Llanwenarth Churchyard Cross-Base

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 base probably dating to the early medieval or medieval period, which stands in the churchyard to the south of the church. The structure is made of squared dressed stone with the original section as whole standing 2.2m in height being set on three steps which are 1.2m in height and 3.5m square at the bottom. Above the steps is the square shaft base which is 0.8m high and 0.7m in width and breadth and has carved broached stops at the corners. A section of 0.3m of the original cross shaft remains and is of 0.2m square section with chamfered corners. The remainder of the shaft and cross above are modern. The top step of the base and the second step down on the north side have modern inscriptions carved on them as part of the War Memorial.

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 base 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.