Cross — Wayside cross in Shallon

A late-fifteenth-century cross fragment is cemented into an outhouse wall on the N side of the old E-W Julianstown to Duleek road. A carving of an angel holding a shield (ME027-010002-) was found in removing a nearby stone wall. The cross is described by King (1984, 103) as: Built into the wall of a shed. Original position not known. Material: limestone. Dims 0.22m x 0.14m; H 0.72m. A shaft in two fragments, probably rectangular in section and decorated in relief. Only one face is visible. No inscriptions. S: A crucifixion with the Virgin on the right and St John on the left, in an ogee-headed panel crocketed and pinnacle. A date of c. 1480-1500 is suggested. This fragment has been considered by pervious writers as part of a cross although the mouldings on the sides do not occur on any of the Group I or Group II crosses. A date in the early 16th century would seem likely. 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 revision: 16 April, 2015