Stone trough

The National Monuments Service's description

Immediately east of St Finden’s Cross (WI042-019002-) is a large block of granite (L 1.3m; Wth 0.73m; H 0.43m) which originally stood much higher. It is unshaped, except along one side which has been given quite a flat face – notably the rim is lower along this side of the stone. The basin is trough-like (L 0.84m; Wth 0.47m; D 0.55m) and the upper sides are straight, but the lower sides, including the ends, slope gradually towards a narrow base, providing a V-shaped profile across the short-axis. There is no drain hole. Given the lack of drain hole, the basin is rarely without water, and according to John O’Donovan “the water ... is believed to be blessed and able to cure headaches etc, for as the stone retains the blessing of St. Fenden, it imparts it to every drop of rain water which falls into it” (OSL).

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 Unpublished National Monuments Survey Report carried out by Chris Corlett, October 2019.

OSL - Ordnance Survey Letters. Letters written by members of the Ordnance Survey's 'Topographical Department' (T. O'Conor, A. O'Curry, E. Curry, J. O'Donovan and P. O'Keeffe) sent to headquarters from the field (1834-41). MSS in Royal Irish Academy.