More information : [NY 98836438] Cross [T.I.] (1)
This is a cast iron structure, erected in 1814. It replaced the
market cross which had a large Roman altar as its base and in 1807
the cross was moved to Anderson Place in Newcastle but now stands in
front of the Roman Catholic Cathedral there.
The head of the cross is mutilated, but shows remains of dog-tooth
ornament of the 13th cent. The altar is of fine design, but much
weathered. It was removed at the same time, and after standing for
some years in the garden of Mr. John Walker's house at Eastfield,
was presented to the Newcastle Soc. of Ants, in 1824 and is now
preserved in the Blackgate annexe. [See Illustrations Card.]
(2)
The cross was removed about 15 years ago and now is in the
possession of George Anderson who has erected it in Nun's Field
Newcastle. (3)
The market cross stands on an altar, on which there has
been an inscription, but now defaced. On the sides are human
figures, one with a lyre or harp in his hand may be Bacchus, the
other with an unstrung bow may be Apollo. The figures were half
covered by the steps of the cross. (4)
The shaft and head of the cross are situated in the garden a little
to the south of the nave of the Roman Catholic Cathedral at
Newcastle. Its total height is 2.3 m. and the shaft has dog tooth
ornament badly weathered. The head and arms are mutilated but do no
appear to be original. On one arm is a fragmentary inscription, only
part of which can be deciphered as "...ORE....Sept 2..." The
lettering is early 19th. cent. in type. The present base of the
cross is circular with a socket stone made from what appears to be a
moulded pillar base.
The Roman altar is at present in the Dept. of Ethnology, Kings
College, 11 Sydenham Terrace, Newcastle. Dr. D. Smith of that
Department states that the two figures are of Apollo and Diana and
that the inscription has been read as:-
(A) Pollini Mapono (Calu)Rnivs Trib (Dedi)C(A)Vit (5)
The shaft and head of the cross are situted at NY 98836437.
(6)
Altar listed under 'Temples inferred from finds of other objects'.
Possible site of temple. (7)
Found before 1724. Full details of inscription. (8)
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