Wall monument

The National Monuments Service's description

17th century graveslab inserted into internal E face of W wall of entrance porch of the 19th century All Saints Anglican church. Described in the Urban Survey of Westmeath (Bradley et. al. 1985, 117-18) as following; ‘Leigh slab (dims. H 1.82m Wth 1.03m) is within the church (WM019-089015-) but the others (WM019-089019-/020-/021-/022-/023-) are in the graveyard (WM019-089017-) west of the church. James Leigh. 1683. Large rectangular limestone slab set into the west wall of the porch. Achievement of arms in false relief showing two impaled coats of arms on a heater shaped shield. The dexter side has a lion rampant in the first and fourth quarter, three eagles in the second quarter and two bars and a baton in the third; the sinister side has two chevrons. The shield is surmounted by a helmet with a torse and the crest is a lion holding a floriated staff. The motto at the base is VERTVS DVCIT HONORI. Incised inscription: THIS TOMBESTONE WITH VAULT AND/ PEW WERE ERECTED BY THE WORSHIP/ FULL Sr JAMES LEIGH KNIGHT AND/ DAME MARY HIS WIFE FOR THE USE/ AND BURYING PLACE OF THEM AND/ THEIRE POSTERITY ANNO DOMINI/ 1683’.

Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien and R. Barrett

Revised by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of revised upload: 19 June 2015

References

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 Unpublished report commissioned by the Office of Public Works, Dublin.