Market Cross (site of) — Brockagh

Now situated in the Visitor Centre, this cross was moved from the location shown on the OS 6-inch map (given above). It may have had an earlier location also. A granite cross (H 1.66 m; Wth of arms 0.76m) with a crucifixion figure on the E face and patterns of zoomorphic interlace on the S and N sides, set into a truncated pyramidal base (dims. 0.32m x 0.18m). The figure of Christ is wearing a short tunic and the decoration is executed in high relief. (Harbison 1992, 95) Described by Leask (1950, 44) as the 'Market Cross. This originally stood on the roadway in front of the Royal Hotel and was removed many years ago and re-erected in St. Kevin's Church. It is of granite, 5 feet 6 inches in height and 2 feet 7 inches across the arms. Ringless, it is none the less obvious that the design derives from the ringed type there being—as in that type—hollows where the arms meet the shaft and eight small rolls at the points where the four arcs of the ring would join the arms and shaft. The Crucifixion is carved in high relief on the front; the figure wearing a short, knee-length garment, the head inclined and crowned. The space around the arms and head is filled with interlacing very much weathered, and a row of large pellets descends therefrom down each side of the shaft. Below the Crucifixion is the figure in relief of a long robed ecclesiastic. On the back, W. side of the cross a stiff floral pattern occupies the head while zoomorphic interlacements ornament the back below and the sides of the shaft. There is also an animal interlace in a panel on the end of the south arm and a diaper pattern on the corresponding opposite panel. The base, in the form of a truncated pyramid with hollowed sides but flat on the back, was carved on all faces. It is greatly worn and defaced but two small figures rise in high relief on the front and there is an animal interlace on the back’. Described by Harbison (1992,96) as ‘the so-called `Market Cross' is displayed in the Interpretative Centre in Glendalough, but its original position is no longer known. The cross, including the base, is 1.66 m high, 76 cm across the arms, and the bottom of the base is 32 cm wide and 18 cm thick. The cross has no ring, but there are small rounded volutes at the extremities of the armpits. The shaft has a roll moulding. EAST FACE Base: At the centre of the base there are two figures standing together in high relief on a raised platform. They may hold books. There may be two further figures on the left, but it is no longer possible to make out the decoration on the right. The Cross: The shaft is decorated with broad pellets inside the roll moulding. Shaft: Figure of a bishop or abbot. — Standing out in high relief on the lower part of the shaft is a figure traditionally identified as St. Kevin. Both of his forearms appear to be raised, and over his alb he wears a chasuble, the front of which is visible. The head is damaged. Head: THE CRUCIFIED CHRIST. — Christ is to be understood as being nailed to the cross. He is dressed in a loincloth. His head, probably crowned, falls towards the left. His feet are placed beside one another, and his emaciated arms are stretched out at different levels. There is some interlacing above Christ's right arm, but the remainder of the decoration is badly worn. There is further interlace with tendril endings above and beside Christ's head. There is a raised vertical moulding near the end of the arms. SOUTH SIDE The decoration of the base is very worn. The shaft of the cross has interlaced animals with a narrower ribbon coiling itself around the animals. The end of the arm also has an animal interlace. WEST FACE Base: Interlace with tendril terminations below. The Cross: The shaft has slightly irregular interlace with tendril endings. Above it a section has been inserted in recent times. The head has floral motifs, on either side of which are two raised vertical mouldings. NORTH SIDE Base: Decoration unclear. The Cross: Animal interlace forming figure-of-eight mouldings. The decoration at the end of the arm is not clear. See attached screenshots of 3D model of Market Cross created by The Discovery Programme. 3D model can be accessed at the following website: https://skfb.ly/A8Ru The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wicklow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Compiled by: Caimin O'Brien Date of upload: 20 December 2012 See linked document with drawing of cross taken from Robert Cochrane Historical and Descriptive Notes with Ground Plans, Elevations, Sections and Details of the Ecclesiastical Remains at Glendalough, Co. Wicklow. Extract from the Eightieth Annual Report of the Commissioners of Public Works in Ireland 1911-12. Dublin, 1925.