Tomb - chest tomb

The National Monuments Service's description

Seventeenth century wall-plaque dedicated to Patrick Begley who died in 1616. The chest-tomb is set against the E wall of the Nugent mausoleum in the Anchorite's Cell (WM004-035004-). Side panel of a grey sandstone chest-tomb (dims. H 0.7m; L 1.97m; Wth 0.15m) decorated in relief with a crucifixion, figures, and angel's heads. Incised inscription in Roman capitals except for the first two letters which are in relief: EN EGO PATRICIVS BEGLE, SACRAE INCOLA EREMI/ HOC LAPIDV TVMVLO CONDOR, HVMORQVE CAVO/ RVPE SVR AERIA MONVMENTO ET SEDE SACRATA. INTEMERATO ADYTO TV SINE LABE DOMO/ QVIS QVIS IS EST, ERGO, QVI CERNET BVTA VIATO/ DICAT EREMCOLAE SPIRITVS ASTRA PETAT AD 1616. Left of the inscription is a crucifixion with Christ's head bent sharply onto the right shoulder. Mary stands with her hands joined on His right and John on His left. Above the cross are the sun and moon and the letters INRI are visible on the upper shaft. The foot of the cross has two skulls. On the right of the panel is a damaged figure wearing what is possibly a long mantle. The head is missing and the hands are by his side. Above the inscription there are three stylised angel's heads with outspread wings (Bradley et. al. 1985, 81; Anon 1891, 510; Cogan 1862-70, 566; Vigors 1904-06, 410).

Compiled by: Rachel Barrett and Caimin O'Brien

Date of upload/revision: 21 November 2013

References

Bradley, J., Halpin, A., and King, H. 1985 Urban archaeological survey - county Westmeath. Unpublished report commissioned by the Office of Public Works, Dublin.

Vigors, P.D. 1904-6 Fore churchyard. Journal of the Association for the Preservation of the Memorials of the Dead in Ireland 6, 410.

Anon. 1891 Journal of the Association for the Preservation of the Memorials of the Dead in Ireland 1, 510.

Cogan, Rev. A. 1862-70 In John F. Fowler, Joseph Dollard (eds), The diocese of Meath, ancient and modern, 3 vols. Dublin. Dollard Publishers.