DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.6910#0107
70
ARCHITECTURAL ANTIQUITIES.
situation, and are converted into gate-posts, bridges, &c* In Plate A. fig. III.
I have given a view of one of these pillars. It is situated on Carraton Down,
north of St. Cleer, and is within half a mile of a Druidical temple, called the
Hurlers. This peculiarity of situation, and its distance from any Catholic foun-
dation, induces me to believe that it was originally a Pagan pillar, converted into a
Christian symbol, when the first missionaries were propagating their tenets in this
remote county. About two miles south of it is another cross, situated close by a
baptistery, or holy well. On Bradock Down, in this county, is a pillar with a
transverse stone, which is called Killboy Cross, and by its name seems to imply the
cause of its erection. In Llanivit church-yard are two crosses, one of which is
ornamented with a scroll running down the shaft, and the top is circular, perforated
with four holes.
In Bakewell church-yard, Derbyshire, is the shaft of a cross, which appears to
be highly embellished with figures in basso relievo, and other sculptured ornaments.f
On the south side of the church of Corwen, Merionethshire, is a cross, (vide
Plate A. fig. II.) which is vulgarly called the Sword of Glandwr. The shaft is let
into a flat stone, which rests on four others, and is traditionally said to mark the
place of Owen's interment. This is very doubtful, as some writers say that he died
at Mannington, in Herefordshire : and in Bangor Cathedral a slab is shewn, which
is said to cover the remains of this celebrated hero. J
Dr. Stukeley, in his Itinerarium Curiosum, has given a plate (II.) representing
five crosses, some of which have inscriptions on them. From these monuments,
simple in form, and very rude in ornament, let us proceed to examine a few others,
which display some characteristics of beauty and science, and are consequently
more pleasing to the eye, and interesting to the mind.
The preaching-cross, stone pulpit, or oratory, was probably first erected for the
purpose of sheltering and accommodating the minister, when he preached to a large
concourse of people in the open air ; or for him to read the funeral service from.
As we have but few examples of this class of buildings, I conceive that they were
* See Gentleman's Magazine, 1805, p. 1201, where is a plate representing eleven different crosses in this
county.
t In Bray's Tour to Derbyshire is a plate of it, drawn and etched by Mr. J. Carter. In the same work is a
view, by this artist, of anothe cross, of a small slender shaft, ornamented. It is at Mountsorrel, Leicestershire,
and nearly resembles that at Cricklade.
J See Owen's Cambrian Biography, for the most authentic account of him.
ARCHITECTURAL ANTIQUITIES.
situation, and are converted into gate-posts, bridges, &c* In Plate A. fig. III.
I have given a view of one of these pillars. It is situated on Carraton Down,
north of St. Cleer, and is within half a mile of a Druidical temple, called the
Hurlers. This peculiarity of situation, and its distance from any Catholic foun-
dation, induces me to believe that it was originally a Pagan pillar, converted into a
Christian symbol, when the first missionaries were propagating their tenets in this
remote county. About two miles south of it is another cross, situated close by a
baptistery, or holy well. On Bradock Down, in this county, is a pillar with a
transverse stone, which is called Killboy Cross, and by its name seems to imply the
cause of its erection. In Llanivit church-yard are two crosses, one of which is
ornamented with a scroll running down the shaft, and the top is circular, perforated
with four holes.
In Bakewell church-yard, Derbyshire, is the shaft of a cross, which appears to
be highly embellished with figures in basso relievo, and other sculptured ornaments.f
On the south side of the church of Corwen, Merionethshire, is a cross, (vide
Plate A. fig. II.) which is vulgarly called the Sword of Glandwr. The shaft is let
into a flat stone, which rests on four others, and is traditionally said to mark the
place of Owen's interment. This is very doubtful, as some writers say that he died
at Mannington, in Herefordshire : and in Bangor Cathedral a slab is shewn, which
is said to cover the remains of this celebrated hero. J
Dr. Stukeley, in his Itinerarium Curiosum, has given a plate (II.) representing
five crosses, some of which have inscriptions on them. From these monuments,
simple in form, and very rude in ornament, let us proceed to examine a few others,
which display some characteristics of beauty and science, and are consequently
more pleasing to the eye, and interesting to the mind.
The preaching-cross, stone pulpit, or oratory, was probably first erected for the
purpose of sheltering and accommodating the minister, when he preached to a large
concourse of people in the open air ; or for him to read the funeral service from.
As we have but few examples of this class of buildings, I conceive that they were
* See Gentleman's Magazine, 1805, p. 1201, where is a plate representing eleven different crosses in this
county.
t In Bray's Tour to Derbyshire is a plate of it, drawn and etched by Mr. J. Carter. In the same work is a
view, by this artist, of anothe cross, of a small slender shaft, ornamented. It is at Mountsorrel, Leicestershire,
and nearly resembles that at Cricklade.
J See Owen's Cambrian Biography, for the most authentic account of him.