Monument record 2878/1/2 - Possible Saxon Churchyard Cross & Saxon Gravestones

Finds of two fragments of a Saxon cross shaft and possible Saxon gravestone fragments from the vicarage garden at Desborough. Now in St Giles Church

{1} Finds of two fragments of a Saxon cross shaft and possible Saxon gravestone fragments. All from the Vicarage garden at grid ref SP80378305 (althought this is only approximate). Drawings of cross fragments.

{2} Drawings of Saxon gravestone fragments. Stone 1 is a fragment of a cross shaft made of Oolite. On the front is two panels the upper one containing two beasts back to back with the head of a man or animal between them. Probably a representation of Daniel in the Lion's Den. On the right side of the cross is two beasts one below the other. Stone no 2 is so defaced that it is almost impossible to decide whether it once formed part of a cross or of a sepuchral. The stone is sculptured on one side only with an interlaced pattern.

<1> Dryden H.E.L., 1842-1895, Dryden Collection, Parish Files (checked) (Archive). SNN115.

<2> Romilly Allen, 1888, Early Christian Sculpture in Northamptonshire, p.410-12 (unchecked) (Series). SNN6339.

Record last edited

Aug 15 2017 10:42AM