Cross-slab

The National Monuments Service's description

Twenty cross slabs (WI042-019006-/033-) can be seen scattered about Aghowle graveyard (WI042-019003-), all of which have been reused as upright burial markers, which largely explains the main distribution of the cross slabs in the southern part of the graveyard, coinciding with the main area of 18th and 19th century headstones. It is clear that the majority of the cross slabs were originally intended as recumbent slabs, however, their current use as upright headstones means that most of the slabs are partially concealed, thereby limiting the visible features. The majority are schist slabs, except for Cross slabs 2, 11, 15 and 16 which are of granite (Corlett 2019).
Described by Corlett (2019) as following; 'Cross slab 12 is situated c. 10m south of the west doorway of Aghowle Church (WI042-019001-). The granite slab is 9cm thick and presently stands 44cm high. The slab is 50cm wide at the base and tapers slightly to 42cm wide at the top. On the east face is an outline Latin cross 33cm across. The terminal of upper transom is slightly damaged where the top of the stone has shattered. The lower transom continues below the ground surface. The cross is formed by a shallow groove (2cm across, 8mm deep)'.

Compiled by: Chris Corlett and Claire Breen

Revised by: Caimin O'Brien based on details provided by Chris Corlett

Date of revised upload: 12 March 2020

References

Corlett, C. 2019 Archaeological Survey of Aghowle Church and Cross, Co. Wicklow. Unpublished National Monuments Survey Report carried out by Chris Corlett, October 2019.