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Object type: Part of shaft [1]
Measurements: H. 29 cm (11.4 in); W. 45 cm (17.7 in) (max.); D. unknown
Stone type: Fine- to medium-grained protoquartzitic sandstone with very degraded surface. Greyish orange (10YR 7/4) with areas of more intense iron staining. Subangular grains, predominantly quartz, 0.2–0.5 mm. Namurian sandstone consistent locally with Longnor Sandstone [=Upper Kinderscout Grit], Hebden Formation or Sheen Sandstone [=Helmshore Grit], Marsden Formation, Millstone Grit Group, Carboniferous (R.T.)
Plate numbers in printed volume: Ill. 490
Corpus volume reference: Vol 13 p. 267-268
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A (broad): The decoration is contained by a thin edge moulding on each side (the piece is horizontal but assumed to have stood vertically). On the right is a thin moulding of cable type which appears separate from the edge mouldings. To the right of this, is a second, and slightly thicker, cable moulding. The decoration contained by these mouldings comprises a four-strand plait or simple interlace. There appears to be a pellet within the centre of the pattern towards the right. The pattern terminates on the right where broader strands envelop the return loops on the outside. The worn condition means it is difficult to discern how these are formed. The decoration is truncated on the left.
Possibly part of a rectangular cross-shaft or, alternatively, the upper portion of a round-shafted cross (of which several other examples exist at Alstonefield and elsewhere in the region), the surviving, visible, decoration comprises interlace only, which is ubiquitous and can be found in many locations in the region and elsewhere. However, Pape (1946-7, 23 and fig.) describes the interlace as terminating on the right in a pair of serpent heads extending from two of the strands and grasping the other two strands in their mouths. This detail was also noted by Sidebottom in 1992 (1994, 120), although it is now less distinct. As with many pieces in this region, the decoration has irregular measurements between the strands.
