Foxhall Stone Man

Foxhall Stone Man is located in the Foxhall Glebe Church, part of the demesne land of Foxhall. There once stood Foxhall House, home to the Fox family. The church is the only remaining structure, and it is accessible to the public.

History of Foxhall Glebe Church and the Foxhall Stone Man

Foxhall House and Foxhall Glebe Church were built by Sir Nathaniel Fox, who was granted the lands of Rathreagh in 1620. 

The church is all that remains. Now roofless, the 17th-century church is situated within a graveyard.

A plaque over its doorway dates from 1772. It commemorates the extensive refurbishment and enlargement of the Church of Ireland church, including an elaborate classical-style doorway.

The interior of the church is dominated by the stone coffin sarcophagus of Nathaniel Fox, which dates from 1634.

A canopied structure forms the backdrop to a limestone altar tomb on which sits an effigy of Sir Nathaniel. He is depicted as a knight in full armour lying on his side. The head and left leg of the effigy have been lost, leaving only the torso and thigh. Originally, the head would have been propped on the right arm.

Behind the figure is an Ionic structure with friezes and architectural decoration including Jacobean scrollwork, putti, urns, obelisks and the winged sphinx.

A carved orb and skull are found at the knight’s feet. 

Find out more at the National Built Heritage Services website, BuildingsofIreland.ie.

Fox family coat of arms and inscription 

A square-shaped, recessed panel exhibits the Fox family coat of arms, beneath which are two shields and an inscription in Latin. It translates to:

Here lies Nathaniel Fox, of Rathreagh, founder of this church, eldest son and heir of Patrick Fox of Moyvore in County Westmeath, who had as wife, Elizabeth, daughter of Walter Hussey of Moyhussey Knight. By whom he had eigh sons and five daughters, of whom eight sons and three daughters survived.

Patrick, son of the aforesaid Nath., sole heir, had as wife, Barbara, daughter of Lord Patrick Plunkett, Baron of Dunsany. The same Nath. and Elizabeth, lived for 25 years as man and wife, and he died at Rathreagh, 2nd of February, 1634AD. Aged 46.