Wall monument - effigial

The National Monuments Service's description

Described by the Urban Survey of Westmeath (Bradley et. al. 1985, 16-17) as following: Peyton wall memorial (dims. H 4m; Wth 2.04m). 17th century. Mounted on south wall of the church porch with demi-effigies on the east and west walls. It consists of two rectangular stone tablets set within an architectural frame. The upper tablet is flanked by two pilasters supporting a moulded shelf. The pilasters are decorated with rows of beaded mouldings and the shelf supports a typanum flanked on two pinnacles. The lower tablet is in five sections and is flanked by both sugar-barley and undecorated pilasters. The sugar barley pilasters have floriated capitals with bead moulding. The typanum has an open book incised THE BIBLE and along the base THE HOSPITALL OF THE SOULE. The upper tablet is carved in low relief and carries an elaborate achievement of arms. Heater shaped shield with dexter: sable a cross engrailed or, in the first quarter a mullet argent, for Peyton; sinister : ermine, three fusils conjoined in fess sable, the centre one charged with a crescent or, for Piggott. Above the inscription on the lower tablet is an angel's head with two trumpets emerging from flanking clouds and the words THE TRUMPET SHAL SOUND THE DEAD ARISE. Incised Roman inscription: HERE LYETH THE BODY OF GEORGE PEYTON LATE OF STR/EASESTOUNE ESQR WHO DYED MARCH THE 15 1698 IN THE / 68 YEARE OF HIS AGE BY WHOM THIS MONUMENT AND VAULT WERE/DESINED & CONTRIVED IN HIS LIFETIME FOR Ye BURIALL PLAC/ OF HIMSELFE & HIS PIOUS & VERTUOUS WIFE M. THOMAZEN PEYTON/ ALIAS PIGGOT ONE OF THE DAUGHTERS OF Ye HONrd Sr ROBERT / PIGGOT LATE OF DISART IN THE QUEENS COUNTY KNIGHT / WHICH MONUMENT AFTER HIS DEATH WAS MADE & ERR/ECTED AT THE COSTS & CHARGES OF ONE OF HIS EXECUTORS THE HONble ROBERT ROCHFORD ESQr SPEAKER OF THE HOUS/ OF COMMONS & HIS MAties ATTORNY GENLL OF IRELAND.
Beneath the inscription is a skull, crossed bones and a winged hourglass in relief. The flanking demi-effigies have round faces and their arms are crossed in front. The male figure has shoulder length curled wig and a full pleated coat over a shirt with small cravat. His right hand rests over his heart and he may be holding a small book. The female effigy has curled hair and wears a flat head-dress with a veil falling to her shoulders. She wears a cloak or cape over a square cut bodice with a diamond shaped brooch on her bosom. She may hold a book in her right hand (Fuller 1904-6, Upton 1921-5).

Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of upload: 11 August 2014

References

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

Fuller, J. 1904-6 Ardnurcher Church. Journal of the Association for the Preservation of the Memorials of the Dead in Ireland 6, 608-9.

Upton, H.A.S. 1921-5 Ardnurcher Church. Journal of the Association for the Preservation of the Memorials of the Dead in Ireland 11, 236-7.