Cloonshanville High Cross facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cloonshanville High Cross |
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| Native name Irish: Ardchros Chluain Seanmhaoil |
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| Type | High cross |
| Location | Cloonshanville, Frenchpark, County Roscommon, Ireland |
| Official name: Cloonshanville | |
| Reference no. | 608 |
The Cloonshanville High Cross is a special stone cross located in County Roscommon, Ireland. It is considered a National Monument, which means it's a very important historical site protected by the country.
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Where to Find It
The Cloonshanville High Cross is located about 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) east of a village called Frenchpark. It stands in the area of Cloonshanville.
What is a High Cross?
A high cross is a tall, free-standing stone cross that was built a very long time ago, usually during the Early Middle Ages (around the 8th to 12th centuries). These crosses are mostly found in Ireland and Great Britain. They are famous for their unique design, which often includes a stone ring around the center where the arms of the cross meet.
Why Were High Crosses Built?
High crosses were built for several important reasons:
- Religious Symbols: They were strong symbols of Christianity.
- Meeting Places: They often marked important places like monasteries, churches, or special gathering spots.
- Memorials: Some were built to remember important people or events.
- Teaching Tools: Many high crosses are covered in detailed carvings that tell stories from the Bible. These carvings helped teach people about their faith, especially when most people couldn't read.
What Do They Look Like?
High crosses are usually made from durable stone like sandstone. They can be quite tall, sometimes reaching several meters high. The carvings on them are amazing! You might see scenes from the Old and New Testaments, like Adam and Eve, David and Goliath, or the Last Judgment. They also often feature Celtic knotwork patterns, animals, and other symbols.
The Importance of Cloonshanville High Cross
While the exact history of the Cloonshanville High Cross isn't widely known, its status as a National Monument tells us it's a valuable piece of Ireland's heritage. It helps us understand the art, religion, and culture of people who lived in Ireland many centuries ago. Protecting such monuments ensures that future generations can also learn from and appreciate these ancient treasures.
