Dating from the late seventh, or early eighth century, the Bewcastle Cross is often cited in comparison to the Ruthwell Cross. Originally the site of a Roman fort, later the location of a Norman castle, Bewcastle is situated in Cumbria, in the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Northumbria. The Cross is incomplete missing the Cross head and only the shaft remains, which stands at 14'5". A socket at the top indicates that the Cross head was a separate stone set into the shaft. The Cross is situated in the graveyard of St Cuthbert's church and consequently has suffered damage from the weather (see Images [Bewcastle Cross: West & South]). All four sides of the cross are decorated and brief descriptions are below:
NORTH FACE (see Images [Bewcastle Cross: North - vine scroll])
Traces of Runic inscriptions can be found at the top (now illegible), below which are panels containing vine scroll, interlaced knotwork, alternating raised and sunken chequers, interlaced knotwork, and then more vine scroll. Towards the bottom is the Runic inscription 'Kynibur-g', possibly referring to the Mercian princess Cyniburgh.
EAST FACE (see Images [Bewcastle Cross: East - vine scroll]) The whole face is covered in a single decoration of vine scroll. Inhabiting the scroll are seven creatures.
SOUTH FACE (see Images [Bewcastle Cross: West & South])
At the top is a band similar to the North Face, which may have originally held a Runic inscription. Below this are panels containing a pattern of interlaced knotwork, vine scroll (complete with a sundial minus the gnomon), a second panel of interlaced knotwork, then three panels of knotwork, vine scroll, and interlacing (this last and lowest panel has a cross worked into the middle).
WEST FACE (see Images [Bewcastle Cross: West & South; Bewcastle Cross: West - Christ & John; Bewcastle Cross: West - two panels])
Although this side appears to have suffered the most from weathering, it contains decorations of most interest. At the top is a band similar to the North and South faces which again may have contained a Runic inscription. Below this is a figure of a man standing and holding a lamb which has a halo around its head. It is assumed that this is John the Baptist holding the Agnus Dei (hence the strong links with the Ruthwell Cross, see Images [Ruthwell Cross: North - John & Christ]). Below this is the Runic inscription 'Jesus Christ'. The figure of Christ holding a scroll and standing on the heads of two beasts forms the central panel beneath which there is a longer inscription. A tentative translation has been offered for this: 'This Victory Cross set up Hwætred, Wothgær, Olwfwolthu in the memory of Alcfrith a king and son of Oswiu; Pray for his soul'. However, this is only one suggestion as problems arise from the fact that the inscription itself is very badly worn and may have been tampered with in the past. Finally, at the bottom of the shaft there is a panel depicting a man holding a stick in his right hand with a bird perching on his left wrist. This is usually thought to be a portrayal of St John the Evangelist with the bird being his symbol, the Eagle.