What is recorded here

One of only two decorated cross-slabs found on High Island, this limestone cover stone marks Grave 3 in the southeast graveyard. A central double band runs its full length, joining a roundel and D-shaped terminals where faint fret ornament still catches the light. The slab measures 1.62m long and 0.37m wide, its lower end echoing the upper design in ghostly traces. Whoever laid it there worked carefully, shaping stone into a boundary between the living and the dead.

In the SE end of the graveyard (GA021-026026-) on High Island. Recorded by Fisher (2014, 203, no. 6, Fig. 7.1), this is one of three decorated cross-slabs (see also GA021-026036- and GA021-026038-) associated with Grave 3. It is a limestone slab (L 1.62m; Wth 0.37m; T 0.1m), one of only two found on the island, the other being the footstone (GA021-026038-) of this grave. A central double band, in low relief, running the length of the slab is attached to a central roundel and three D-shaped terminals at its W end. Fret ornament is visible in the roundel and top terminal, and there is a boss at the right angle of the latter. Below the central roundel, a further pair of D-shaped terminals is visible. In the lower part of the slab faint traces of decoration mirroring that at its upper end are evident. Traces of an incised border are also preserved in places along the edge of the slab. The slab acts as the cover stone of the grave. (White Marshall and Rourke 2000, 151-2, no. 18) Compiled by: Olive Alcock Date of upload: 19 November 2015

Date likely to the early medieval period (6th–10th centuries AD), based on the cross-slab style. These slabs may have marked Christian burials, reflecting early Christian practice in the area, though local folklore may associate them with ancient or mystical figures.

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