Cross-slab in Bansha West

The graveyard (TS067-064001-) is situated immediately E of the main road through Bansha. The Ara River flows due SE to the N. On the S side of the large sub-rectangular graveyard there is an Early Christian red sandstone cross-slab (dims. Basal width 0.32m; top width 0.21m; T 0.11m; H above ground 0.37m) embedded upright into the ground. The cross is incised, the horizontal arms are longer than the vertical arms. The upper vertical arm has a perpendicular bar terminal while the other arms have simple expanded terminal, almost thumb shaped. Towards the top of slab there are two angled incised lines which rise from the edge of the slab towards the centre but stop short of meeting. Below the centre point there is a short incised vertical line with a thumb shaped expanded terminal at its base. The decorated face of the stone is facing NE. Compiled by: Jean Farrelly Date of upload: 26 August 2011

Early Christian period, likely 7th to 9th century. The cross-slab may have marked a burial or served as a memorial, reflecting Christian symbolism and craftsmanship of the era.