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Burghead
Cross Slab (Early Medieval)(Possible)
Site Name Burghead
Classification Cross Slab (Early Medieval)(Possible)
Alternative Name(s) Burghead 14
Canmore ID 319241
Site Number NJ16NW 5.12
NGR NJ 1088 6914
Datum OSGB36 - NGR
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/319241
- Council Moray
- Parish Duffus
- Former Region Grampian
- Former District Moray
- Former County Morayshire
Burghead 14, Moray, carved fragment
Measurements: H 0.22m, W 0.20m, D 0.06m
Stone type: sandstone
Place of discovery: NJ c 109 691
Present location: in the store of the Falconer Museum, Forres.
Evidence for discovery: found in 1895 during digging foundations by the north pier of Burghead harbour. Burghead is the site of an early medieval fort and ecclesiastical foundation, possibly dedicated to St Ethernan as a nearby well is known as St Ethan’s Well.
Present condition: all edges are broken but the carving is in good condition.
Description
This fragment is carved in relief on one face with parts of two panels of key pattern.
Date: eighth or ninth century.
References: ECMS pt 3, 141.
Desk-based information compiled by A Ritchie 2017.
Reference (1903)
No.14 was found in digging the foundations of a store at the north side of the harbour in 1895.
It is a fragment of an upright cross-slab (?) of sandstone, 7 inches long by 6 1/2 inches wide by 2 1/2 inches thick, sculptured on one face.
Front.- Portions of two panels containing (1) triangular interlaced-work and (2) key pattern.
Mr Hugh W. Young of Burghead supplies the following description:- The stone is 7 inches long by 6 1/2 inches broad and 2 1/2 inches thick. It is of very hard Covesea sandstone of a greyish colour, but seems to have been in the fire and has been discoloured by great heat. It was got on the north pier of the harbour at the foot of the rocks, in digging the foundations of a store three years ago. The carving is very finely executed.
J R Allen and J Anderson 1903
