Bewcastle Cross
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The Bewcastle Cross is an Anglo-Saxon high cross located in Cumbria, England. The cross dates from the late 7th or early 8th century and features inscriptions in the runic alphabet. The head of the cross is missing but the remains are 14.5 feet (4.4 meters) high.
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[edit] Depictions and runic inscriptions
The north, west, and south sides of the cross feature runic inscriptions and each of the four sides of the cross are intricately decorated, with depictions of animals, checquers, vines, and knots.
There is a Jesus-like figure trampling the head of a beast, and above this a falconer (possibly St. John the Evangelist) with his eagle.[citation needed] Scholars have contended that only the name Cyneburh is definitely decipherable on the cross.[citation needed] Cyneburh was a wife of Aldfrith but this was a common name at the time and might not refer to Aldfrith's wife. Alfredir was king of Northumbria, and died around 664.
[edit] North side
The north side contains runes that are not easily decipherable, but may refer to Wulfere, among others, who was a son of Penda, and king of Mercia.[citation needed]
[edit] West side
The inscription on the west side has been read as:
"This slender pillar Hwætred, Wæthgar, and Alwfwold set up in memory of Alefrid, a king and son of Oswy. Pray for them, their sins, their souls".[citation needed]
[edit] South side
Referring to Egfrid son of Oswy and brother of Alefrid, who ascended to the throne in 670, the south side inscription has been read as:
"In the first year (of the reign) of Egfrid, king of this kingdom [Northumbria]".[citation needed]
