Fragment of a cross

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This is the right arm of a free-armed cross of Northumbrian type, carved sometime between 700 and 900. It was discovered at Lasswade in Midlothian.

On one side of the arm of the cross is a backward-facing lion with a long curling tongue and a tail tucked between its legs. It is similar to representations of animals in manuscripts and on metalwork from central England in the 9th century.

Christianity was introduced to Scotland after the Romans had left. Different traditions of Christianity developed in different areas, often influencing one another. The Anglian church from Northumbria spread into south-eastern and south-western Scotland.

Record details

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• Online ID: 000-100-043-441-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.IB 21
• Date: Between 700 and 900
  
• Material: Sandstone; right limb of ornamented cross; on one side right hand of crucified figure
  Cross / portion
  
• Dimensions: 240 mm H x 130 mm L x 290 mm W
  
• What: Cross / portion
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, Midlothian, Lasswade Church
  
• Event:
• Description: Right limb of an ornamented sandstone cross, with the right hand of a crucified figure on one side, from Lasswade Church
  
• References:
  • Caldwell, D.H. (ed). Angels Nobles and Unicorns: Art and Patronage in Medieval Scotland. Edinburgh: NMS, 1982 
• Translations:
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