Inscribed Stones, Gortindarragh, Rosslea, Co Fermanagh, BT92 7PL

A pair of inscribed stones are incorporated into a rear wall of a significantly altered house near Rosslea, County Fermanagh. The stones, carved with a cavetto moulding, sit one above the other and flank a rear entrance. The upper stone reads “IA/MM/1626” and the lower stone reads “IA/ MM/ 1625”. The stones are believed to have originated from a nearby castle and share similarities with marriage stones, a tradition involving the carving of initials and dates relating to a betrothed couple. However, the differing dates raise questions about this interpretation. A historical photograph depicts the house as a substantial three-storey, three-bay building with a farmyard behind. The house has since been reduced in height and refurbished, with only part of the original staircase remaining, extending to the first half-landing. The Mitchell family occupied the house from the early 19th century, and the “M” in the initials may refer to them. The stones are thought to have been erected between 1600 and 1649 and served as a memorial.