Documents in Stone: Early Christian Crosses from the North West

Synopsis

Explores the significance of early Christian sculpture as an historical source by looking at four Anglo-Saxon and Viking Age crosses in Cumbria and the Solway basin. Looks in detail at the eighth-century pillars at Ruthwell and Bewcastel panel by panel, discussing the iconography and inscriptions of each in turn, then the Viking Age cross at Gosforth and the lesser-known ninth-century cross at Irton. Describes the fragments of pre-Norman sculpture at the Church of the Holy Trinity at Millom and includes location footage of the Cumbrian countryside. Explores the meaning of the figures, patterns and inscriptions carved on the crosses and the historical setting of each.

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Video; Videocassette. VHS. col. 27 min.

Year of production

1995

Availability

Sale; 1996 sale: £19.99 (inc. VAT +p&p)

Documentation

Accompanying teachers’ notes.

Uses

Undergraduate history, art history, religious studies, historical geography, archology.

Subjects

Art; History

Keywords

sculpture; stonecarving

Credits

Writer

Angus Winchester

Cast

Angus Winchester

Production Company

Name

Lancaster University Television

Distributor

Name

Lancaster University Television

Email

lutv@lancaster.ac.uk

Phone

01524 593984

Fax

01524 594069

Address

Bailrigg
Lancaster
LA1 4YW

Notes

Formerly: University of Lancaster Media Services Unit