Cross-slab

The National Monuments Service's description

This cross-slab is embedded in the N wall of Clonfert Cathedral (GA101-017001-). Described by Higgins (1987, ii, 338, no. 64) as an originally trapezoidal-shaped limestone slab (H 0.83m; Wth 0.61m) that is now damaged, particularly at the upper right and lower left-hand corners. It bears an elaborate three-line Greek cross and an inscription reading BECGAN in the upper cantons. The cross has a central roundel and four decorated semicircular expansional terminals. The roundel bears an interlocking cruciform design. The upper and lower terminals are decorated with a pair of conjoined spirals originating from a central stem, while those on the arms bear a meandering pattern and a row of pellets. A pair of parallel lines forms a trapezoidal frame around the composition. (Crawford 1913, 150, 153(a); O’Flanagan 1927, Vol. 2, 39)

Compiled by: Olive Alcock

Edited by: Olive Alcock

Date of revised upload: 31 January 2023

References

Higgins, J.G. 1987 The Early Christian cross slabs, pillar stones and related monuments of County Galway, Ireland, 2 vols. British Archaeological Reports, International Series 375. Oxford.

Crawford, H.S. 1913 A descriptive list of early cross-slabs and pillars. (cont.) Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland 43, 151-69, 261-5, 326-34.

O'Flanagan, Rev. M. (Compiler) 1927 Letters containing information relative to the antiquities of the county of Galway collected during the progress of the Ordnance Survey in 1839. Typescript in 3 vols. Bray.