Cross - High cross

The National Monuments Service's description

Situated S of the cathedral along the E wall of the enclosure surrounding the Priest's House within the main monastic complex is a granite cross (H3.35m; Wth across arms 1.17m) which rises from its own expanded base and has an imperforate ring.
Described by Leask (1950, 20) as ‘this monolith of granite is of the ring, `Celtic', form. It measures 11 feet [3.35m] in height and 3 feet 10 inches [1.16m] across the arms. While the ring is slightly sunk on each face it is not perforated. The stone, 12 inches [0.3m] thick at the base, tapers to 11 inches [0.27m] at the top while its shaft, which is 17 inches [0.43m] wide, enlarges to 22½ inches [0.55m] at the base for a height of 19 inches [0.48m]. To what depth it is set in the wall has not been ascertained. The position of this cross, almost central in the east wall of the ancient cemetery, indicates that it was a sermon or boundary cross’.

The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wicklow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.

Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien

Date of upload: 7 December 2012

See linked document with drawing from Harold Leask, Glendalough, Co. Wicklow: national monuments vested in the Commissioners of Public Works. Dublin, 1950. Stationery Office.

References

Leask, H.G. 1950 Glendalough, Co. Wicklow: national monuments vested in the Commissioners of Public Works. Dublin. Stationery Office.