Our most mysterious grave at Sligo Abbey. Why has every crucial identifying detail been methodically removed? (We feel a poll coming on!). And note the word 'Boby'; is that meant to be 'body' or perhaps 'baby'? #MYSTERY #Death #staycation

Why was James' surname, date of death, age, mother's name etc removed from this grave?

A local explanation/ story claims that James was a 'baby' born out of wedlock who died young and was buried by his mother. When his father - a merchant - returned from sea, he had the grave defaced in a fit of temper!

But when you look closely at where James age has been struck out you can see there was two digits, so James couldn't have been a baby?

Just to add another anomaly. The grave is oriented north-south (like a pagan burial), and not east-west as is normal for Christian burials. Maybe it is just out of position? Another local story claims the gravestone covers an escape tunnel our of the friary!