Cross

The National Monuments Service's description

Within Aghowle graveyard (WI042-019003-) there are three cross-bases (WI042-019011/012-/027-) the shafts and heads of which are now missing. Listed as cross-base C and described by Corlett (2019) as following; 'Cross base C is situated 10m west-southwest of the church (WI042-019001-) door. The rectangular granite stone measures 83cm x 37cm across. The stone is crudely shaped. It is well-embedded in the ground and may be in situ, though it is leaning to the east, so that this side of the stone is concealed beneath the ground. However, this also means that a large portion of the west side is exposed, and features an incised rectangular frame (36cm wide, 25cm high) enclosing twelve square bosses, arranged in three
rows of four. The upper right area has been defaced, so that one of the bosses is largely gone. It is possible that there is further decoration on the concealed faces of the stone. On the top surface is a circular socket (13cm across and 11cm deep) with a rounded or bowl-shaped base. At first glance this resembles a mortar, but it probably represents a socket. The position of the stone immediately west of the church and the decoration on its western face also support the suggestion that this represents a cross base'.

Compiled by: Chris Corlett and Claire Breen

Revised by: Caimin O'Brien based on details provided by Chris Corlett

Date of revised upload: 12 March 2020

References

Corlett, C. 2019 Archaeological Survey of Aghowle Church and Cross, Co. Wicklow. Unpublished National Monuments Survey Report carried out by Chris Corlett, October 2019.