Cross

A fragment of a tenth-century cross with solid ring and interlace decoration was discovered in the graveyard of St Columba's church. Between the church and the SE corner of the churchyard there is a cross base, to which the cross-head may have belonged. It was located c. 8m S of the centre of the S wall of the Church of Ireland church, and was excavated by K. Campbell. It is sandstone (H 0.64m; Wth 0.62m; T 0.2m). There is a roll-moulding on the edge of the cross-shaft and arms, with a narrower moulding inside it. There is a mortise hole on top. At the centre of the head on the E face is a slightly domed boss, surrounded by two circular ribs. The arms are decorated with interlace. The shaft bears an irregular angular interlace. On the W face the centre of the head is occupied by a crucifixied Christ clad in a short garment. Flanking Him are Stephaton and Longinus. Beneath each of Christ's feet there is a spiral, out of which two serpents unroll themselves ( Harbison1992, 59-60). It is now in St Mary's Church of Ireland church at Julianstown (ME028-001003-). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Meath' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1987). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Michael Moore Date of upload/revision: 13 June, 2014

A tenth-century high cross with a solid ring and interlace decoration was built near St Columba's church in Colp West; its style reflects early Christian insular art and suggests a ecclesiastical or commemorative function. The cross base nearby indicates it was part of a significant early medieval religious site.