Bealin High Cross facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Baylin High Cross |
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| Native name Irish: Ardchros Bhéal Linne |
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West side view of cross
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| Type | High cross |
| Location | Twyford Demesne, County Westmeath, Ireland |
| Height | 2 m (6 ft 7 in) |
| Built | c. AD 800 |
| Official name: Bealin Cross | |
| Reference no. | 223 |
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The Baylin High Cross is a very old stone cross found in County Westmeath, Ireland. It is a special type of monument called a high cross, which is a tall, decorated stone cross often found in Ireland and Great Britain. This cross is also a National Monument, meaning it's a protected historical site. It stands near the town of Athlone.
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What is the Baylin High Cross?
The Baylin High Cross is a tall stone cross that was made around the year 800 AD. It is about 2 m (6 ft 7 in) (6.5 feet) tall. People believe it might have been moved here from another famous old site called Clonmacnoise.
High crosses like Baylin were often used to mark important places or to teach people about Christian stories through their carvings. They are important pieces of early Irish art and history.
Where is it Located?
You can find the Baylin High Cross about 6.2 km (3.9 mi) (about 4 miles) east of Athlone. It sits in a place called Twyford Demesne in County Westmeath.
Amazing Carvings and Designs
The Baylin High Cross is famous for its detailed carvings. Each side of the cross tells a different story or shows a unique design.
East Side Designs
On the east side of the cross, you can see some interesting carvings. There is a carving of a lion. You can also spot a pattern of interlaced creatures that look like birds. These designs twist and turn up the shaft of the cross. In the middle of the cross's head, there is a beautiful Celtic knot pattern. These knots are common in old Irish art and have no clear beginning or end.
North Side Story
The north side of the cross shows a lively hunting scene. In this carving, you can see a horseman riding a horse. The horseman is holding a spear. There is also a dog that is biting the leg of a deer. This scene gives us a peek into what life might have been like long ago.
The West Side's Secret Message
The west side of the cross holds a special secret: an inscription at the bottom. This old writing helps us know when the cross was made. It says: "OROIT AR TUATHGALL LAS DERNATH IN CHROSSA." This means, "A Prayer for Tuathgal who caused this cross to be made."
Tuathgal was an important person. He was the Abbot of Clonmacnoise, a very famous monastery in Ireland. He died in 811 AD, which helps us know that the cross was made around that time.
Images for kids
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East side view
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Crawford's sketch of ornamentations
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