The Bewcastle Cross. This 7th-century Anglo-Saxon cross is one of the oldest and most exquisite in Europe. It still stands in its original location in the church garden and is richly decorated with runes, wickerwork, and Christian iconography. On the west side, you see Christ, John the Baptist with the Lamb of God, and a falconer who may represent John the Evangelist. On the east side, a vine winds upward, populated by mythical and real animals—a symbol of the connection between creation and faith.

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JakobusPilger

May 1, 2025

There are several reasons why cyclists should not just pass by this small sacred monument, but rather pause for a moment: Firstly, the church, together with the surrounding cemetery and the "Bewcastle Cross" standing on the grounds, form a harmonious whole. Secondly, contemplating this cross takes one back a long way in history, as its construction is dated to the 7th or 8th century. Thirdly – and most importantly (!) – the artistic design of the obelisk, which rises to approximately the lower eaves of the church roof and tapers slightly towards the top, is extremely remarkable ('Amy' and 'Joe' have already described this in their posts). My personal conclusion: Although the actual cross that once crowned the obelisk has long been missing, it is still a remarkable small sacred monument!

Translated by Google •

Amy

February 8, 2020

Dating back to around the 7th and 8th century, Bewcastle Cross is an impressive historical monument in St Cuthbert's Churchyard. Together with a similar cross in Ruthwell, the crosses were described as "the greatest achievement to their date in the whole of Europe" by scholar Nikolaus Pevsner.

Its four stone sides are carved with reliefs of animals, chequers, vine scrolls, and interlace knots, as well as a sundial, thought to be the earliest surviving sundial in England. There are also runic alphabet inscriptions.

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Elevation 150 m

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Location: Bewcastle, Carlisle, Cumbria, North West England, England, United Kingdom

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