Corwen Churchyard Cross

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

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

The monument consists of a free standing cross probably dating to the early medieval or medieval period which stands in the church yard close to the south east corner of the church. The cross shaft stands 2.3m in height from the head, to a point just below the socket. The head of the shaft is carved on all four faces with interlaced rope work. The northern face of the shaft features the remains of a Runic inscription set between two vertical incised lines running down the length of the shaft. The inscription appears to start near the base and survives up to a height of 0.75m. A small incised cross also survives on the western corner of the north face. The eastern face of the shaft features a cross carved in relief with further incised decoration again set between two vertical incised lines. There are also the remains of a diagonal line and four horizontal lines incised on the east face. The southern and western faces of the shaft are also marked by two vertical incised lines running down the length of the shaft.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of the organisation and practice of Christianity. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits. A cross may be part of a larger cluster of monuments and their importance can further enhanced by their group value.

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