Post by John Parry on Sept 10, 2008 16:05:57 GMT -5
As I mentioned, Celts, Anglo-Saxons and Vikings seem to have got on pretty well together in this vicinity. Just as a comparison, this is a cross in the churchyard of the next parish - about three miles from Gosforth.
Irton Saxon Cross. You can see at a glance that the style is totally different from the Viking one at Gosforth. My theory is that the Saxons had masonry skills, while the Vikings attacked the stone with carpentry tools. The local (St Bees) sandstone is so soft that this approach would work - and give a carved wood effect.
Detail: None of the carved figures from the sagas (or anywhere else) on this one. This is typical of stonemasonry right up until after the end of the Norman period.
Surprising what you can see on an hour long stroll !!
Regards - John
Irton Saxon Cross. You can see at a glance that the style is totally different from the Viking one at Gosforth. My theory is that the Saxons had masonry skills, while the Vikings attacked the stone with carpentry tools. The local (St Bees) sandstone is so soft that this approach would work - and give a carved wood effect.
Detail: None of the carved figures from the sagas (or anywhere else) on this one. This is typical of stonemasonry right up until after the end of the Norman period.
Surprising what you can see on an hour long stroll !!
Regards - John