Cross of Gosforth

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gosworth Cross

The Cross of Gosforth (English Gosforth cross ) is an Anglo-Saxon stone cross in the form of an Irish high cross in Gosforth in Cumbria in England . It is 4.4 meters high and made of red sandstone . The cross was probably erected around 920/950 and is one of the highest known works of art from before the Norman conquest of England. It was first described in 1886 and still stands in the churchyard of St Mary's Church in Gosforth today. A true copy is in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London .

presentation

In addition to a Christian representation (crucifixion), various scenes from Norse mythology are depicted on the cross. The lowest figures presumably represent the tied Loki and his wife Sigyn , who protects him from the dripping poison that the gods send him as revenge for Balder's death. Another figure may show Odin fighting a monster at the end of the world.

literature

Web links

Commons : Cross of Gosforth  - Collection of images, videos and audio files

See also

Remarks

  1. Arundel P Charles: The Ancient crosses at Gosforth and Cumberland. Elliot Stock, 1896.

Coordinates: 54 ° 25 '9.6 "  N , 3 ° 25' 53.9"  W.