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Bewcastle Cross
55.0636° N, -2.6819° E
About
The Bewcastle Cross is an Anglo-Saxon cross which is still in its original position within the churchyard of St Cuthbert's church at Bewcastle, in the English county of Cumbria. The cross, which probably dates from the 7th or early 8th century, features reliefs and inscriptions in the runic alphabet. The head of the cross is missing but the remains are 14.5 feet (4.4 metres) high, and almost square in section 22 by 21+1⁄4 inches (56 cm × 54 cm) at the base. The crosses of Bewcastle and Ruthwell have been described by the scholar Nikolaus Pevsner as "the greatest achievement of their date in the whole of Europe".
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history
Alfredir (Alchfrith) death
c. 664
Ecgfrith ascended
670
Alternative construction hypothesis
from the 670s
Probable date (consensus view)
first half of the 8th century
Archaeological Features
Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Religious and Ritual Structures
Artistic and Decorative Features
Astronomical and Timekeeping Structures
Frequently Asked Questions
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