Section of a stone cross

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This section of a sculptured cross was found in 1863, built into the wall of a manse garden at Aberlady. The decoration shows clear Northumbrian influence. It was carved between 700 and 800.

The narrower sides of the shaft both carry a simple vine scroll. Vine scroll patterns were introduced into Northumbrian monasteries in the late 7th century by continental architects and masons.

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: 000-190-001-224-C
• Image Rights Holder: National Museums Scotland
• Project: National Museums Scotland
  Project description   View all records in project
• Ref: National Museums Scotland  X.IB 298
• Date: 7th or 8th century
  Between 700 and 800
  
• Material: Stone; sculptured; on the front two panels, one with entwined animals, the other with an angel; on the back a panel with four entwined birds and part of another panel filled with key pattern
  Cross shaft / portion
  
• Dimensions: 1460 mm H x 190 mm L x 210 mm W
  
• What: Cross shaft / portion
  
• Subject:
• Who:
• Where: Scotland, East Lothian, Aberlady
  
• Event:
• Description: Part of an Anglo-Saxon sculptured cross shaft with two panels in the front, one with entwined animals, the other with an angel, from Aberlady, 7th or 8th century
  
• References:
  • Close-Brooks, J. & Stevenson, R.B.K. Dark Age Sculpture. Edinburgh: HMSO, 1982 
• Translations:
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