Watermark consists of the letters ATMAN, presumably part of the name of the papermaker WHATMAN

Inscribed in ink: AC delint. 14th May 1781 ; pinxt. 7th July

Drawn by Austin Cooper perhaps when he was touring the country gathering money from area tax collectors, or a Paymaster to the Civil and Military Establishments

In a passage in his diary of May 14th, 1781, preserved in NLI Ms. Acc. 4841, Munster 1781, page 1 and published in Liam Price's book about Austin Cooper, Austin Cooper has the following to say about the subject of this picture: 'The Abbey of Great Connel (Co.y Kildare) is so decayed, that scarcely any descriptive Acct. can be given of it's remaining Ruins. One part, which I suppose to be both Nave & Choir, but between which no distinct seperation can be made; measures about 200 ft. Long & 25 ft. broad, in part wherof are two entire Gothic Windows, the only ones which have resiseted the Ravages of Time & c. There are very extensive ruins adjoining in which are some Pillars & c. with curious Capitals. In the Choir are the remians of Some Stalls...'

Physical description: 1 drawing image 9.5 x 15.9 cm., on sheet 18.1 x 26.7 cm.

Citations/References: An eighteenth century antiquary : the sketches, notes and diaries of Austin Cooper (1759-1830) / Liam Price (ed.). - Dublin, 1942 page 11 & plate 3

Citations/References: For the Abbey, see Lord Walter Fitzgerald, 'Great Connel Abbey, Co. Kildare',Journal of Co. Kildare Archaeology Society, Vol. II (5) 1898, page 304-314, where the Cooper drawing is reproduced on page 304