My wife's ancestors - Preston - Contents

Stamullen church, Co.Meath

• References:
  • "Stamullen", Brendan Matthews, Drogheda Independent, 27 July 2011.

The ruined church at Stamullen, Co.Meath. See street view.
St. Christopher's chapel (built 1434) in the ruined church is the burial place of the Preston family, Viscounts Gormanston.

There is a rare "Cadaver Stone" in St.Christopher's Chapel (the Preston chapel).
Dating from c.1450, the stone depicts the decomposing remains of a young woman, with numerous reptiles and creatures feeding off the corpse.
It may be the tomb of Jane Dartas.

William Preston, 2nd Viscount Gormanston was buried here 1532. Effigy survives.
Christopher Preston, 4th Viscount Gormanston was buried here 1600.
Jenico Preston, 5th Viscount Gormanston was buried here 1630.

See how to get key to visit.

Stamullen church on 1887 to 1913 map.
St. Christopher's chapel (Preston chapel) is the SE section of the ruined church.

St. Christopher's chapel (Preston chapel), SE corner of the church.
Photo 2017. See larger and full size.
See other shot and close-up.
Plaque over door says "Gormanston family vault. 2000."

The Preston tombs inside the chapel.
Cadaver tomb closer to door. 2nd Viscount tomb in background.
Photo 2017. See larger and full size.
See other shot. From 2015 tweet.
See view inside. Photo 2017.

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Tomb of 2nd Viscount Gormanston

Tomb of William Preston, 2nd Viscount Gormanston and his 2nd wife Eleanor Dowdall.

Tomb of 2nd Viscount.
Photo 2017. See larger and full size.
See other side.
See other angle.

Tomb of 2nd Viscount (foreground). Cadaver tomb in background.
Photo 2017. See larger and full size.
See closer.

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The Cadaver tomb

This may be the tomb of Jane Dartas.

The Cadaver tomb.
Photo 2017. See larger and full size.
See other side.

The Cadaver tomb.
Photo 2017. See larger and full size.
See other shot.

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Earlier pictures

Pictures of c.1930-1970. From Edwin Rae Collection at TCD. Creative Commons.

Tomb of 2nd Viscount and his 2nd wife.
See full size.

• See knight's head. From here.
• See knight's head. From here.
• See knight's feet. From here.
• See lady's head. From here.
• See lady's head. From here.
• See lady's feet. From here.

Wider shot of the above.
The Cadaver Stone is visible on the RHS.
The shed is now gone.
From here.

• See other shot. From here.
• See arms. From here.

The Cadaver Stone.
See full size. From here.

• See head. From here.
• See foot. From here.

Wider shot of the above.
From here.