A correspondent asks for instances of dates on tombstones earlier than
1601. I know of one, at Moore Church in the county of Meath, within five
miles of Drogheda. It is as early as 1597; the letters, instead of being
sunk, are in relief. I subjoin a copy of the inscription:
"HERE VNDER LIETH THE
BODY OF DAME IENET
SARSFELD, LADY DOWAGER
OF DONSANY, WHO DIED THE
XXII OF FEBRVARY, AN. DNI.
1597."