Uses of the Round Towers of Ireland, fyc. 



263 







tery of the Refert, or burial-place of the kings, near the upper lake, where 

 many stones sculptured in a similar style may be found. 



It should be stated that the sculptured stones in this church, as well as those 

 in the little church called the Priest's House, though generally supposed to be 

 of sandstone, are in reality of clay slate, while those on the east window of the 

 cathedral church are all of an oolitic sandstone, more resembling Caen than 

 Portland stone ; and that no stone of this latter description is found in the 

 province of Leinster, or perhaps in Ireland. And, respecting the merits of these 

 sculptures generally, it may be observed, that however barbaric they may be 

 considered as to their style of design, their execution, at least, exhibits no 

 small degree of art. 



That these sculptures have but little resemblance to the decorations usually 

 found in Anglo-Norman architecture in England, will, I think, be at once obvious 

 to the architectural antiquary; and I shall presently show that they have as little 

 similitude in taste of design to the ornaments usual in Irish churches of the 

 eleventh and twelfth centuries. Dr. Ledwich, who perceived this want of simi- 

 litude in the Glendalough ornaments to those of Saxon or Norman architecture 

 in England, states it as his opinion that their origin "is certainly Danish;" and 

 that the " specimen is unique in Ireland." " Here," he remarks, " are no traces 

 of Saxon feuillage, no Christian symbols, or allusions to sacred or legendary 

 story : the sculptures are expressive of a savage and uncultivated state of 

 society. Had there been a mixture of styles, something might be allowed for 



