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Object type: Lower part of cross-shaft
Measurements: L. 102 cm (40.2 in) W. 30 > 22 cm (11.8 in > 8.7 in) D. Built in
Stone type: Fine-grained micaceous sandstone, possibly burnt to a pink colour (5YR 7/4). Sandstone of local origin, Namurian, Upper Carboniferous
Plate numbers in printed volume: Ill. 746
Corpus volume reference: Vol 6 p. 197-198
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There is a plain, flat edge moulding (3 cm wide). The base of the shaft is undecorated for 35 cm. Above this, in the centre, is a full-face human figure 27 cm high, with pointed chin, wearing a kirtle. He is flanked by two smaller figures in kirtles, much worn, and above these two further small humans with V-shaped facial features, like those of the largest figure. Between the two uppermost figures is a pendant diamond-shaped stem (or snake-head). Above this is a disorganised scrollwork, perhaps part of a loose plant-scroll (or possibly the serpent's body), whose stem lies in the lower left corner by the upper figure's head. The carving here is very worn.
A very similar scene is found on Coverham 1 (Ill. 125) and this is undoubtedly by the same hand. The craftsmanship leaves much to be desired, but it is indicative of a workshop in Lower Wensleydale that supplied monuments to Spennithorne, Coverham and Thornton Steward, and perhaps to Masham (Chap. VI, pp. 49–50).
The iconography is difficult to interpret, though the Coverham analogy gives weight to the presence of a serpent hanging from amid the scrollwork, which could conceivably be part of a Fall scene. However, one large figure surrounded by four smaller ones, all clad in male kirtles, works against that interpretation.
There is nothing in the ornament that suggests a Scandinavian repertoire; this is parochial stuff.
