The Ruthwell Cross
The Ruthwell Cross was carved by skilled Northumbrian sculptors
in the early 8th century. It is the most important Anglo-Saxon
cross in Scotland and a monument of international importance.
The cross originally stood near the present church. In 1664 it
was pulled down and smashed on the instructions of the General
Assembly of the Church of Scotland. In 1802 it was re-erected in
the manse garden and in 1887 was moved to a specially built apse in
the church.
The cross is richly decorated with Christian symbols. The two
faces are carved with a series of panels, each one illustrating a
scene from the Gospels and accompanied by a Latin text. The sides
are carved with vine leaves and animals and around the border runs
a runic inscription. This is part of the "Dream of the Rood", an
Early English poem on the crucifixion.
Information boards inside the church help to explain the images
and symbols used on the cross.
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