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 slightly and re-erected in a more prominent location, the wayside cross at Beacon Cross 265m east of Lanuah survives comparatively well and is decorated with a more unusual form of cross. Adding to its importance, it is also close to its original location marking a junction between important routes.
Details
The monument includes a wayside cross, known locally as Corran Cross, situated at a junction called Beacon Cross on the summit of a prominent ridge. The cross survives as a slightly leaning, decorated wheel-head on a rectangular shaft. It is set into a modern socket stone, built into the top of a hedge, and measures up to 1.1m high. The head is decorated with a St Andrews cross in relief on both sides. It was described by Langdon in 1896 who gave it the name 'Corran Cross' and stated it had originally stood on the opposite (west) side of the road.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
CO 211
Legacy System:
RSM - OCN
End of official list entry
