Wolverhampton Pillar

The Wolverhampton Pillar is the shaft of an Anglo-Saxon High cross, still standing in its original location in the churchyard of St Peter's Collegiate Church, in Wolverhampton, England.[1]

Grid Reference SO 91419 98765

The Wolverhampton Pillar
Detail of carvings

It is a scheduled ancient monument,[1] and probably dates from around AD 996 when a college was founded at this site.[2]

The decoration is of an extremely rare type, and has survived the effects of weathering comparatively well. It consists of seven bands, depicting vine scrolls, various animals, acanthus, and lattice-work.[1]

Kendrick (1938) considered the decoration to be unique; the only surviving example in England which demonstrated the southern continental Baroque style.[3] He also thought (1949) that it illustrated "a taste for a crowded display of finicky decoration", which is also reflected in the later Stapleford Cross.[4]

References
  1. Historic England. "Anglian cross 25m south of St Peter's Collegiate Church (1005886)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 31 December 2013.
  2. Historic England. "Monument No. 118820". PastScape. Retrieved 31 December 2013.
  3. Kendrick, T D (1938). Anglo Saxon Art to AD 900. p. 192-193.
  4. Kendrick, T.D. (1949). Late Saxon and Viking Art. p. 71-2 Plate XLVI.


This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.