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Object type: Part of cross-shaft, in two pieces [1]
Measurements:
Total height as reconstructed: 100.5 cm (39.6 in)
a, lower piece: H. 31 cm (12 in); W. (incomplete) 18.5 cm (7.5 in); D. 20.4 cm (8 in)
b, upper piece: H. 39.3 cm (15.5 in); W. 23.5 cm (9.25 in) D. 19.5
Stone type: Coarse-grained, massive, micaceous yellow sandstone
Plate numbers in printed volume: Pls. 76.382-384, 77.385-386
Corpus volume reference: Vol 1 p. 91-92
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The faces are edged with baluster ornament, although this only survives in detail on one side.
A (broad): Only the top section survives clearly. At the top left is a triquetra knot attached to an arch. Its block capitals join the capital/base of a baluster. Beneath the arch is a profile figure facing right. He has a smooth rounded head, prominent nose and chin, and sunken eye. His right hand grips a long object which has been identified as a sword (Haverfield and Greenwell 1899, 91) with a rounded pommel and grooved blade. The figure is dressed in a belted tunic. Below are possible traces of another triquetra and arch.
B (narrow): A panel of pattern A units turned in different directions; the upper section, however, is a muddle with strands dividing into two. The strands are well modelled and deeply cut.
C (broad): Dressed back.
D (narrow): This is the most complete surviving face and is carved with a key pattern (Allen 1903, no. 1000).
There are several features of this shaft which link it with Chester-le-Street and Lindisfarne. The proportions of the stone and the lack of understanding of interlace principles combined with an ability to carve deeply modelled strands have been compared with Chester-le-Street l (Adcock 1974, 315-16). The beaked profile of the man is also comparable with the figures on the cross-socket from Chester-le-Street (no. 12) and with Lindisfarne no. 37. The key patterning also derives from an Insular tradition and is closely paralleled at Lindisfarne (nos. 5-b) and Alnmouth. However, the depiction of secular figures holding weapons is most closely paralleled in the Anglo-Scandinavian tradition, and it is possible that there is some link with Sockburn where shaft no. 8 is similarly edged with baluster ornament. Adcock's linking of this stone with late stones at Jarrow (no. 4) and with Chester-le-Street 1 seems convincing. It is possible that the inspiration for the balusters came from Jarrow and was taken over from that source here and at Sockburn.
