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 furthest cross from the church consists of a large base (dims. 1.17m x 94cm x 1.2m high) which is decorated with interlaced panels and figurative scenes. Above these the base is stepped and decorated with a frieze of horses. A small fragment of the shaft protrudes from the top of the base (H 0.85m) with evidence of interlace on the S and N sides with poorly preserved figures on the other sides. Both crosses are of probable eighth/ninth-century date (Harbison 1992, vol. 1, 379-82). Described by Harbison (1992, vol. 1, 137) as following; The 'North-west Cross' consists of the 'fragmentary shaft of the cross is only about 85cm high, but the base it rests on is about 1m high, and measures about 1.20m by 60cm at ground level. The base rises in a number of steps. EAST FACE Base: The edges of the lowest step have a rope-moulding surround, with another similar moulding inside it. The decoration is divided into two registers. Lower register : Unidentified scene. - Much of the lower register is taken up with a frieze in false relief showing two lion-like animals facing one another with raised paws on the left and, further to the right, a man stretching out his hand towards a similar animal. On the extreme right there is a panel with two crosses in relief which have a square with a hole in the centre at the crossing. Upper register : Fretwork panels. - The 'riser' of the second step has a roll moulding around the edge, and a procession of animals in relief proceeding towards the left. No decoration can be made out on the steps. Shaft : Unidentified scene. - Above the plinth there is a panel which can clearly be seen to bear figure sculpture. At least two figures can be made out, but the whole panels is so worn that it would be hazardous to suggest any interpretation of the figures. SOUTH SIDE Base : The lowest step has the same corner mouldings as on the east face, and is divided into two panels. Left : Unidentified scene or scenes. - The figures on this panel are very worn. A rectangular object with an arc above it near the bottom right-hand corner could suggest an altar with faggots on it as seen in association with Isaac on other crosses, while the broken 'pelleted' outline on the top left could suggest the branches of an apple tree, so that the whole panel could conceivably collate ADAM AND EVE and THE SACRIFICE OF ISAAC, as may well be the case on the south side of the South Cross at Clonmacnois. But the carving is so weathered that it would be rash to do any more than suggest this as a possibility, and the panel is better left unidentified. Right : An interlace decoration. The upper step has animals similar to those on the east face, and also proceeding towards the left. There is no decoration visible on the upper steps. Shaft: A much-worn panel of interlace. WEST FACE Base : Similarly framed to the east face, the lowest step of the west face is divided into three panels. The panel on the left bears interlace, the central one spiral ornament, while that on the right has fretwork. The second step has a procession of animals already encountered on the east and south faces. The other steps are either undecorated or hopelessly worn. Shaft : The shaft can be seen to bear figure sculpture, but it is now so worn as to be unrecognisable. NORTH SIDE The lowest step of the base is divided into two very worn panels, the only visible decoration being traces of fretwork on the extreme right of the right-hand panel. The second and third steps bear an animal procession. Interlace is visible in the central panel of the shaft'. To see a 3D model of this high cross, visit; https://skfb.ly/owMEo 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