Cross

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This silver-gilt cross was found at Threave Castle in Kirkcudbrightshire. It dates from the 15th century.

The Maltese cross is decorated with quatrefoils and trefoils. At the top is a suspension loop for a chain and at the end of each of the other arms are short spikes, probably meant for securing precious stones. The cross is hollow.

The cross probably originally contained a relic like a piece of the true cross or the piece of stone from Calvary contained in a similar reliquary cross from Clare Castle in Suffolk.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-000-326-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  H.KE 3
• Date: 15th century
  
• Material: Silver gilt
  Reliquary / locket
  
• Dimensions: 42 mm x 30 mm x 6 mm
  
• What: Reliquary / locket
  
• Subject: Crucifixes, reliquaries (NMAS Classification)
  
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Kirkcudbrightshire, Threave Castle
  
• Event:
• Description: Silver gilt reliquary in the form of a locket, shaped like a Maltese Cross, from Threave Castle, Kirkcudbrightshire, 15th century
  
• References:
  • Caldwell, D. H. (ed). Angels, Nobles and Unicorns: Art and Patronage in Medieval Scotland. Edinburgh: NMS, 1982 
• Translations:
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