Wolverhampton Pillar
Coordinates: 52°35′12″N 2°07′41″W / 52.586621°N 2.128087°W
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.[1]
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
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 English Heritage listing enty
- ↑ EH Pastscape entry
- ↑ Kendrick, T D (1938). Anglo Saxon Art to AD 900. p. 192-193.
- ↑ Kendrick, T.D. (1949). Late Saxon and Viking Art. p. 71-2 Plate XLVI.
External links
- Historic England. "Anglian cross 25m south of St Peter's Collegiate Church (1005886)". National Heritage List for England.
- EH Pastscape list entry MONUMENT NO. 118820
- Photo showing decoration, by Bob Maddox
- Plaster cast taken in 1880 for the V&A Museum
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