Cross — High cross in Lorrha

National Monument No. 673. The remains of two high crosses are situated in the graveyard of the nearby parish church (TN004-010008-). The second cross consists of a poorly preserved base (1.5m sq.) which has a stepped top. Originally the sides of the base were decorated with figure sculpture one of these being Daniel in the lion's den (Harbison 1992 vol. 1, 138). A portion of the cross-shaft protrudes from the top of the base decorated with interlaced patterns with projecting rolls at the corners (Crawford 1909, 128-9). Both crosses are of probable eighth/ninth-century date (Harbison 1992, vol. 1, 379-82). Described by Harbison (1992 vol. 1, 138) as following; 'The 'South-east Cross' consists of a cross which 'stands in a large roughly hewn base 1.55m square and about 55cm high. The sides of the base seem to have borne figure sculpture, but none is recognisable except for a possible DANIEL IN THE LIONS' DEN on the north side, the upper part of which is broken away. The cross itself is 1.22m high, and the bottom of the shaft is 48cm wide and 43cm thick. All four sides would appear to bear interlace. A panel in the middle of the east face would appear to be the representation of a horseman bearing a crook'. See attached screenshot of 3D model of High Cross created by Digital Heritage Age. 3D model can be accessed on the Sketchfab website at: https://skfb.ly/6tMNY The above description is derived from 'The Archaeological Inventory of County Tipperary. Vol. 1 - North Tipperary' compiled by Jean Farrelly and Caimin O'Brien (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2002). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 22 September 2008