Graveslab

The National Monuments Service's description

From: O’Mahony, A. (1987, 7, d) In the same tomb niche as (WX029-013048-), but now lying on the ground, are the remains of the upper half of a coffin-shaped slab (Wth 0.25-0.4m; H 1.02m; T 0.16m). It shows the remains of a head of a foliate cross with the head of a woman above it. She wears a pill-box and head-dress with a band under the chin. The features are largely weathered away. On the chamfer at the top of the slab are the remains of an inscription in Lombardic lettering: ISABEL: LA FEM (?)... (Isabel, the wife (?)(1)

This tombstone has been associated with Isabel, wife of William, Earl Marshal, founders of New Ross and probably founders of St. Mary’s church itself; but this is disputed (2). Date: 13th century.

(1). This is Hunt’s reading. Leask, H. (1948a) suggests ISABEL: LAEGN... (Isobel of Leinster...)
(2) Hunt thinks it more probable that effigy (a: WX029-013027-) is Isabel’s cenotaph, the head slab (d: WX029-013049-) being a type more favoured by the middle classes.
(Hunt 1974, vol. 1, 238, No. 264)

Compiled by: Michael Moore

Date of upload: 2 August, 2012

References

Leask, H.G. 1948 A cenotaph of "Strongbow's" daughter at New Ross, Co. Wexford. Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 78, 65-7.

Hunt, J. 1974 Irish medieval figure sculpture 1200-1600, 2 vols. Dublin. Irish University Press.

O'Mahony, A. 1987 St Mary's, New Ross: church and monuments. Wexford. New Ross Historical Society.