broken cross Archives - THE CHURCH AND THE GRAVE

THIS CAUGHT MY ATTENTION BECAUSE OF ITS SHAPE

This Memorial caught my attention because of its shape, which I thought was by design, however today [28 November] I came across an old photograph http://www.flickr.com/photos/nlireland/31366311888/ which clearly shows that it was was originally a cross with the inscription Robert Potter MP. When I examined my photographs I noticed that the person in question is actually buried at Askeaton Abbey and the memorial was erected by his wife/widow Anne Potter.

Robert Potter (1799-1842): A Controversial Figure

Robert Potter was a prominent figure in Limerick politics during the early 19th century. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) for Limerick City from 1832 to 1841. He was known for his strong advocacy for Catholic Emancipation and Repeal of the Union. However, he was also a controversial character, described as a “firebrand” and a “political maverick.” He was involved in several duels and was known for his outspoken views. It’s certainly possible that Robert Potter’s early death at the age of 43 was due to a duel. He was known for his fiery temperament and involvement in several disputes, which could have led to such a confrontation. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find definitive evidence confirming his death was caused by a duel.

Observations from the old image:

Celtic Cross: The memorial is is/was a Celtic cross, a traditional Irish form often used on graves.
Inscription: The inscription reads “Erected by Anne Potter in memory of her beloved husband Robert Potter MP who died 2nd Nov 1842 aged 43 years.” This confirms that it was his wife who commissioned the memorial.
Material: The cross appears to be made of a light-coloured stone, possibly limestone or marble. This might explain its vulnerability to damage over time.
Damage: The cross seems to be broken at the intersection of the arms and the shaft. This could be due to vandalism, natural weathering, or even a falling tree branch.

Considering all images and the inscription, here are some possibilities for the broken cross:

Accidental Damage: Given the cross’s material and location, accidental damage seems the most likely explanation. Strong winds, falling debris, or even accidental impact could have caused the break.
Symbolic Act: While still possible, the fact that the memorial was erected by his wife makes a deliberate act of vandalism by political opponents seem less likely. It’s possible that the damage occurred much later and was unrelated to any political animosity towards Potter himself.
Natural Deterioration: The break could also be due to the natural weathering of the stone over time, especially if there were any pre-existing flaws or weaknesses in the material.
Anne Potter’s Devotion:

The inscription and the elaborate nature of the memorial clearly demonstrate Anne Potter’s devotion to her husband. Despite his burial elsewhere, she chose to create a prominent memorial for him in Mount Saint Lawrence Cemetery. This suggests a deep emotional connection to the place or a desire for his memory to be publicly honoured in Limerick City.

Askeaton Abbey (also known as Askeaton Friary) is a ruined medieval Franciscan friary located in County Limerick, Ireland. It sits on the east bank of the River Deel, just north of the town of Askeaton.

Here’s a glimpse into its history:

Founded: It was founded for the Order of Friars Minor Conventual by either Gerald FitzGerald, 3rd Earl of Desmond, between 1389 and 1400, or by James FitzGerald, 6th Earl of Desmond, in 1420.
Reformed: The abbey underwent reforms in 1490 and 1513, becoming part of the Order of Friars Minor.
Troubled Times: Askeaton Abbey faced difficult periods, including plundering and abandonment in 1579 during the Second Desmond Rebellion. Some friars were even killed during this time.
Revival and Abandonment: Despite the hardships, it was revived in 1627, only to be abandoned again in 1648 as Cromwell’s forces approached.

What Remains Today:

Although in ruins, Askeaton Abbey remains an impressive site. It’s known for its:

Size and Extent: The abbey was a substantial complex, and the remaining structures give a sense of its former grandeur.
Architectural Features: Visitors can still see the church, north transept, sacristy, cloister arcade, and domestic buildings.
Cloister: The abbey boasts one of the finest medieval cloisters in Ireland, offering a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere.
Proximity to Askeaton Castle: The abbey is located near the equally impressive ruins of Askeaton Castle, making it part of a significant historical landscape.