Arboe High Cross
Map Reference: H966756 (2966, 3756)
Arboe High Cross, in Farsnagh townland, is a tall slender object with only one portion of the ring missing. The Cross is a typical Scripture Cross with many carved panels with figure sculpture. Some panels feature geometrical and other decoration. Many of the panels are greatly weathered and unclear.
A decorated panel encircles the shaft about three-quarters of the way up. On the west side below the decoration there are four figure panels. The top panel shows the Flight into Egypt, but the others are not clear. Above the decoration a panel with three figures possibly represents the Arrest of Christ and there is a Crucifixion at the cross. On the east side the bottom panel shows Adam & Eve. Above this is Abraham & Isaac.
At the cross is the Last Judgement or possibly Christ In Glory. The bottom panel on the south face shows Cain & Abel. The church nearby is a simple rectangular structure measuring 19m by 6m, with a north doorway and a pointed east and west window. There are two windows in the north and south walls. The walls are 1m thick. It probably dates from the ealy 17th century. The memorials in the churchyard range from 18th century to modern. One stone of 1759 is topped by a cross flanked by carved faces. Some stones feature two winged cherubs and one stone has three. The graveyard is still in use.
Arboe Cross marks the site of a monastery associated with St Colman and founded perhaps in the 6th century. The monastery was burned in 1166 but later emerged as a medieval church site. In a field about 200m north east of the cross is an overgrown rectangular ruin measuring about 12m by 7m. A short distance to the north are three sides of a substantial structure. These buildings may be part of the eraly monastic settlement.
For details of other Figured High Crosses click on the links below
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