Survey Data
Reg No
50130080
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Artistic, Historical
Original Use
Grave monument
In Use As
Grave monument
Date
1875 - 1885
Coordinates
314708, 236897
Date Recorded
21/06/2018
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Freestanding limestone Celtic cross funerary monument, erected c. 1880 as resting place of Ellen Burke and husband William, comprising cross rising from plain chamfered base, on tapered pedestal having recessed panels, front bearing inscription, other panels carved with depictions of life of St. Patrick, on plain rectangular base. Cross has rope-moulding to corners and between panels of Celtic interlace; carved studs with interlace to centre of each side of cross head and terminals; top in form of house-shaped shrine. Located on perimeter of O'Connell Monument at Glasnevin Cemetery.
Appraisal
A fine Celtic cross funerary monument located on the perimeter of the O'Connell Monument at Glasnevin Cemetery. The memorial was erected in memory of Ellen Burke and her husband William Burke. It is one of a number of intricately carved Celtic cross monuments located in this high profile section of the cemetery and it is of high craft and artistic value. It is representative of the Celtic-Revival style that grew in popularity during the nineteenth century in the context of developing scholarship and nationalist sentiment. It is enhanced by the carvings of the life of St. Patrick that adorn the base. Originally known as Prospect Cemetery, the burial ground was opened in 1832 following a successful campaign by Daniel O'Connell, as a civic, non-denominational cemetery. It holds the graves and memorials of over one million people, including many notable citizens.