a result of the chamfering of this edge of the slab. It reads: HIC JACET (F?)RATER (I/J)OH which is probably to be interpreted as: HIC JACET FRATER JOHANNUS/JOHES (Here lies Brother John)' (ibid.).

Compiled by: Jean Farrelly

Date of upload: 11 January 2012

References

Maher, D. 1997 Medieval grave-slabs of County Tipperary, 1200-1600 A.D. BAR British Series 262.