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 11 is situated some 26m south of the west gable of Aghowle Church (WI042-019001-), just inside the graveyard boundary (WI042-019003-). This granite slab measures 37cm wide, 10cm thick and presently stands 67cm high. On the east face is a deeply incised cross which appears to have extended across the full width of the slab, but one arm is cut short where the edge of the stone has been damaged. The cross shaft is 10cm wide, whereas the upper transom is 8cm wide'.

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 Unpublished National Monuments Survey Report carried out by Chris Corlett, October 2019.