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Bishopscourt Cross Slab (Manx Cross 94)

Archaeology

This badly-worn slab was found re-used as a lintel over a doorway at Bishopscourt (IOMHER 0423.00) in the 19th century. There is evidence to suggest that the doorway was formed during the tenure of Bishop Murray (1814-1827). The slab bears an equal-limbed cross surrounded by a broad ring on both faces. On one face the shaft can be traced, the borders of which end in spirals. The shaft still bears the remains of a plait and the ring is decorated with a loop-twist. To one side of the shaft is a crouched dog-headed figure sat upon the volute and facing away from the cross-shaft. Below the volute is an animal which appears to be a hound. The remainder of the face is too badly worn to allow other figures or decoration to be identified with certainty.


On the other face the ring is decorated with a plait-of-four. Faint traces of interlace just below the ring, and a man on horseback armed with a spear at the foot of the slab, can both be seen in the panel to the left of the shaft. One edge is well preserved, displaying a plait-of-three within a beaded panel.

Connections

Book Chapters

  • Parish: Michael
  • Sheading: Michael
  • Grid Ref: SC3281592390

Sources

  • Isle of Man Heritage Environment Record
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