Cross-slab in Gallen

Fragmentary sandstone cross-slab (dims. 0.99m x 0.66m x 0.12m) unearthed by Kendrick during his excavations in 1935 at Gallen priory. Described by Macalister as `bearing a cross of simple design; but the greater part of the inscribed face is flaked away, and but little is left of it' (Macalister 1949, 75). This slab bears an inscription O~R~D[O][--]| LAN[--, which can be expanded to OROIT D[O][--]LAN[-- (Macalister 1949, 75). According to Macalister `There was an inscription in two lines, above and below the transom of the cross, and apparently inverted with respect to it: for when the letters are set in an upright position, the longer portion of the vertical stem is above the transom, the shorter portion below. The inscription begins with a horizontal stroke, presumably the sinister arm of an initial cross, which has been broken from the stone with the rest of the dexter margin'(Macalister 1949, 75). West Wall, East Facing, South off Centre. Diagram Number 27 Inventory of Carved Stone ID 000027 Dimensions: Height 0.99m Width 0.675m Cross Slab. Sub-rectangular outline. The lower part of the shaft and part of the sinister and upper arms of a double outline cross. The two lines at both sides of the base of the shaft bulge out to form a bubble effect. Macalister described an inscription, inverted as the slab now stands, on the sinister side. Starting with a horizontal stroke. Presumably part of an initial cross, it reads 'OR D[] LAN..' PRAY FOR LAN.. Description from Inventory of Carved Stone, National Monuments Service Archive. Macalister, Corpus vol II (1949) p. 75, no. 863 pl. xxxvi. Reference Macalister, R.A.S. 1949 75, Plate XXXVI drawing concise discussion Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien. Date of upload/revision: 17 August 2012