Archaeology Notes

Event ID 770668

Category Descriptive Accounts

Type Archaeology Notes

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/770668

NM2SE 1 28542 24231

(NM 2853 2422) Maclean's Cross (NR)

OS 25" map (1900)

A fine, Hebridean-type, free-standing cross of the 15th c, displaying a crucifixion and foliaceous interlacing. It is said to commemorate a MacLean of Duart. The present pedestal is more modern than the cross itself, which may support the tradition that the cross formerly lay within the grounds of the Nunnery (NM22SE 14).

V G Childe and W D Simpson 1961; A Ritchie and E Ritchie 1934; J Morrison 1953

As described.

Visited by OS (RD) 9 June 1972.

This monument consists of a freestanding cross of 15th-century date. It stands at the junction of three medieval streets, between the Abbey and the Nunnery. It is carved with dense interlacing and entwined foliage with a depiction of Christ crucified on the W face. The foot of the E face bears the inscribed figure of a soldier on horseback and an inscription which is no longer legible. It is likely that this recorded the name of MacLean of Duart or Lochbuie, the most powerful family in the area at the time. The cross stands over 3m high.

Information from Historic Scotland, scheduling document dated 5 August 1998.