Ruthwell Cross

Ruthwell Cross is an Anglo-Saxon monument carved from sandstone that stands inside the parish church of Ruthwell. Its surface is covered with detailed carvings showing biblical scenes that run from base to top.

The cross was erected in the 8th century and stands as one of Britain's most important works of early Christian art. It suffered severe damage during the Reformation period when it was broken apart and later reassembled.

The cross bears inscriptions in Anglo-Saxon runes that preserve portions of The Dream of the Rood, offering a window into early English literature. These texts were carved by hand into the stone and remain legible today.

The cross is protected inside a specially built apse within the parish church and can be viewed during the church's opening hours. It is easy to reach and well-marked so visitors can find it without difficulty.

The cross preserves the largest collection of Anglo-Saxon figure carvings ever discovered, providing an extraordinary window into early medieval art techniques. These carvings demonstrate craftsmanship that was remarkably advanced for its time.

Location: Dumfries and Galloway

Height: 550 cm

GPS coordinates: 55.00040,-3.40750

Latest update: December 7, 2025 09:26