Cross Shaft, Whithorn Priory

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This is a cross shaft which is filled with a panel of interlace, the strands of which are makred with a central groove and are carved in the stopped plait style. The back is decorated in a similar fashion, but unusually is not symmetrical.

Only the base of the circular head remains. This shows that it was plain with a beaded outline, and the arms were separated by circular holes.

This cross was found built into a barn at Kirkland of Longcastle, South Machars, on the site of a former parish church. Many crosses carved in the distinctive Whithorn style were sent to outlying churches throughout the Machars. They help us to understand the reach of ecclesiastical control exercised from Whithorn.

‘Whithorn School’ monuments like this one were probably carved during a fairly short period between 900AD and 1100AD.

For information on visiting Whithorn Priory Museum, go to our website.

Dimensions: 1650 x 520 x 90mm

Rae Project | WHP.EC.21