Cross-Slab from Woodlands, Stout Hall (now in St George's Church, Reynoldston)

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The monument comprises the remains of a cross-carved stone which probably dates to the ninth century AD. First noted in a small fir coppice near the road in Stout Hall Wood, Reynoldston before 1877, the monument was relocated to St George’s Church in 1977, where it is now erected at the east end of the nave on the north side of the chancel arch. The monument, which is set in a modern base, is carved from sandstone and measures 1.61m in height, 0.33m in width and 0.18m in depth. The principal face is oriented north. It comprises an incised equal-arm cross of 0.25m in diameter with triangular expanded terminals and the suggestion of a connecting incised ring set above incised double-beaded four-strand plaitwork. The reverse face features a cross design that measures 0.38m in height and 0.28m in width. The cross comprises an equal-armed outline cross enclosing a linear cross with an outline horizontal element. It is proposed that the scheduled area be revised so that it corresponds more accurately with the location of the monument.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of the early medieval period in Wales (c. AD 400 – 1100) for which this class of monument forms one of the most important sources of evidence. It forms an important element within the wider early medieval landscape, providing important evidence for this formative period of Welsh history, particularly concerning the origins and evolution of Christianity, the development of stylistic traditions and carved stone production.

The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.