What is recorded here

Julianstown keeps the cut head of a lost cross, pulled from Colp's graveyard and set in a church porch. Sandstone still holds the crucified Christ, two spiralling serpents, and angular interlace cut for people who read stone before they read books. The missing shaft may have risen above graves for a century, marking prayer, warning, and identity before men forgot the shape that stood there.

The head of a 10th century sandstone high cross (H 0.64m; Wth 0.62m; T 0.20m) was excavated from the graveyard of the Church of Ireland church at Colp (ME021-012004-) by K. Campbell, and it is now displayed in the porch of St Mary's Church of Ireland church at Julianstown. 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 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 is occupied by a crucified 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 (Harbison, P. 1992, 1, 59-60). See attached image. Compiled by: Geraldine Stout Date of amended upload: 22 December, 2014

The monument record does not grant public access. Check the route and ask the landowner before entering private land.