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. The wayside cross 290m west of Trevales Farm survives well. It will retain archaeological and environmental evidence relating to its erection, religious significance, longevity, survival during periods of religious turmoil and overall landscape context.
Details
The monument includes a wayside cross, situated in a field, beside the road between the settlements of Stithians and Longdowns. The cross survives as an upstanding decorated wheel-headed cross on a shaft measuring approximately 1.7m high. On one face is the figure of Christ with outstretched arms standing on a triangular projection. On the other face is an equal-armed cross with the shaft of the decorated cross extending to the foot of the actual shaft. It was first described by Langdon in 1896.
The cross is appears to survive in its original position.
Legacy
The contents of this record have been generated from a legacy data system.
Legacy System number:
CO 146
Legacy System:
RSM - OCN
End of official list entry
