St Catherine's Garden Cross Slab
Period: Early Medieval
NGR Easting: 240050
NGR Northing: 478155
Description: This round-headed slab was re-used as a lintel over a door before being recovered north of the church. One face is decorated with a wheel-headed cross. Like Manx Cross 93 it is similarly carefully proportioned and decorated with a plaited interlace motif. On either side of the shaft can be seen two anthropomorphic beasts. Both figures face away from the cross, each sitting on a spiral or 'volute' which provides an expanded base for the cross. The spiral motif is repeated on the arm and leg joints of both beasts.
The beast on the left is better preserved than its partner on the right: it is possible to see its small eye, pronounced snout, many teeth, and long, pendulous tongue, which is wrapped around its wrist.
At the base of the slab is a rare Manx example of a ‘fylfot’, a symbol made up of four linked spirals. Its presence has been suggested to indicate links and influences from Cumbria and Ireland.
View map location on Archaeology Data Service
Site & Monument Type: cross
Category: National Monuments Record: Statutory Ancient Monuments
Site ID number: Manx Cross 92
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