Wayside cross in the grounds of Enys

Reasons for Designation

Wayside crosses are one of several types of Christian cross erected during the medieval period, mostly from the 9th to 15th centuries AD. In addition to serving the function of reiterating and reinforcing the Christian faith amongst those who passed the cross and of reassuring the traveller, wayside crosses often fulfilled a role as waymarkers, especially in difficult and otherwise unmarked terrain. The crosses might be on regularly used routes linking ordinary settlements or on routes which might have a more specifically religious function, including providing access to religious sites for parishioners and funeral processions. Wayside crosses vary considerably in form and decoration but several regional types have been identified. The Cornish wayside crosses form one such group. The commonest type includes a round, or `wheel', head on the faces of which various forms of cross were carved. The design was sometimes supplemented with a relief figure of Christ. Less common forms include the `Latin' cross, where the cross-head itself is shaped within the arms of an unenclosed cross and, much rarer, the simple slab with a low-relief cross on both faces. Over 400 crosses of all types are recorded in Cornwall. Wayside crosses contribute significantly to our understanding of medieval routeways, settlement patterns and the development of sculptural traditions and their survival is somewhat differential because of periods of religious turbulence during the Reformation when many were subject to damage or partial destruction by iconoclasts. Despite having been moved and re-used as an ornamental garden feature, the wayside cross in the grounds of Enys retains much of its original decoration and has survived comparatively well.

Details

The monument includes a wayside cross, set into a rockery in the grounds surrounding Enys. The cross survives as a decorated wheel-head and shaft set into a modern base. The cross stands to a height of 1.27m. The head bears a Latin cross in relief on both faces and the shaft is flat on one face and convex on the other. The cross was brought to Enys from Sancreed in 1848. It is Listed Grade II (66523), and lies within a registered park and garden at Enys (2322) where it is in use as a garden feature.

Sources: HER:- PastScape Monument No:-427567

Legacy

The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.

Legacy System number:

CO 207

Legacy System:

RSM - OCN

End of official list entry

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