Hidden within the walls of St Peter’s Church of Ireland in Drogheda is one of Ireland’s most unusual medieval monuments. The Cadaver Stone of Sir Edmond Goldyng and Elizabeth Fleming is both an extraordinary work of sculpture and a powerful reminder that, regardless of wealth or status, death comes to us all. This cadaver stone was found on the mud planes of the Boyne and is one of the earliest representations of the cadaver figures in Ireland .It depicts the female skeleton in an advanced stage of decomposition with a lurid range of worms, snakes and lizards sliding in and around the shroud. Generally these slab stones were made while the person for whom it was intended were still alive to remind them what was waiting for them after death. These stones dated from the 14th and 15th centuries. This stone can be seen standing against the outer walls of Beaulieu House .
A Rare Medieval Monument
At the eastern end of Drogheda, within the grounds of St Peter’s Church of Ireland, stands one of Ireland’s rare surviving cadaver stones. Carved during the sixteenth century, the monument once formed part of an elaborate altar tomb belonging to Sir Edmond Goldyng and his wife Elizabeth Fleming. Over time, the tomb was dismantled, and today its carved panels have been carefully preserved within the churchyard wall. The main cadaver stone stands almost seven feet high, making it one of the most striking medieval monuments in the Boyne Valley. Even more remarkable is its rarity. Fewer than ten cadaver stones are known to survive in Ireland, with three located in the Drogheda area, at St Peter’s Church, Beaulieu, and Stamullen.
What Is a Cadaver Stone?
Cadaver tombs became popular among wealthy families during the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Unlike traditional memorials that portrayed the deceased in elegant clothing or armour, cadaver stones presented a very different image. They depicted the body after death, often as a skeleton or in a state of decay. These sculptures were intended to remind people that earthly wealth, power and position could not prevent mortality. The message was simple but powerful: No matter how important we are in life, we all return to the earth.
Sir Edmond Goldyng and Elizabeth Fleming
The Cadaver Stone commemorates Sir Edmond Goldyng and his wife Elizabeth Fleming, whose family were the Barons of Slane. Local tradition tells that the couple drowned in a boating accident on the River Boyne. According to folklore, their spirits continued to haunt the stretch of river where the tragedy occurred, while others believed their presence remained close to their final resting place. Whether fact or legend, their story has become another fascinating chapter in the rich folklore of the Boyne Valley.
Extraordinary Medieval Craftsmanship
The stone itself is a remarkable example of medieval sculpture. The carved figures lie side by side beneath partially opened burial shrouds. Sir Edmond’s figure appears more complete, while Elizabeth’s body shows stronger signs of decay. Her skeletal form includes an open abdomen, symbolising the body’s return to the earth after death. Although weathered by centuries, the monument still reveals the skill of the stonemason who created it. Alongside the main slab, additional carved panels display the heraldic shields of Sir Edmond’s wives, preserving important details of the family’s history.
A Story Preserved in Thread
The Cadaver Stone is one of the fascinating heritage sites featured in Panel 12 of The Journey of the River Boyne in Threads. Its inclusion reflects the diversity of stories found throughout the Boyne Valley. While many scenes celebrate mythology, landscapes and famous artefacts, others explore the region’s medieval history and the beliefs of those who lived here centuries ago. Recreating the Cadaver Stone in embroidery challenged the members of Threads of Lore to capture the distinctive carved details while honouring the historical significance of this rare monument. Through careful research and traditional needlework, the group has helped preserve another unique story from the Boyne Valley.
Visit St Peter’s Church, Drogheda
Visitors to St Peter’s Church of Ireland can still view the Cadaver Stone within the churchyard wall, where it continues to attract those with an interest in medieval history, archaeology and Irish heritage. It offers a fascinating insight into the beliefs, artistry and customs of sixteenth-century Ireland and remains one of the Boyne Valley’s lesser-known historical treasures.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Cadaver Stone is a sixteenth-century medieval grave monument located at St Peter’s Church of Ireland in Drogheda. It commemorates Sir Edmond Goldyng and his wife Elizabeth Fleming.
A cadaver tomb is a type of medieval monument that depicts the deceased as a decaying body or skeleton. It served as a reminder that death comes to everyone, regardless of wealth or social status.
The monument is one of fewer than ten surviving cadaver stones in Ireland and is considered an important example of medieval funerary sculpture.
Sir Edmond Goldyng was a prominent landowner whose wife, Elizabeth Fleming, belonged to the influential Fleming family of Slane. Local folklore tells of their tragic drowning in the River Boyne.
The monument can be found in the churchyard of St Peter’s Church of Ireland, Drogheda, County Louth.
The Cadaver Stone appears in Panel 12 because it represents an important part of the Boyne Valley’s medieval history and reflects the rich heritage preserved throughout the region.