Lorrha Cross Inscribed Stone (TN004-010025-)

Description

Small recumbent rectangular-shaped limestone cross-inscribed slab lying on the ground at the eastern end of the Augustinian priory (TN004-010006-) at Lorrha, County Tipperary. The top of the stone is decorated with an incised double line circle framing an incised equal-armed Greek cross. The top left side of the stone is chamfered and may have sat into a stone surround. Located at the eastern end of the priory in the area where the stone altar once stood. This stone may have been a consecration cross which formed part of the medieval altar. Lorrha monastery was founded by St. Ruadhán who died in 584 and was referred to as the ‘lamp of Lothra’, his feastday was held on the 15th of April when the ‘cuckoo began to call’. In 1401, Papal Letters recorded the 'giving of alms for the repair and building of the friars preachers church of Lorrha'. For more information on the cross-slab, visit: https://maps.archaeology.ie/HistoricEnvironment/?SMRS=TN004-010025-