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Object type: Unknown type of monument, in two joining pieces [1]
Measurements: L. 65 cm (25.6 in); W. 25 cm (9.8 in); D. 14 cm (5.5 in)
Stone type: Medium-grained, calcareous sandstone, burnt to pink (5YR 7/4); see no. 1.
Plate numbers in printed volume: 536-541
Corpus volume reference: Vol 3 p. 157-158
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A (top): At the left is a prominent rim. It is plain and thick, and slightly bombé. It connects with a substantial plain ridge set at right angles and running along the rest of the stone. This ridge has a rectangular section and stands proud from a convex side which curves up to it.
The curved face contains a panel, marked at the left by a broad, flat moulding, within which are two registers of complete spiralled pattern C, executed in broad, flat strands. One terminal is irregular, with a sharply pointed cross joining, and loose strands, one ending with a tightly curled tip. The other is cross-joined. On the other side of the broad, flat moulding are the terminals of another panel of interlace, executed in similar broad, flat strands, which Adcock reconstructed as either pattern F, or double-stranded, turned pattern C.
B (long side): The raised rim at the end is plain but marked off from the ridge by a deep incision. On the perfect side of the top of the ridge is an incised flat moulding.
C (end): On the complete edges there is a damaged flat perimeter moulding. Within is one register of complete pattern C, and a terminal half register in which the loops are turned.
F (bottom): Scabbled.
D (long side) and E (end): Broken away.
The cutting is very accomplished: ruled and punched. The layout is perfectly gridded and the resolution of the loose trail an innovation in the area. Interlace with broad, flat strands is found on all the Kirby Misperton monuments, but is rare elsewhere, except for Filey 1 (Ill. 450), which Adcock believes to be by the same hand (Adcock 1974, I, 124–5). She comments that many of their features and their technique resemble sculpture from Monkwearmouth, co. Durham. In the eighth to early ninth centuries those northerly traditions made an impact in Yorkshire generally (Cramp 1978, 8). The dense packing of the strands and the volute suggest a late Anglian phase.
It is difficult to interpret the function of this stone. It could be a quarter of a coffin lid, or some kind of very hefty string-course. Adcock has suggested that it may be a lectern or from some related form of stone furniture (Adcock 1974, I, 120–4).
