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The cross shows Viking influences in its decoration, reflecting the Scandinavian conquests in the area towards the end of the ninth century. The shaft of the cross is rectangular in cross section, and tapers towards the top. All four sides have been decorated but only the eastern side has survived heavy weathering. This contains six panels, three of which depict interlaced decoration and three of which depict human, bird and animal figures. The top of the shaft has been broken and now has the remains of a small damaged Anglo-Saxon cross head, originally with expanded arms rounded at the ends. According to the 'Journal of Antiquities', the third middle panel shows a saint in prayer with up-raised hands, or it may be Christ, standing between serpents.
Title
High Cross (Western)
Date
early 11th C
Medium
sandstone
Measurements
H 290 x W 77 x D 24 cm;
Plinth: H 45 x W (?) x D (?) cm
Accession number
BB7_SB_S103
Work type
Cross
Owner
St Mary and All Saints Church
Custodian
St Mary and All Saints Church
Work status
extant
Listing status
Scheduled Monument
Listing date
25/02/51
Access
at all times